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The state of Delaware derives its name from Thomas West, the 3rd Baron De La Warr, an English nobleman.
Answer: True
Explanation: Delaware and the adjacent Delaware Bay were named in honor of Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, the first colonial governor of Virginia.
The Swedes were the first Europeans to establish a settlement in Delaware, founding Fort Christina in 1638.
Answer: True
Explanation: While the Dutch established an earlier trading post, the Swedes were the first to establish a formal colony, New Sweden, with Fort Christina founded in 1638.
Peter Minuit led the English fleet that conquered Delaware from the Dutch in 1664.
Answer: False
Explanation: Peter Minuit led the Swedish expedition that established New Sweden. The English fleet that conquered the Dutch colony in 1664 was led by Sir Robert Carr.
William Penn acquired the "Lower Counties on the Delaware" in 1682 primarily to gain access to the sea for his Pennsylvania province.
Answer: True
Explanation: William Penn acquired the "Lower Counties on the Delaware" from the Duke of York in 1682, seeking vital access to the sea for his Pennsylvania colony.
Delaware's economy initially relied heavily on enslaved labor from Africa before transitioning to indentured servitude.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware's economy initially relied on indentured servants; increased importation of enslaved Africans occurred later due to declining European immigration.
Historically, Delaware was divided into administrative districts known as "townships."
Answer: False
Explanation: Historically, Delaware was divided into administrative districts known as "hundreds," a designation still referenced in real estate.
Who is the English nobleman after whom Delaware and the Delaware Bay are named?
Answer: Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr
Explanation: Delaware and the Delaware Bay are named in honor of Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, an English nobleman and colonial governor.
Which European nation first established a settlement in present-day Delaware in 1631?
Answer: The Netherlands
Explanation: The Dutch established the first European settlement in present-day Delaware in 1631, founding Zwaanendael.
Who led the Swedish expedition that established the colony of New Sweden in 1638?
Answer: Peter Minuit
Explanation: Peter Minuit led the Swedish expedition that established the colony of New Sweden in 1638.
How did Delaware transition from Dutch to English control in the 17th century?
Answer: The English fleet under Sir Robert Carr conquered the Dutch colony.
Explanation: In 1664, the English fleet, led by Sir Robert Carr, conquered the Dutch colony, thereby transferring control of Delaware to English rule.
William Penn acquired the "Lower Counties on the Delaware" from which entity in 1682?
Answer: The Duke of York
Explanation: William Penn acquired the "Lower Counties on the Delaware" in 1682 through a transaction with the Duke of York.
What factor led to Delaware increasing its reliance on enslaved African labor?
Answer: Improved economic conditions in England reducing emigration.
Explanation: A decline in immigration from England, attributed to improved economic conditions there, prompted Delaware to increase its reliance on enslaved African labor.
What historical administrative divisions were used in Delaware, still referenced in real estate?
Answer: Hundreds.
Explanation: Historically, Delaware was divided into administrative districts known as "hundreds," a designation that continues to be referenced in real estate title descriptions.
Delaware ratified the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787, becoming the last state to do so.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware ratified the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787, achieving the distinction of being the first state to do so.
Caesar Rodney's vote was essential for Delaware's declaration of independence, requiring him to travel from Philadelphia to Dover.
Answer: False
Explanation: Caesar Rodney made a critical overnight ride through a storm to reach Philadelphia, not Dover, to cast the deciding vote for Delaware's independence.
The "Delaware Blues" regiment was nicknamed the "Blue Hen's Chicks" during the American Revolution.
Answer: True
Explanation: The "Delaware Blues," a distinguished regiment during the American Revolution, was indeed nicknamed the "Blue Hen's Chicks."
The Battle of Cooch's Bridge was the only significant military engagement on Delaware soil during the American Revolution.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Battle of Cooch's Bridge, fought in September 1777, is recognized as the primary significant military engagement that took place on Delaware soil during the American Revolution.
Delaware earned the nickname "The First State" because it was the first to declare independence from Great Britain.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware earned the nickname "The First State" because it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
What significant historical event occurred on December 7, 1787, in Delaware?
Answer: Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Explanation: On December 7, 1787, Delaware achieved historical significance by becoming the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
What action did Caesar Rodney famously take to influence Delaware's vote for independence?
Answer: He made an overnight ride through a storm to cast his vote.
Explanation: Caesar Rodney famously undertook an arduous overnight ride through a storm to reach Philadelphia and cast the decisive vote for Delaware's independence.
What was the nickname of the premier regiment from Delaware during the American Revolution?
Answer: The Blue Hen's Chicks
Explanation: The premier regiment from Delaware during the American Revolution, known as the "Delaware Blues," earned the distinctive nickname "The Blue Hen's Chicks."
Which battle is identified as the primary military engagement on Delaware soil during the American Revolution?
Answer: Battle of Cooch's Bridge
Explanation: The Battle of Cooch's Bridge is identified as the principal military engagement that occurred on Delaware soil during the American Revolution.
Why is Delaware known as "The First State"?
Answer: It was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Explanation: Delaware is recognized as "The First State" due to its historical distinction as the initial state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Delaware voted in favor of secession during the American Civil War.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware voted against secession during the American Civil War and remained loyal to the Union.
Delaware ratified the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution shortly after they were proposed.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware initially rejected the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, only ratifying them collectively in 1901.
The 1897 Delaware constitution ensured proportional representation for the northern part of the state following industrial growth.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1897 Delaware constitution did not ensure proportional representation for the northern part of the state; it maintained disproportionate influence for the southern counties.
Jim Crow laws in Delaware mandated integration of public facilities, including schools, after the Civil War.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jim Crow laws in Delaware mandated segregation in public facilities, including schools, after the Civil War.
What was Delaware's stance regarding secession during the American Civil War?
Answer: It voted against secession and remained loyal to the Union.
Explanation: Delaware maintained its allegiance to the Union throughout the American Civil War, having voted against secession.
Which constitutional amendments did Delaware initially reject, and when did it ratify them?
Answer: 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments
Explanation: Delaware initially rejected the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, subsequently ratifying them collectively in 1901.
How did the 1897 Delaware constitution affect the state's political representation?
Answer: It maintained disproportionate influence for the southern counties.
Explanation: The 1897 Delaware constitution did not achieve proportional representation for the northern counties, instead perpetuating disproportionate political influence for the southern regions.
What historical context explains the segregation of schools in Delaware after the Civil War?
Answer: Jim Crow laws mandated segregation, despite constitutional statements against distinction.
Explanation: The segregation of schools in Delaware after the Civil War was primarily a result of Jim Crow laws, which mandated separate facilities, notwithstanding any constitutional clauses to the contrary.
Delaware is geographically located solely within the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware is situated in both the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic regions of the United States.
Delaware ranks as the third-smallest state in the U.S. by total area.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware ranks as the second-smallest state by total area in the United States, surpassed only by Rhode Island.
Delaware has the fewest number of counties of any state in the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: Delaware is divided into three counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex), which is the fewest number of counties of any state in the U.S.
The Twelve-Mile Circle defines Delaware's southern boundary with Maryland.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Twelve-Mile Circle defines Delaware's northern boundary with Pennsylvania, not its southern boundary with Maryland.
Delaware has the highest mean elevation of any state in the nation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware possesses the lowest mean elevation among all U.S. states.
Delaware's climate is classified as humid subtropical, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Answer: True
Explanation: Delaware experiences a humid subtropical climate, moderated by the influences of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Bald cypress trees are commonly found throughout Delaware's northern forests.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bald cypress trees are found in Delaware's southern forests, notably at Trap Pond State Park, marking the northern limit of their range.
Delaware has a low population density compared to the national average.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware has a high population density compared to the national average, ranking among the most densely populated states.
The Delmarva Peninsula includes the state of Delaware and parts of Maryland and Virginia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Delmarva Peninsula is geographically defined by the state of Delaware and portions of Maryland and Virginia.
What are the primary geographical regions of the United States where Delaware is situated?
Answer: Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic
Explanation: Delaware is geographically situated within the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic regions of the United States.
How does Delaware compare to other U.S. states in terms of land area?
Answer: It is the second-smallest state by area.
Explanation: Delaware ranks as the second-smallest state by total area in the United States, surpassed only by Rhode Island.
What is unique about Delaware's administrative divisions compared to other states?
Answer: It is divided into exactly three counties.
Explanation: Delaware's administrative division into three counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex) is unique, as it represents the fewest counties of any state in the United States.
What defines the unusual northern boundary of Delaware known as the "Twelve-Mile Circle"?
Answer: An arc extending 12 miles from the courthouse in New Castle.
Explanation: The "Twelve-Mile Circle," Delaware's northern boundary, is defined as an arc originating from the courthouse in New Castle.
How does Delaware's highest elevation compare to its mean elevation?
Answer: Its highest point is less than 450 feet above sea level.
Explanation: Delaware's highest elevation point is situated at less than 450 feet above sea level, contributing to its status as the state with the lowest mean elevation.
What climatic classification best describes Delaware, and what influences it?
Answer: Humid subtropical; moderated by the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Explanation: Delaware's climate is classified as humid subtropical, with its temperature extremes moderated by the influences of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Which type of forest vegetation is found in the northern third of Delaware?
Answer: Northeastern coastal forests and mixed oak forests.
Explanation: The northern portion of Delaware is characterized by Northeastern coastal forests and mixed oak forests.
How does Delaware's population density compare to the U.S. average?
Answer: It is significantly more densely populated than the U.S. average.
Explanation: Delaware's population density is considerably higher than the national average, positioning it among the most densely populated states in the United States.
What geographical feature is formed by Delaware, parts of Maryland, and parts of Virginia?
Answer: The Delmarva Peninsula.
Explanation: The geographical feature formed by Delaware, portions of Maryland, and parts of Virginia is known as the Delmarva Peninsula.
Delaware is considered a "corporate haven" due to its business-friendly laws and high incorporation rate.
Answer: True
Explanation: Delaware is recognized as a "corporate haven" due to its flexible and business-friendly corporation laws, which attract numerous business incorporations.
Poultry and soybeans are minor components of Delaware's agricultural output.
Answer: False
Explanation: Poultry and soybeans are primary components of Delaware's agricultural output, with Sussex County being particularly known for chicken farming.
Major industries in Delaware include banking, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing.
Answer: True
Explanation: Delaware's economy is significantly supported by major industries such as banking, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing.
Delaware's industrial sector has seen consistent growth since the mid-2000s, with major expansions in automotive manufacturing.
Answer: False
Explanation: Since the mid-2000s, Delaware's industrial sector has faced challenges, including the departure of automotive manufacturing and the closure of its steel industry.
Delaware imposes a state sales tax on consumer purchases.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware does not impose a state sales tax on consumer purchases; instead, it taxes business gross receipts.
The DuPont company has historically contributed little to Delaware's economy and industrialization.
Answer: False
Explanation: The DuPont company has historically made substantial contributions to Delaware's economy and industrialization, significantly shaping the state's modern identity.
Delaware's General Corporation Law is known for its rigidity and lack of flexibility for businesses.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware's General Corporation Law is renowned for its flexibility and business-friendly regulations.
Franchise taxes on corporations are a minor source of revenue for the state of Delaware.
Answer: False
Explanation: Franchise taxes on corporations are a significant source of revenue for the state of Delaware.
The Delaware General Corporation Law is primarily focused on regulating non-profit organizations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Delaware General Corporation Law is primarily focused on regulating for-profit corporations, contributing to its status as a preferred jurisdiction for business incorporation.
Why is Delaware considered a "corporate haven"?
Answer: Its business-friendly corporation laws attract many companies.
Explanation: Delaware is recognized as a "corporate haven" due to its flexible and business-friendly corporation laws, which attract a high volume of business incorporations.
Which agricultural product is Sussex County, Delaware particularly known for?
Answer: Chicken farming.
Explanation: Sussex County, located in Delaware, is particularly renowned for its significant chicken farming industry.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a major industry or employer in Delaware?
Answer: Automotive manufacturing.
Explanation: While banking, chemical and pharmaceutical companies, and government are listed as major industries in Delaware, automotive manufacturing is noted for its departure from the state's industrial sector.
What trend has affected Delaware's industrial sector since the mid-2000s?
Answer: Departure of automotive manufacturing and closure of steel industry.
Explanation: Since the mid-2000s, Delaware's industrial sector has experienced trends such as the departure of automotive manufacturing and the closure of its steel industry, among other significant economic shifts.
Which of the following describes Delaware's tax system regarding sales tax?
Answer: It does not impose a sales tax on consumers.
Explanation: Delaware's tax system is notable for its absence of a state sales tax imposed on consumer purchases.
What impact has the DuPont company had on Delaware's development?
Answer: It significantly contributed to industrialization and shaped the state's modern identity.
Explanation: The DuPont company has profoundly impacted Delaware's development, significantly contributing to its industrialization and shaping its modern identity.
What makes Delaware's General Corporation Law attractive to businesses?
Answer: Its flexibility and business-friendly regulations.
Explanation: The attractiveness of Delaware's General Corporation Law stems from its inherent flexibility and business-friendly regulatory framework, which encourages corporate incorporation within the state.
Which of the following is a primary source of revenue for Delaware?
Answer: Franchise taxes on corporations.
Explanation: Franchise taxes imposed on corporations constitute a primary and significant source of revenue for the state of Delaware.
The Court of Chancery in Delaware primarily handles criminal law cases.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware's Court of Chancery primarily handles equity and corporate law cases, not criminal law.
Delaware's government structure includes an executive branch led by the Lieutenant Governor.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware's executive branch is led by the Governor, not the Lieutenant Governor.
The Democratic Party holds a majority of registered voters and statewide offices in Delaware.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Democratic Party holds a plurality of registrations and currently controls all statewide elected offices and legislative majorities in Delaware.
Delaware acted as a presidential bellwether state, consistently voting Republican from 1952 to 1996.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware acted as a presidential bellwether state from 1952 to 1996, accurately predicting the winner of the presidential election, but this does not mean it consistently voted Republican.
The Delaware General Assembly consists of a House with 41 members and a Senate with 21 members.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Delaware General Assembly is bicameral, comprising a House of Representatives with 41 members and a Senate with 21 members.
The Delaware Court of Chancery's rulings on corporate law have limited impact outside the state.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Delaware Court of Chancery's decisions on corporate law have a significant impact nationwide and globally, shaping legal precedents.
What is the primary focus of Delaware's Court of Chancery?
Answer: Corporate disputes and equity cases.
Explanation: Delaware's Court of Chancery primarily concentrates on equity cases, with a significant emphasis on corporate disputes.
Who leads the executive branch of Delaware's state government?
Answer: The Governor.
Explanation: The executive branch of Delaware's state government is led by the Governor.
What is the current political trend in Delaware regarding statewide offices?
Answer: Democrats hold all statewide offices and legislative majorities.
Explanation: Currently, the Democratic Party holds a dominant position in Delaware, controlling all statewide elected offices and majorities in both legislative chambers.
How did Delaware's political alignment change after 1996?
Answer: It began showing a strong Democratic lean.
Explanation: Following 1996, Delaware's political alignment shifted, exhibiting a pronounced Democratic tendency in presidential elections.
What is the composition of the Delaware General Assembly?
Answer: A House of Representatives with 41 members and a Senate with 21 members.
Explanation: The Delaware General Assembly is bicameral, comprising a House of Representatives with 41 members and a Senate with 21 members.
Delaware is known as "The Diamond State" and "The Keystone State."
Answer: False
Explanation: While Delaware is known as "The Diamond State," its other common nickname is "The First State," not "The Keystone State."
Pierre S. du Pont funded the construction of new school buildings primarily for white children in the early 20th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pierre S. du Pont funded the construction of 86 new school buildings primarily for Black children in the early 20th century.
The *Belton v. Gebhart* case was unique because the state court ruled against the plaintiffs regarding school segregation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Belton v. Gebhart* case was unique because Delaware's state court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, declaring segregation unconstitutional.
Delaware's educational system is highly decentralized, with significant control at the local district level.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware's educational system is centralized, with significant control vested at the state level under the Superintendent of Education.
Spanish is the most common non-English language spoken in Delaware.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to a 2000 census, Spanish was the second most spoken language in Delaware, indicating its prevalence.
Delaware was the first U.S. state to legalize sports betting following the Supreme Court's decision on PASPA.
Answer: True
Explanation: In June 2018, Delaware became the first U.S. state to legalize sports betting, following the Supreme Court's overturning of PASPA.
DART First State is Delaware's primary system for managing highway maintenance and snow removal.
Answer: False
Explanation: DART First State is Delaware's public transportation system; the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) manages highway maintenance and snow removal.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is frequently used by Delaware residents for air travel.
Answer: True
Explanation: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is frequently utilized by Delaware residents for their air travel needs.
Dover Air Force Base serves as the main mortuary for U.S. military personnel returning from overseas.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dover Air Force Base functions as the primary entry point and mortuary for U.S. military personnel who die while serving overseas.
Rehoboth Beach is nicknamed "The Nation's Summer Capital" due to its popularity with Washington, D.C. residents.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rehoboth Beach is indeed nicknamed "The Nation's Summer Capital" because of its significant popularity among residents of Washington, D.C.
The official state sport of Delaware is baseball.
Answer: False
Explanation: The official state sport of Delaware is bicycling.
The Apple Scrapple Festival is held annually in Bridgeville, Delaware.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Apple Scrapple Festival is an annual event celebrated in Bridgeville, Delaware.
Delaware has numerous local television stations broadcasting exclusively within the state.
Answer: False
Explanation: Delaware residents primarily receive television programming from stations based in Philadelphia and Salisbury, Maryland, as there are no standalone stations broadcasting exclusively within the state.
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is responsible for public transportation services like DART First State.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) manages the state's transportation system, including its public transit organization, DART First State.
Which of the following is NOT an official nickname for Delaware mentioned in the source?
Answer: The Liberty Bell State
Explanation: The source mentions "The First State," "The Diamond State," and "Blue Hen State" as nicknames for Delaware; "The Liberty Bell State" is not listed.
What significant contribution did Pierre S. du Pont make to education in Delaware?
Answer: He donated $4 million to build 86 new schools for Black children.
Explanation: Pierre S. du Pont made a significant philanthropic contribution of $4 million to fund the construction of 86 new schools for Black children in Delaware.
What was the outcome of the *Belton v. Gebhart* case in Delaware's state court?
Answer: The court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, finding segregation unconstitutional.
Explanation: In the *Belton v. Gebhart* case, Delaware's state court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, declaring school segregation unconstitutional.
What is a notable characteristic of Delaware's educational system structure?
Answer: It is centralized under a state Superintendent of Education.
Explanation: A key characteristic of Delaware's educational system is its centralized structure, overseen by a state Superintendent of Education.
According to a 2000 census, what was the second most spoken language in Delaware?
Answer: Spanish.
Explanation: Based on a 2000 census, Spanish was identified as the second most commonly spoken language in Delaware.
In what year did Delaware become the first U.S. state to legalize sports betting?
Answer: 2018.
Explanation: Delaware achieved the distinction of being the first U.S. state to legalize sports betting in the year 2018.
What is DART First State in Delaware?
Answer: The state's public transportation system.
Explanation: DART First State functions as Delaware's primary public transportation system.
Which major airport is most commonly used by Delaware residents for air travel, according to the source?
Answer: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
Explanation: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is frequently utilized by Delaware residents for their air travel needs.
What is the primary role of Dover Air Force Base concerning fallen military personnel?
Answer: Primary entry point and mortuary for personnel returning deceased.
Explanation: Dover Air Force Base serves as the principal entry point and mortuary for U.S. military personnel who have died while serving overseas.
What is the cultural significance of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware?
Answer: It is called "The Nation's Summer Capital" due to its popularity with Washington, D.C. residents.
Explanation: Rehoboth Beach holds cultural significance as "The Nation's Summer Capital," owing to its significant popularity among residents of Washington, D.C.
What is Delaware's official state sport?
Answer: Bicycling.
Explanation: The official state sport recognized in Delaware is bicycling.
What is the source of television programming for most Delaware residents?
Answer: Stations from Philadelphia and Salisbury, Maryland.
Explanation: Most Delaware residents receive their television programming from stations located in Philadelphia and Salisbury, Maryland, as there are no standalone stations broadcasting exclusively within the state.
What is the function of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT)?
Answer: Managing the state's transportation system, including public transit.
Explanation: The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is responsible for managing the state's transportation infrastructure, which includes public transit services.