Facts That Every American Should Know! GK Quiz

1. Who was the first president of the United States of America?

After the Revolutionary War, George Washington was offered the position of king. Washington declined to say that he would never be king but he would take the position of president if elected. He thought no man should be given absolute power, no man should have power for life, and the leader of a country should be elected by the citizens of that country.

Explanation

After the Revolutionary War, George Washington was offered the position of king. Washington declined to say that he would never be king but he would take the position of president if elected. He thought no man should be given absolute power, no man should have power for life, and the leader of a country should be elected by the citizens of that country.

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2. In what year did Columbus sail across the Atlantic?

1492

1792

1692

1992

Columbus sailed the ocean blue / In fourteen hundred ninety-two. Of course, his aim was to find a new route to the Far East. He landed on Hispaniola in what is now the Dominican Republic.

Explanation

Columbus sailed the ocean blue / In fourteen hundred ninety-two. Of course, his aim was to find a new route to the Far East. He landed on Hispaniola in what is now the Dominican Republic.

3. On what date did the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor?

November 7

October 7

December 7

July 7

The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Soon after, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared war on Japan entering the United States in World War II.

Explanation

The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Soon after, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared war on Japan entering the United States in World War II.

4. On what date did the Revolutionary War officially end?

September 3, 1783

September 7, 1787

November 3, 1783

July 4, 2009

The Revolutionary War officially ended on September 3, 1783. This date is significant because it marked the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the war between Great Britain and the United States. The treaty recognized the independence of the United States and established its boundaries. Therefore, September 3, 1783, is the correct answer as it represents the official end of the Revolutionary War.

Explanation

The Revolutionary War officially ended on September 3, 1783. This date is significant because it marked the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the war between Great Britain and the United States. The treaty recognized the independence of the United States and established its boundaries. Therefore, September 3, 1783, is the correct answer as it represents the official end of the Revolutionary War.

5. Which NASA mission first landed men on the moon?

Apollo 11 was the first manned spacecraft to land on the moon. Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon and he was shortly followed by crewmate Buzz Aldrin.

Explanation

Apollo 11 was the first manned spacecraft to land on the moon. Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon and he was shortly followed by crewmate Buzz Aldrin.

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6. What state was the first to enter the union, i.e. was the first to ratify the United States Constitution?

Rhode Island

Delaware

Virginia

New Jersey

Delaware was the first state to ratify the US Constitution and is therefore known as the "First State".

Explanation

Delaware was the first state to ratify the US Constitution and is therefore known as the "First State".

7. What is the official language of the United States?

Spanish

French

English

None of the Above

English is the de facto national language of the United States, but it is not the official language. There is no official language of the United States, although there have been proposed Constitutional amendments throughout history that have sought to make English the official language.

Explanation

English is the de facto national language of the United States, but it is not the official language. There is no official language of the United States, although there have been proposed Constitutional amendments throughout history that have sought to make English the official language.

8. ___________________ was first to sign the Declaration of Independence.

John Hancock John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. His signature was not only the first but the largest. Hancock was the only one of the 56 signers to sign on July 4th, most signed on August 2, 1776.

Explanation

John Hancock John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. His signature was not only the first but the largest. Hancock was the only one of the 56 signers to sign on July 4th, most signed on August 2, 1776.

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9. Who was the first female Supreme Court Justice?

Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court in 1981.

Explanation

Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court in 1981.

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