U.S. Civil Service Exam 2024-2025

General Knowledge

What are the founding documents of the United States?

Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These documents established the nation’s independence, governmental framework, and fundamental rights.

Who was Harriet Tubman?

An abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping hundreds of enslaved individuals escape to freedom in the 19th century. Later, she also played roles as a scout and nurse during the Civil War.

What was the significance of the Louisiana Purchase?

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States, acquiring vast territories west of the Mississippi River from France and opening up the continent for westward expansion

Describe the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation

Issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared the freedom of all enslaved individuals in Confederate-held territory, shifting the Civil War’s focus towards liberty and equality.

Who were the “Suffragettes”?

The “Suffragettes” were women’s rights activists in the early 20th century who advocated for and eventually achieved the right to vote for women through the 19th Amendment in 1920.

What are the three branches of the U.S. government?

Executive (headed by the President), Legislative (consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives), and the Judicial (led by the Supreme Court)

Describe the principle of “checks and balances.”

“Checks and balances” is a system in which each branch of government can limit or check the power of the other branches, preventing any single branch from gaining too much authority

What is the central role of the Executive branch?

Enforces federal laws, directs national defense and foreign policy, and conducts diplomacy with other nations.

How does the Constitution allocate powers between federal and state governments?

The Constitution uses the principles of “federalism,” granting certain powers exclusively to the federal government, reserving some for states, and allowing some to be shared

What is the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ensuring specific rights and liberties to individuals and states.

What was the significance of the Paris Agreement?

The Paris Agreement, signed in 2016, is an international treaty to address climate change by limiting global temperature rises. The U.S. initially joined, later withdrew and then rejoined the agreement.

Describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically affected the U.S. with significant loss of life, economic downturns, shifts to remote work, and pressing discussions on public health policies.

How has social media influenced U.S. politics in recent years?

Social media has reshaped political engagement, enabling direct communication between officials and the public, amplifying grassroots movements, and playing roles in election campaigns and policy debates.

What are some current discussions on immigration reforms in the U.S.?

Current immigration discussions focus on issues like DACA, border security measures, pathways to citizenship, and refugee resettlement policies.

Why was the Black Lives Matter movement significant?

The Black Lives Matter movement, initiated in 2013, gained widespread attention for advocating against systemic racism and violence towards Black individuals, significantly influencing national conversations on race and justice.

What sparked the American Revolution?

Growing discontentment with British rule by the 13 American colonies

Which battles culminated in America’s Independence?

Lexington, Concord, surrender at Yorktown

When was the American Revolution?

1775-1783

Why was the Civil War fought?

Over the institution of slavery

What were the two sides that fought during the Civil War?

North and South

How did the Civil War end?

Confederacy’s surrender

What did the Confederacy’s surrender signify?

The abolishment of slavery

When did the U.S. enter WWI?

1917

When did the U.S. enter WWII?

After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941

What was the result of the World Wars?

America emerging as a global power

When did the Civil Rights movement take place?

1950s - 1960s

What did the Civil Rights movement hope to achieve?

Racial equality

What were some significant events that took place during the Civil Rights movement?

Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, MLK Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech

When did the moon landing take place?

1969

The ___ mission successfully landed the first humans on the moon

Apollo 11

When was the Declaration of Independence written?

1776

What did the Declaration of Independence do?

Declared the 13 colonies’ independence from Britain

Who primarily authored the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson

What did the Declaration of Independence proclaim?

The inherent rights of individuals, emphasizing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

When was the U.S. Constitution written?

1787

Which document established America’s government structure?

Constitution

How many articles are in the Constitution?

Seven

How many amendments are in the Constitution?

27

What does the Constitution guarantee?

Liberties and rights

When was the Bill of Rights written?

1791

What are the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution

What did the Bill of Rights ensure?

Personal freedoms, limitations on government power, and rights not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution

Who was the first U.S. precedent that played a key role in the American Revolution?

George Washington

Who was America’s president during the Civil War, preserved the Union, and eventually abolished slavery?

Abraham Lincoln

Who championed non-violent protests and gave powerful speeches advocating racial equality during the Civil Rights movement?

Martin Luther King Jr.

Who played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement?

Susan B. Anthony

Who was the only president to serve four terms and navigated the country through the Great Depression and WWII with his New Deal programs?

Franklin D. Roosevelt