United States Capitol - west front
USCIS Civics · Question 1 of 128

What is the form of government of the United States?

Official Answer

Republic

Also accepted: Constitution-based federal republic · Representative democracy

In plain English

The United States is a republic. It is also called a constitution-based federal republic or a representative democracy. In a republic, the people hold the power. The people do not make every law themselves. Instead, they vote for representatives. The representatives make laws for the people. The Constitution sets the rules for this government. The United States is a republic — a representative democracy.

From the archives

United States Capitol - west front
United States Capitol - west frontArchitect of the Capitol, via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Image: United States Capitol - west front — Architect of the Capitol, via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.Answers verbatim from USCIS M-1778 (09/25)