1.
How old was President John Tyler when his 15th child was born?
Correct Answer
D. 70
Explanation
President John Tyler was 70 years old when his 15th child was born. This implies that he had been having children over a long period of time, given that the average age for having children is much younger. It also suggests that he continued to have children even in his older age, which was not uncommon during that time period.
2.
What two Presidents were arrested together?
Correct Answer
C. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison
Explanation
Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were not arrested together. They were both influential Founding Fathers and served as Presidents of the United States, but there is no record of them being arrested at the same time. This answer is incorrect.
3.
What future President worked for Pepsi-Cola?
Correct Answer
A. Nixon
Explanation
Nixon is the correct answer because Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, worked for Pepsi-Cola after his unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 1960. He served as a legal counsel for Pepsi-Cola's international operations and played a role in negotiating the company's entry into the Soviet Union. This job at Pepsi-Cola helped Nixon financially and politically, as it provided him with a platform to gain international exposure and rebuild his reputation after his defeat in the presidential race.
4.
What future President was a co-author of the "Ostend Manifesto"?
Correct Answer
B. James Buchanan
Explanation
James Buchanan was a co-author of the "Ostend Manifesto." The Ostend Manifesto was a document written in 1854 that proposed the United States acquire Cuba from Spain. It was authored by three American diplomats, including James Buchanan, who was serving as the U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom at the time. The manifesto argued that if Spain refused to sell Cuba, the United States would be justified in taking it by force. Although the document was never officially adopted, it became controversial and was seen as advocating for the expansion of slavery, which further divided the nation.
5.
At the age of 17, which future President was one of the first persons in America to undergo abdominal surgery (without anesthesia!)?
Correct Answer
B. James K. Polk
Explanation
James K. Polk was one of the first persons in America to undergo abdominal surgery without anesthesia at the age of 17. This suggests that he was a brave and resilient individual, willing to endure a painful procedure in order to improve his health. It also highlights the lack of medical advancements and technology during that time, as anesthesia was not yet available.
6.
In what year did "In God We Trust" first appear on a U.S. coin?
Correct Answer
B. 1864
Explanation
"In God We Trust" first appeared on a U.S. coin in 1864. This phrase was first added to the two-cent coin during the Civil War, as a way to express religious sentiment and acknowledge the nation's faith in God during a time of conflict. Over the years, the motto gradually spread to other coins and eventually became a requirement on all U.S. currency by law in 1955.
7.
Before the 1992 election, when was the last time that both the winning Presidential and vice-Presidential candidates were from the South?
Correct Answer
B. 1828
Explanation
In the 1828 election, both the winning Presidential and vice-Presidential candidates were from the South. This was the last time before the 1992 election that this occurred.
8.
Who was the first President to appoint a Jewish diplomat to represent the U.S.?
Correct Answer
A. James Madison
Explanation
James Madison was the first President to appoint a Jewish diplomat to represent the U.S. This demonstrates his commitment to inclusivity and religious freedom, as he recognized the importance of having diverse representation in diplomatic roles. By appointing a Jewish diplomat, Madison showed his support for religious minorities and their ability to serve in important positions within the government. This decision set a precedent for future administrations to continue promoting diversity and inclusivity in diplomatic appointments.
9.
The first sex scandal in the U.S. executive branch took place during what President's tenure?
Correct Answer
C. George Washington
Explanation
The question asks about the first sex scandal in the U.S. executive branch. George Washington was the first President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. During his tenure, there were no known sex scandals in the executive branch. Therefore, the correct answer is George Washington.
10.
Which U.S. President played the card game "Bridge"?
Correct Answer
C. Dwight Eisenhower
Explanation
Dwight Eisenhower is the correct answer because he was known to be an avid player of the card game "Bridge". During his presidency, Eisenhower frequently played Bridge with his friends and advisors, often using it as a way to relax and socialize. He even had a custom-made Bridge table installed in the White House. This hobby of Eisenhower's was well-known and often reported on by the media during his time in office.
11.
Who was the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate?
Correct Answer
C. Carol Mosley-Braun
Explanation
Carol Mosley-Braun was the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate. She served as a senator from Illinois from 1993 to 1999. Mosley-Braun made history by breaking barriers and paving the way for other African-American women in politics. Her election was significant in terms of representation and diversity in the Senate, highlighting the progress being made in American politics.
12.
Which President had a nickname that resulted in the word "okay" being introduced into the language?
Correct Answer
A. Martin Van Buren
Explanation
Martin Van Buren is the correct answer because he had a nickname, "Old Kinderhook," which was often shortened to "O.K." This term became popular and eventually entered the English language as a way to express approval or agreement.
13.
When people lose their jobs, unemployment results. Which President offered this insightful observation?
Correct Answer
D. Calvin Coolidge
Explanation
Calvin Coolidge is the correct answer because he was known for his stance on limited government intervention in the economy. During his presidency, he believed in a laissez-faire approach, allowing businesses to operate freely without excessive regulation. Therefore, it can be inferred that Coolidge would have made the observation that when people lose their jobs, unemployment results, as he would have understood the cause and effect relationship between job loss and unemployment.
14.
President, did Nan Britton claim to have had a love child with her best-selling book, "The President's Daughter"?
Correct Answer
B. Warren Harding
Explanation
Nan Britton did claim to have had a love child with her book "The President's Daughter," but this claim was not about Warren Harding. Instead, Nan Britton claimed to have had a love child with President Warren G. Harding.
15.
How many murders was Timothy McVeigh formally charged with?
Correct Answer
D. 8
Explanation
Timothy McVeigh, the perpetrator of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, was formally charged with 8 counts of murder. This refers specifically to the deaths resulting from the bombing, which claimed the lives of 168 people. While the total number of fatalities was much higher, the formal charges against McVeigh were limited to 8 counts of murder.