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Thomas Jefferson Trivia

Thomas Jefferson Trivia Quizzes

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Did you know that Jefferson was a passionate foodie and even introduced macaroni and cheese to America after encountering it in France? Dive into our quizzes and uncover more intriguing facts about this founding father, from his architectural pursuits to his botanical interests.
8 Thomas Jefferson quizzes and 85 Thomas Jefferson trivia questions.
1.
  Thomas Jefferson, America's Third President   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
More than just the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson had a significant impact on his country. This quiz covers some events during his term of office, as well as the men who served under him.
Average, 10 Qns, skevino, Oct 30 17
Average
skevino gold member
674 plays
2.
  President Thomas Jefferson and His Times   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
"I hold it, that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing..." Thomas Jefferson in a letter to James Madison (January 30, 1787);
Difficult, 10 Qns, socalmiguel, Apr 23 12
Difficult
socalmiguel
789 plays
3.
  The 3rd US President    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Thomas Jefferson was a very complicated and interesting man. How much do you know about him? Note: All information in this quiz can be found at www.monticello.org.
Average, 10 Qns, irishchic5, Apr 09 18
Average
irishchic5 gold member
Apr 09 18
2132 plays
4.
  10 Thomas Jefferson Questions    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Jefferson is not my favorite president because that would be Andrew Jackson. This quiz is on one of the most controversial and brightest presidents: Thomas Jefferson
Average, 10 Qns, garvol, Nov 13 20
Average
garvol
Nov 13 20
1457 plays
5.
  Thomas Jefferson Test Your Knowledge    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This is a quiz on the USA's third president, Thomas Jefferson.
Average, 15 Qns, nightwalker, Jan 31 19
Average
nightwalker
Jan 31 19
1511 plays
6.
  Thomas Jefferson - A Unique American - Part 2    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I have been reading Jon Meacham's excellent book on Thomas Jefferson, which provides an insightful look into this complex man. This is the second quiz I have written on Jefferson. We will take up his story as he runs for President in 1800.
Tough, 10 Qns, MicjealS, May 03 17
Tough
MicjealS
288 plays
7.
  Thomas Jefferson - A Unique American - Part 1    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I have been reading Jon Meacham's excellent book on Thomas Jefferson. I have long admired Jefferson and thought I knew a lot about him. Meacham provides us a detailed and insightful look into this complex man.
Tough, 10 Qns, MicjealS, Jan 07 13
Tough
MicjealS
313 plays
8.
  Jefferson's Presidency    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Quiz on the third US president's term.
Average, 10 Qns, heathernicole001, Jan 09 07
Average
heathernicole001
1449 plays
trivia question Quick Question
Who was the co-author of the Virginia Resolutions, along with Jefferson?

From Quiz "Thomas Jefferson"




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Thomas Jefferson Trivia Questions
1. Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 at Shadwell plantation in this US state, and studied under the Reverend William Douglas at St James' parish. Can you name the state in which Thomas Jefferson was born?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson, America's Third President

Answer: Virginia

Jefferson's earliest childhood memory was when he was around three years old riding on a horse. Jefferson's father was taking him to the Tuckahoe plantation. It is said that Jefferson often played on the slopes of the Southwest Mountains in search of wild game.

2. As part of his introduction Meacham gives us John Kennedy's quote on Jefferson offered on the occasion of hosting a group of Nobel laureates. What was that famous quote?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson - A Unique American - Part 1

Answer: I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.

I thought this was a delightful way to introduce us to Jefferson. The more you learn about him, the more impressive his talents seem.

3. Jefferson's estate of Monticello was not the only property he owned in the Charlottesville, Virginia countryside. Which is the name of his other 483-acre property adjoining Monticello in Charlottesville?

From Quiz President Thomas Jefferson and His Times

Answer: Montalto

Jefferson purchased Montalto on October 17, 1777. Although the land was never developed, Jefferson had plans for a possible aqueduct from the Montalto spring and an observation tower. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has announced plans to acquire Montalto for historic preservation. Nearby Highland (now known as Ash Lawn) near Charlottesville was the estate of the 5th US President James Monroe - for which it is said Jefferson was a consulting architect.

4. Thomas Jefferson was the vice president to whom?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson

Answer: Adams

Jefferson was the vice-president to Adams. At the time, it was the practice for the vice-president to be the individual who received the second-highest number of votes, meaning they were often from different parties. This was changed under the 12th Amendment in 1804, after which time the president and vice-president ran on the same ticket.

5. Jefferson is famous for having a long-time affair with one of his slaves, an affair which produced several illegitimate children. What was this woman's name?

From Quiz The 3rd US President

Answer: Sally Hemings

Many people do not know that Sally Hemings was the half-sister of Jefferson's late wife, Martha. Many historians today believe that Jefferson's affair with Hemings stemmed in part from his continuing grief over the premature death of his beloved wife.

6. When was Thomas Jefferson born?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson

Answer: April 13, 1743

He was born on April 13, 1743 to Peter and Jane.

7. Prior to becoming president, Jefferson served as vice-president from 1797 to 1801, having received the second highest number of electoral votes in the presidential election. Who received the highest number of votes, and thus became president?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson, America's Third President

Answer: John Adams

During this election, John Adams received 71 votes while Jefferson received 68 votes. During his time as vice president, Thomas Jefferson wrote "A Manual of Parliamentary Practice", which is still used today in the U.S. senate. Jefferson was the first vice-president to subsequently be elected to serve two full terms as president.

8. American history is populated by great men from a wide variety of backgrounds, Abraham Lincoln born in a log cabin for instance. What was Jefferson's background?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson - A Unique American - Part 1

Answer: Jefferson's father, Peter Jefferson, was a very successful Virginia planter with major land holdings and considerable wealth

I have long thought how fortunate we all are the Thomas Jefferson's father was rich. His father's wealth provided young Thomas with an excellent education and the social standing that came with that wealth brought the young man into close contact with some of the most important and influential people of the day. Thomas Jefferson was a man of great talents and it is possible he could have risen to great heights from any starting point. But how unlikely would it be for the son of a blacksmith to get a world class education or to be able to invest so much time in public service?

9. Jefferson was adamant that his epitaph memorialize three - and only three - of his lifetime endeavors. Which accomplishment did he consider less worthy of inclusion?

From Quiz President Thomas Jefferson and His Times

Answer: President of the United States

Referring to the Presidency, Jefferson said: "The second office [Vice President] of the government is honorable and easy, the first [President] is but a splendid misery." ...from a letter to Elbridge Gerry (May 13, 1797).

10. Thomas Jefferson would serve as ambassador to France during George Washington's tenure. Name the French lady that he would become involved with.

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson

Answer: Maria Cosway

Mrs. Cosway was a painter by trade. Jefferson wrote the longest letter of his life pointing out that his decision to leave her was because of a conflict between his heart and head.

11. Although Thomas Jefferson eventually wrote the Declaration of Independence, who did he think was better qualified for the job?

From Quiz The 3rd US President

Answer: John Adams

Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the same year he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates and was appointed to revise Virginia laws. Jefferson wanted Adams to draft the Declaration because he felt that Adams was more experienced in government matters, was a better writer, and was more aware of what the people wanted in their government.

12. Where was Jefferson born?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson

Answer: Shadwell, Virginia

Shadwell is just east of Charlottesville and was the former home of Peter Jefferson. His house burned to the ground in 1770.

13. Jefferson tried to make the government more ______ ?

From Quiz Jefferson's Presidency

Answer: democratic

He was against federal power from the beginning.

14. How did Sally Hemmings come into Jefferson's attention?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson - A Unique American - Part 1

Answer: She was part of the estate he gained from his father-in-law

Jefferson's father-in-law, John Wayles, outlived three wives. After his third wife died he took his slave Elizabeth Hemings as a concubine, not an unheard of practice at the time. Sally was one of the children from that union. Elizabeth was herself a product of a mixed union between an English sea captain and an African woman. As the daughter of John Wayles Sally Hemings was in fact Jefferson's wife's half sister.

15. Name the vice president under Jefferson.

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson

Answer: Aaron Burr

Jefferson should have forced Burr to resign. Jefferson would wear both caps during the remaining part of his presidency.

16. Thomas Jefferson is the founder of which college?

From Quiz The 3rd US President

Answer: University of Virginia

Jefferson attended William and Mary from 1760-1762, so he could not be the founder of it. He laid the cornerstone for Central College in 1817; in 1825, it opened as the University of Virginia.

17. Which university did Jefferson found?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson

Answer: University of Virginia

UVa opened in March in 1825 to its first 123 students. Edgar Allan Poe attended the university in 1826-27.

18. What was the idea behind 'laissez faire'?

From Quiz Jefferson's Presidency

Answer: the government should have as small a role as possible in the economy

Laissez faire is from a French term meaning 'leave alone.'

19. Once safely in office, how did Jefferson set about correcting what he saw as the errors of the previous administration?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson - A Unique American - Part 2

Answer: He worked quietly, but relentlessly, behind the scenes to replace and overturn policies that in his view worked against the democratic principles of the Constitution

Jefferson was a master in the art of the deal and what today we might call political schmoozing. He was also patient and kept his eye on the long term goal. He knew he could not move faster than the nation would let him. He also kept up a stream of correspondence and private dinners where he would listen, offer observations, and make suggestions, all behind the scenes. In this he brought about a major change in the direction of the Federal government securing for all time the accountability of government to the people.

20. Jefferson's wife, Martha, known as Patty, died in 1782. Jefferson was 39 years old. Why did he never remarry?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson - A Unique American - Part 1

Answer: On her death bed she made Jefferson promise not to remarry

Jefferson certainly appreciated women and did at various times become very friendly with married women. However, his promise to his much beloved wife kept him from a second marriage. His wife's mother had died in her infancy and as a girl she had two step-mothers, apparently not a happy experience for her. She very strongly did not want any of her children to be subjected to a step-mother and, therefore, extracted the promise from Jefferson.

21. Thomas Jefferson's father would pass away early in his life. Name him.

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson

Answer: Peter

His father was Peter Jefferson. He would pass away in 1758. Peter was an aristocratic land owner who would receive his land through inheritance. The Jeffersons had moved from France three generations before.

22. How did Thomas Jefferson's wife die?

From Quiz The 3rd US President

Answer: complications from childbirth

Thomas Jefferson married Martha Wayles Skelton, a 22-year-old widow in 1772. She died on September 6, 1781. She had never regained her strength after giving birth to a baby girl in May of that year. Jefferson tended to his wife himself, and after her death shut himself in his room for three weeks.

23. What was Jefferson's mother's maiden name?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson

Answer: Randolph

Jane was born in 1720 and died in 1776.

24. Who was Jefferson's Secretary of State?

From Quiz Jefferson's Presidency

Answer: James Madison

Aaron Burr was a vice president, Gallatin was Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton was a former Secretary of Treasury and Jefferson's rival. Burr killed Hamilton in a duel.

25. The 1800 presidential election showcased a tight race with Jefferson receiving 73 electoral votes, resulting in a tie with which other man, who also received 73 votes.

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson, America's Third President

Answer: Aaron Burr

Jefferson received 73 electoral votes, as did Burr, while John Adams earned 65. The house during February of 1801 decided the contest in Jefferson's favor. As a result, Thomas Jefferson was declared the third president of the United States.

26. Jefferson's history with slavery is at best confused. It is said he opposed slavery but also owned many slaves. How can we reconcile this divergence?

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson - A Unique American - Part 1

Answer: He believed slavery to be wrong and attempted several times to excise the practice, but the economic and political realities of his day defeated him on every attempt

Jefferson began his attempts to form the legal bases for an end to slavery as a representative to the Virginia colonial government. He attempted to include an even stronger version in the formation of the United States and in the early formation of laws and policies of the young nation. In every effort his attempts were turned back. He wrote that he held that slavery was a wrong and a time of reckoning would come and America would have to renounce the institution. In this he was clearly correct.

27. In which Frenchman did Jefferson place his confidence to pave the way with Napoleon for the negotiations to purchase the Port of New Orleans in 1803? His guidance and influence resulted in the Louisiana Purchase.

From Quiz President Thomas Jefferson and His Times

Answer: Éleuthère Irénée du Pont de Nemours

From his years as an envoy to Paris from the Continental Congress, Jefferson considered É. I. du Pont both a friend and confidant. At Jefferson's request, du Pont entered into back-channel communications with Napoleon's government during a personal visit to Paris in 1802. With his advance knowledge of the state of French politics, du Pont provided invaluable information to James Monroe and Robert Livingston in their negotiations with the French. He was instrumental in encouraging the French to relinquish not only the Port of New Orleans but the entire Louisiana Territory as well. du Pont emigrated to the United States after the French Revolution and in 1799 founded the I. E. du Pont company as a gunpowder mill. Today it is one of the largest international corporations. René Robert de La Salle (1643-1687); Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910-1997); Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859).

28. Young Jefferson would study the law at William and Mary. William and Mary was the second university established in the United States and the first to offer law as a curriculum. Name his mentor and law professor.

From Quiz Thomas Jefferson

Answer: George Wythe

George Wythe was the first law professor in the United States. My name is spelled Wyatt. It is said that he did have an affair with a lady who moved after becoming pregnant. Wythe was married at the time. The lady would change the family name to Wyatt from Wythe.

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