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Quizzes > History > Regional History

How Well Do You Know the First Six US Presidents? Take the Quiz!

Think you can ace the first six presidents trivia? Try it now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art cutouts of Washington Adams Jefferson and other early US Presidents for a quiz on a coral background.

Calling all history buffs and trivia lovers! Ready to dive into the lives of the first six US presidents? This engaging first six US presidents quiz is your chance to test how well you know Washington, Adams, Jefferson and their successors. You'll sharpen your knowledge in this american history presidents quiz, recall key facts about the first US presidents, and challenge yourself beyond the first six presidents in one fun go. If you're a fan of first five presidents trivia or eager for more trivia questions about the presidents , this free quiz is built for you. Jump in now and see if you can ace them all - your presidential insight awaits!

Who was the first President of the United States?
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
George Washington was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States and served two terms from 1789 to 1797. He presided over the Constitutional Convention and led the nation’s early development. His leadership set many precedents for the office, including the establishment of a presidential cabinet. Source
Who was the second President of the United States?
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
James Monroe
James Madison
John Adams served as the second President from 1797 to 1801 after serving as George Washington’s Vice President. He was a leading advocate for independence and had been a key diplomat in Europe. His presidency was marked by the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts. Source
Who was the first Vice President of the United States?
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
George Washington
James Madison
John Adams became the first Vice President under George Washington, serving from 1789 to 1797. His role was mostly to preside over the Senate, but he remained influential in early national politics. He succeeded Washington as President in 1797. Source
Which Founding Father drafted the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
John Adams
Benjamin Franklin
James Madison
Thomas Jefferson was appointed to a five-member committee and chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776. His writing eloquently explained the colonies’ reasons for seeking independence from Britain. The document was adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776. Source
Which President oversaw the Louisiana Purchase?
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
John Adams
James Monroe
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson arranged the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States. He negotiated with France for $15 million, securing territory from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. This acquisition opened vast tracts for exploration and settlement. Source
Who was the fourth President of the United States?
James Madison
James Monroe
Thomas Jefferson
John Adams
James Madison served as the fourth President from 1809 to 1817. He is known as the 'Father of the Constitution' for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His administration led America through the War of 1812 against Britain. Source
Who was the fifth President of the United States?
James Monroe
James Madison
Thomas Jefferson
John Adams
James Monroe served as the fifth President from 1817 to 1825. His presidency is best known for the 'Era of Good Feelings' marked by political unity and the Monroe Doctrine, which opposed European colonialism in the Americas. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary War and previously served as Secretary of State and Secretary of War. Source
Which President signed the Alien and Sedition Acts into law in 1798?
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
George Washington
President John Adams signed the Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798 amid fears of war with France. These laws extended residency requirements for citizenship and criminalized criticism of the federal government. They were highly controversial and contributed to Adams’ loss in the 1800 election. Source
Which President negotiated the Treaty of Ghent to end the War of 1812?
James Madison
John Adams
James Monroe
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison was President when the War of 1812 ended with the Treaty of Ghent in 1814. Although the agreement was negotiated in Europe, Madison’s administration oversaw its ratification. The treaty restored pre-war boundaries without addressing impressment or maritime rights. Source
Who was the first President to reside in the White House?
John Adams
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
John Adams moved into the newly completed Executive Mansion, now known as the White House, in November 1800. Although George Washington oversaw the building’s construction, he never lived there. Adams weathered a smallpox outbreak during his presidency while residing in Philadelphia earlier. Source
What policy warned European nations against further colonization in the Americas?
Monroe Doctrine
Truman Doctrine
Roosevelt Corollary
Marshall Plan
The Monroe Doctrine, articulated in 1823 during James Monroe’s presidency, declared that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits for new European colonization. It asserted U.S. opposition to interference in the affairs of any independent American state. Over time, it became a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. Source
Who served as Vice President under Thomas Jefferson during his first term?
Aaron Burr
George Clinton
John C. Calhoun
Elbridge Gerry
Aaron Burr was elected Vice President on the Democratic-Republican ticket with Thomas Jefferson in 1800 and served from 1801 to 1805. He later became notorious for killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel. In Jefferson’s second term, George Clinton replaced Burr as Vice President. Source
Which President’s portrait appears on the U.S. $2 bill?
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
John Adams
James Monroe
Thomas Jefferson’s portrait has been featured on the U.S. $2 bill since 1869. The reverse side depicts the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Although less common in circulation, the $2 note remains legal tender. Source
Which President founded the Library of Congress in 1800?
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
John Adams
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson advocated for a national library after the British burned the Capitol in 1814, but Congress formally established the Library of Congress in 1800 under his presidency. Initially conceived as a reference library for Congress, it has grown into the largest library in the world. Source
Which President commissioned the Lewis and Clark expedition?
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
James Monroe
John Adams
In 1804, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Their Corps of Discovery mapped the region and established relations with Indigenous tribes. The expedition provided valuable scientific and geographic data. Source
Which President faced the Whiskey Rebellion and personally led militia forces to suppress it?
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
In 1794, President George Washington led federal and state militia forces to quell the Whiskey Rebellion, a protest against a federal excise tax on whiskey. It was the first major test of federal authority under the new Constitution. Washington’s decisive action affirmed the power of the national government to enforce its laws. Source
Which President issued the Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793 to keep the U.S. out of European wars?
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
James Monroe
President George Washington issued the Proclamation of Neutrality in April 1793 to declare that the United States would remain impartial in the conflict between Britain and revolutionary France. This set a precedent for American foreign policy of non-involvement in European wars. It also spurred the first significant debate over executive power. Source
During which President’s administration did the Supreme Court establish judicial review in Marbury v. Madison?
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
John Adams
George Washington
In 1803, the Supreme Court delivered its landmark decision in Marbury v. Madison under Chief Justice John Marshall during President Jefferson’s administration. The ruling established the principle of judicial review, empowering the Court to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution. This decision significantly shaped the balance of power among branches of government. Source
Which President authorized the establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point?
Thomas Jefferson
George Washington
John Adams
James Monroe
In 1802, President Thomas Jefferson signed legislation to formally establish the United States Military Academy at West Point. He recognized the need for a professional officer corps and structured the academy under federal supervision. West Point remains the oldest continuously operating military post in the United States. Source
Which President enacted the Embargo Act of 1807 to avoid entanglements with Britain and France?
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
John Adams
James Monroe
President Thomas Jefferson signed the Embargo Act of 1807 in an attempt to pressure Britain and France to respect American neutrality during their ongoing war. The act prohibited American ships from trading in foreign ports, which severely impacted U.S. commerce. It was repealed in 1809 due to its unpopularity and economic damage. Source
Under which President did the United States engage in the First Barbary War against Tripoli?
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
John Adams
James Monroe
The First Barbary War (1801–1805) took place during President Thomas Jefferson’s administration against the state of Tripoli over piracy and tribute demands. Jefferson dispatched the U.S. Navy and Marines in one of the first overseas American military engagements. The conflict helped establish the reputation of the U.S. naval forces. Source
Who had the shortest presidency among the first six Presidents?
John Adams
James Madison
Thomas Jefferson
James Monroe
John Adams served only one term (1797–1801), making his presidency the shortest among the first six, all of whom except Adams served two terms. His term was marked by tensions with France and the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts. The other five Presidents each served eight years in office. Source
Who succeeded James Madison as President in 1817?
James Monroe
John Quincy Adams
Thomas Jefferson
George Washington
James Monroe succeeded James Madison in March 1817 after winning the 1816 election. Monroe had served as Secretary of State and Secretary of War under Madison and continued many of his policies. His presidency ushered in the 'Era of Good Feelings' due to relative political harmony. Source
Which two of the first six U.S. Presidents both died on July 4, 1826?
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
George Washington and John Adams
Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe
James Madison and James Monroe
In a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. They had been political rivals but later exchanged letters reflecting mutual respect. Their deaths on this landmark date have become a storied part of American history. Source
On what date was the Monroe Doctrine articulated?
December 2, 1823
July 4, 1823
December 2, 1820
January 1, 1824
President James Monroe articulated the Monroe Doctrine in his annual message to Congress on December 2, 1823. The policy warned European powers against further colonization or interference in the Western Hemisphere. It became a foundational principle of American foreign policy. Source
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Major Contributions -

    Recognize key achievements of the first six US presidents, including landmark policies and decisions that shaped the nation's early years.

  2. Recall Founding Era Milestones -

    Recall significant dates and events associated with early American presidencies, such as George Washington's inauguration and the Monroe Doctrine.

  3. Differentiate Presidential Policies -

    Compare and contrast major policy initiatives across the administrations of Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and Quincy Adams.

  4. Analyze Presidential Anecdotes -

    Analyze fun facts and lesser-known stories to deepen your understanding of the personalities behind the first six US presidents.

  5. Evaluate Early Presidential Impact -

    Assess the long-term effects of early presidential decisions on the development of American government and society.

  6. Apply Knowledge to Quiz Challenges -

    Use your newfound insights to confidently answer questions and achieve a high score on the first us presidents quiz.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Washington's Leadership Precedents -

    George Washington set key precedents - stepping down after two terms and establishing cabinet roles - solidifying presidential norms (National Archives). Remember the mnemonic "TVS" (Two terms, Voluntary exit, Safety net of advisors) to recall his enduring contributions. When tackling a first six us presidents quiz, these foundational choices often appear.

  2. Adams and Early Diplomacy -

    John Adams navigated the XYZ Affair and the Quasi-War with France, showcasing the young nation's diplomatic resilience (Library of Congress). His "midnight judges" appointments under the Judiciary Act of 1801 underline the early clash between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. A quick tip: think "X-Z, Q-W" (XYZ Affair, Quasi-War) to lock in Adams's foreign-policy milestones.

  3. Jefferson's Expansion Acts -

    Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled U.S. territory - an "Empire of Liberty" move praised by historians at Monticello.org. His quote "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists" highlights his unifying approach to governance. Use the phrase "JUMP" (Jefferson's UPland purchase) to recall this landmark acquisition.

  4. Madison and the War of 1812 -

    James Madison, the "Father of the Constitution," also led the nation through the War of 1812, defending sovereignty against Britain (Library of Congress). Key details include the burning of Washington D.C. and the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in 1814. A handy mnemonic: "MAD - 12" (Madison, America Defends, 1812) keeps these events straight.

  5. Monroe Doctrine & Quincy Adams' Diplomacy -

    James Monroe's 1823 Monroe Doctrine asserted Western Hemisphere independence from European interference, a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy (U.S. State Department). Secretary of State John Quincy Adams crafted its language, blending Monroe's vision with his own diplomatic expertise. Recall "MQD" (Monroe-Quincy Doctrine) to ace any first us presidents quiz question on early American foreign policy.

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