Political Potpourri Trivia Quiz

Answer: Aaron Burr

Aaron Burr was a master politician whose manipulation of truth, lack of moral scruple, and ability to obscure his true intentions were realized in a deft ability to hoodwink other politicians and world powers into doing his bidding. Even today there is much that remains unknown about Burr's activities, but what is known continues to amaze and confound scholars.

(Contributed by Dr. No)

Answer: Harry S. Truman

The Twenty-second Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified in 1951 and was the final results of the recommendations of the Hoover Commission, which was set up in 1947 by President Truman. It is still hotly debated, however, whether or not the Amendment ever needed to be ratified.

(Contributed by matthewpokemon)

Answer: Eugene V. Debs

Debs' last run for the Socialist Party was in 1920. He was arrested because of his anti-World War I stance. Woodrow Wilson, on advice from his staff, refused to pardon him. Warren Harding did but the issue had become moot at that point. Debs died in 1926.

(Contributed by Rehaberpro)

Answer: Strom Thurmond

Strom Thurmond was a South Carolinian Senator for 47 years, between 1956-2003. He was also a presidential candidate for the State Rights Democratic Party (Dixiecrat) in 1948, receiving 2.4% of the popular vote and 39 electoral votes. It was also revealed after he died that he had a daughter with an African American maid that he never publicly acknowleged.

(Contributed by thehardyboys)

Answer: Victoria Woodhull

Homer, Ohio found the Woodhull family so objectionable that town members actually paid them to leave! After settling in New York, Victoria and Tennessee (her sister) became friends with Cornelius Vanderbilt, who bankrolled their successful brokerage firm. Due to their brains, beauty, and boldness the sisters became known as the "bewitching brokers". The termination of traditional marriage, the desire for universal government based on reason (i.e. pantarchy), and the replacement of all languages with an artificial one dubbed "Alwate" were just a few of Victoria's other beliefs and interests.

(Contributed by Dr. No)

Answer: Barack Obama

It's common for lawyers who are not currently practicing law to request a "voluntarily inactive" or "voluntarily retired" status. This status allows nonpracticing lawyers to avoid financial (e.g. malpractice insurance premiums, bar association fees) and educational obligations required of practicing lawyers. However, if a nonpracticing lawyer decides to reactivate their license they are free to do so.

(Contributed by Sizzileen)

Answer: Hayes and Tilden

In 1876 Samuel J. Tilden got 51.5% of the popular vote and Rutherford B. Hayes got 47.5%. Three states were in dispute: South Carolina, Louisiana, and, of course, Florida. This coincided with a dispute over true electors in Oregon. In summary it was resolved this way: the Democrats agreed to support Hayes for the Presidency; the Republicans agreed to withdraw troops from southern states, thus ending reconstruction occupation.

The electoral college was originally determined by the number of those elected to the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each State has two Senators, allowing small States to have a strong voice. The House of Representatives is based on population, therefore giving large States control. For instance, a small State in population like South Dakota has two Senators but only one Representative. California also has only two Senators but has fifty-three Representatives.

(Contributed by Anonymous)

Answer: Lucy Mercer

Eleanor Roosevelt found out about the affair in 1918 due to the discovery of love letters written between the two parties. The Roosevelt's obviously did not divorce and some think this was to uphold Franklin's political career. It is known that Lucy and Franklin kept in touch after the unveiling of their affair, but not known whether or not the affair continued.

(Contributed by nyamo)

Answer: Franklin Pierce

Harry S.Truman observed, "Pierce was the best looking president the White House ever had, but as a president he ranks with Buchanan and Calvin Coolidge." That's gotta hurt, but in truth there were some extenuating circumstances in Pierce's private life. Pierce's wife, Jane, did not want him to be President. She also believed that the subsequent death of their son in a train crash, which occurred during their trip for Pierce to take office, confirmed that his impending Presidency was under a black cloud. As Jane became more reclusive and religiously fervent her husband turned more frequently to alcohol for solace. In fact, a Washington, D. C. policeman arrested a drunk who ran over a woman with his horse and was shocked to discover that the disheveled individual was the President of the United States.

(Contributed by Dr. No)

Answer: Gary Hart

Donna Rice was a model at thirteen. She graduated from the South Carolina University in 1980, graduating with honors. After her affair with Hart she married, became a devout Christian, and became an advocate against pornography. Being hounded by reporters, Hart sought solace aboard the yacht 'Monkey Business'. Hart challenged the press: "Follow me around. I don't care. I'm serious. If anybody wants to put a tail on me, go ahead. They'll be very bored." They did, and found Ms. Rice on his lap in a famous photo. Presidential hopes - dashed.

(Contribution Anonymous)