Fourth of July Quiz: 12 Questions on Independence Day

12 questions · answers & explanations · updated September 25, 2026

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. In 2026 the United States marked 250 years since that day. This Fourth of July quiz has 12 questions on the history behind the holiday.

The Bing Homepage Quiz celebrated the semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026, so this is a good way to review it.

Play the Fourth of July Quiz

Pick A, B or C for each question. The right answer turns green and a short fact explains it.

Fourth of July Quiz Questions and Answers

Every question with its answer and explanation. Open “Show answer” after you guess.

1. 1 Which term describes the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence?

   • A Bicentennial
   • B Centennial
   • C Semiquincentennial
   Show answer

   ✓ Answer: C. Semiquincentennial

   Did you know? The bicentennial (200th) was celebrated in 1976.

2. 2 In which city was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

   • A New York
   • B Boston
   • C Philadelphia
   Show answer

   ✓ Answer: C. Philadelphia

   Did you know? Congress met in the Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall.

3. 3 Who wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence?

   • A George Washington
   • B Thomas Jefferson
   • C Alexander Hamilton
   Show answer

   ✓ Answer: B. Thomas Jefferson

   Did you know? Jefferson was 33 years old when he drafted it.

4. 4 On which date did Congress actually vote for independence?

   • A July 2, 1776
   • B August 2, 1776
   • C July 4, 1776
   Show answer

   ✓ Answer: A. July 2, 1776

   Did you know? John Adams predicted July 2 would be the great holiday.

5. 5 Whose large signature is the most famous on the Declaration?

   • A John Hancock
   • B Paul Revere
   • C Samuel Adams
   Show answer

   ✓ Answer: A. John Hancock

   Did you know? As president of Congress, Hancock signed first and very large.

6. 6 Which two signers and future presidents both died on July 4, 1826?

   • A Washington and Madison
   • B Monroe and Franklin
   • C Jefferson and John Adams
   Show answer

   ✓ Answer: C. Jefferson and John Adams

   Did you know? They died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration, hours apart.

7. 7 Which famous cracked bell is a symbol of American independence?

   • A Big Ben
   • B Liberty Bell
   • C Freedom Bell
   Show answer

   ✓ Answer: B. Liberty Bell

   Did you know? The Liberty Bell hangs in Philadelphia; its crack appeared in the 1800s.

8. 8 From which country did the 13 colonies declare independence?

   • A France
   • B Great Britain
   • C Spain
   Show answer

   ✓ Answer: B. Great Britain

   Did you know? The Declaration listed grievances against King George III.

9. 9 How many colonies declared independence in 1776?

   • A 13
   • B 10
   • C 50
   Show answer

   ✓ Answer: A. 13

   Did you know? The 13 stripes on the U.S. flag represent them.

10. 10 In which year did Independence Day become a federal holiday?

    • A 1870
    • B 1941
    • C 1776
    Show answer

    ✓ Answer: A. 1870

    Did you know? Congress made it an unpaid federal holiday in 1870; it became paid in 1941.

11. 11 What principle did the Declaration famously state about all men?

    • A They must own land
    • B They must serve the king
    • C They are created equal
    Show answer

    ✓ Answer: C. They are created equal

    Did you know? It speaks of 'Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness'.

12. 12 Where is the original Declaration of Independence displayed today?

    • A National Archives, Washington, D.C.
    • B Liberty Hall, Boston
    • C The White House
    Show answer

    ✓ Answer: A. National Archives, Washington, D.C.

    Did you know? It is shown in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.

The story behind the Fourth of July

The Second Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776, and adopted the final text of the Declaration two days later in Philadelphia. Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft, with edits from a committee that included John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. Most delegates signed the engrossed copy on August 2, 1776.

Independence Day became a federal holiday in 1870. Fireworks, parades and barbecues are traditions that go back to the first anniversary celebrations in 1777.

The semiquincentennial

A 250th anniversary is called a semiquincentennial (or sestercentennial). The United States marked it on July 4, 2026 with civic events across the country, the theme of the July 4, 2026 Bing Homepage Quiz.

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