USCIS Citizenship Test in Washington
If you live in Washington, 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
Washington Governor & Senators
Governor
Bob Ferguson
U.S. Senator
Patty Murray
U.S. Senator
Maria Cantwell
State Capital
Olympia
Borders Canada
Yes
Questions the Officer Will Ask About Washington
These are the USCIS civics questions where the answer depends on your state. Here are the correct answers for Washington residents:
- Question 20
Who is one of your state's U.S. Senators now?
Answer: Patty Murray; Maria Cantwell
- Question 43
Who is the Governor of your state now?
Answer: Bob Ferguson
- Question 44
What is the capital of your state?
Answer: Olympia
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 Washington
Your USCIS naturalization interview takes place at the field office serving your home address. Use the official USCIS office locator to find yours.
Washington citizenship test FAQ
Do I need to know my Washington 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 Washington, the current senators are Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. The officer will accept either name.
Where is my USCIS interview in Washington?
Most Washington applicants interview at the USCIS field office serving their home zip code. Seattle is the largest city in Washington and is typically the regional field office area. Use the USCIS office locator to confirm yours.
What if my Washington 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 Washington is Bob Ferguson.
Nearby states
Same-region answers to study if you're moving or your interview office is in another state.
Practice your citizenship interview for Washington
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