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Presidential Trivia: Can You Name These U.S. Presidents?

Think you know your U.S. history? Test your knowledge with this presidential trivia quiz! Whether it’s a famous quote, an interesting fact, or a key moment during their presidency, every commander-in-chief has stories that set them apart. We’ll give you intriguing clues and little-known facts about different presidents, and your job is to guess which one we’re talking about. Can you remember which president broke tradition and served more than two terms? Or who was the youngest person to take office? 

This quiz is perfect for history buffs, trivia fans, or anyone who enjoys learning more about the people who’ve shaped the country. Whether you’re confident you’ll ace it or just want to have some fun testing your knowledge, we’ve got plenty of facts to keep you on your toes. So, let’s see how well you really know your U.S. presidents—can you match the fact to the right leader?

Question 1

Question 1

Who was the first president to live in the White House?

A) Thomas Jefferson
B) George Washington
C) James Madison
D) John Adams

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Answer 1

Answer 1

D) John Adams

Second President John Adams was the first U.S. president to live in the White House, though it wasn't quite the grand residence we know today. When he moved in on November 1, 1800, the White House was still unfinished, having started construction in 1792. Adams and his wife, Abigail, arrived during the final year of his presidency, and they found a building that was cold, drafty, and lacking basic comforts. Luckily, they only lived there for a few months before Thomas Jefferson took office.

National Gallery of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Question 2

Question 2

Who was the first president to appear on television?

A) Harry S. Truman
B) Franklin D. Roosevelt
C) Dwight D. Eisenhower
D) John F. Kennedy

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Answer 2

Answer 2

B) Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt made history as the first sitting U.S. president to appear on television on April 30, 1939, during the opening of the New York World's Fair. His speech reached about 10 million viewers. He later embraced the medium with his "fireside chats," using it to comfort and engage citizens. 

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Question 3

Question 3

Which U.S. president had a pet alligator in the White House?

A) Martin Van Buren
B) Theodore Roosevelt
C) John Quincy Adams
D) James Garfield

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Answer 3

Answer 3

C) John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, is known for having an unusual pet: an alligator. The alligator was a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette and was kept in a bathtub in the White House. Adams reportedly enjoyed showing off the alligator to guests, and it became a quirky part of his presidency. Adams had a fascination with nature and was an avid supporter of scientific exploration. 

National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Question 4

Question 4

Who was the youngest elected U.S. president?

A) John F. Kennedy
B) Bill Clinton
C) Theodore Roosevelt
D) Barack Obama

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Answer 4

Answer 4

A) John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy was the youngest elected president in U.S. history, taking office at the age of 43 in January 1961. Kennedy’s presidency was marked by significant events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the establishment of the Peace Corps, and his ambitious vision for the nation’s space program, famously declaring a goal to land a man on the moon. His time in office was tragically cut short when he was assassinated in 1963.

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Question 5

Question 5

Which president was a former actor before taking office?

A) Donald Trump
B) Jimmy Carter
C) George H.W. Bush
D) Ronald Reagan

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Answer 5

Answer 5

D) Ronald Reagan

Before becoming the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan had a successful career as an actor in Hollywood. He appeared in over 50 films, with notable roles in movies like Knute Rockne, All American and Kings Row. However, this was a bit of a trick question. Technically, Donald Trump also dipped his toes into the acting world with a cameo in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

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