USA General Knowledge Quiz: 50 Questions with Answers
Test your knowledge with this Ultimate USA General Knowledge Quiz featuring 50 questions with answers and detailed explanations.
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The United States of America is a country rich in history, geography, politics, and culture. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to modern technological advancements, the USA has played a major role in shaping the world. This 50 Question American General Knowledge Quiz is designed to test your understanding of important American facts.
Each question includes the correct answer along with a clear explanation to help you learn while you play. Let’s begin!
1. What is the capital of the United States?
Answer: Washington, D.C.
Explanation: Washington, D.C. became the capital in 1790. It serves as the center of the federal government.
2. How many states are there in the USA?
Answer: 50
Explanation: The United States consists of 50 states. Hawaii was admitted as the 50th state in 1959.
3. Who was the first President of the United States?
Answer: George Washington
Explanation: George Washington served from 1789 to 1797 and helped establish the new nation’s government.
4. In which year was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
Answer: 1776
Explanation: The Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776, announcing independence from Great Britain.
5. What is the largest U.S. state by area?
Answer: Alaska
Explanation: Alaska is the largest state by land area and is located northwest of Canada.
6. What is the smallest U.S. state by area?
Answer: Rhode Island
Explanation: Rhode Island is the smallest state but has a strong colonial history.
7. What is the national bird of the USA?
Answer: Bald Eagle
Explanation: The Bald Eagle became a national symbol in 1782 and represents freedom.
8. What is the national flower of the USA?
Answer: Rose
Explanation: The rose was officially declared the national flower in 1986.
9. Which ocean borders the west coast of the USA?
Answer: Pacific Ocean
Explanation: The Pacific Ocean touches California, Oregon, and Washington.
10. Which ocean borders the east coast of the USA?
Answer: Atlantic Ocean
Explanation: The Atlantic Ocean stretches along the eastern coastline.
11. What is the longest river in the United States?
Answer: Missouri River
Explanation: The Missouri River is slightly longer than the Mississippi River.
12. What is the highest mountain in the USA?
Answer: Denali
Explanation: Denali, located in Alaska, is the highest peak in North America.
13. Which city is known as the “Big Apple”?
Answer: New York City
Explanation: New York City earned this nickname in the 1920s.
14. Which state is known as the Sunshine State?
Answer: Florida
Explanation: Florida is famous for its warm weather and beaches.
15. What are the three branches of the U.S. government?
Answer: Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Explanation: These branches create laws, enforce laws, and interpret laws.
16. How many members are in the U.S. Senate?
Answer: 100
Explanation: Each state elects two senators, making 100 total.
17. How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?
Answer: 9
Explanation: There is one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.
18. Who was the 16th President of the USA?
Answer: Abraham Lincoln
Explanation: Lincoln led the country during the Civil War and ended slavery.
19. What is the national anthem of the USA?
Answer: The Star-Spangled Banner
Explanation: It was written during the War of 1812.
20. What currency is used in the USA?
Answer: U.S. Dollar
Explanation: The dollar is one of the strongest global currencies.
21. Which state is home to the Grand Canyon?
Answer: Arizona
Explanation: The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world.
22. In which city is the Statue of Liberty located?
Answer: New York City
Explanation: It stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
23. Which state was the first to join the Union?
Answer: Delaware
Explanation: Delaware became the first state in 1787.
24. What do the 50 stars on the flag represent?
Answer: The 50 states
Explanation: Each star stands for one state.
25. Who lives in the White House?
Answer: The President
Explanation: The White House is the official residence of the U.S. President.
26. Where is Mount Rushmore located?
Answer: South Dakota
Explanation: It features carvings of four U.S. presidents.
27. Which country sold Alaska to the U.S.?
Answer: Russia
Explanation: Alaska was purchased in 1867 for $7.2 million.
28. What is the national motto of the USA?
Answer: In God We Trust
Explanation: This motto appears on U.S. currency.
29. Who was the first man on the Moon?
Answer: Neil Armstrong
Explanation: He landed on the Moon in 1969.
30. What is Silicon Valley known for?
Answer: Technology companies
Explanation: It is home to major tech companies like Apple and Google.
31. In which state is Harvard University located?
Answer: Massachusetts
Explanation: Harvard is one of the oldest universities in the U.S.
32. Where is the Pentagon located?
Answer: Virginia
Explanation: The Pentagon is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense.
33. When did the Civil War take place?
Answer: 1861–1865
Explanation: The war was fought between the North and South.
34. What is the largest U.S. city by population?
Answer: New York City
Explanation: NYC has the highest population in the country.
35. The U.S. gained independence from which country?
Answer: Great Britain
Explanation: Independence was declared in 1776.
36. How many main time zones are there in the U.S.?
Answer: 6
Explanation: These include Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii-Aleutian.
37. In which city is the Golden Gate Bridge located?
Answer: San Francisco
Explanation: It is one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
38. In which city is the Liberty Bell located?
Answer: Philadelphia
Explanation: The Liberty Bell is a symbol of American independence.
39. What does NASA stand for?
Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Explanation: NASA manages space exploration programs.
40. How many rooms are in the White House?
Answer: 132
Explanation: The White House contains 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms.
41. What sport is often called America’s pastime?
Answer: Baseball
Explanation: Baseball has been popular in the U.S. since the 19th century.
42. Who was the first female Supreme Court Justice?
Answer: Sandra Day O’Connor
Explanation: She was appointed in 1981.
43. In which year was the U.S. Constitution signed?
Answer: 1787
Explanation: The Constitution established the U.S. government system.
44. Name a major American automobile company.
Answer: Ford
Explanation: Ford Motor Company was founded in 1903.
45. What was the first national park in the U.S.?
Answer: Yellowstone
Explanation: Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872.
46. In which state is Hollywood located?
Answer: California
Explanation: Hollywood is the center of the American film industry.
47. What is the approximate population of the USA?
Answer: Over 330 million
Explanation: The U.S. is one of the most populous countries in the world.
48. The Mississippi River flows into which body of water?
Answer: Gulf of Mexico
Explanation: It empties into the Gulf after flowing through several states.
49. What does the Fourth of July celebrate?
Answer: Independence Day
Explanation: It marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
50. What are the colors of the American flag?
Answer: Red, White, and Blue
Explanation: These colors represent bravery, purity, and justice.
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