Part 2 — Answer key

Compare your answers after you have finished Part 1.

1. Who was the first president of the United States?
   George Washington
2. The Declaration of Independence explained why the American colonies wanted to break away from Great Britain.
   True
3. A class is studying ancient monuments. Which structure was built in Egypt as a tomb for powerful rulers?
   The pyramids
4. In the United States government, what is the main job of Congress?
   To make laws
5. Long ago, many early towns and cities grew up next to rivers. What was the most important reason for this?
   For fresh water and easy travel
6. In a representative democracy, citizens choose leaders to make decisions and create laws for them.
   True
7. All people in ancient societies had equal rights and power in their governments.
   False
8. A timeline is a tool that shows historical events in the order in which they happened.
   True
9. You are reading about the Boston Tea Party in a 5th grade history book. What happened at this event?
   Colonists dumped tea into a harbor to oppose a tax
10. A museum display shows statues of gods, vases with scenes of athletes, and information about early Olympic Games. Which ancient civilization is this display most likely about?
    Ancient Greece
11. A town is deciding whether to build a new park. All adult residents get to vote, and the choice with the most votes is used. Which basic idea of democracy does this show?
    People voting and the majority choice winning
12. While reading a history article, you see the sentence, "One cause of the conflict was unfair taxes." What does the word "cause" mean in this sentence?
    The reason something happened
13. A map shows a route that traders used to carry silk, spices, and ideas between Asia and other regions. What was this trading network called?
    The Silk Road
14. You look at a map of the Oregon Trail used by many families in the 1800s. Why did so many settlers travel along this trail?
    To seek new land and opportunities in the West
15. During the Underground Railroad, trains carried enslaved people to freedom on regular railroad tracks.
    False
16. When Europeans came to the Americas, many Indigenous peoples died from new diseases because they had never been exposed to those illnesses before.
    True
17. A soldier's letter from the American Revolution describes fighting against British troops and hoping for "freedom for our colonies." What main goal were the colonists trying to achieve?
    More land for the king of France
18. Your class compares early civilizations that started along the Nile River in Africa and the Yellow River in Asia. Which physical feature did both of these civilizations depend on most?
    River water for farming and travel
19. A local law says that children must attend school until a certain age. What important purpose does this type of law serve in a democratic society?
    It protects the right to an education
20. Arrange these events in United States history from earliest to latest.
    Correct order: American Revolution → Lewis and Clark expedition → American Civil War → Civil Rights Movement
21. A group of fifth graders is planning a mock election at school. Which actions would help make their election fair and democratic? Select all that apply.
    Counting all the votes carefully; Keeping each student's ballot secret; Allowing every student one vote
22. You read two different accounts of the same historical battle. One is written by a general who fought in it, and the other is by a modern historian. Why is it useful to study both sources together?
    To compare views and get a more complete understanding
23. An explorer's journal describes finding a sea route around the tip of Africa to reach Asian spice markets. Over time, what was one major result of European explorers finding such sea routes?
    European nations expanded overseas empires and trade
24. The Great Wall of China was built mainly to serve as a royal palace where emperors could live.
    False