2008 civics test · Question 86 · Recent American History
What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?
Official answer
- Terrorists attacked the United States.
What this means
On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the United States.
That morning, hijackers took over four passenger planes. Two were crashed into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., and the fourth into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back. Nearly 3,000 people were killed. The attacks led to major changes in security and to the War on Terror.
Both tests ask this the same way. The answer is terrorists attacked the United States.
Why this is on the test
The attacks of September 11, 2001 changed the country in lasting ways, and both tests ask what happened that day.
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 also appears on the 2025 civics test , as question 115.
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