Dates to memorize

Only a few civics answers are dates, but the officer expects them exactly. These are the dates you have to say as an answer, plus 1787, in the order they happened. For most, the year is enough; for the Declaration of Independence, learn the full date.

Most dates that appear inside a question, such as 1803 or September 11, 2001, are not listed: the officer says those for you, and the rest of the question tells you what it is about. 1787 is the exception, because its question gives you nothing but the year.

1. July 4, 1776

   The Declaration of Independence is adopted.

   • Q79 When was the Declaration of Independence adopted? July 4, 1776 Read it in the story →

   The country's birthday, celebrated every Independence Day. Learn the full date.

2. 1787

   The Constitution is written in Philadelphia.

   • Q82 What founding document was written in 1787? Constitution Read it in the story →

   The question gives only the year, so you have to know it. Eleven years after the Declaration, the founders wrote the rulebook.

3. 1870

   All men get the right to vote, through the 15th Amendment.

   • Q98 When did all men get the right to vote? 1870 Read it in the story →

   Five years after the Civil War ended.

4. 1920

   All women get the right to vote, through the 19th Amendment.

   • Q102 When did all women get the right to vote? 1920 Read it in the story →

   Fifty years after men, just after World War I.

5. 1929

   The stock market crashes, and the Great Depression begins.

   • Q104 When did the Great Depression start? Stock market crash of 1929 Read it in the story →

   “Black Tuesday,” October 29, 1929.