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Canada–United States border Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Canada-United States Border: Historical Delineation, Governance, and Unique Geographies

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The Canada-United States Border: Historical Delineation, Governance, and Unique Geographies Study Guide

Historical Evolution of the Boundary

The initial boundary between Great Britain and the United States was established by the Treaty of Ghent in 1814.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial boundary between Great Britain and the United States was established by the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which concluded the American Revolutionary War. The Treaty of Ghent in 1814 restored pre-war boundaries after the War of 1812.

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The 45th parallel was significant in the 18th-century border definition because it had previously served as the boundary between Quebec and New York.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 45th parallel was adopted as part of the international border in the Treaty of Paris because King George III had previously established it in 1763 as the boundary between the provinces of Quebec and New York.

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The challenge of the Mississippi River not meeting the westward line from the Lake of the Woods was resolved by extending the line further west until it reached the river.

Answer: False

Explanation: The challenge of the Mississippi River not meeting the westward line from the Lake of the Woods was resolved by drawing the border from the lake's northwestern point south to the 49th Parallel, not by extending the line further west.

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The Rush-Bagot Treaty of 1817 primarily focused on resolving the Aroostook War dispute over the Maine, New Brunswick, and Province of Canada boundary.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Rush-Bagot Treaty of 1817 primarily focused on demilitarizing naval forces on the Great Lakes. The Aroostook War dispute was resolved by the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842.

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The Treaty of 1818 expanded the boundary westward along the 49th parallel from the Northwest Angle to the Rocky Mountains.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Treaty of 1818 indeed expanded the boundary westward along the 49th parallel, extending from the Northwest Angle at Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains.

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The Fort Blunder dilemma was resolved by relocating the U.S. fortifications to a position definitively within U.S. territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Fort Blunder dilemma was resolved by adjusting the border itself through the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, leaving the fort within U.S. territory, rather than relocating the fortifications.

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The Oregon Treaty of 1846 established the 49th parallel as the boundary through the Rocky Mountains, including Vancouver Island as U.S. territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Oregon Treaty of 1846 established the 49th parallel as the boundary through the Rocky Mountains, but it *excluded* Vancouver Island, which remained British territory.

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The Klondike Gold Rush directly led to the establishment of the Alaska boundary by a joint tribunal in 1903.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Klondike Gold Rush indeed led to a dispute over the boundary of southeast Alaska, which was subsequently resolved by a joint tribunal in 1903.

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The Jay Treaty of 1794 established the International Boundary Commission primarily to demilitarize naval forces on the Great Lakes.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Jay Treaty of 1794 established the International Boundary Commission primarily for surveying and mapping the boundary. The demilitarization of naval forces on the Great Lakes was addressed by the Rush-Bagot Treaty of 1817.

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Which treaty initially established the boundary between Great Britain and the United States in 1783?

Answer: Treaty of Paris

Explanation: The Treaty of Paris of 1783, which ended the American Revolutionary War, was the treaty that initially established the boundary between Great Britain and the United States.

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What was the historical significance of the 45th parallel in the 18th-century border definition?

Answer: It was the original boundary between the provinces of Quebec and New York.

Explanation: The 45th parallel was significant because it had been established in 1763 as the boundary between the provinces of Quebec and New York, and was later adopted as part of the international border.

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How was the geographical challenge of the Mississippi River not meeting the westward line from the Lake of the Woods eventually resolved?

Answer: The border was drawn from the lake's northwestern point south to the 49th Parallel.

Explanation: The issue of the Mississippi River not meeting the westward line from the Lake of the Woods was resolved by drawing the border from the lake's northwestern point southward to the 49th Parallel.

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What was the primary function of the International Boundary Commission as established by the Jay Treaty of 1794?

Answer: To survey and map the boundary.

Explanation: The International Boundary Commission, established by the Jay Treaty of 1794, was primarily charged with surveying and mapping the boundary between Great Britain and the United States.

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The Treaty of Ghent (1814) had what impact on the Canada-United States border?

Answer: It returned the boundaries to their pre-War of 1812 state.

Explanation: The Treaty of Ghent, signed in 1814, concluded the War of 1812 and specifically returned the boundaries of British North America and the United States to their pre-war state.

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Which treaty expanded the boundary westward along the 49th parallel from the Northwest Angle to the Rocky Mountains?

Answer: Treaty of 1818

Explanation: The Treaty of 1818 was responsible for expanding the boundary westward along the 49th parallel, from the Northwest Angle at Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains.

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The Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842 primarily resolved disputes over which area?

Answer: The Maine, New Brunswick, and Province of Canada boundary.

Explanation: The Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842 primarily resolved disputes over the Maine, New Brunswick, and Province of Canada boundary, including the Aroostook War dispute.

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What was the resolution of the Fort Blunder dilemma?

Answer: The border was adjusted to keep the fort within U.S. territory.

Explanation: The Fort Blunder dilemma was resolved by adjusting the border itself through the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which allowed the fort to remain within U.S. territory.

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What event led to a dispute over the boundary of southeast Alaska, eventually resolved by a joint tribunal in 1903?

Answer: The Klondike Gold Rush

Explanation: The Klondike Gold Rush was the event that led to a dispute over the boundary of southeast Alaska, which was subsequently resolved by a joint tribunal in 1903.

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What was the '54°40′ or fight' slogan related to in the 19th century?

Answer: A call for the northern boundary of the U.S. west of the Rockies to be set at 54°40′N.

Explanation: The slogan '54°40′ or fight' was associated with an 1844 boundary dispute, advocating for the northern boundary of the U.S. west of the Rocky Mountains to be established at 54°40′N.

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Geographical Delineation and Features

The Canada-United States border is globally recognized as the longest international land border.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Canada-United States border is the longest international border in the world by total length (including land and water components), it is not exclusively the longest *land* border. The source specifies 'total length'.

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The total length of the Canada-United States border, encompassing both land and water components, is approximately 5,525 kilometers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The total length of the Canada-United States border is 8,891 kilometers, which is equivalent to 5,525 miles. Therefore, stating it is 5,525 kilometers is incorrect.

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The border between Yukon and Alaska primarily follows the 141st meridian west and then proceeds southeastward along the Saint Elias Mountains.

Answer: True

Explanation: The border between Yukon and Alaska is defined by the 141st meridian west from the Beaufort Sea southward, and then shifts southeastward along the Saint Elias Mountains.

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British Columbia shares a single international border with the contiguous United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: British Columbia shares two distinct international borders with the United States: one with Alaska and another with the contiguous United States (Washington, Idaho, and Montana).

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The 49th parallel north is the primary geographical feature defining the Canada-U.S. border across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and most of Manitoba.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 49th parallel north indeed serves as the primary geographical feature defining the Canada-U.S. border across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and nearly the entire border in Manitoba.

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Most of Ontario's border with the United States is a land boundary.

Answer: False

Explanation: Most of Ontario's border with the United States is a water boundary, traversing numerous lakes and rivers, including the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

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The St. Lawrence River marks the initial part of the Quebec-New York border at the 45th parallel north.

Answer: True

Explanation: The St. Lawrence River indeed marks the initial part of the Quebec-New York border, specifically where the Ontario-New York border ends, at the 45th parallel north.

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The Continental Divide of the Americas marks a point where the border separates drainage basins, such as the Arctic Basin from the Pacific Basin.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Continental Divide of the Americas is significant as it marks a point where the border separates major drainage basins, including the Arctic Basin from the Pacific Basin, and the Pacific Basin from the Hudson Bay Basin.

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What is the Canada-United States border globally recognized for?

Answer: Being the longest international border in the world by total length.

Explanation: The Canada-United States border is globally recognized as the longest international border in the world when considering its total length, including land and water components.

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What is the total length of the Canada-United States border, including land and water components?

Answer: 8,891 kilometers (5,525 miles)

Explanation: The total length of the Canada-United States border, encompassing all its land and water components, is 8,891 kilometers (5,525 miles).

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Which of the following Canadian provinces or territories does NOT share a border with the United States?

Answer: Nova Scotia

Explanation: Nova Scotia is a Canadian province that does not share a land or water border with the United States. The other options listed (Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba) all share a border.

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Which U.S. state shares a border with both British Columbia and Alberta?

Answer: Montana

Explanation: Montana is the U.S. state that shares a border with both the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.

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What is the length of the border between the contiguous 48 U.S. states and Canada?

Answer: 6,416 kilometers (3,987 miles)

Explanation: The length of the border between the contiguous 48 U.S. states and Canada is 6,416 kilometers (3,987 miles).

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Which Canadian province has the longest border with the U.S.?

Answer: Ontario

Explanation: Ontario has the longest provincial border with the U.S., measuring 2,727 kilometers (1,682 miles).

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What is the significance of the Laurentian Divide in relation to the Canada-U.S. border?

Answer: It separates drainage basins, such as the Hudson Bay Basin from the Gulf of Mexico Basin.

Explanation: The Laurentian Divide is significant as it marks a point where the border separates major drainage basins, including the Hudson Bay Basin from the Gulf of Mexico Basin, and the Hudson Bay Basin from the St. Lawrence Basin.

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What is the significance of the Continental Divide of the Americas in relation to the border?

Answer: It separates drainage basins, such as the Arctic Basin from the Pacific Basin.

Explanation: The Continental Divide of the Americas is significant in relation to the border as it separates major drainage basins, including the Arctic Basin from the Pacific Basin, and the Pacific Basin from the Hudson Bay Basin.

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What is the St. Lawrence River Divide?

Answer: A geographical feature that separates the St. Lawrence Basin from the Atlantic Basin.

Explanation: The St. Lawrence River Divide is a geographical feature along the border that separates the St. Lawrence Basin from the Atlantic Basin, influencing water flow and drainage patterns in the region.

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Border Governance and Security Regimes

The International Boundary Commission is primarily responsible for investigating and approving projects that affect boundary waters.

Answer: False

Explanation: The International Joint Commission (IJC), established under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, is responsible for investigating and approving projects affecting boundary waters. The International Boundary Commission (IBC) focuses on marking and maintaining the physical boundary.

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The International Boundary Commission's mission became permanent in 1925, focusing on maintaining the border vista and monuments.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1925, the International Boundary Commission's mission was indeed made permanent, with its responsibilities including maintaining the survey and mapping of the border, preserving boundary monuments and buoys, and keeping the border vista clear of vegetation.

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The Smart Border Declaration of 2001 introduced innovations such as cargo and passenger preclearance to enhance security and facilitate trade.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Smart Border Declaration, signed in 2001, was an agreement specifically designed to enhance border security while facilitating trade and travel, introducing innovations like cargo and passenger preclearance programs.

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The 2020-2021 border closure due to COVID-19 was the first long-term blanket closure of the border since the War of 1812.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2020-2021 border closure for non-essential travel, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, was reportedly the first long-term, comprehensive closure of the border since the War of 1812.

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A June 2019 U.S. Government Accountability Office report indicated that CBP had sufficient staffing for its Northern border missions.

Answer: False

Explanation: A June 2019 U.S. Government Accountability Office report actually identified specific staffing and resource shortfalls for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the Northern border, indicating insufficient agents.

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Property owners adjacent to the border vista are forbidden to build within the 6-meter strip without permission from the International Boundary Commission.

Answer: True

Explanation: Property owners adjacent to the border vista are indeed prohibited from building within the 6-meter strip without explicit permission from the International Boundary Commission, and they must report any such construction to their governments.

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Following the September 11 attacks, security along the Canada-U.S. border was dramatically tightened, leading to increased border congestion.

Answer: True

Explanation: After the September 11 attacks, both countries significantly tightened border security, resulting in more intrusive inspections and considerable border congestion.

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The border vista is a 20-foot wide strip that property owners are required to keep clear of vegetation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The border vista is indeed a 6-meter (20-foot) wide strip along the boundary that property owners are required to keep clear of brush and vegetation, with permission needed for any construction.

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What is the primary responsibility of the International Boundary Commission?

Answer: Maintaining boundary monuments and clearing the border vista.

Explanation: The International Boundary Commission (IBC) is primarily responsible for the physical maintenance of the boundary, including preserving monuments and ensuring the border vista is clear of vegetation.

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The International Joint Commission was established under which treaty?

Answer: Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909

Explanation: The International Joint Commission (IJC) was established under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, which addresses issues concerning shared waters along the border.

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What was a key innovation introduced by the Smart Border Declaration of 2001?

Answer: Cargo and passenger preclearance programs.

Explanation: The Smart Border Declaration of 2001 introduced several innovations to enhance security and facilitate trade, with cargo and passenger preclearance programs being a key example.

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How long did the 2020-2021 border closure for non-essential travel last due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Answer: From March 21, 2020, until July 21, 2021.

Explanation: The border closure for non-essential travel in response to the COVID-19 pandemic lasted from March 21, 2020, until July 21, 2021.

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What is the maximum distance U.S. Customs and Border Protection routinely sets up checkpoints into U.S. territory from the border?

Answer: 100 miles (160 km)

Explanation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) routinely establishes checkpoints as far as 100 miles (160 km) into U.S. territory from the border, despite there being no formal 'border zone'.

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Cross-Border Mobility and Identification

Before 2007, American and Canadian citizens could cross the border with only a birth certificate and a driver's license.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prior to 2007, American and Canadian citizens were generally only required to present a birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued identification card for border crossings.

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The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was a Canadian program to enhance border security.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was a U.S. Department of Homeland Security program, not a Canadian one, designed to introduce new identification requirements for travelers entering the United States.

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A valid U.S. military identification card is an acceptable form of identification for air entry into the United States under WHTI.

Answer: False

Explanation: Under WHTI, a valid passport is required for air entry into the United States. A U.S. military identification card is acceptable only for official orders, not general air entry.

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U.S. pre-clearance facilities at Canadian airports allow flights to land at a U.S. airport without further customs processing.

Answer: True

Explanation: U.S. pre-clearance facilities at Canadian airports expedite travel by completing customs and immigration checks in Canada, allowing flights to land at a U.S. airport without being processed as an international arrival.

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Which of the following was NOT an acceptable form of identification for American and Canadian citizens crossing the border before 2007?

Answer: A U.S. passport card

Explanation: Before 2007, American and Canadian citizens could cross with a birth certificate and a driver's license or government-issued ID. The U.S. passport card was introduced later as part of the WHTI, making it not acceptable before 2007.

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What U.S. Department of Homeland Security program introduced new identification requirements for travelers entering the United States, with its first phase implemented on January 23, 2007?

Answer: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

Explanation: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), a U.S. Department of Homeland Security program, introduced new identification requirements for travelers entering the United States, with its first phase implemented on January 23, 2007.

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Which of the following forms of identification is specifically required for air entry into the United States under WHTI?

Answer: A valid passport

Explanation: Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), a valid passport is specifically required for air entry into the United States.

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What is the purpose of U.S. pre-clearance facilities at Canadian airports?

Answer: To expedite travel by completing customs and immigration checks in Canada for U.S.-bound flights.

Explanation: U.S. pre-clearance facilities at Canadian airports serve to expedite travel by allowing customs and immigration checks to be completed in Canada, enabling U.S.-bound flights to land as domestic arrivals.

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What is the purpose of seasonal vessel inspection stations at tourist destinations like Heart Island, New York?

Answer: To provide customs services during peak travel times for visitors.

Explanation: Seasonal vessel inspection stations at tourist destinations like Heart Island, New York, are operated to provide customs services during peak travel times, allowing visitors to legally report their entry.

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How many legal land border crossings exist between the U.S. and Canada?

Answer: 119

Explanation: There are 119 legal land border crossings between the United States and Canada, with a small number of these being one-way.

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Unique Border Geographies and Challenges

The Mohawk territory of Akwesasne presents unique jurisdictional challenges for law enforcement due to its location straddling multiple borders and First Nations sovereignty.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mohawk territory of Akwesasne, straddling the Ontario-Quebec-New York borders, indeed presents unique jurisdictional challenges for law enforcement due to its First Nations sovereignty, which limits the jurisdiction of various Canadian and U.S. agencies.

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The 2009 occupation of the Canada Border Services Agency port of entry by the Mohawk people was a protest against increased customs duties.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2009 occupation by the Mohawk people of Akwesasne was a protest against the Canadian government's decision to arm its border agents while they were operating on Mohawk territory, not against increased customs duties.

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The Northwest Angle is a part of the United States located in North Dakota, north of the 49th parallel.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Northwest Angle is a part of the United States located in Minnesota, not North Dakota, and is indeed north of the 49th parallel.

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The Haskell Free Library and Opera House is an example of a 'line house' because the international boundary passes through it.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Haskell Free Library and Opera House is a classic example of a 'line house,' as the international boundary between Derby Line, Vermont, and Stanstead, Quebec, visibly passes directly through the building.

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A pene-exclave is a territory that is completely surrounded by another country's land and has no water connection to its home country.

Answer: False

Explanation: A pene-exclave is a territory that can be conveniently accessed by land only through another country, but it *may* still have water connections to its home country. It is not necessarily completely surrounded by land with no water connection.

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Canusa Street in Beebe Plain, Vermont, is unique because it is the only street where the international border runs directly down its middle.

Answer: True

Explanation: Canusa Street in Beebe Plain, Vermont, is uniquely characterized by the international border between the U.S. and Canada running directly down its middle.

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The Northwest Angle is the only part of the United States, other than Alaska, that is north of the 49th parallel.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Northwest Angle, located in Minnesota, is indeed the only part of the United States, besides Alaska, that lies north of the 49th parallel.

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The Peace Arch is a monument symbolizing the long-standing peace and friendship between Canada and the United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Peace Arch, located at the border between Surrey, British Columbia, and Blaine, Washington, serves as a monument symbolizing the enduring peace and friendship between Canada and the United States.

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What was the primary reason for the Mohawk people of Akwesasne's occupation of the Canada Border Services Agency port of entry in May 2009?

Answer: To protest the arming of Canadian border agents on Mohawk territory.

Explanation: The Mohawk people of Akwesasne occupied the Canada Border Services Agency port of entry in May 2009 specifically to protest the Canadian government's decision to arm its border agents while they were operating within Mohawk territory.

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What defines a 'line house' in the context of the Canada-U.S. border?

Answer: A building through which an international boundary passes.

Explanation: A 'line house' is defined as a building through which an international boundary passes, such as the Haskell Free Library and Opera House.

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Which of the following is an example of a practical exclave (pene-exclave) of the United States?

Answer: Point Roberts, Washington

Explanation: Point Roberts, Washington, is an example of a practical exclave (pene-exclave) of the United States, as it is bounded by British Columbia and water, making land access from the rest of the U.S. only possible through Canada.

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What is unique about Canusa Street in Beebe Plain, Vermont?

Answer: It is the only street where the international border lies directly in its middle.

Explanation: Canusa Street in Beebe Plain, Vermont, is uniquely characterized by the international border between the U.S. and Canada running directly down its middle.

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What is the situation with Lake Metigoshe regarding the international border?

Answer: The border splits a shoreline, placing Canadian cabins on one side and their beach/docks on the U.S. side.

Explanation: Lake Metigoshe has a unique border situation where the international boundary splits a shoreline, resulting in Canadian cabins being on one side and their corresponding beach and boat docks on the U.S. side, with land access only through Canada.

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Which of the following areas remains under boundary dispute between Canada and the United States?

Answer: Machias Seal Island

Explanation: Machias Seal Island is one of the areas that remains under boundary dispute between Canada and the United States, along with North Rock and the Dixon Entrance.

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Transnational Issues and Enforcement

The Canada-United States border is referred to as the 'longest undefended border' because there are no law enforcement agencies present along its length.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Canada-United States border is called the 'longest undefended border' because it is not militarized with military forces, not because there are no civilian law enforcement agencies present. Civilian agencies like CBP and CBSA are actively present.

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During the 1920s, rum running was widespread along the border due to Prohibition in both the United States and all of Canada.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the 1920s, rum running was widespread due to Prohibition in the United States and *parts* of Canada, not all of Canada. Some Canadian provinces had repealed Prohibition earlier.

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Why is the Canada-United States border commonly referred to as the 'longest undefended border'?

Answer: Because it is not militarized with military forces.

Explanation: The Canada-United States border is commonly referred to as the 'longest undefended border' because it lacks military forces stationed along its length, distinguishing it from militarized borders, even though civilian law enforcement is present.

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What historical smuggling activity was widespread along the border during the 1920s?

Answer: Rum running

Explanation: During the 1920s, the period of Prohibition in the United States and parts of Canada, 'rum running'—the smuggling of alcoholic beverages—was a widespread activity along the border.

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In July 2005, what notable smuggling infrastructure was discovered under the border between British Columbia and Washington?

Answer: A 110-meter (360-foot) tunnel for marijuana smuggling.

Explanation: In July 2005, a 110-meter (360-foot) tunnel constructed for marijuana smuggling was discovered under the border between British Columbia and Washington, marking the first known instance of such infrastructure on this border.

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How many irregular crossings were intercepted by the RCMP between January 2017 and March 2018?

Answer: 25,645 people

Explanation: Between January 2017 and March 2018, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) intercepted 25,645 individuals crossing the border into Canada from unauthorized points of entry.

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