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Quizzes > General Knowledge & Mixed

US trivia quiz: How well do you know America?

Quick, free quiz on United States trivia. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Ain SabahUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for US trivia quiz featuring American landmarks on a dark blue background.

This US trivia quiz helps you check what you know about states, landmarks, and key moments in American history. See your score right away, then explore more with our US history quiz, take a deeper dive in a United States trivia quiz, or keep the fun going with American trivia.

What is the capital of the United States?
New York City
Chicago
Los Angeles
Washington, D.C.
The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C., designated by the Residence Act of 1790 on land ceded by Maryland and Virginia. It is the seat of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal government. Major landmarks include the White House, the Capitol Building, and the National Mall.
How many stars are on the flag of the United States?
49
13
50
51
The United States flag features 50 stars, each representing one of the 50 states in the union. The stars are arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of alternating five and six stars. The original flag had 13 stars for the founding colonies, but it has grown as states were added.
What is the national bird of the United States?
Wild Turkey
Bald Eagle
Golden Eagle
Northern Cardinal
The bald eagle was chosen as the national emblem of the United States in 1782 for its long life, great strength, and majestic appearance. It symbolizes freedom and independence. Benjamin Franklin famously opposed this choice but was overruled.
In what year did the United States declare independence?
1783
1492
1776
1812
The United States declared its independence on July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. This document announced the thirteen American colonies' break from British rule. The date is celebrated annually as Independence Day.
Who was the first President of the United States?
Benjamin Franklin
John Adams
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
George Washington served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797. He presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and is often called the "Father of His Country." His leadership set many precedents for the federal government.
How many states make up the United States?
50
51
48
52
The United States consists of 50 states, with Alaska and Hawaii being the most recent additions in 1959. Prior to that, the country had 48 contiguous states for many decades. Territories like Puerto Rico and Guam are not counted as states.
Which US state is the largest by total area?
California
Montana
Texas
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by total area, covering over 663,000 square miles. It is far larger than the next largest state, Texas. Alaska's vast wilderness includes mountains, forests, and a lengthy coastline.
Which US state is the smallest by total area?
Connecticut
New Jersey
Delaware
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest US state, covering just over 1,200 square miles. Despite its small size, it has a significant coastline and colonial history. It was the last of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the Constitution.
What is the official currency of the United States?
US Euro
US Franc
US Pound
US Dollar
The official currency of the United States is the US Dollar, abbreviated as USD and symbolized by $. It is the most widely used currency in international transactions. The dollar is divided into 100 cents.
Where is the Statue of Liberty located?
San Francisco Bay
Boston Harbor
Chesapeake Bay
New York Harbor
The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. A gift from France, it was dedicated in 1886 and symbolizes freedom and democracy. Millions of immigrants first saw it as they entered the United States.
What is the national anthem of the United States?
The Star-Spangled Banner
My Country, 'Tis of Thee
America the Beautiful
God Bless America
The Star-Spangled Banner was adopted as the national anthem of the United States in 1931. Its lyrics come from a poem by Francis Scott Key, written during the War of 1812 after he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry. The music was later set to a popular tune of the time.
Which of the Great Lakes is the largest by surface area?
Lake Huron
Lake Erie
Lake Superior
Lake Michigan
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes by surface area, covering about 31,700 square miles. It is also the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area. The lake borders the United States and Canada.
Which mountain is the highest peak in the contiguous United States?
Denali
Mount Elbert
Mount Whitney
Mount Rainier
Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet, is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States and is located in California's Sierra Nevada range. Denali in Alaska is higher overall, but not in the lower 48 states. Mount Elbert is the highest in Colorado, and Mount Rainier is the highest in Washington.
What is the longest river in the United States?
Missouri River
Mississippi River
Yukon River
Colorado River
The Missouri River, at approximately 2,341 miles, is the longest river in the United States. It flows from the Rocky Mountains of western Montana to join the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri. The Mississippi is the second longest, followed by the Yukon and Colorado.
Which founding document begins with the words 'We the People'?
The Articles of Confederation
The Federalist Papers
The Declaration of Independence
The United States Constitution
The United States Constitution begins with the famous preamble 'We the People,' emphasizing that the authority of government derives from its citizens. The Declaration of Independence starts with 'When in the Course of human events.' The Articles of Confederation and Federalist Papers are separate documents.
In what year did the American Civil War begin?
1865
1850
1861
1776
The American Civil War began in 1861 when Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The conflict lasted until 1865 and was primarily over states' rights and slavery. It remains the deadliest war on American soil.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery?
15th Amendment
13th Amendment
12th Amendment
14th Amendment
The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for a crime. It was a direct outcome of the Civil War. The 14th and 15th Amendments followed, granting citizenship and voting rights to former slaves.
Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, drafted in 1776. He was part of a five-person committee but wrote most of the document himself. John Adams and Benjamin Franklin reviewed and edited his draft before adoption.
What is the capital city of California?
San Diego
Sacramento
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Sacramento has been the capital of California since 1854, chosen for its central location during the Gold Rush era. It is the seat of the California state government. Despite its importance, it is not the state's largest city.
Which US state is nicknamed the 'Sunshine State'?
Florida
Hawaii
California
Arizona
Florida is known as the 'Sunshine State' due to its generally warm and sunny climate. The nickname was adopted officially in the 1970s to promote tourism. It appears on state license plates.
Which US city is famously known as the 'Windy City'?
Chicago
Seattle
Boston
Denver
Chicago is nicknamed the 'Windy City,' originally for its political climate and later for the breezy weather off Lake Michigan. The term dates back to the mid-19th century. It is not solely due to wind speeds.
Which branch of Congress is smaller in membership?
Senate
They vary each year
House of Representatives
Neither; they have equal membership
The Senate is the smaller chamber of Congress, with 100 members (two from each state). The House of Representatives has 435 voting members based on population. Both chambers must pass legislation for it to become law.
How many justices serve on the United States Supreme Court?
Seven
Eleven
Nine
Thirteen
The United States Supreme Court has nine justices: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This number was set by Congress in 1869 and has remained unchanged. The Court interprets the Constitution and federal law.
Which landmark features the carved faces of four presidents in South Dakota?
Badlands National Park
Mount Rushmore
Crazy Horse Memorial
Devils Tower
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features 60-foot carvings of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. It was sculpted by Gutzon Borglum and dedicated in 1941. It symbolizes the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States.
Which President issued the Emancipation Proclamation?
James Buchanan
Andrew Johnson
Ulysses S. Grant
Abraham Lincoln
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were free. It shifted the Civil War's focus to include ending slavery. It did not apply to Border States loyal to the Union.
What was the name of the ship that carried the Pilgrims to America in 1620?
Discovery
Mayflower
Endeavour
Santa Maria
The Mayflower carried Pilgrims from England to America in 1620, landing at Plymouth Rock in present-day Massachusetts. It held 102 passengers and crew. The voyage lasted 66 days across the Atlantic.
In which city was the Constitutional Convention of 1787 held?
Boston
Baltimore
Philadelphia
New York
The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia's Independence Hall from May to September 1787. Delegates from twelve states drafted the United States Constitution there. It replaced the Articles of Confederation.
Which state was the last to join the Union?
Hawaii
Alaska
New Mexico
Arizona
Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959, the last to join the Union. Alaska preceded it earlier the same year, on January 3, 1959. Hawaii's admission completed the contiguous expansion of US states.
Which national park was the first established in the United States?
Rocky Mountain National Park
Yosemite National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, was the first national park in the United States and in the world. It spans parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It is renowned for geothermal features like Old Faithful.
Which US state has Honolulu as its capital?
Puerto Rico
Guam
Alaska
Hawaii
Honolulu is the capital city of the state of Hawaii. It is located on the island of Oahu and serves as the state's political and economic center. Hawaii became a state in 1959.
What is the capital city of Nebraska?
Omaha
Grand Island
Lincoln
Kearney
Lincoln became the capital of Nebraska in 1867, when the state was admitted to the Union. It replaced Omaha, which was the territorial capital. Lincoln is named after President Abraham Lincoln.
In what year was the United States Constitution ratified?
1791
1776
1788
1781
The United States Constitution was ratified when New Hampshire became the ninth state to approve it on June 21, 1788. It went into effect the following March. The Bill of Rights followed in 1791.
Which battle is considered the turning point of the American Revolutionary War?
Battle of Saratoga
Battle of Yorktown
Battle of Trenton
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Saratoga in 1777 is widely considered the turning point of the American Revolutionary War because it secured French military support for the colonies. The American victory boosted morale and convinced France to enter the war openly.
What is the highest military award in the United States?
Silver Star
Bronze Star
Distinguished Service Cross
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious personal military decoration in the United States, awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. It has been awarded since the American Civil War.
What is the official motto of the United States?
Novus Ordo Seclorum
United We Stand
In God We Trust
E Pluribus Unum
The official motto of the United States is 'In God We Trust,' adopted in 1956. Although 'E Pluribus Unum' appears on the Great Seal and coins, it was never made the official motto. 'In God We Trust' first appeared on US coins in the 1860s.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech?
Second Amendment
Fifth Amendment
First Amendment
Fourth Amendment
The First Amendment protects freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition the government. It was ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights. Freedom of speech is one of its most cited provisions.
Which is the only U.S. state with a unicameral legislature?
Alaska
Montana
New Hampshire
Nebraska
Nebraska is the only U.S. state with a unicameral, nonpartisan legislature, known as the Nebraska Legislature or the Unicameral. It adopted this system in 1937. All other states have bicameral legislatures.
What landmark Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review in 1803?
McCulloch v. Maryland
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Marbury v. Madison
Gibbons v. Ogden
Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to strike down laws that violate the Constitution. Chief Justice John Marshall wrote the landmark opinion. It is foundational to the American system of checks and balances.
Which agency was created by the National Security Act of 1947?
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
National Security Agency (NSA)
The National Security Act of 1947 created the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to coordinate foreign intelligence and conduct covert operations. It also established the National Security Council and reorganized the military. The NSA and DHS were formed later.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Historical Facts -

    Quickly remember key events and figures from US trivia, ranging from colonial times to modern milestones.

  2. Identify Iconic Landmarks -

    Spot and describe famous American landmarks, understanding their historical and cultural significance.

  3. Analyze State Symbols -

    Examine state flags, mottos, and emblems to recognize patterns and regional differences across the United States.

  4. Evaluate Personal Knowledge -

    Assess your mastery of united states trivia quiz questions to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement.

  5. Apply Trivia Insights -

    Use your newfound us trivia expertise in conversations, quizzes, or social challenges with friends.

  6. Enhance Cultural Understanding -

    Deepen your appreciation for America's diverse heritage by exploring lesser-known facts and pop culture references.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Original 13 Colonies Mnemonic -

    Memorize the first 13 colonies in order with the catchy phrase "Never Make Rich Chocolates Then Jesus Pleased Demanding Many Very Near Serving Greatness" to recall New Hampshire through Georgia. This trick, endorsed by history departments like Harvard's, makes recalling American colonial roots effortless for any united states trivia quiz.

  2. Key Founding Dates -

    Remember 1776 for the Declaration of Independence, 1787 for the Constitutional Convention's final signing, and 1791 when the first ten amendments - known as the Bill of Rights - were ratified. These dates, verified by the National Archives, are cornerstones in us trivia and pivotal for understanding early American governance.

  3. US Census Milestones -

    The first US Census in 1790 tallied about 4 million residents, and the 2020 count reached over 331 million, as reported by the US Census Bureau. Conducted every ten years per Article I of the Constitution, these figures shape congressional representation and federal funding in america trivia contexts.

  4. Famous National Monuments -

    The Statue of Liberty, a France gift in 1886 documented by the National Park Service, symbolizes freedom, while Mt. Rushmore's 1927 - 1941 carvings immortalize Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Knowing these dates and facts boosts your score on a united states trivia quiz and enriches your cultural appreciation.

  5. Presidential Firsts and Records -

    George Washington served as the first president (1789 - 1797), Theodore Roosevelt became the youngest at 42 in 1901, and Grover Cleveland uniquely held non-consecutive terms (22nd and 24th). These presidential trivia staples, chronicled by the White House Historical Association, add engaging depth to any america trivia challenge.

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