It’s easy to remember the big names—Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt—but how well do you really know the leaders of the United States? Could you name the only president who served non-consecutive terms? What about the one who spoke fluent Mandarin at home? And do you know which president had a pet alligator in the White House?
U.S. presidents aren’t just names in history books. They were real people, each with quirks, triumphs, and even a few questionable decisions. Some changed the course of history. Others... well, let’s just say they left a different kind of mark. This quiz will test how much you truly know about the men who’ve shaped America.
So, whether you’re a history buff, a casual trivia fan, or just here to prove you’re smarter than your friends, get ready! There’s plenty to learn, a few surprises along the way, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll walk away feeling like a presidential expert.
What to Know Before You Start
A little background never hurts. Here are some key facts that might come in handy as you take this quiz:
- As of 2025, there have been 47 presidencies but only 45 presidents. Grover Cleveland and Donald Trump both served twice.
- Not all presidents were elected. Some, like Gerald Ford, took office after a resignation.
- The shortest presidency lasted just 32 days. William Henry Harrison caught pneumonia after giving a two-hour inauguration speech in the cold. Oops.
- Presidential heights vary widely. Abraham Lincoln was the tallest at 6’4”, while James Madison was the shortest at 5’4”.
- Four presidents have been assassinated. Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy all met tragic ends.
- One president never married. James Buchanan remains the only lifelong bachelor to hold office.
Now that you’ve got a few tidbits, let’s see if that helps you score higher in the quiz!
How to Take the Quiz
Taking the quiz is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Click ‘Start Quiz’ to begin.
- Read each question carefully. Some may have surprising answers!
- Select your answer. No rush—take your time!
- See the explanation. Each question includes a short fact about the answer.
- Finish and check your score. Did you ace it or learn something new?
- Share with friends! Who knows, maybe you’ll spark a debate.
Also, if you’re competitive, our leaderboards track who’s scoring the most points across all trivia quizzes on our site. Will you make the list?
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%%title%% Quiz Questions
Which President lived the shortest life span (and was survived by both of his parents at the time of his death)?
William McKinley
John Kennedy
John Tyler
Which President was shot, but most likely died at the hands of his doctors 80 days later?
Grover Cleveland
Abraham Lincoln
James A. Garfield
Which President, known as "Old Man Eloquent", was the only one to serve in the House of Representatives AFTER his Presidency?
James Monroe
Millard Fillmore
John Adams
Who was the only President to be named as a sworn enemy of the United States?
Millard Fillmore
Franklin Pierce
John Tyler
In modern times, the U.S. has seen a father and son named Bush both serve as President. What is the last name of the only other father and son Presidents?
Cleveland
Adams
Pierce
Who was the only President of the United States to never marry?
Millard Fillmore
James Buchanan
George Washington
When shot, which U.S. President famously quipped, "I forgot to duck"?
Gerald Ford
Ronald Reagan
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
In 2006, Vice President Dick Cheney famously accidentally shot a friend while hunting quail. Who is the only other U.S. Vice President known to have shot another person outside the context of a major war (in this instance, purposefully and fatally)?
Thomas R. Marshall
Aaron Burr
Hannibal Hamlin
Which President was known for his "Fireside Chats", radio programs meant to inform and encourage the American people during a very difficult time?
Ulysses S. Grant
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Dwight D. Eisenhower
How many U.S. Presidents died on the 4th of July?
3
4
2
How many U.S. Presidents died on Christmas Day (December 25)?
1
0
2
Which President, also known as the "Tennessee Tailor", was the only one to serve in the U.S. Senate AFTER his Presidency?
Andrew Johnson
Herbert Hoover
James A. Garfield
How many US presidents were an only child?
2
0
5
The first bride married in the White House was the daughter of which U.S. President?
George Washington
Martin Van Buren
James Monroe
No Presidents have been born in the state of Louisiana. Who was the only President who made his home there (and ran for office from there)?
Andrew Jackson
Zachary Taylor
Franklin Pierce
7 Comments
9/15 – not bad for a Brit!
11/15
9/15 Not to bad for a proud Canadian. A few good guesses.
6 / 15 – 40% I don`t know anything about American Presidents because I`m an Aussie.
I got 10/15 right
11/15. Not being American I had to dig deep for what US history I’ve retained over the years. But it was a pure guess on lots of trivia I’ve either never heard, or just don’t remember hearing. Trivia is funny though, sometimes it’s the stuff you remember best just because it was interesting or weird at the time you heard it.
15/15