How Well Do You Really Know the U.S.?
These aren’t trick questions or deep-cut history trivia. They’re basic facts most Americans think they know—until they’re asked directly. No Googling, no hints. Just read the question, lock in your answer, then swipe to see how you did. Keep score if you’re brave.
1: Official Language
True or False: The United States has an official national language.
A) True
B) False
A: False
The U.S. has no official national language at the federal level. English is the most commonly used language, but it’s never been designated as official in the Constitution or by federal law.
2: The Final Star
Which state was the last to join the Union?
(Bonus point if you know what year they joined)
A) Alaska
B) Arizona
C) Hawaii
D) Oklahoma
pinkzebra, Pixabay
A: Hawaii
Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959—just months after Alaska. Many people assume Alaska came last because of its location, but Hawaii holds the final spot.
Eric Tessmer, Wikimedia Commons
3: Newest Holiday
Which federal holiday is the newest in the United States?
A) Martin Luther King Jr. Day
B) Veterans Day
C) Juneteenth
D) Presidents’ Day
A: Juneteenth
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. While it had long been observed in many states, it’s the most recently added federal holiday nationwide.
Crowdsourcing form MSS0281-PH053, Wikimedia Commons
4: America’s Oldest Constitution
Which state has the oldest written constitution still in use?
A) Virginia
B) Massachusetts
C) New York
D) Pennsylvania
Unknown authorUnknown author., Wikimedia Commons
A: Massachusetts
Massachusetts adopted its constitution in 1780, and it’s still in effect today. That makes it not only the oldest state constitution in the U.S., but the oldest functioning written constitution in the world—older than the U.S. Constitution itself.
5: The Constitution Test
How many amendments are in the U.S. Constitution?
A) 10
B) 15
C) 21
D) 27
Constitutional Convention, Wikimedia Commons
A: 27
The Bill of Rights makes up the first 10, but there are 27 total amendments. The most recent one was ratified in 1992—even though it was originally proposed more than 200 years earlier.
1st United States Congress, Wikimedia Commons
6: Airport Security
Which federal agency runs airport security screenings in the U.S.?
A) FBI
B) DHS
C) TSA
D) FAA
A: TSA
The Transportation Security Administration was created after 9/11 and is responsible for passenger screening at U.S. airports. While it operates under the Department of Homeland Security, TSA itself handles the checkpoints travelers deal with.
Michael Ball, Wikimedia Commons
7: Senate Terms
How long is a U.S. senator’s term?
A) 2 years
B) 4 years
C) 6 years
D) 8 years
A: 6 years
U.S. senators serve six-year terms, with elections staggered so only about one-third of the Senate is up for reelection at any given time. It’s designed to provide stability and insulation from sudden political swings.
U.S. Senate, 111th Congress, Senate Photo Studio, Wikimedia Commons
8: Coastline Confusion
Which state has the longest coastline?
A) Florida
B) California
C) Texas
D) Alaska
Sasha • Make Stories Studio, Unsplash
A: Alaska
Alaska’s jagged coastline and thousands of islands give it more shoreline than all other states combined. It’s not even close.
Didier Moïse, Wikimedia Commons
9: Supreme Numbers
How many justices currently sit on the Supreme Court?
A) 7
B) 9
C) 11
D) 13
A: 9
The Constitution doesn’t specify a number, but Congress has set it at nine since 1869. Despite frequent political debate, that number hasn’t changed in over 150 years.
Leffler, Warren K., photographer, Wikimedia Commons
10: First Capital
What was the first capital of the United States?
A) Washington, D.C.
B) Philadelphia
C) Boston
D) New York City
A: New York City
New York City was the nation’s first capital, and it’s where George Washington was inaugurated. Philadelphia served later before Washington, D.C. became permanent.
11: Amendment History
Which constitutional amendment was repealed?
(Bonus point if you know what the amendment was)
A) The 16th
B) The 18th
C) The 19th
D) The 22nd
dbking from Washington, DC, Wikimedia Commons
A: The 18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment established Prohibition, banning the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol nationwide. It was repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933.
12: Constitutional Power
True or False: A constitutional amendment can be overturned by the Supreme Court.
A) True
B) False
A: False
The Supreme Court can interpret constitutional amendments, but it cannot overturn them. Only another amendment can change or repeal an existing one.
13: National Motto
What is the official motto of the United States?
A) E pluribus unum
B) Liberty or death
C) In God We Trust
D) Land of the free
A: In God We Trust
Although E pluribus unum appears on the Great Seal, In God We Trust became the official national motto in 1956 and appears on U.S. currency.
14: Currency Rules
True or False: U.S. law prohibits living persons from appearing on circulating currency.
A) True
B) False
A: True
Federal law bans living individuals from appearing on U.S. coins and paper currency. Every person shown must be deceased—a rule that’s been in place for over a century.
15: Founding Count
How many original colonies formed the United States?
(Bonus point if you can name all of them)
A) 10
B) 13
C) 15
D) 16
A: 13
The original 13 colonies declared independence from Britain in 1776, laying the foundation for the United States as it exists today.
Jaipasdepseudo, Wikimedia Commons
Final Score
If you got 10 or more right (without cheating), you’re above average. Was it easy, or harder than you expected? Feel free to drop your score in the comments and see how you stack up.
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