A surprising number of Americans struggle to answer even basic questions about their own country.
$1 Bill president
Which U.S. president appears on the $1 bill?
The answer is George Washington. Despite how simple this question may seem, many people draw blank stares when asked. Most Americans use this bill so frequently that they tend to overlook the actual person printed on it.
George Washington was the first president of the United States in 1789 and is one of the most well-known presidents.
Freedom birthday
When did America officially become independent?
America officially became independent in 1776. On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, cutting political ties with Great Britain and officially starting an entirely new nation based on the idea of independence.
Land Buy
What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
In 1803, the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France. They paid fifteen million dollars for this tract of land. With this purchase, the size of the United States literally doubled. The land acquired by this purchase reached from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.
Isolated States
Which two states are not connected to the mainland United States?
Alaska and Hawaii. Alaska is at the northwesternmost extremity of North America, bordered by Canada to the east. Hawaii is a group of volcanic islands located many miles away in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. They both officially became states in 1959.
Official Motto
What is the official motto of the United States?
“In God We Trust” is the official motto of the United States. Although the Great Seal has borne the Latin phrase “E pluribus unum” (Out of many, one) since the nation’s inception, “In God We Trust” was enacted by Congress as the official sole motto of the United States in 1956, during the Cold War, and is required to appear on paper money and coins.
Longest River
What is the longest river in the United States?
The Missouri River is technically the longest river in the United States. Originating in the mountains of Montana, the Missouri River runs for over 2,300 miles before it empties into the Mississippi River north of St. Louis. Since the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers are closely connected, you can answer either the Missouri River or the Mississippi River and still be correct on the official test.
Stripe Meanings
Why does the American flag have 13 stripes?
There are 13 red and white stripes on the American flag. The stripes represent the 13 original colonies that broke free from British rule. The colonies later became the first 13 states of the United States. The flag now has 50 white stars to symbolize the current number of states.
Border Waters
What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
The Pacific Ocean borders the entire West Coast of mainland America. From California to Oregon to Washington, and on the coasts of Alaska and Hawaii. This massive body of water affects weather, international shipping commerce, and just life in general for those who live near the coast.
War Leader
Woodrow Wilson was the president during which major war?
Woodrow Wilson was the President of the United States during World War I. Wilson kept America out of the war in Europe by strongly enforcing neutrality, but eventually roused the nation and joined the war in 1917 after German submarines sank American merchant ships.
Smallest state
What is the smallest U.S. state by land area?
Rhode Island, which is mostly on the mainland, is the smallest state. Aside from its small size, most people don’t realize just how influential Rhode Island was in the beginning of the country. At only 1,200 square miles, it’s also way smaller than most people think they remember from their U.S. Geography class.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.