100+ Presidential Trivia Questions and Answers to Test Knowledge

I’ve always been fascinated by presidential history – there’s something captivating about the individuals who’ve shaped our nation from the Oval Office. Whether you’re planning a history-themed game night, preparing for a class, or just looking to challenge yourself, these 100+ presidential trivia questions are perfect for any occasion!

I remember hosting a family reunion last summer where we split into teams for a presidential trivia contest. Even my history-buff uncle was stumped by some of these questions, while my teenage niece surprised everyone with her knowledge of presidential pets. That’s the beauty of good trivia – it brings people together and often reveals unexpected knowledge!

Founding Fathers and Early Presidents

The early days of our republic set the foundation for presidential traditions and powers. These questions explore the leaders who shaped the office during its formative years.

Who was the first President of the United States? Answer: George Washington
Which Founding Father and President died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence? Answer: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (both died on the same day)
Who was the only President to be unanimously elected by the Electoral College? Answer: George Washington (both times he ran)

Which President was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence? Answer: Thomas Jefferson
Who was the shortest-serving president who died of pneumonia just 31 days after taking office? Answer: William Henry Harrison
Which early President was known as “The Father of the Constitution”? Answer: James Madison

Who was the first President to live in the White House? Answer: John Adams
Which President was a key author of the Federalist Papers? Answer: James Madison
Who was the only President to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court? Answer: William Howard Taft

Which President was the first to be born after the American Revolution? Answer: Martin Van Buren
Which President was the first to be born a U.S. citizen? Answer: Martin Van Buren
What was George Washington’s political party? Answer: None (he was unaffiliated/non-partisan)

Which President purchased the Louisiana Territory from France? Answer: Thomas Jefferson
Who was the only President to serve non-consecutive terms? Answer: Grover Cleveland (22nd and 24th President)
Which President founded the University of Virginia? Answer: Thomas Jefferson

Who was the first President to be impeached? Answer: Andrew Johnson
Which President was the grandson of former President William Henry Harrison? Answer: Benjamin Harrison
What was Thomas Jefferson’s profession before becoming President? Answer: Lawyer, farmer, architect, scientist, writer

Which President was known as “Old Hickory”? Answer: Andrew Jackson
Who was the shortest President at 5’4″? Answer: James Madison

Looking for more fascinating historical questions? Our history trivia collection offers even more brain-teasers about the past.

19th Century Presidential Facts

The 19th century saw America expand westward, endure a Civil War, and emerge as an industrial power – all under the leadership of some remarkable presidents.

Which President led the Union during the Civil War? Answer: Abraham Lincoln
Who was the first President to be assassinated? Answer: Abraham Lincoln

Which President signed the Emancipation Proclamation? Answer: Abraham Lincoln
Who was President during the Mexican-American War? Answer: James K. Polk
Which 19th century President had the nickname “His Accidency”? Answer: John Tyler

Who was the only bachelor President in the 19th century? Answer: James Buchanan
Which President was a former Union General during the Civil War? Answer: Ulysses S. Grant
Who was the youngest President of the 19th century? Answer: Ulysses S. Grant (46 years old at inauguration)

Which President signed the Homestead Act of 1862? Answer: Abraham Lincoln
Who was President during the Panic of 1837? Answer: Martin Van Buren
Which President was impeached after firing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton? Answer: Andrew Johnson

Who was the last President to have served in the American Revolution? Answer: James Monroe
Which President was known as the “Napoleon of Protection” for his high tariff policies? Answer: William McKinley
Who was the first President to be photographed while in office? Answer: James K. Polk

Which President signed the bill creating Yellowstone National Park? Answer: Ulysses S. Grant
Who was the President during the California Gold Rush? Answer: James K. Polk (started during his term) and Zachary Taylor
Which 19th century President later served in the House of Representatives after his presidency? Answer: John Quincy Adams

Who was President during the Compromise of 1850? Answer: Millard Fillmore
Which President had the campaign slogan “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too”? Answer: William Henry Harrison
Who was the last President of the 19th century? Answer: William McKinley

If you enjoy testing your knowledge of American history, you might also like our US States trivia questions that cover fascinating facts about all 50 states.

20th Century Presidential Trivia

The 20th century saw America become a global superpower through two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the Cold War – all under presidents who left distinctive legacies.

Who was the first President to win a Nobel Peace Prize? Answer: Theodore Roosevelt

Which President led the United States during most of World War II? Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Who was the only President to serve more than two terms? Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt (served 4 terms)
Which President ordered the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Answer: Harry S. Truman

Who was President during the Cuban Missile Crisis? Answer: John F. Kennedy
Which President resigned from office due to the Watergate scandal? Answer: Richard Nixon
Who was the oldest elected President in the 20th century? Answer: Ronald Reagan (69 years old at first inauguration)

Which President established the Peace Corps? Answer: John F. Kennedy
Who was President during the Iran Hostage Crisis? Answer: Jimmy Carter
Which President implemented the New Deal? Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt

Who was the first President born in the 20th century? Answer: John F. Kennedy
Which President pardoned Richard Nixon? Answer: Gerald Ford
Who was President during the Spanish-American War? Answer: William McKinley

Which President was known as the “Great Communicator”? Answer: Ronald Reagan
Who was President when the Berlin Wall fell? Answer: George H.W. Bush
Which President was formerly the Director of the CIA? Answer: George H.W. Bush

Who was the first President to appear on television? Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Which President was known for his “Square Deal” domestic policies? Answer: Theodore Roosevelt
Who was the first President to fly in an airplane? Answer: Theodore Roosevelt (after his presidency) or Franklin Roosevelt (during presidency, depending on definition)

Which President was a former actor? Answer: Ronald Reagan

For those interested in exploring more recent history, check out our 2000s trivia questions that cover pop culture, politics, and major events.

Modern Presidential Knowledge

Recent presidents have faced new challenges including terrorism, economic crises, and a global pandemic – test your knowledge of contemporary presidential history.

Who was President during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks? Answer: George W. Bush
Which President won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009? Answer: Barack Obama
Who was the first African American President? Answer: Barack Obama

Which President oversaw the operation that killed Osama bin Laden? Answer: Barack Obama
Who was President during the 2008 financial crisis? Answer: George W. Bush
Which President served as Vice President under Gerald Ford? Answer: None – he appointed Nelson Rockefeller as VP

Who was the first President born after World War II? Answer: Bill Clinton
Which President was impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate in 1999? Answer: Bill Clinton
Who was the oldest person to be inaugurated as President? Answer: Joe Biden (78 years old)

Which President signed the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)? Answer: Barack Obama
Who was the first President to use Twitter extensively while in office? Answer: Donald Trump
Which President was a former Governor of Arkansas? Answer: Bill Clinton

Who was the first President to be impeached twice? Answer: Donald Trump
Which President was a former Governor of Texas? Answer: George W. Bush
Who was the 45th President of the United States? Answer: Donald Trump

Which President graduated from Yale University? Answer: George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush
Who was Vice President under Barack Obama? Answer: Joe Biden
Which President was formerly a businessman and reality TV star? Answer: Donald Trump

Who defeated John McCain in the 2008 presidential election? Answer: Barack Obama
Which President had the campaign slogan “Yes We Can”? Answer: Barack Obama

If you enjoy testing your knowledge about current events and politics, our political trivia collection offers more challenging questions on government and politics.

Presidential Firsts and Records

These questions focus on the presidents who broke barriers, set records, or achieved notable firsts during their time in office.

Who was the youngest person to become President? Answer: Theodore Roosevelt (42 years old when he succeeded McKinley)
Which President was the first to be born in a hospital? Answer: Jimmy Carter

Who was the first President to travel outside the United States while in office? Answer: Theodore Roosevelt
Which President was the first to travel by airplane while in office? Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Who was the first President to appear on radio? Answer: Woodrow Wilson

Which President was the first divorced man to be elected? Answer: Ronald Reagan
Who was the first Catholic President? Answer: John F. Kennedy
Which President was the first to visit all 50 states? Answer: Richard Nixon

Who was the first President to visit China? Answer: Richard Nixon
Which President was the first to have been an Eagle Scout? Answer: Gerald Ford

For those who enjoy testing their knowledge on a variety of topics, our general knowledge trivia provides questions spanning multiple subjects.

Presidential Family and Personal Life

Behind every president is a personal story, family dynamics, and interesting hobbies that shaped who they were as leaders and individuals.

Which President had the most children? Answer: John Tyler (15 children)
Who was the first President to be married in the White House? Answer: Grover Cleveland

Which President was a peanut farmer before entering politics? Answer: Jimmy Carter
Who was the only President to never marry? Answer: James Buchanan
Which President’s daughter married in the White House? Answer: Multiple, including Lucy Johnson, Tricia Nixon, and Alice Roosevelt

Who was the first First Lady to have a college degree? Answer: Lucy Webb Hayes (wife of Rutherford B. Hayes)
Which President was formerly a professional baseball team owner? Answer: George W. Bush
Who was the tallest President at 6’4″? Answer: Abraham Lincoln

Which President played saxophone on The Arsenio Hall Show? Answer: Bill Clinton
Who was the first President to be born a U.S. citizen whose parents were both also U.S. citizens? Answer: Martin Van Buren (earlier presidents were born British subjects)

Interested in more family-related questions? Check out our family trivia collection for questions the whole family can enjoy together.

Presidential Oddities and Fun Facts

Some of the most fascinating presidential trivia involves unusual coincidences, quirky habits, and strange historical footnotes.

Which two Presidents died on the same day, July 4, 1826? Answer: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams
Who was the heaviest President, weighing over 330 pounds? Answer: William Howard Taft

Which President got stuck in a White House bathtub? Answer: William Howard Taft
Who was the only President to serve as President without being elected as either President or Vice President? Answer: Gerald Ford
Which President had a pet alligator in the White House? Answer: John Quincy Adams

Who was the only President to speak English as a second language? Answer: Martin Van Buren (his first language was Dutch)
Which President could write in Greek with one hand and Latin with the other simultaneously? Answer: James A. Garfield
Who was the first left-handed President? Answer: James Garfield (though some claim it was Harry Truman)

Which President had a pet hippo named Billy? Answer: Calvin Coolidge
Who was the only President to be elected to non-consecutive terms? Answer: Grover Cleveland (22nd and 24th President)

For more unusual and interesting trivia, our weird questions collection offers conversation starters that are sure to surprise.

Why Presidential Trivia is Perfect for Any Gathering

Presidential trivia offers the perfect blend of entertainment and education. These questions not only test your knowledge but also teach fascinating facts about American history and leadership. I’ve found that presidential trivia sparks interesting conversations and debates, making it ideal for classrooms, family gatherings, or even road trips.

During a cross-country drive with my kids, we played presidential trivia to pass the time, and it turned into an engaging history lesson as we discussed each answer. Even those who claim not to love history often find themselves drawn into these compelling stories of American leadership.

If you’re looking for more ways to spark meaningful conversations, check out our collection of thought-provoking questions that can lead to fascinating discussions.

Final Thoughts

I hope these presidential trivia questions have tested your knowledge and taught you some fascinating facts about America’s commanders-in-chief! My family keeps coming back to presidential trivia at our gatherings because it sparks such interesting conversations about history, leadership, and the individuals who’ve shaped our nation.

How many did you know? Whether you aced this quiz or learned something new, these questions are perfect for your next game night, classroom activity, or family gathering. There’s something deeply connecting about sharing knowledge about our shared American heritage.

If you enjoyed testing your American history knowledge, you might also like our Civil War trivia for more questions about a pivotal period in US history.

Did you know all the answers, or were there some surprising facts that caught you off guard? Let me know in the comments!