About This Quiz
Were you terrible at math? Horrible in physics? Maybe you were much better in high school civics, which reviews many of the fundamental building blocks of the country. Can you pass our basic civics test?American presidents are elected to four-year terms. Some presidents spend much of that time simply campaigning for re-election.
The Statue of Liberty is located on Ellis Island in New York City. Each year, millions of people behold the statue, which is one of America's most enduring icons of freedom.
George Washington surmounted all odds in leading his army to victory over the British in the Revolution. Then he served two terms as the country's first president -- he is indeed the "father" of the nation.
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Sure, no one can sing it, but it's funny to watch people try. "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem.
As of 2017, there are 27 Amendments to the Constitution. The Amendments are a vital way for the government to shift the Constitution as American society changes.
The World War II icon Franklin Roosevelt is America's only three-consecutive-term president. After his reign, a two-term limit was implemented.
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The Atlantic Ocean borders the east coast of the United States, including Florida. The west coast, of course, features the Pacific Ocean.
Senators are elected to six-year terms. Elections are staggered so that roughly one-third of the Senate is up for re-election during a given year.
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. The bill clarifies some of the most vital rights of American citizens.
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There are three branches of the federal government: executive, judicial and legislative. Thanks to the office of the president, the executive branch is the most visible … and likely the most powerful.
Vice presidents are known mostly for doing nothing. But once in a while, either by assassination, disease, or some other emergency, the V.P. must step into the top spot and become president.
The flag features 50 white stars. They represent each of the 50 states in the Union.
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Members of the House serve short terms of just two years. The House features representatives from all 50 states
Wilson campaigned for president on an isolationist agenda meant to protect America from war. But once he got into office, he immediately set about sending troops to World War I.
In the 1860s, the South seceded from the Union and formed the Confederacy. Abraham Lincoln immediately decided that the North would fight to preserve the Union.
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The First Amendment clarifies freedom of speech, religion, the right to assemble and the right to petition the government with grievances.
For decades, the Democratic and Republican parties have dominated American politics. Third parties come and go, but none so far have cracked the system.
On July 4 of each year, Americans celebrate Independence Day, often simply called the Fourth of July. It recognizes the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
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The Declaration of Independence insisted -- politely, we might add -- that Britain could, like, kindly go away, if that's OK. But the king responded with death threats, and the Revolution took hold.
Washington, D.C. is the capital of the country. As such, it is the workplace of the most powerful people on the planet not named Vladimir Putin.
In 1803, the United States set out to buy the land around New Orleans for strategic and economic purposes. In a pleasant surprise, they wound up with the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the country's size for the measly price of $15 million.
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When they turn 18, men are required to register for the Selective Service. In the event of a draft, the government uses the Selective Service to conscript men for duty.
Four states border Mexico. They are California, New Mexico, Texas … and Arizona.
There are 435 voting members in the House. Each state has a certain number of representatives based on population numbers.
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Jefferson wielded a mighty pen -- he wrote the Declaration that severed ties with Britain. Later, he became president.
The president's cabinet is the circle of advisers who offer insights on daily decision making. A good cabinet can save a presidency; a bad one can result in a scandal of Watergate proportions.
There are two senators per state. Seeing as how there are 50 states, there are 100 senators serving in Washington.
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Franklin Roosevelt took office during the Great Depression, the worst economic problem in history. His New Deal implemented a flurry of policies meant to turn the tide.
As the Civil War raged, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which (on paper) freed all slaves. But there was still the small detail of defeating the Confederacy.
There are nine justices serving on the Supreme Court. These men and women wield incredible power in shaping the laws of the land.
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