Exchangesconnect U.S. Inauguration Quiz
How well do you know U. S. Inauguration history?
Test your knowledge with this quiz, and don't forget to share your view of President-Elect Obama's big day through photos, videos, and blogs on our Inauguration page.
- 1.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution changed Inauguration Day from March 4th to January 20th?
- A.
19th Amendment
- B.
20th Amendment
- C.
21st Amendment
- D.
22nd Amendment
Correct Answer
B. 20th AmendmentExplanation
The Twentieth Amendment was ratified on January 23, 1933. This change moved inauguration day from March 4th to January 20th.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which President began the tradition of worship before the swearing in ceremony?
- A.
Abraham Lincoln
- B.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
- C.
John F. Kennedy
- D.
Ronald Reagan
Correct Answer
B. Franklin D. RooseveltExplanation
Franklin D. Roosevelt began the tradition of going to church before taking office. The on exception was the second inauguration of Richard Nixon. He did, however, attend church the next day.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who was the first President to attend an Inaugural ball?
- A.
George Washington
- B.
James Madison
- C.
James Monroe
- D.
John Quincy Adams
Correct Answer
B. James MadisonExplanation
James Madison, on March 4, 1809, attended the first official Inaugural Ball. On May 7, 1789, one week after the Inauguration of George Washington in New York City, sponsors held a ball to honor the new President. It was not until 1809, however, after the Inauguration of James Madison at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., that the tradition of the Inaugural ball began. This year the Obamas plan to attend ten Inaugural Balls.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who gave the shortest inaugural address?
- A.
George Washington
- B.
Abraham Lincoln
- C.
William Taft
- D.
Woodrow Wilson
Correct Answer
A. George WashingtonExplanation
George Washington, during his second Inauguration said:
“I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. When the occasion proper for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the high sense I entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been reposed in me by the people of united America.
Previous to the execution of any official act of the President the Constitution requires an oath of office. This oath I am now about to take, and in your presence: That if it shall be found during my administration of the Government I have in any instance violated willingly or knowingly the injunctions thereof, I may (besides incurring constitutional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony.”Rate this question:
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- 5.
What happens when January 20th is on a Sunday?
- A.
The Inauguration takes place on Monday
- B.
The Inauguration takes place on Friday
- C.
The president-elect takes the oath privately and repeats with a ceremony on Monday
- D.
The president-elect holds the ceremony anyway
Correct Answer
C. The president-elect takes the oath privately and repeats with a ceremony on MondayExplanation
Typically, when January 20th falls on a Sunday, the President-elect takes the oath privately and repeats with a ceremony on MondayRate this question:
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- 6.
When was the Inauguration first held in D.C.?
- A.
March 4, 1841
- B.
March 4, 1809
- C.
March 4, 1845
- D.
March 4, 1801
Correct Answer
D. March 4, 1801Explanation
March 4, 1801. Thomas Jefferson, sworn in on March 4th 1801, was the first person to have their Inauguration in Washington, D.C.Rate this question:
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- 7.
This President's inauguration was the first ceremony to be recorded by a motion picture camera.
- A.
William McKinley
- B.
William Taft
- C.
Warren G. Harding
- D.
James Garfield
Correct Answer
A. William McKinleyExplanation
William McKinley's inauguration was the first ceremony to be recorded by a motion picture camera. This means that McKinley's inauguration was the first time that a motion picture camera was used to capture the event on film. This technological advancement allowed for the inauguration to be documented and preserved in a new and innovative way.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who was the first President to have a televised inauguration?
- A.
Calvin Coolidge
- B.
Harry Truman
- C.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
- D.
John F. Kennedy
Correct Answer
B. Harry TrumanExplanation
Harry Truman was the first President to have his Inauguration televised in 1949.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Who was the first President to broadcast his inauguration live over the Internet?
- A.
George H W Bush
- B.
Bill Clinton
- C.
George W. Bush
- D.
None – Obama will be the first President to broadcast his inauguration live over the Internet
Correct Answer
B. Bill ClintonExplanation
Bill Clinton, in 1997, was the first President to broadcast his inauguration live over the InternetRate this question:
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- 10.
Who was the first President to take the oath of office and deliver the Inaugural address outdoors?
- A.
Abraham Lincoln
- B.
James Monroe
- C.
James Madison
- D.
Andrew Jackson
Correct Answer
B. James MonroeExplanation
James Monroe The ceremony took place on a platform in front of the temporary Brick Capitol (where the Supreme Court now stands).Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jan 07, 2009Quiz Created by
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