1.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
B. Thomas Jefferson
Explanation
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Jefferson was chosen to draft this important document that declared the American colonies' independence from British rule. Jefferson's eloquent writing and his belief in the principles of individual liberty and self-government made him the ideal candidate for this task. His contribution to the Declaration of Independence solidified his place in American history as a key figure in the fight for independence and the establishment of the United States as a sovereign nation.
2.
When was the Constitution written?
Correct Answer
C. 1787
Explanation
The Constitution was written in 1787. This is the correct answer because it is the only option that falls within the time period when the Constitution was actually written. The other options, 1774, 1776, and 1865, do not align with the historical timeline of when the Constitution was drafted and ratified.
3.
What are the first words of the Constitution?
Correct Answer
D. We the People
Explanation
The correct answer is "We the People." This phrase is the opening line of the Constitution of the United States. It signifies that the power of the government comes from the people and establishes the idea of popular sovereignty. It emphasizes the importance of the collective voice and involvement of the citizens in the governance of the country.
4.
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
Correct Answer
B. The Bill of Rights
Explanation
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. These amendments were added to the Constitution to protect individual rights and limit the power of the government. They include important rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. The Bill of Rights is a crucial part of the Constitution and ensures that citizens have certain fundamental freedoms and protections.
5.
Which of the following is NOT a right outlined in the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
C. Right to bear arms
Explanation
The right to bear arms is not outlined in the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence. The Preamble emphasizes the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but it does not specifically mention the right to bear arms. This right is, however, protected by the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, which was ratified several years after the Declaration of Independence.
6.
Which one of these is a right guaranteed by the First Amendment?
Correct Answer
A. Freedom of the press
Explanation
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of the press, which means that the government cannot censor or control what the media publishes. This right allows journalists to report on important issues, hold those in power accountable, and provide the public with information necessary for a functioning democracy. It also protects individuals' right to express their opinions and ideas through various media outlets without fear of government interference or reprisal.
7.
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
Correct Answer
D. 27
Explanation
The Constitution has 27 amendments. Amendments are changes or additions made to the original Constitution in order to address new issues or clarify existing rights. These amendments are crucial for ensuring that the Constitution remains a living document that can adapt to the changing needs and values of society. Each amendment goes through a rigorous process of proposal and ratification, requiring the support of both the federal government and the states. The 27 amendments cover a wide range of topics, including individual rights, voting rights, and the process of presidential succession.
8.
Why does the United States flag have 13 stripes?
Correct Answer
C. They represent the 13 original colonies
Explanation
The United States flag has 13 stripes to represent the 13 original colonies. These colonies were the first states to join together and form the United States of America. The stripes serve as a symbol of the country's history and the foundation on which it was built.
9.
Which of these was NOT among the original states?
Correct Answer
D. Vermont
Explanation
Vermont was not among the original states. The original states refer to the thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain and formed the United States of America. Vermont was not one of these original thirteen colonies.
10.
What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
Correct Answer
D. Louisiana
Explanation
In 1803, the United States bought the territory of Louisiana from France. This purchase, known as the Louisiana Purchase, doubled the size of the United States and had a significant impact on the nation's expansion and development. The acquisition of Louisiana provided the United States with control over the Mississippi River and the important port of New Orleans, as well as vast amounts of land that would later become several states.
11.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three branches of the government?
Correct Answer
D. Federal
Explanation
The question is asking for the branch of government that is not one of the three branches. The three branches of government are Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. "Federal" is not one of the three branches, so it is the correct answer.
12.
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
Correct Answer
C. 435
Explanation
The House of Representatives in the United States has 435 voting members. This number is fixed and determined by law. Each state is allocated a certain number of representatives based on its population, with larger states having more representatives than smaller states. The total number of representatives is designed to ensure fair representation across the country and to reflect the population distribution. Therefore, the correct answer is 435.
13.
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
Correct Answer
C. 6
Explanation
A U.S. Senator is elected for a term of 6 years. This is stated in the U.S. Constitution, which outlines the requirements and terms of office for Senators. This longer term allows Senators to have more stability and continuity in their work, as they are not up for re-election as frequently as members of the House of Representatives. Additionally, the longer term allows Senators to focus on long-term policy goals and initiatives, rather than constantly campaigning for re-election.
14.
In what month do we vote for President?
Correct Answer
D. November
Explanation
In the United States, the presidential election is held in November. This is because the Constitution mandates that the election take place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This timing allows for a smooth transition of power, as the president-elect has a few months to prepare before taking office in January. Additionally, November is far enough away from the holiday season to ensure that citizens have enough time to vote and participate in the election process.
15.
If both the President and Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
Correct Answer
C. The Speaker of the House
Explanation
If both the President and Vice President can no longer serve, the Speaker of the House becomes the President. This is because the Speaker of the House is next in line in the presidential succession order, as outlined in the United States Constitution.
16.
How many justices are there on the U.S. Supreme Court?
Correct Answer
D. 9
Explanation
There are 9 justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. This is the correct answer because the Supreme Court is composed of 9 justices, as stated in the U.S. Constitution. Each justice is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and they serve for life unless they choose to retire. The number 9 is significant because it allows for an odd number of justices, which helps prevent tie votes and ensures a majority decision on cases.
17.
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States?
Correct Answer
B. John G. Roberts, Jr.
Explanation
John G. Roberts, Jr. is the correct answer because he is currently serving as the Chief Justice of the United States. He was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate in 2005. As the Chief Justice, Roberts is the head of the judicial branch of the US government and presides over the Supreme Court.
18.
What did Susan B. Anthony do?
Correct Answer
D. Fought for women’s rights
Explanation
Susan B. Anthony fought for women's rights. She was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement and played a crucial role in advocating for women's right to vote. Anthony dedicated her life to fighting for gender equality and was instrumental in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. Her efforts and activism paved the way for future generations of women to have equal rights and opportunities.
19.
Who was president during World War I?
Correct Answer
D. Woodrow Wilson
Explanation
Woodrow Wilson was the president during World War I. He served as the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. Wilson's presidency was marked by his efforts to keep the United States out of the war initially, but eventually, he led the country into the conflict in 1917. He played a significant role in shaping the post-war world through his involvement in the negotiations for the Treaty of Versailles and the establishment of the League of Nations. Wilson's leadership during World War I and his subsequent efforts for peace made him closely associated with this period in history.
20.
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. Which of the following is NOT a federal power?
Correct Answer
D. To provide education
Explanation
The federal government does have certain powers granted to it by the Constitution. These powers include the ability to declare war, print money, and declare treaties. However, providing education is not specifically mentioned as a federal power in the Constitution. Instead, education is primarily regulated and funded by state and local governments. Therefore, providing education is not a federal power.