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 Constitution
The Bill of Rights
Quinault Treaty
Treaty of Point Elliott
The Declaration of Independence
Circular 230
Who was the President of the U.S. in 1954?
Barack Obama
Donald Trump
Harry S. Truman
Dwight D. Eisenhower
According to the Bill of Rights, what is the second amendment?
Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Freedom from excessive bail, cruel and unusual punishments.
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
Right of trial by jury in civil cases.
Right to keep and bear arms in order to maintain a well regulated militia.
No quartering of soldiers.
Which was NOT a real cabinet position in 1954?
Secretary of Transportation
Secretary of Commerce
Secretary of Agriculture
Secretary of the Interior
How many Senators are there from each state?
4
5
6
1
3
2
Which amendment refers to the rights of accused persons?
Second Amendment
Sixth Amendment
First Amendment
Fourth Amendment
Third Amendment
Fifth Amendment
How many amendments were there in total to the US Constitution, up to 1954?
24
21
22
12
27
10
What is an unwritten law?
A law not in keeping with the constitution
A body of law which defines the role, also powers, and structure of different entities within a state
A custom or a tradition
A law in keeping with the constitution
A right carved out in the federal and state constitutions
Who declares a law to be unconstitutional?
Congress
The President
The Secretary of State
The Supreme Court
How many justices are there in the Supreme Court?
5
7
10
9
11
8
A senator is elected for how long?
6 months
6 years
2 years
5 years
3 years
1 year
Which amendment refers to the election of the President?
Seventh Amendment
Twelfth Amendment
Fifth Amendment
Ninth Amendment
Tenth Amendment
Third Amendment
Who administers the oath of office to the President?
Incoming Vice President
Outgoing President
Outgoing Vice President
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
What is the minimum age to be President?
38
50
40
42
35
45
Which amendment was a repeal of another?
Twentieth Amendment
Twenty-first Amendment
Fifteenth Amendment
Seventeeth Amendment
Eighteenth Amendment
Twenty-fourth Amendment
One Comment
Iโm south african and Iโm surprised I even got 5 out of 15!
You couldnโt pass this test, but to be fair, this is a pretty outdated test!