1.
When was the Declaration of Independence formally adopted?
Correct Answer
A. July 4th, 1776
Explanation
The Declaration of Independence was formally adopted on July 4th, 1776. This date marks the day when the Continental Congress approved the final version of the document, which declared the thirteen American colonies as independent from British rule. The Declaration of Independence is a significant event in American history as it laid the foundation for the formation of the United States of America.
2.
How old is the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
D. 240 Years Old
Explanation
The Declaration of Independence is 240 years old because it was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This document marked the formal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain and the birth of the United States of America. Therefore, as of 2021, the Declaration of Independence is 245 years old.
3.
When was the 4th of July declared a holiday by U.S. Congress?
Correct Answer
B. 1870
Explanation
In 1870, the U.S. Congress declared the 4th of July as a holiday. This decision was made to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. By declaring it a holiday, Congress recognized the significance of this historic event and provided an opportunity for Americans to celebrate their independence annually.
4.
Select all Presidents who died on the 4th of July
Correct Answer(s)
A. John Adams
B. Thomas Jefferson
C. James Monroe
Explanation
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe are the correct answers because all three of them were presidents of the United States and they all died on the 4th of July. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. James Monroe also died on July 4, but in the year 1831. George Washington, on the other hand, was the first president of the United States but he did not die on the 4th of July.
5.
When was our National Anthem adopted?
Correct Answer
C. 1916
Explanation
The correct answer is 1916. This is the year when our National Anthem was adopted.
6.
What was the National Anthem before the current song was adopted?
Correct Answer
D. My Country Tis of Thee
Explanation
Before the current national anthem was adopted, the national anthem of the United States was "My Country Tis of Thee". This patriotic song, also known as "America", was often sung and considered as an unofficial anthem before "The Star-Spangled Banner" was officially recognized as the national anthem in 1931. "My Country Tis of Thee" has a similar melody to the British national anthem, "God Save the Queen", and it celebrates the beauty and freedom of America.
7.
Who lead the committee formed to draft the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
B. Thomas Jefferson
Explanation
Thomas Jefferson is the correct answer because he was the leader of the committee formed to draft the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was a prominent figure in American history and played a pivotal role in the drafting and adoption of the Declaration of Independence. He was known for his eloquence and strong belief in individual rights, making him a fitting choice to lead the committee in creating this important document.
8.
Who is the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
A. Benjamin Franklin at 70
Explanation
Benjamin Franklin is the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence at 70 years old. This means that at the time of signing, Franklin was the oldest among the listed individuals.
9.
When were fireworks first used in an official Fourth of July celebration?
Correct Answer
A. 1777
Explanation
Fireworks were first used in an official Fourth of July celebration in 1777. This is the correct answer because it is widely accepted that the first organized fireworks display in celebration of Independence Day took place in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777. This event was part of the country's first official Independence Day celebration, marking the one-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
10.
Which newspaper first printed the Declaration of Independence
Correct Answer
A. The Pennsylvania Evening Post
Explanation
The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence. This is significant because it demonstrates the historical importance of the newspaper and its role in disseminating important documents and news to the public. The fact that it was the first to publish such an important document shows its credibility and influence during that time period.
11.
Which president was born on the Fourth of July?
Correct Answer
D. Calvin Coolidge
Explanation
Calvin Coolidge was the president who was born on the Fourth of July. This is a well-known fact in American history. Coolidge was the 30th president of the United States, serving from 1923 to 1929. He was born on July 4, 1872, in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. Coolidge was known for his conservative policies and his commitment to small government. His birthday falling on Independence Day adds a symbolic significance to his presidency, as it aligns with the celebration of American freedom and values.
12.
Which of the following presidents is not on Mount Rushmore?
Correct Answer
E. N/A - All are on Mt. Rushmore
Explanation
The correct answer is N/A - All are on Mt. Rushmore. This means that all of the presidents listed in the options are actually on Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore features the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, so none of them can be excluded from the list.
13.
According to legend, who sewed the first American flag?
Correct Answer
A. Betsy Ross
Explanation
Betsy Ross is believed to have sewed the first American flag according to legend. She was a seamstress in Philadelphia during the American Revolution and is said to have been commissioned by George Washington to create the flag. While there is some debate and lack of concrete evidence, Betsy Ross is widely recognized as the person responsible for sewing the first American flag.
14.
Which of the following was not one of the thirteen original colonies?
Correct Answer
B. Vermont
Explanation
Vermont was not one of the thirteen original colonies. The thirteen original colonies were the British colonies on the east coast of North America that later became the United States. They were established by the British between 1607 and 1733, and Vermont was not one of them.
15.
The Second Continental Congress met in which city to draft the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
D. pHiladelpHia, PA
Explanation
The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, PA to draft the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphia was a central and easily accessible location for the delegates from the thirteen colonies to gather and discuss matters of independence. Additionally, Philadelphia had a strong political and intellectual tradition, making it a suitable place for such an important task.
16.
Which of the following did not sign the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
D. George Washington
Explanation
George Washington did not sign the Declaration of Independence because he was serving as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the time the document was being signed. While Washington played a crucial role in the American Revolution and the formation of the United States, he was not present at the Continental Congress when the Declaration was signed on July 4, 1776.
17.
Independence Day was first celebrated in which city?
Correct Answer
C. pHiladelpHia
Explanation
Philadelphia. That’s where the Second Continental Congress met and the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
18.
Which state was the first to make the 4th of July an official state holiday?
Correct Answer
A. Massachusetts
Explanation
Massachusetts was the first state to make the 4th of July an official state holiday. This is because the state has a significant historical connection to the American Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and Massachusetts played a crucial role in the events leading up to this historic moment. Therefore, it is fitting that Massachusetts would be the first state to officially recognize and celebrate this important day in American history.
19.
When was the 4th of July declared a paid holiday for federal employees by U.S. Congress?
Correct Answer
B. 1938
Explanation
1938 initially, and 1941 to include D.C. government employees
20.
The song that represents our National Anthem is:
Correct Answer
A. The Star Spangled Banner
Explanation
The Star Spangled Banner is the correct answer because it is the official national anthem of the United States. It was written by Francis Scott Key and became the national anthem in 1931. The song is a symbol of American patriotism and is often performed at important national events and sporting occasions.