What is the form of government of the United States?

Question 1 of 128 · Principles of American Democracy

Accepted answers

Republic
Constitution-based federal republic
Representative democracy

Explanation

The United States is a republic — a constitution-based federal republic and a representative democracy. Citizens elect representatives who make the laws, and the Constitution limits the government's power.

Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test — 128 Questions and Answers (PDF).

Last verified against USCIS on 2026-08-25.