Social Studies Bowl Tryout
In this social studies quiz made for students applying to Chatterton Middle School, you’ll answer questions related to U. S. History, Canada, Latin America, World Geography and Current Events. What can you tell us about these topics?
Questions and Answers
- 1.
U.S. History - What document begins with the words "We The People"?
- A.
Declaration of Independence
- B.
Articles of Confederation
- C.
Magna Carta
- D.
U.S. Constitution
- E.
Ten Commandments
Correct Answer
D. U.S. ConstitutionExplanation
The U.S. Constitution begins with the words "We The People." This document is the supreme law of the United States and outlines the framework of the government and the rights and freedoms of its citizens. It was drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788. The Constitution established a federal system of government and created the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It also includes the Bill of Rights, which guarantees individual liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.Rate this question:
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- 2.
U.S. History - Who did the Americans fight in the American Revolution?
- A.
Each Other
- B.
The British
- C.
The French
- D.
The Spanish
- E.
The Germans
Correct Answer
B. The BritishExplanation
During the American Revolution, the Americans fought against the British. The conflict arose due to various reasons, including taxation without representation, restrictions on trade, and the desire for independence. The American colonists formed militias and fought against the British army in battles such as Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, and Saratoga. The war eventually led to the formation of the United States of America as an independent nation.Rate this question:
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- 3.
U.S. History - In the months leading up to the Civil War, what was the first state to secede from the Union?
- A.
Tennessee
- B.
Virginia
- C.
Georgia
- D.
North Carolina
- E.
South Carolina
Correct Answer
E. South CarolinaExplanation
South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union in the months leading up to the Civil War. This secession occurred on December 20, 1860, following the election of Abraham Lincoln as President. South Carolina's secession was driven by concerns over the federal government's perceived encroachment on states' rights, particularly regarding the issue of slavery. The state's secession ultimately paved the way for the formation of the Confederate States of America and the subsequent outbreak of the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Latin America and Canada - What is the capital of Canada?
- A.
Quebec
- B.
Montreal
- C.
Vancouver
- D.
Ottawa
- E.
Calgary
Correct Answer
D. OttawaExplanation
The capital of Canada is Ottawa.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Latin America and Canada - Which Spanish conquistador conquered the Aztec people?
- A.
Hernan Cortez
- B.
Francisco Pizarro
- C.
Francisco Coronado
- D.
Vasco de Balboa
- E.
Juan Ponce de Leon
Correct Answer
A. Hernan CortezExplanation
Hernan Cortez is the correct answer because he was the Spanish conquistador who successfully conquered the Aztec people. He led an expedition to Mexico in 1519 and with the help of indigenous allies, he defeated the Aztec empire and established Spanish rule in the region. Cortez's conquest of the Aztecs is considered a major turning point in the history of Latin America and had a significant impact on the subsequent colonization and European influence in the region.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Latin America and Canada - What ancient empire started in South America, close to modern-day Peru, and included the site called Machu Picchu?
- A.
Aztec
- B.
Inca
- C.
Mayan
- D.
Shingas
- E.
Cherokee
Correct Answer
B. IncaExplanation
The correct answer is Inca. The Inca Empire started in South America, close to modern-day Peru, and included the famous site called Machu Picchu. The Inca civilization was known for its advanced agricultural techniques, impressive architecture, and extensive road network. Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to the Inca's architectural and engineering skills. It served as a royal estate and religious center for the Inca rulers.Rate this question:
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- 7.
World Geography - What is the largest country (in size) in the world?
- A.
United States
- B.
China
- C.
Canada
- D.
Russia
- E.
Egypt
Correct Answer
D. RussiaExplanation
Russia is the correct answer because it is the largest country in the world in terms of land area. With a total area of approximately 17.1 million square kilometers, Russia spans across two continents, Europe and Asia. It has vast stretches of land, including the Siberian region, which contributes to its large size. Russia's size is significantly larger than the other options listed, making it the largest country in the world.Rate this question:
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- 8.
World Geography - What is the world's largest ocean?
- A.
Atlantic
- B.
Pacific
- C.
Indian
- D.
Arctic
- E.
Southern
Correct Answer
B. PacificExplanation
The Pacific Ocean is the correct answer because it is the largest ocean in the world. It covers an area of about 63 million square miles, which is larger than the total land area of all the continents combined. The Pacific Ocean is located between Asia and Australia to the west, and the Americas to the east. It is known for its vastness, depth, and diverse marine life.Rate this question:
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- 9.
World Geography - What type of landform is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger bodies of land?
- A.
Delta
- B.
Peninsula
- C.
Isthmus
- D.
Island
- E.
Plateau
Correct Answer
C. IsthmusExplanation
An isthmus is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger bodies of land. It is a landform that separates two bodies of water, such as two oceans or two seas. Isthmuses are typically formed by geological processes, such as erosion or the movement of tectonic plates. They can have significant impacts on trade and transportation, as they provide a natural land bridge between two areas that would otherwise be separated by water. Famous examples of isthmuses include the Isthmus of Panama, which connects North and South America, and the Isthmus of Suez, which connects Africa and Asia.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Current Events - The 2010 Copiapo mining incident that trapped 69 miners happened in what country?
- A.
Chile
- B.
Argentina
- C.
China
- D.
Japan
- E.
Columbia
Correct Answer
A. ChileExplanation
The correct answer is Chile. The 2010 Copiapo mining incident refers to the mining accident that occurred in the San José copper-gold mine in Copiapó, Chile. It trapped 69 miners underground for 69 days before they were rescued. This event received significant international attention and was regarded as a remarkable rescue operation.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Current Events - Julian Assange is an Australian-born man that co-founded which international organization that releases classified and confidential information without consent?
- A.
Wikipedia
- B.
The United Nations
- C.
The ACLU
- D.
Greenpeace
- E.
WikiLeaks
Correct Answer
E. WikiLeaksExplanation
Julian Assange, an Australian-born man, co-founded WikiLeaks, an international organization that releases classified and confidential information without consent. This platform is known for its controversial actions of whistleblowing, shedding light on government and corporate misconduct. Assange's involvement in WikiLeaks has made it a prominent name in the world of journalism and transparency, often sparking debates on the balance between freedom of information and national security.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Current Events - Muammar Gaddafi is being asked to step down as the leader of what North African country?
- A.
Egypt
- B.
Libya
- C.
Algeria
- D.
Liberia
- E.
Morocco
Correct Answer
B. LibyaExplanation
Muammar Gaddafi is being asked to step down as the leader of Libya. This is because at the time of this question, Gaddafi was the leader of Libya and was facing widespread protests and calls for his resignation. The question is asking about the North African country where Gaddafi is being asked to step down, and the correct answer is Libya.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Eastern Hemisphere - Alexander the Great is known for conquering many lands and spreading this kind of culture.
- A.
Egyptian
- B.
Chinese
- C.
Persian
- D.
Roman
- E.
Greek
Correct Answer
E. GreekExplanation
Alexander the Great, a famous Greek conqueror, is known for his extensive military campaigns and the spread of Greek culture throughout the lands he conquered. He established many Greek cities and encouraged the adoption of Greek language, customs, and traditions in these regions. Therefore, it can be inferred that the correct answer is Greek, as Alexander the Great played a significant role in spreading Greek culture in the Eastern Hemisphere.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Eastern Hemisphere - What country is known for its noble warriors, called Samurais?
- A.
China
- B.
Korea
- C.
Japan
- D.
Philippines
- E.
Vietnam
Correct Answer
C. JapanExplanation
Japan is known for its noble warriors called Samurais. The Samurai were a class of highly skilled and disciplined warriors in feudal Japan. They followed a strict code of conduct known as Bushido, which emphasized loyalty, honor, and self-discipline. The Samurai were skilled in various martial arts and were known for their exceptional swordsmanship. They played a significant role in shaping Japanese history and culture, making Japan the correct answer for this question.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Eastern Hemisphere - What place means "land between the rivers"?
- A.
Egypt
- B.
Jerusalem
- C.
Mesopotamia
- D.
Hong Kong
- E.
Detroit
Correct Answer
C. MesopotamiaExplanation
Mesopotamia is the correct answer because it means "land between the rivers." This term refers to the region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in present-day Iraq. Mesopotamia is known as the cradle of civilization, as it was one of the earliest civilizations to develop writing, agriculture, and complex social structures.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Mar 25, 2011Quiz Created by
Chemler
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