2008 civics test · Question 55 · Rights and Responsibilities

What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

Give 2 of these answers

  • vote
  • join a political party
  • help with a campaign
  • join a civic group
  • join a community group
  • give an elected official your opinion on an issue
  • call Senators and Representatives
  • publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
  • run for office
  • write to a newspaper

What this means

There are many ways Americans take part in their democracy, and the test asks you to name two examples:

  • Vote
  • Run for office
  • Join a political party
  • Help with a campaign
  • Join a civic or community group
  • Call or write your elected officials
  • Publicly support or oppose an issue or policy

The 2008 test asks for two “ways to participate,” and the 2025 test asks for two “examples of civic participation.” The answers overlap, so the same list works.

An easy pair is “vote” and “join a political party.”

Why this is on the test

The test values active citizenship, so it asks how ordinary people take part in their democracy beyond just voting.

How this question is asked

On the 2008 civics test, the officer asks up to 10 of the 100 questions out loud and you pass by answering 6 correctly. You answer in your own words. There is no multiple choice and nothing to write down for the civics portion. This question is one where you must give 2 correct answers, not just one.

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