Feeling patriotic? Take our history quiz
Saturday is the Fourth of July, and for many Americans the true meaning of the holiday will be lost on picnics, parades and fireworks. So, to get that patriotic spirit going, we're sharing a quiz to help remind folks of the history behind the holiday. We'll start with some relatively easy questions and go from there.
1. Why do Americans celebrate the Fourth of July?
A. It was the day the Revolutionary War ended.
B. It was the day the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.
C. It was the day George Washington became the country's first president.
The answer is B. We hope most people got this one right. If you missed it, you don't deserve second helpings of the potato salad.
2. Do you know who wrote the original draft of the Declaration of Independence?
A. Thomas Jefferson
B. Benjamin Franklin
C. John Hancock
The answer is A. Again, most people should have known this one. If you've missed both questions so far, you must sing the national anthem extra loud before the fireworks begin tomorrow night.
3. Do you know how long it took Jefferson to write it?
A. A few days
B. A few months
C. About 21/2 weeks
The answer is C. Jefferson was part of a committee chosen to write the declaration. It was called the Committee of Five, but the other four members appointed Jefferson to do the writing, while they offered changes and suggestions.
4. Who was on that committee with Jefferson?
A. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman.
B. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere.
C. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Hancock and James Madison.
The answer is A. We will assume you've heard of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Robert Livingston represented New York and Roger Sherman represented Connecticut in the Second Continental Congress.
5. One of these two delegates never signed the Declaration of Independence, which one?
A. Robert Livingston
B. Roger Sherman
The answer is A. Robert Livingston was called back to New York before the official signing. If you got that right, you either were lucky or you are a history buff and we apologize that this quiz is so easy for you.
6. When was the signing of the official Declaration of Independence completed?
A. July 4, 1776
B. July 5, 1776
C. Aug. 2, 1776
The answer is C. The Declaration of Independence was adopted July 4, 1776, but the signing was not completed until almost a month later.
7. Which dollar bill depicts the signing of the Declaration of Independence?
A. The $50 bill
B. The $100 bill
C. The $2 bill
The answer is C -- no fair if you peeked.
8. Who was president of the Second Continental Congress at the time the Declaration of Independence was adopted?
A. John Hancock
B. John Adams
C. Benjamin Franklin
The answer is A -- John Hancock. He also was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence and did so in a large, flamboyant style so there would be no mistaking his name.
9. What two signers died within hours of each other?
A. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
B. Adams and Roger Sherman
C. Jefferson and John Hancock
The answer is A. Jefferson and Adams both died on July 4, 1826. Yes, that's right -- July 4.
10. What year was the Fourth of July declared a legal holiday?
A. 1941
B. 1935
C. 1910
The answer is A.
If you answered at least seven of these questions correctly, you may join the other seven-or-better test takers at the front of the hamburger line. Have a happy and safe holiday.
This quiz is reprinted courtesy of the Tri-City Herald of Kennewick, Wash.
