Ace the Civic Literacy Challenge 2025 – Unlock Your Citizen Superpower!

The national anthem of the United States is "The Star-Spangled Banner." This song was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 and officially adopted as the national anthem in 1931. The lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner" reflect the resilience and determination of Americans, as they describe the sight of the American flag flying over Fort McHenery after a night of battle, symbolizing hope and perseverance.

In contrast, the other options represent well-known American songs but do not serve as the national anthem. "America the Beautiful" celebrates the beauty of the country, "This Land is Your Land" emphasizes the shared American experience and is often associated with themes of equality and unity, while "God Bless America" is a patriotic song that expresses hope and prayer for the nation. Each of these songs holds significant cultural importance, but "The Star-Spangled Banner" is specifically designated as the national anthem, representing the United States in official capacities and ceremonial events.