Back in school, if you had to attend a civics class, you might have groaned at the thought of having to sit through a lesson covering such a dry topic. You probably wondered if there was a viable use for knowing constitutional amendments and the structure of our government.
The knowledge you possess on civics is empowering, as you now have the potential to be active citizens. Being well-informed helps you understand the world around you and get yourself involved in changing the environment for the better. If you ever thought that you can't do anything beyond the higher power of the country, understanding how democracy works gives ordinary people a glimmer of hope. Individuals can be aware of what they can do to protect themselves and their community, as well as keep up their responsibility of being involved citizens.
We took some questions from an actual 8th grade civics test paper from 1954, and made them into a quiz. Do you think your knowledge of civics more than fifty years ago is up to par?
Note: As you take this quiz, remember that the questions are pertaining to the year 1954 and the answers should be relevant to that year.
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Get PremiumCan You Pass an 8th Grade Civics Test from 1954? Quiz Questions
What document serves as the plan for the US government?
The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution
Circular 230
Treaty of Point Elliott
The Bill of Rights
Quinault Treaty
Who was the President of the U.S. in 1954?
Donald Trump
Barack Obama
Harry S. Truman
Dwight D. Eisenhower
According to the Bill of Rights, what is the second amendment?
Right to keep and bear arms in order to maintain a well regulated militia.
Freedom from excessive bail, cruel and unusual punishments.
Right of trial by jury in civil cases.
No quartering of soldiers.
Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
Which was NOT a real cabinet position in 1954?
Secretary of Agriculture
Secretary of the Interior
Secretary of Transportation
Secretary of Commerce
How many Senators are there from each state?
3
5
2
1
4
6
Which amendment refers to the rights of accused persons?
Sixth Amendment
Third Amendment
Fourth Amendment
Second Amendment
Fifth Amendment
First Amendment
How many amendments were there in total to the US Constitution, up to 1954?
22
24
21
10
12
27
What is an unwritten law?
A right carved out in the federal and state constitutions
A law not in keeping with the constitution
A custom or a tradition
A law in keeping with the constitution
A body of law which defines the role, also powers, and structure of different entities within a state
Who declares a law to be unconstitutional?
The Supreme Court
Congress
The Secretary of State
The President
How many justices are there in the Supreme Court?
7
10
5
9
11
8
A senator is elected for how long?
3 years
6 months
2 years
6 years
1 year
5 years
Which amendment refers to the election of the President?
Fifth Amendment
Tenth Amendment
Seventh Amendment
Twelfth Amendment
Third Amendment
Ninth Amendment
Who administers the oath of office to the President?
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Outgoing Vice President
Outgoing President
Incoming Vice President
What is the minimum age to be President?
50
45
42
40
35
38
Which amendment was a repeal of another?
Twenty-first Amendment
Twenty-fourth Amendment
Fifteenth Amendment
Seventeeth Amendment
Twentieth Amendment
Eighteenth Amendment
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