Hawkins Citizenship Practice Test 2026 - Free Citizenship Practice Questions and Study Guide

The identification of the Colorado River as the answer indicates a recognition that it does not rank among the longest rivers in the United States, especially when compared to the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio Rivers.

The Mississippi River, along with the Missouri and Ohio Rivers, are all part of the top rivers in terms of length. The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the U.S., while the Missouri River holds the title of the longest, making them prominent in discussions about river lengths in the country. The Ohio River, while shorter than the previous two, still ranks among the significant rivers.

In contrast, the Colorado River, although famous for its dramatic canyons and recreational opportunities, is not among the longest rivers in the country. It flows for about 1,450 miles, which, while substantial, does not place it in the same category as the Mississippi or Missouri. This distinction highlights why the Colorado River is recognized in this context as not being one of the longest rivers in the U.S.