History
Independence
Constitution
Checks and Balances
Founding Fathers and US News
100
How many colonies were there originally. List at least 5.
There were 13 colonies.
Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island , South Carolina and Virginia
100
When was the Declaration of Independence signed?
On July 4th 1776.
100
What is the supreme law of the United States and when was it signed?
Double your points if you can name the event organised to draft and adopt this document.
The Constitution - 1787.
The Constitutional Convention.
100
What are the three branches of power of the USA ?
- Executive
- Legislative
- Judicial
100
Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
200
What prompted new settlers to move to the colonies?
Religious freedom, economic opportunities and land.
200
According to the Declaration, what should people do if a government becomes destructive of their rights?
They have the right to alter or abolish it (overthrow) and establish a new government.
200
What are the first 2 amendments of the Constitution?
100pts per amendment.
- 1st Amendment: Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and right to petition the government.
- 2nd Amendment: Right to keep and bear arms (for self-defense and militias).
200
What is the purpose of checks and balances ?
To prevent one branch from becoming too powerful (from abusing power) by allowing each branch to limit (check, control) the powers of the others.
200
Which Founding Father refused to become king and was elected the first President instead?
George Washington (from 1789 to 1797)
300
What war did the Americans fight to gain their independence?
The War of Independence / Independence War
1775-1783
300
Complete the famous expression: "We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are ..."
"...created equal"
300
Which American institution works closely with the Constitution?
The Supreme Court
300
Where do each branch of power reside?
Executive - The White House
Legislative - The Capitol
Judicial - The Supreme Court
300
Name at least three Founding Fathers.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, etc.
400
What is the "Great Compromise" and how did it impact the structure of the legislative branch?
The Great Compromise of 1787 (also known as the Connecticut Compromise) was an agreement during the drafting of the U.S. Constitution that established America's dual-system (bicameral) Congress, balancing political power between highly populated states and smaller states. The Compromise instaured Senate (equal) and the House of Representatives (proportional).
400
Complete the following sentence :
When declaring their ..............., the colonies wished to ............... from the United Kingdom and a system that they considered ............... to instaure a ................
When declaring their INDEPENDENCE, the colonies wished to SEPARATE / EMANCIPATE from the United Kingdom and a system that they considered TYRANNICAL / ABUSIVE to instaure a DEMOCRACY.
400
What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution called?
The Bill of Rights.
400
How is legislative power organised?
Congress is divided in two parts :
- Senate (100 Senators, 2 for each state)
- House of Representatives (435 Representatives, proportional with the population of each state)
400
What are the two main political parties of the USA today?
- The Republican Party (Republicans)
- The Democratic Party (Democrats)
500
What prompted the colonies to ask for their independence?
The American colonies decided to fight for their independence from Great Britain because of a major disagreement over money, power, and freedom.
4 main reasons :
- Excessive taxes : "No Taxation Without Representation"
- Growing violence and protests (Boston)
- The "Intolerable" Act
- New Ideas About Freedom
500
Name the three unalienable rights mentioned in the Declaration.
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
500
How many amendments does the US Constitution currently have?
It has 27 amendments.
500
For each branch :
- say which power they have
- say which power the two other branches have over them
500
Which elections were held in November this year? What is at stakes ?
The United States held its 2026 midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
They occur precisely at midpoint of President Donald Trump's term.
These election are crucial as they determine the majority party in Congress, which is decisive for future policies and the rest of the president's term.