Think You Know Defense? Take This Pentagon Quiz to Prove It
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What is the primary function of the Pentagon?
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U.S. Supreme Court operations
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National intelligence gathering
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Headquarters of the U.S. military
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National treasury management
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You’re scrolling through news about global security, a Pentagon press briefing pops up, and someone next to you casually asks, “Why does the Pentagon have five sides anyway?” You nod like you know—but inside, you’re spiraling.
This Pentagon Quiz breaks down the history, structure, and significance of one of the most iconic defense buildings in the world. From its quirky construction to its core role in U.S. Defense, the Pentagon quiz is your one-stop checkpoint for testing how much you really understand about American defense command—no clearance badge required.
Disclaimer: This Pentagon Quiz is for educational purposes only. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense or any government entity. All information is based on publicly accessible facts and historical sources. It does not disclose or rely on sensitive or classified content. Please do not use this quiz as preparation for actual national security operations. Your final score will not be reviewed by any federal agencies. Probably.
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- 2.
How many floors does the Pentagon have above ground?
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Three
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Five
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Six
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Seven
Correct Answer
A. FiveExplanation
The Pentagon has five floors above ground, along with two basement levels. Its flat shape and efficient layout were designed for wartime speed and cost-saving. Despite its enormous size and the complexity of the agencies it houses, the building was designed so that any point can be reached from another in under 10 minutes due to its concentric rings and radial corridors.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which branch of government does the Pentagon operate under?
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Judicial
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Executive
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Legislative
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Independent
Correct Answer
A. ExecutiveExplanation
The Pentagon is part of the Executive Branch, as it is run by the Department of Defense, which reports directly to the President through the Secretary of Defense. This branch is responsible for enforcing laws and overseeing national defense. Judicial and Legislative branches have their own separate authorities and physical locations in Washington, D.C.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What shape is the Pentagon building?
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Hexagon
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Square
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Pentagon
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Octagon
Correct Answer
A. PentagonExplanation
The building is shaped like a pentagon, meaning it has five sides. The shape was chosen partly due to the original plot of land where it was to be built, though it was later relocated and the design retained. This design is now iconic and symbolizes American military power, often referenced in politics, media, and culture.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In which U.S. state is the Pentagon located?
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Maryland
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Virginia
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Washington, D.C.
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Delaware
Correct Answer
A. VirginiaExplanation
The Pentagon is located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. While many people assume it's inside the capital, it technically sits within Virginia’s boundaries. Its proximity to Washington allows for strategic access to government offices while being on more available land.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What year was the Pentagon completed?
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1939
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1955
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1943
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1961
Correct Answer
A. 1943Explanation
The Pentagon was completed in 1943, during World War II. Its construction began in 1941 and took just over a year, which was a massive engineering and logistical feat given its size, complexity, and wartime urgency. It became a symbol of the U.S. wartime mobilization effort and remains one of the world’s largest office buildings.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What event caused significant damage to the Pentagon in 2001?
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Hurricane Katrina
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September 11 attacks
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Electrical fire
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Earthquake
Correct Answer
A. September 11 attacksExplanation
The Pentagon was heavily damaged during the September 11 attacks in 2001 when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the western side of the building. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of 189 people and prompted a massive reconstruction project. It reinforced the Pentagon’s significance as not just a military symbol but also a target of national importance.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which department is housed inside the Pentagon?
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Department of Justice
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Department of Energy
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Department of Defense
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Department of Homeland Security
Correct Answer
A. Department of DefenseExplanation
The Pentagon houses the Department of Defense, which oversees the U.S. Armed Forces and coordinates military strategy and operations. It is the nerve center for military planning, budgeting, and national security policy. Other departments like Homeland Security and Energy operate from different federal buildings and serve different functions.Rate this question:
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- 9.
How many sides does the Pentagon building have?
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Six
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Five
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Eight
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Ten
Correct Answer
A. FiveExplanation
As the name suggests, the Pentagon has five sides. This geometric shape was maintained even after the original site was changed, and it contributes to the building’s layout: five concentric rings connected by corridors. It’s not just symbolic but also highly functional in navigating a massive workforce efficiently.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How long did it take to complete the construction of the Pentagon?
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16 months
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5 years
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3 years
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8 months
Correct Answer
A. 16 monthsExplanation
The Pentagon was constructed in an astonishing 16 months, a record time for such a massive structure. The urgency of World War II and the need for a centralized military command structure drove rapid development. At its peak, thousands of workers were on-site daily, and materials were sourced quickly to meet tight deadlines without sacrificing structural integrity.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jun 8, 2025 +
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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Jun 08, 2025Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jun 03, 2025Quiz Created by
Hansika
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