USCIS Citizenship Test in South Dakota
If you live in South Dakota, here are the state-specific answers you'll need for your USCIS citizenship interview. The officer will ask about your governor, U.S. senators, and state capital.
Last verified: April 15, 2026
South Dakota Governor & Senators
Governor
Larry Rhoden
U.S. Senator
John Thune
U.S. Senator
Mike Rounds
State Capital
Pierre
Questions the Officer Will Ask About South Dakota
These are the USCIS civics questions where the answer depends on your state. Here are the correct answers for South Dakota residents:
- Question 20
Who is one of your state's U.S. Senators now?
Answer: John Thune; Mike Rounds
- Question 43
Who is the Governor of your state now?
Answer: Larry Rhoden
- Question 44
What is the capital of your state?
Answer: Pierre
Other Government Questions You Should Know
Beyond state-specific questions, the USCIS officer will ask general questions about the U.S. government. Here are the most commonly tested:
- Question 13
Name one branch or part of the government.
Answer: Congress; legislative; President; executive; the courts; judicial
- Question 14
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Answer: checks and balances; separation of powers
- Question 15
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
Answer: the President
- Question 16
Who makes federal laws?
Answer: Congress; Senate and House (of Representatives); (U.S. or national) legislature
- Question 17
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
Answer: the Senate and House (of Representatives)
- Question 18
How many U.S. Senators are there?
Answer: one hundred (100)
- Question 19
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
Answer: six (6)
- Question 21
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
Answer: four hundred thirty-five (435)
- Question 22
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
Answer: two (2)
- Question 24
Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
Answer: all people of the state
View all 128 USCIS civics questions →
USCIS field offices in South Dakota
Your USCIS naturalization interview takes place at the field office serving your home address. Use the official USCIS office locator to find yours.
South Dakota citizenship test FAQ
Do I need to know my South Dakota senators for the citizenship test?
Yes. Question 20 of the USCIS civics test asks you to name one of your state's U.S. senators. For South Dakota, the current senators are John Thune and Mike Rounds. The officer will accept either name.
Where is my USCIS interview in South Dakota?
Most South Dakota applicants interview at the USCIS field office serving their home zip code. Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota and is typically the regional field office area. Use the USCIS office locator to confirm yours.
What if my South Dakota governor changes before my interview?
USCIS accepts the answer that was current at the time you submitted your N-400 application, but it's safest to know the current officeholder. As of April 15, 2026, the governor of South Dakota is Larry Rhoden.
Nearby states
Same-region answers to study if you're moving or your interview office is in another state.
Practice your citizenship interview for South Dakota
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