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About President Arthur Trivia Quiz

Questions about President Arthur. One of the least known American Presidents

A multiple-choice quiz by sscottn. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
sscottn

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
111,902

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
719

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. In what state was Chester Arthur born? Hint

New York

Maine

Ohio

Vermont

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Question 2 of 10

2. Chester Arthur became president due to the death of the Chief Executive. Which president was killed allowing Arthur to be president? Hint

William McKinley

Abraham Lincoln

James Garfield

Grover Cleveland

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Question 3 of 10

3. What son of a famous President was Arthur's Secretary of War? Hint

Robert Todd Lincoln

John F. Jackson

John Quincy Adams

Samuel W. Grant

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Question 4 of 10

4. What nickname was Arthur most known by? Hint

The Gentleman Boss

The Spoiler from New York

His Accidency

The New England Tiger

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Question 5 of 10

5. What month and year was Arthur sworn in? Hint

October 1883

March 1881

September 1881

June 1883

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Question 6 of 10

6. Upon becoming president, what was one of first tasks that Arthur ordered done. Hint

Audit of past administration's books

An investigation into Garfield's death

Repayment of favors for those who voted for him

Remodel the White House.

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Question 7 of 10

7. In 1883, Arthur signed the Pendleton Act. What did this do? Hint

Opened trade with Canada

Prohibited monopolies

Ended reconstruction in the South

It ended the spoils system and put in place Civil Service exams for government posts

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Question 8 of 10

8. Just before leaving office on Februrary 21st 1885, Arthur dedicated which site? Hint

Arlington National Cemetary

The Statue of Liberty

The Jefferson Memorial

The Washington Monument

9. A few years ago Michael Douglas played a U.S. President in the movie "The American President". The president in this movie was a lot like Arthur. What happened to the fictional president that did not happen to Arthur? Hint

Arthur was not a widower with a young daughter

Arthur was not a single, good-looking middle aged man

Arthur did not defy the advice of his advisors in a matter of national importance

Arthur never dated a Washington insider

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Question 10 of 10

10. Prior to becoming vice president what post did Arthur hold? Hint

Head of the New York Custom House

Ambassador to France (Hayes Administration)

Govenor of Vermont

lawyer in private practice

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In what state was Chester Arthur born?

Answer: Vermont

Although his birthplace is supposedly in Vermont, there is some speculation that it may have been just across the border in Canada!

2. Chester Arthur became president due to the death of the Chief Executive. Which president was killed allowing Arthur to be president?

Answer: James Garfield

Arthur had little political experience, but was heavily involved in the Spoils System.

3. What son of a famous President was Arthur's Secretary of War?

Answer: Robert Todd Lincoln

One would think that Mr. Lincoln would know a bit about leading a war. Actually Arthur did not appoint him; Lincoln was a hold-over from the shortlived Garfield administration.

4. What nickname was Arthur most known by?

Answer: The Gentleman Boss

Arthur was an immacculate dresser who usually wore an Astor coat with a buttoneer. His mustache and whiskers made him look the role of a prince.
His Accidency was the unflattering nickname of John Tyler the first Vice President to become Chief Executive.

5. What month and year was Arthur sworn in?

Answer: September 1881

This was only the second time in American history that one year contained part of three presidents' administrations. Rutherford B. Hayes left office in March 1881, Garfield was assassinated in September and Arthur was sworn in.
The other time occurred in 1841 when William Henry Harrison died after one month leading to John Tyler.

6. Upon becoming president, what was one of first tasks that Arthur ordered done.

Answer: Remodel the White House.

Beign high society Arthur was unhappy with the "rustic" look of the executive mansion. He ordered it remodeled in the Victorian Style. The report states that four wagon loads of stuff was carried out of the White House.

7. In 1883, Arthur signed the Pendleton Act. What did this do?

Answer: It ended the spoils system and put in place Civil Service exams for government posts

By setting up the Civil Service Administration, Arthur went against his own party "bosses" and those who had appointed him to this position.

8. Just before leaving office on Februrary 21st 1885, Arthur dedicated which site?

Answer: The Washington Monument

Remember in those days the president's term ended in March. Grover Cleveland would be sworn in less than a month later.

Answer: Arthur never dated a Washington insider

Arthur's wife died in 1880 the year before he became president. His youngest child, Ellen, was just 10 years old, approximatly the same age as the girl in the movie. The other events were similar. Eerie isn't it!

10. Prior to becoming vice president what post did Arthur hold?

Answer: Head of the New York Custom House

Chester Arthur was the head of the NYC custom house, at the time the largest single federal office. He had been appointed by political bosses and returned political favors. President Hayes fired him from that post due to corruption. So when he appeared on the presidential many were worried that he would continue to support the corrupt Spoils System.

It is therefore all the more amazing, and a testament to his character that he rejected the party bosses and signed the Pendelton Act!

Source: Author sscottn

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Lanni before going online.
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