Name one state that borders Canada.
Alaska
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
(Thomas) Jefferson
What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
freed the slaves
Why did the colonists fight the British
because they didn't have self-government
What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?
freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
Mississippi River
During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?
Communism
Why does the flag have 50 stars?*
because there is one star for each state
Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
all people of the state
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
Civil War
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
twenty-seven (27)
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
(James) Madison
When do we celebrate Independence Day?
July 4th
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
liberty, pursuit of happiness
Name one problem that led to the Civil War
slavery
Name one U.S. territory.
Puerto Rico
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
July 4, 1776
Who makes federal laws?
Congress
What does the President's Cabinet do?
advises the president
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
separation of powers
What does the judicial branch do?
reviews laws
What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
obey the laws of the United States
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
We the People
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?*
The Senate and House of Representatives
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
the Bill of Rights
Who is the Commander in Chief of the military
the President
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
announced our independence (from Great Britain)
Who signs bills to become laws?
the President
What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
vote, join a civic group
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
Nancy Pelosi
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?*
eighteen (18) and older
Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?
World War II
What is the supreme law of the land?
the Constitution
Name one right only for United States citizens.
vote in a federal election
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
two (2)
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
Where is the Statue of Liberty?*
New York (Harbor)
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
four hundred thirty-five (435)
What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?*
fought for civil rights
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?*
religion
What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?
Terrorists attacked the United States.
Who vetoes bills?
the President
Name one branch or part of the government.*
Congress
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
nine (9)
What is the "rule of law"?
Everyone must follow the law.
When was the Constitution written?
1787
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
John Roberts
Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
(Franklin) Roosevelt
Who is the "Father of Our Country"?
(George) Washington
Who was President during World War I?
(Woodrow) Wilson
What is the political party of the President now?
the Democratic Party
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
Kamala Harris
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
American Indians
What does the Constitution do?
sets up the government
What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States
Pacific (Ocean)
We elect a President for how many years?
four (4)
What is the highest court in the United States?
the Supreme Court
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?*
April 15
What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
civil rights (movement)
When must all men register for the Selective Service?
at age eighteen (18)
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
provide schooling and education
Who did the United States fight in World War II?
Japan, Germany, and Italy
Name one state that borders Mexico.
California
What is the name of the President of the United States now?*
Joe Biden
What is one reason colonists came to America?
religious freedom
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
the President
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?*
serve on a jury
What are the two major political parties in the United States?*
Democratic and Republican
What is an amendment?
a change (to the Constitution)
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
the United States
What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
Africans
What did Susan B. Anthony do?
fought for women's rights
What is freedom of religion?
You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
How many U.S. Senators are there?
100
Who was the first President?
(George) Washington
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Education
What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
The Constitution was written.
What is the capital of the United States?*
Washington, D.C.
If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
the Vice President
We elect a U.S. senator for how many years?
six (6)
What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
freedom of expression, freedom of speech
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?
to print money
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
(because of) the state's population
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
because there were 13 original colonies
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
the Speaker of the House
What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?
U.S. diplomat
What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?
Atlantic (Ocean)
Name two national U.S. holidays.
Thanksgiving, Christmas
What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
the Louisiana Territory
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.*
World War II
What is the economic system in the United States?*
market economy
In what month do we vote for President?*
November
What is the name of the national anthem?
The Star-Spangled Banner
There were 13 original states. Name three.
New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey
Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
the Civil War
Who is the Governor of your state now?
Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a Governor.]
Who is one of your state's U.S. Senators now?*
Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents and residents of U.S. territories should answer that D.C. or the territory where the applicant lives has no U.S. Senators.]
What is the capital of your state?
Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. is not a state and does not have a capital. Residents of U.S. territories should name the capital of the territory.]
Name your U.S. Representative.
Answers will vary. [Residents of territories with non-voting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner.
Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) Representatives in Congress.]