South Dakota Citizenship Test Questions and Answers (2026)
The USCIS civics test is the same nationwide, but the accepted answers about your Governor, U.S. Senators, and state capital depend on where you live.
Current South Dakota citizenship test answers
Officials verified October 9, 2026. Review the detailed answers and spoken examples below.
- Governor
- Larry Rhoden (Republican)
- U.S. Senators
- John Thune and Mike Rounds — you only need to name one on the test.
- Capital
- Pierre
Who is the Governor of South Dakota for the citizenship test?
USCIS question 43: Larry Rhoden.
Practice saying: “The Governor of South Dakota is Larry Rhoden.”
Who are the U.S. Senators from South Dakota?
USCIS question 20: John Thune and Mike Rounds. You only need to name one current Senator.
Practice saying: “One U.S. Senator from South Dakota is John Thune.”
What is the capital of South Dakota?
USCIS question 44: Pierre.
Practice saying: “The capital of South Dakota is Pierre.”
Check these answers again before your interview
Governors and Senators can change after elections, appointments, or resignations; state capitals normally remain stable. Check USCIS test updates and our editorial standards and corrections policy before your interview.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Governor of South Dakota for the citizenship test?
As of October 9, 2026, the Governor of South Dakota is Larry Rhoden (Republican). Officeholders change, so double-check this in the final weeks before your interview.
Who are South Dakota's U.S. Senators for the citizenship test?
As of October 9, 2026, South Dakota's two U.S. Senators are John Thune and Mike Rounds. On the test you only need to name one of them.
What is the capital of South Dakota?
The capital of South Dakota is Pierre. This answer never changes — an easy point on test day.
Is the citizenship test different in South Dakota?
No. USCIS gives the same civics test everywhere: the officer asks up to 20 questions from the official 128-question pool, and answering 12 correctly passes. Only the answers about your Governor, your U.S. Senators, and your state capital depend on living in South Dakota.
Where do I take the citizenship test in South Dakota?
At the USCIS field office handling your case. Your interview appointment notice (Form I-797C) lists the exact office and address. Use that notice as the authority rather than assuming every South Dakota applicant visits the same office.
Practice the official questions
Related pool questions: How many U.S. Senators are there? · Who does a U.S. Senator represent? · What is the capital of the United States?
Study with the South Dakota citizenship test preparation guide.
Practice free in the interactive simulator or take the free 20-question practice test.