1.
The presence of which resource convinced the U.S. government to admit California into the Union?
Correct Answer
B. Gold
Explanation
The presence of gold in California convinced the U.S. government to admit California into the Union. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 sparked the California Gold Rush, attracting thousands of settlers to the region in search of wealth. This sudden influx of population and economic activity made California a valuable asset to the United States, leading to its admission into the Union as the 31st state in 1850.
2.
Who was the first U.S. President to be elected to a second term?
Correct Answer
A. George Washington
Explanation
George Washington was the first U.S. President to be elected to a second term. After serving his first term from 1789 to 1793, Washington was reelected in 1793 and served a second term from 1793 to 1797. His reelection set a precedent for future presidents to potentially serve two terms in office. Washington's decision to step down after his second term also established the tradition of a two-term limit for U.S. presidents, which remained in place until the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1951.
3.
Which 4,200-foot suspension bridge is located in San Francisco, California?
Correct Answer
C. Golden Gate Bridge
Explanation
The correct answer is the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is a 4,200-foot suspension bridge located in San Francisco, California. It is an iconic landmark and one of the most famous bridges in the world.
4.
Which 605-foot-tall Seattle landmark was built for the 1962 World's Fair?
Correct Answer
B. Space Needle
Explanation
The correct answer is Space Needle. The Space Needle is a 605-foot-tall landmark in Seattle that was built for the 1962 World's Fair. It has become an iconic symbol of the city and offers panoramic views of Seattle and its surroundings from its observation deck. The other options, Lincoln Memorial, Pioneer's Monument, and Big Ben, are not located in Seattle and are not associated with the 1962 World's Fair.
5.
Which rich Texas businessman was an independent Presidential candidate in 1992?
Correct Answer
D. Ross Perot
Explanation
Ross Perot was a wealthy businessman from Texas who ran as an independent candidate for President in 1992. He gained significant attention and support for his populist message and his focus on reducing the national debt and government spending. Despite not winning the election, Perot received the highest percentage of the popular vote for a third-party candidate since Theodore Roosevelt in 1912. His campaign had a lasting impact on American politics and the role of independent candidates in presidential elections.
6.
Which city's Gateway Arch is a stainless-steel structure designed by a Finnish-born architect?
Correct Answer
A. St. Louis
Explanation
The correct answer is St. Louis. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a stainless-steel structure that was designed by a Finnish-born architect. It is a famous landmark in the city and represents the westward expansion of the United States.
7.
In 1863, Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November to be what?
Correct Answer
B. Thanksgiving
Explanation
In 1863, Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November to be Thanksgiving. This was done through a proclamation known as the "Thanksgiving Proclamation." Lincoln's declaration aimed to establish a national day of thanks and gratitude, encouraging citizens to come together and express appreciation for the blessings they had received. This tradition has continued to this day, with Thanksgiving being celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November.
8.
Which U.S. president, elected in 1976, was the first from the Deep South since the Civil War?
Correct Answer
D. Jimmy Carter
Explanation
Jimmy Carter was elected as the U.S. president in 1976, making him the first president from the Deep South since the Civil War. This is significant because the Deep South, which includes states like Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, had a history of racial segregation and discrimination, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. Carter's election represented a shift in the political landscape and was seen as a step towards greater representation and inclusivity for the region.
9.
Which sitting U.S. Senator celebrated his 100th birthday in 2002?
Correct Answer
D. Strom Thurmond
Explanation
Strom Thurmond is the correct answer because he was a sitting U.S. Senator who celebrated his 100th birthday in 2002. He served as a Senator for South Carolina from 1954 until 2003, making him the longest-serving Senator in U.S. history. Thurmond's longevity in office and his milestone birthday in 2002 make him the correct choice for this question.
10.
From which nation did the U.S. take possession of Alaska in 1867?
Correct Answer
B. Russia
Explanation
In 1867, the United States took possession of Alaska from Russia. This was known as the Alaska Purchase and was negotiated by Secretary of State William Seward. The U.S. paid $7.2 million to Russia for the territory, which at the time was seen as a controversial decision. However, the purchase turned out to be a valuable acquisition, as Alaska later became a rich source of natural resources such as oil, gold, and fish.
11.
What practice was repealed by 1933's 21st Constitutional Amendment?
Correct Answer
A. Prohibition
Explanation
The correct answer is Prohibition. The 21st Constitutional Amendment, ratified in 1933, repealed the 18th Amendment, which had established the prohibition of alcohol in the United States. This amendment marked the end of the era known as Prohibition, allowing the legal production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages once again.
12.
Which 1973 scandal cost President Richard M. Nixon his job?
Correct Answer
D. Watergate
Explanation
The correct answer is Watergate. Watergate refers to a scandal that occurred in 1973 and ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard M. Nixon. The scandal involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. It was revealed that Nixon's administration had attempted to cover up their involvement in the break-in, leading to widespread public outrage and loss of trust in the President. The Watergate scandal is considered one of the most significant political scandals in American history.
13.
Against which nation did the U.S. institute Operation Desert Storm?
Correct Answer
B. Iraq
Explanation
Operation Desert Storm was the codename for the military operation launched by the United States in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. The goal of the operation was to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation and restore its sovereignty. Therefore, the correct answer is Iraq.
14.
Which U.S. governmental department was established in 2002?
Correct Answer
C. Homeland Security
Explanation
Homeland Security is the correct answer because it is the U.S. governmental department that was established in 2002. This department was created in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks to coordinate and consolidate efforts to protect the United States from future threats. It is responsible for preventing and responding to terrorist attacks, securing borders, and managing emergency situations. The establishment of Homeland Security marked a significant reorganization of various agencies and departments involved in national security and emergency management.
15.
The 2003 Census declared which group the USA's largest ethnic minority?
Correct Answer
B. Hispanics
Explanation
The 2003 Census declared Hispanics as the USA's largest ethnic minority. This means that among all the ethnic groups in the country, Hispanics had the highest population count according to the census data.