Question 14 of 128 American Government
Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
Answers USCIS accepts
- Declaration of Independence
- Articles of Confederation
- Federalist Papers
- Anti-Federalist Papers
- Virginia Declaration of Rights
- Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
- Mayflower Compact
- Iroquois Great Law of Peace
Give any one of these answers at your interview.
Documents that influenced the Constitution include the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Federalist Papers.
What it means
The writers of the Constitution learned from earlier documents. The Articles of Confederation was the first U.S. government plan, but it was too weak. The Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were early examples of self-government.
You only need one. “Declaration of Independence” or “Articles of Confederation” are the easiest to remember.
Memory tip: Pick the one you already know: the Declaration of Independence.
Quiz yourself
Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
Multiple choice is for study only. The real civics test is spoken: the officer asks, you answer out loud.
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Official source: USCIS M-1778 (09/25), 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version). Last checked: .