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CivicsPrep

59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

American History · Colonial Period and Independence

Accepted answer(s)

  • American Indians
  • Native Americans

Officers ask history questions like this one to check general knowledge of how the country was formed. On the 2008 Civics Test, "American Indians" is the answer to give if asked directly — related historical trivia beyond that isn't required to pass.

This is question 59 of the 2008 Civics Test. See it on uscis.gov. This question is worded the same way on the 2025 Civics Test.