Who was the first president of the USA?
Every big project has a big leader, and the new USA was in need of a larger-than-life figure that could unite all the colonies. The obvious choice of the time was beloved general George Washington, and he accepted the role of President. Originally, he was offered the chance to be king! But no, said George. Just a temp position, please!
What is America's national bird?
It's hard to believe, but at least one founder wanted the national bird to be the turkey. Benjamin Franklin believed this big bird had courage, explaining it "would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British guards who should presume to invade his farm yard with a red coat on." A few colleagues with good sense fought the idea and eventually settled on the majestic bald eagle. Thank those stars and stripes!
Who was the only president to resign, ever?
Richard Nixon had a long career as a senator before he won the big time. But as president, his term did not last long. A scandal regarding the burglary of his rival's documents at a hotel became a national story. It was hard to brush off, and the prez resigned when he realized Congress had enough votes to impeach him. Nixon knew a checkmate when he saw one!
Which country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the USA?
The Statue of Liberty is iconic, and it's all thanks to France. England's main rival offered the copper gift to its new friends abroad. America accepted the fancy new art piece designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel. Both were at the top of their field, back in the day. It was cutting edge, in 1886!
Which is the biggest American city, by population?
It's a no-brainer. Which is America's biggest city? New York City, of course! No other metro area quite competes with its population, at more than 8 million people today. Divided into hundreds of neighborhoods, there's never a shortage of novelty or new. Broadly, the 5 boroughs are the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Everyone has their favorite. And uniting them all is Central Park!
How many states were there at the founding of the country?
The United States was much smaller at the beginning, believe it or not. Just 13 colonies existed at the time of the revolution: New Hampshire, Virginia, Delaware, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Since then, the union has certainly gotten a bit bigger!
Which country did America fight in its revolution?
The American Revolution was an insurrection that turned into a full-scale war. The fighting occurred between 1775 and 1783, across the land from north to south. Throwing off British rule was no easy task, but the Declaration of Independence helped make this dream a reality. Colonists put their money where their mouths were, so to say. Live free or die trying!
Which island is a U.S. territory, but not a state?
Puerto Rico is more than just a lovely vacation spot for Americans. It's a part of the country, in a roundabout way. The residents of the island are actually U.S. citizens and maintain the right to freely go back and forth between the island and the mainland. But they remain separate, in a few important ways as a territory. On one hand, they cannot vote in national elections. On the other, they do not fully pay income tax!
Which was the first state in the union?
There's a first for everything. U.S. statehood included! Way back during the debates over independence, one brave state decided to sign the papers right away. In 1776, Delaware decided to say goodbye to its relationship with Great Britain. With their early loyalty to the United States Constitution, they retrain their nickname of ''the first state'' to this day!
Where is Mount Rushmore?
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a glorious hunk of rock. But where is it, exactly? As it turns out, the massive sculpture is located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. The 60-foot high mountain modification was finished in 1941, and U.S. presidents George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln are honored. There's nothing quite like it, anywhere in the world!
What actually happened on July 4?
While it's celebrated every year with fireworks, not everyone remembers the exact details of the day. The American revolution happened in a series of events, but July 4 is not the actual moment the Declaration of Independence was signed. The final draft of the Declaration was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, although the date of its signing has long been disputed. Most historians have concluded that it was signed on August 2, 1776, nearly a month after its adoption, and not on July 4 as is commonly believed.
Which U.S. state was once its own republic?
Don't mess with Texas, they said. Remember the Alamo, they shouted. All these sayings have a context, and that is a secret, independent history. Many do not know that Texas was actually a republic in the 1800s, after breaking free from Mexico. They were quickly recognized by the United States as the independent Republic of Texas. But soon, they joined in as a proud state!
Where did Martin Luther King Jr. give his “I Have a Dream” speech?
It was one of the most famous speeches in American history, and MLK gave it in an iconic location. The Civil Rights Movement had been going for years, but it was time to make a big splash in the capital. During the March on Washington, more than 250,000 gathered to listen to a new vision for the future. In the end, it came true!
Which European country helped the American colonies win the revolution?
Who really helped defeated England? France had been a rival for centuries, and the new world spat was seen as an interesting opportunity. Supporting the colonists, money, troops, arms, extra military leadership, and even naval support were provided to help win the war. The Continental Army achieved victory, in the end. But honestly, not all on their own!
Which is the most recent state to join the union?
Sure, Delaware was the first state. But which was the last state? So far, 50 units make up the USA, and Hawaii is the most recent addition. It had been annexed for some time as a result of the Spanish-American War: Pearl Harbor was pretty useful, even back then. In 1959, the territory got upgraded to a state. America finally had its own pineapple!
What state is shaped like this?
It's true, Utah doesn't have the wildest shape out there. It's a box, for the most part. But because of its symmetry and design, there's an interesting crossroads: as one of the "Four Corners States," Utah is one of four states that all touch at one point. It is possible to stand right on the border of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah at the same time!
Which American president freed the slaves?
As the history books point out, honest Abe Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 was the big move that freed the enslaved of America. During the Civil War, many plantation owners were determined to keep their economic system or at least the independence to choose their forced labor. But Lincoln refused to let this go on, any further. The north won that argument, as most have noticed by now!
Which branch of government makes the laws?
Laws are everywhere, but where do they really come from? As it turns out, it's one branch that does it all. The legislative branch of the federal government makes new laws, and this means congress. Divided into the House and Senate, reps can declare war, regulate commerce between states, and control taxes and spending. On the state level, mini congresses decide local policies!
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
The separation of the colonies from England happened in steps, like most big events. By issuing the Declaration of Independence, a goal was set. It was time to break away from the king, even if the next chapter was unclear. On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies declared a divorce. The document summarized their grievances and motivations. Today, those values are still cherished by millions!
Which of these states was not one of the original 13 colonies?
The United States of America started out much smaller, as many know. But which modern-day states were really there first? After declaring independence in 1776, the union was New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Vermont joined only in 1791!
What is the capital of the USA?
Sure, NYC is the biggest city. And maybe LA is the coolest city. But the actual capital remains Washington, D.C., located on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. The founding fathers wanted an area for federal business to be conducted, and that meant it could not also be a state. The city retains its special status today and hosts hundreds of thousands of employees. Its resident population is actually quite small, though!
What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution called?
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution are actually called the Bill of Rights. Founding father James Madison wrote them, emphasizing all the limitations of government power. It turns out a lot of things would be prohibited in the new country: No forced hosting of soldiers in people's homes, no confiscation of guns, no restrictions on free speech in public squares, and much more. It was a radical vision for the time!
What ocean is on the American East Coast?
As residents from New York to Florida know well, the ocean on the east coast is the Atlantic. It's the second-largest in the world, beat by the Pacific. But standing at the shore, no one would know the stats! Vacations at Myrtle Beach in the south and Cape Cod in the north are nationally famous. Surfin' USA might be seen as a West Coast thing, but it does happen here, too!
Which is not a branch of the U.S. military?
Currently, the American military is divided in 6 ways: The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard have been traditional branches for a long, long time. But now, there's a new one: Space Force! Under President Donald Trump, the newest organization to fight enemies abroad and up, up above was established. The future of warfare will be interesting, say Star Wars fans!
Which state has the highest peak in the U.S.?
Alaska is home to Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America. Its summit is 20,310 feet above sea level, and many brave souls have attempted to climb it. But adventurers who have this peak on their wish list may not know that President Barack Obama renamed it in 2015: Mt. McKinley is now called Denali, after the local Native American language!
What is the American voting age?
Believe it or not, 18 was not always the voting age for American citizens. For some time, it varied across the country, with some states requiring 21 years on earth to make ballot box decisions. That all changed in 1970, when President Richard Nixon signed a new law. He made the voting age a national issue as part of an update to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Youngsters were being drafted to war. Now, people said voting was a no-brainer!
Which state has the biggest population?
It should come as no surprise that a whole lot of Americans chose sunny California over the decades. There was so much to see and do, and sunshine to make it all worthwhile. Today, Cali has the highest resident count, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. With around 40 million people, it's larger than many countries out there!
Which branch of government enforces the laws?
Sure, making the laws is lots of fun. But how these be implemented, in reality? The Executive Branch of the U.S. Government ensures that the ideas Americans vote for actually become the law of the land. This branch includes many national agencies, the President, the FBI, the CIA, the military, and more. Somebody has to carry it all out, right?
Which is the biggest state in the USA, in landmass?
Bears, gold, and snow are all associated with Alaska in the American psyche today. But what is its most impressive feature? It may not be the most populated, but Alaska is intimidating in terms of size. Geographical size, that is! As the largest state in the union, it could easily hold dozens of other states in its borders. At 1,481,348 sq km, Alaska is more than 15% of the total United States!
Which amendment protects the right for citizens to own a gun?
While many countries do not allow citizens to own guns, the USA was founded with this right as a fundamental aspect of citizenship in the new project. The Second Amendment outlines the basic terms: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Today, there are almost 400 million privately owned American guns!
How many years can a president serve in the White House?
Voters in America go to the polls to elect a president every four years. The same president can be voted in only two times, holding the position for a maximum of eight years. Did you know that Franklin D. Roosevelt is the only American president who served for more than eight years? He was in power from 1933 to 1945, preceding the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, authorized in 1951.
Which of the following are official National Holidays in the US?
National Holidays are holidays that have been endorsed by US law. Independence Day, which is celebrated on July 4, commemorates the nation’s declaration of independence from Britain in 1776. Labor Day, which falls on the first Monday in September, celebrates all workers. It was established as a National Holiday in 1894.
If both the president and the vice president are no longer fit to serve, who becomes president?
According to the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, if both the president and the vice president can no longer serve, the speaker of the house must preside. This has never happened in the history of the United States, though. The 25th Amendment was ratified in 1967. It established policies for presidential and vice-presidential succession.
Which of the following states borders Mexico?
Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and California are the four states that border Mexico. Arizona borders the Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora for about 372.5 miles. A portion of the border is divided by a wall, pushing illegal migrants to pursue entry via the Sonoran Desert and Baboquivari Mountain.
The Senate is composed of ____Senators.
The Senate, the upper chamber of US Congress, is composed of senators, each of whom serves an entire state. Each state is represented by two senators. There are currently 100 senators representing the 50 states of America. To qualify to run for office in the Senate, a person must be 30 years old, a citizen of the US for at least nine years, and a resident of the state during the election.
Who has the power to veto bills?
The US Constitution authorizes the president to veto bills or joint resolutions passed by Congress. This is one of the most remarkable powers the president can apply to bar the passage of legislation. The risk of a veto can cause modifications in the content of legislation long before the bill is introduced to the president.
Which of these is not a member of the cabinet?
Appointed by the president and endorsed by the senate, the 15 Cabinet members are also heads of the 15 executive departments. They serve as the president’s advisory body. Aside from supervising major federal departments, they play a crucial role in the presidential line of succession. The secretaries of energy, agriculture, and housing & urban development are all members of the cabinet.
How many justices are there in the US Supreme Court?
The Constitution authorizes Congress to decide the number of justices sitting on the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). This number ranged from five to ten over the years, but since 1869, the number has been fixed at nine. The Supreme Court is made up of the chief justice and eight associate justices. Each of them has lifetime tenure, meaning they stay until they retire, pass away, or are ousted from office.
What is the “rule of law”?
As Thomas Paine wrote, “in America, the law is king.” Basically, it means no one is above the law. All individuals, regardless of their positions in society, should be equally ruled by the law. The “rule of law” creates the foundation of an agreement for ruling authorities to live with for the protection of its citizens.
How many stripes are on the American flag?
The flag of the United States of America comprises thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton. The 13 stripes symbolize the thirteen British colonies that proclaimed liberty from the Kingdom of Great Britain and transformed into the first states in America.
Benjamin Franklin is known for which of these?
Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General appointed by the Continental Congress on July 26, 1775, three months after the wars of Lexington and Concord. This position was designed to ensure that mail was delivered as fast and reliably as possible as it was deemed crucial to the survival of the colonies. Franklin held the position for decades.
There are ____ amendments in the US Constitution?
Did you know that over 11,000 amendments to the US Constitution have been recommended, yet only 27 have been ratified? You read it right! These proposed amendments vary from personal rights to procedural laws. The United States Bill of Rights, which contains the first ten amendments, were approved on December 15, 1791.
Which of these is necessary to become a US President?
The US Constitution has set three qualifications for a presidential candidate. One must be a natural-born citizen of the United States; be at least 35 years old, and be a resident of the US for a minimum of 14 years. Note that an individual who meets these requirements could still not be eligible to hold office if they have surpassed the term limits of the 22nd amendment, or if they have been prohibited from holding any "office of honor, trust, or profit in the United States."
What are the two major political parties in the US?
The Democratic Party and the Republican Party are the two major national political parties in the United States. Though the parties vie for office every four years and have national party associations, between elections, they are supposed to work for mutual benefit. There are other parties that have periodically contested the Democrats and Republicans.
Which ocean is located on the West Coast of the US?
The West Coast of the US, also known as the Pacific Coast, is the shore along which the Western United States meets the North Pacific Ocean. The term commonly alludes to the adjacent states of California, Washington, and Oregon but sometimes includes Hawaii and Alaska as a geographic division of the US.