1.
Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July?
Correct Answer
B. That's the date in 1776 when Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.
Explanation
On the Fourth of July, we celebrate because it is the date in 1776 when Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. This document declared the American colonies' independence from Great Britain and established the United States as a new nation. It marked a significant turning point in American history and is considered the birth of the United States of America.
2.
Who said: "Give me liberty or give me death"?
Correct Answer
C. Patrick Henry
Explanation
Patrick Henry said the famous quote "Give me liberty or give me death." This quote is often attributed to him because he used it during a speech he gave in 1775 to encourage Virginians to join the fight for independence from Britain. Henry passionately argued that the colonists should not submit to British tyranny and that they should be willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause of freedom. His words became a rallying cry for the American Revolution and have since been remembered as a powerful expression of the desire for liberty.
3.
Which U.S president or Founding Father is on the $50 bill?
Correct Answer
A. Ulysses S. Grant
Explanation
Ulysses S. Grant is the correct answer because he is the U.S. president who appears on the $50 bill. Grant served as the 18th president of the United States from 1869 to 1877 and played a significant role in the Union's victory during the American Civil War. His portrait on the $50 bill honors his contributions to American history and leadership as a president.
4.
How many U.S. senators are there?
Correct Answer
B. 100 (two from each state)
Explanation
There are 100 U.S. senators because each state is represented by two senators. This is outlined in the U.S. Constitution, which states that each state shall have an equal number of senators, regardless of its population size. This equal representation ensures that each state has an equal voice and influence in the legislative process.
5.
How many voting U.S. House representatives are there?
Correct Answer
C. 435
Explanation
There are 435 voting U.S. House representatives. This number is fixed and determined by the Apportionment Act of 1911, which set the number of seats in the House of Representatives at 435. Each state is allocated a certain number of representatives based on its population, and this number is adjusted every ten years after the census.
6.
When did the Civil Rights Act pass?
Correct Answer
B. 1964
Explanation
The Civil Rights Act passed in 1964. This landmark legislation was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964. It aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination in public places, as well as protect voting rights and prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The act was a major step forward in the fight for equal rights and played a significant role in shaping the civil rights movement in the United States.
7.
What is Flag Day?
Correct Answer
C. Commemorates the June 14, 1777, adoption of the U.S. flag by the Continental Congress.
Explanation
Flag Day commemorates the June 14, 1777, adoption of the U.S. flag by the Continental Congress. This day is celebrated to honor the history and significance of the American flag. It marks the day when the flag design we know today was officially recognized and adopted as the national flag of the United States.
8.
How many Supreme Court justices are there?
Correct Answer
B. Nine
Explanation
There are nine Supreme Court justices. This is the correct answer because the Supreme Court of the United States consists of nine justices who are appointed for life by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. These justices are responsible for interpreting the Constitution and making decisions that impact the entire country.
9.
What was the 49th state added to the Union?
Correct Answer
B. Alaska
Explanation
Alaska was the 49th state added to the Union. This is because Alaska officially became a state on January 3, 1959, making it the 49th state to join the United States.
10.
Whose rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights?
Correct Answer
B. All people living in the United States.
Explanation
The Constitution and Bill of Rights guarantee the rights of all people living in the United States. These documents provide protections and freedoms to individuals regardless of their citizenship status or how they came to be in the United States. The rights outlined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights apply to everyone within the country's borders, ensuring that all individuals are entitled to certain fundamental rights and liberties.
11.
What is the name of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America?
Correct Answer
C. Mayflower
Explanation
The Mayflower is the correct answer because it is the ship that transported the Pilgrims from England to America in 1620. The Mayflower is significant in American history as it carried the passengers who would establish the Plymouth Colony, one of the first English settlements in North America. The journey of the Mayflower and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony played a crucial role in the colonization and development of America.
12.
Which constitutional amendment(s) guarantees or addresses voting rights?
Correct Answer
D. The 15th, 19th, 24th and 26th amendments
Explanation
The 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th amendments guarantee or address voting rights. The 15th amendment prohibits the denial of voting rights based on race or color. The 19th amendment grants women the right to vote. The 24th amendment prohibits poll taxes as a requirement for voting. The 26th amendment lowers the voting age to 18.
13.
Who becomes president if both the president and vice president die?
Correct Answer
A. House speaker
Explanation
If both the president and vice president die, the next in line to assume the presidency is the House speaker. This is specified in the United States Presidential Succession Act, which outlines the order of succession in the event of a vacancy in the presidency. The House speaker is the third in line after the vice president, and would therefore become the president if both positions were vacant.
14.
Who is recognized as the "Father of the American Navy"?
Correct Answer
A. John Paul Jones
Explanation
John Paul Jones is recognized as the "Father of the American Navy" because he was a prominent naval officer during the American Revolutionary War. He is known for his bravery and strategic skills in naval battles, including his famous quote "I have not yet begun to fight." Jones played a crucial role in establishing the United States Navy and is considered a pioneer in American naval history.
15.
Who is known for uttering, "I have not yet begun to fight"?
Correct Answer
A. John Paul Jones
Explanation
John Paul Jones is known for uttering the phrase, "I have not yet begun to fight." This statement is often attributed to him during the American Revolutionary War. Jones was a naval officer and is remembered for his bravery and determination in battle. This quote represents his refusal to back down or give up, even in the face of adversity.
16.
Who was the most decorated U.S. combat soldier in World War II?
Correct Answer
A. Movie actor Audie MurpHy
Explanation
Audie Murphy was the most decorated U.S. combat soldier in World War II. He received numerous awards and medals for his bravery and valor in combat, including the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military decoration awarded in the United States. Murphy's heroic actions during the war made him a national hero and led to his successful career as a movie actor after the war.
17.
Who elects the president of the United States?
Correct Answer
B. The Electoral College
Explanation
The president of the United States is elected by the Electoral College. In this system, each state is assigned a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress. These electors then cast their votes for the candidate who won the popular vote in their respective states. The candidate who receives a majority of the electoral votes (at least 270 out of 538) becomes the president. This system was established by the Founding Fathers as a way to balance the power between the states and the people in the presidential election process.
18.
Who wrote The Star Spangled Banner?
Correct Answer
B. Francis Scott Key
Explanation
Francis Scott Key is the correct answer because he is the author of The Star Spangled Banner. The Star Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States, and Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics during the War of 1812. This song became popular and was officially recognized as the national anthem in 1931. Alicia Keys, John Ross Key, and Abbe Christopher Dale are not associated with the writing of The Star Spangled Banner.
19.
Who has the power to declare war?
Correct Answer
C. Congress
Explanation
Congress has the power to declare war because according to the United States Constitution, only the legislative branch has the authority to make decisions regarding war. The Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war in order to ensure that such a significant decision is made collectively and represents the will of the people. This separation of powers prevents any single individual, such as the President or the Chief of Staff, from unilaterally initiating military action without proper deliberation and approval from Congress. The Soviet Union, being a foreign entity, does not have the power to declare war for the United States.
20.
What type of government does the United States have?
Correct Answer
C. Republic
Explanation
The United States has a Republic form of government. In a republic, the country is considered a "public matter" and the government is elected by the people or their representatives. The power is held by the citizens who elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. This form of government is characterized by the rule of law, protection of individual rights, and a system of checks and balances. In the case of the United States, it is a federal republic, meaning power is divided between the national government and the individual states.