15 July 2008
U.S.A. FAQs
What is the significance of the stars and stripes in the U.S. flag?
The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies, and each star stands for a state. The number of stars and the pattern have, therefore, changed whenever states have been added. There have been 50 stars since Alaska and Hawaii joined the union in 1959.
Why are the U.S. national colors red, white, and blue?
When the Great Seal was approved in 1782, the secretary of the Continental Congress stated that the white signified purity and innocence, the red stood for hardiness and valor, and the blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
How many states are there in the United States?
There are 50 states. The District of Columbia (Washington, DC) is a special federal district created to serve as the capital. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth associated with the United States. Other dependent areas include American Samoa, Guam, the Midway Islands and the Virgin Islands.
What is the official symbol of the United States?
The bald eagle first appeared as an American symbol on a Massachusetts copper cent coined in 1776, but Congress did not choose it as the national emblem until 1789. It was seen as a symbol of strength, courage, freedom, and immortality; and, unlike other eagles, the bald eagle was indigenous only to North America.
What are the opening words of the U.S. Constitution?
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Who was called the "Father of the Constitution"?
James Madison, of Virginia, was preeminent in drafting the document and persuasive in his advocacy at the Constitutional Convention.
Who presided over the Constitutional Convention?
George Washington, chosen unanimously.
How long did it take to frame the Constitution?
It was drafted in fewer than 100 working days.
In what order did the states ratify the Constitution?
In the following order: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, and New York. After Washington had been inaugurated, North Carolina and Rhode Island ratified the Constitution.
When did the phrase "The United States of America" originate?
The first known use of the formal term "United States of America" was in the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Paine, in February, 1776, had written of "Free and independent States of America." The terms "United Colonies," "United Colonies of America," "United Colonies of North America," and also "States," were used in 1775 and 1776.
How many amendments have been added to the U.S. Constitution since its adoption in 1789?
There have been 27 amendments added to the Constitution.
What are the most often quoted words of the Declaration of Independence?
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
What are the words to the first verse of "The Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States?
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
