1.
July 4th this year, the United States will be ____ old.
Correct Answer
B. 239
Explanation
On July 4th this year, the United States will be 239 years old. This is because the United States declared its independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. Therefore, by subtracting the year of independence from the current year, we can determine the age of the United States.
2.
Who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
C. John Hancock
Explanation
John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. He was the President of the Second Continental Congress and his signature on the document is the most prominent and well-known. Hancock's bold signature has become synonymous with signing one's name, leading to the phrase "put your John Hancock" meaning to sign something.
3.
What do the stripes on the flag represent?
Correct Answer
D. The thirteen original colonies.
Explanation
The stripes on the flag represent the thirteen original colonies. This is because when the flag was first created, it had thirteen alternating red and white stripes to represent the thirteen colonies that declared independence from Britain and formed the United States of America. Over time, as more states joined the union, the number of stripes remained thirteen to honor the original colonies, while the stars on the blue field represented the current number of states.
4.
When were the thirteen original colonies legally separated from Great Britain?
Correct Answer
A. July 2nd
Explanation
July 2nd marks the day when the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain. This decision led to the drafting and adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which was officially adopted on July 4th. While July 4th is celebrated as Independence Day in the United States, it is actually the day when the Declaration was announced to the public. Therefore, the thirteen original colonies were legally separated from Great Britain on July 2nd.
5.
Who drafted the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
C. Thomas Jefferson
Explanation
Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. He was chosen by the Continental Congress to write the document, and he drew inspiration from various political philosophers of the time. Jefferson's eloquent writing and strong beliefs in individual rights and liberty were reflected in the Declaration, making it a foundational document for the United States.
6.
What was the original national bird going to be?
Correct Answer
B. Turkey
Explanation
The original national bird was going to be the Turkey. This can be inferred from the fact that the options provided are all birds, and the question asks for the "original" national bird, implying that there was a change or reconsideration at some point. The Turkey is a plausible choice for a national bird, given its historical significance in North America and its association with Thanksgiving.
7.
When was July 4th considered a national holiday?
Correct Answer
C. 1870
Explanation
In 1870, July 4th was considered a national holiday. This is significant because it marks the date when the United States recognized Independence Day as a federal holiday. It was a way to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Prior to 1870, the holiday was celebrated in various ways across different states, but it was not officially recognized as a national holiday until then.
8.
How many men signed the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
D. 56
Explanation
The correct answer is 56. The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men who represented the thirteen colonies in America. These men included prominent figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. They signed the document on July 4, 1776, declaring the colonies' independence from British rule and laying the foundation for the formation of the United States of America.
9.
Which President(s) died on July 4th?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
All of the above is the correct answer because Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe all died on July 4th. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who were both signers of the Declaration of Independence and later served as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day, July 4, 1826. James Monroe, who was also a President of the United States, died on July 4, 1831. Therefore, all three Presidents died on July 4th.
10.
When did the Liberty Bell arrive in Philadelphia?
Correct Answer
A. September 1st 1752
Explanation
The correct answer is September 1st 1752. This is the date when the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia.