Civics Polity ยท History
Political History and Events
1,839 Questions
Study political history through questions covering major political events, party conventions, alliances, and historical scandals. This material helps candidates preparing for civil services and polity examinations. Assess your knowledge of global political systems and historical campaigns with these practice questions.
Political parties and systemsPresidential electionsHistorical political scandalsParty conventions and caucusesPolitical alliancesGovernment policies
Political History and Events Questions
Which film is a fictionalized account of the 2016 presidential election and the rise of Donald Trump?
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All the President's Men
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Network
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The Candidate
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The Comey Rule
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Comey Rule, a 2020 miniseries directed by Billy Ray, is a fictionalized account of the 2016 presidential election and the rise of Donald Trump. The series stars Jeff Daniels as James Comey, the former director of the FBI, and Brendan Gleeson as Donald Trump. The Comey Rule is a fascinating and insightful look at one of the most consequential elections in American history.
Which film is a fictionalized account of the 2018 midterm elections and the rise of the #MeToo movement?
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All the President's Men
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Network
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The Candidate
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The Politician
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Politician, a 2019 miniseries created by Ryan Murphy, is a fictionalized account of the 2018 midterm elections and the rise of the #MeToo movement. The series stars Ben Platt as Payton Hobart, a wealthy high school student who dreams of becoming president of the United States. The Politician is a funny and thought-provoking series that offers a unique perspective on the American political process.
Which film is a documentary that examines the role of money in politics and its impact on the 2020 presidential election?
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All the President's Men
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Network
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The Candidate
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Influence
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Influence, a 2020 documentary directed by Richard Rowley, examines the role of money in politics and its impact on the 2020 presidential election. The film focuses on the rise of super PACs and dark money, and how these factors have contributed to the increasing polarization of American politics. Influence is a timely and important film that sheds light on one of the most important issues facing American democracy today.
Which film is a fictionalized account of the 2020 presidential election and the rise of Joe Biden?
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All the President's Men
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Network
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The Candidate
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The Front Runner
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Front Runner, a 2018 film directed by Jason Reitman, is a fictionalized account of the 2020 presidential election and the rise of Joe Biden. The film stars Hugh Jackman as Biden and Vera Farmiga as his wife, Jill Biden. The Front Runner is a fascinating and insightful look at one of the most consequential elections in American history.
What was the charge against Donald Trump in his first impeachment?
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Abuse of power
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Obstruction of justice
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Both abuse of power and obstruction of justice
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None of the above
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Donald Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives in 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of justice.
What was the charge against Donald Trump in his second impeachment?
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Incitement of insurrection
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Seditious conspiracy
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Both incitement of insurrection and seditious conspiracy
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None of the above
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Donald Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives in 2021 on a charge of incitement of insurrection.
What was the outcome of Donald Trump's first impeachment trial in the Senate?
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He was acquitted
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He was convicted
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The trial ended in a tie
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The trial was dismissed
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Donald Trump was acquitted by the Senate in his first impeachment trial in 2020.
What is the significance of the fact that Donald Trump was impeached twice?
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He is the only US President to be impeached twice.
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It shows that the impeachment process is a political tool that can be used against any President.
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It is a sign that the United States is in a state of political crisis.
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Donald Trump is the only US President to be impeached twice. This is a significant event that has implications for the future of the impeachment process and for the political stability of the United States.
What are the two main types of party primaries?
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Open primaries and closed primaries
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Direct primaries and indirect primaries
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Presidential primaries and congressional primaries
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State primaries and local primaries
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The two main types of party primaries are open primaries and closed primaries. In an open primary, all registered voters can participate, regardless of their party affiliation. In a closed primary, only registered members of the party can participate.
Which party held the first national nominating convention in the United States?
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Democratic Party
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Republican Party
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Whig Party
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Federalist Party
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Democratic Party held the first national nominating convention in the United States in 1832.
Which party held its first national convention in Chicago, Illinois?
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Democratic Party
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Republican Party
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Whig Party
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Federalist Party
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Republican Party held its first national convention in Chicago, Illinois, in 1860.
Which party held its first national convention in St. Louis, Missouri?
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Democratic Party
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Republican Party
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Whig Party
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Federalist Party
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Democratic Party held its first national convention in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1876.
Which party held its first national convention in Cleveland, Ohio?
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Democratic Party
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Republican Party
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Whig Party
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Federalist Party
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Republican Party held its first national convention in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1896.
Which party held its first national convention in Denver, Colorado?
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Democratic Party
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Republican Party
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Whig Party
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Federalist Party
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Democratic Party held its first national convention in Denver, Colorado, in 1908.
Which party held its first national convention in San Francisco, California?
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Democratic Party
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Republican Party
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Whig Party
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Federalist Party
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Democratic Party held its first national convention in San Francisco, California, in 1920.