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Historical rankings of presidents of the United States Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: U.S. Presidential Rankings: Historical Surveys and Analysis

Cheat Sheet:
U.S. Presidential Rankings: Historical Surveys and Analysis Study Guide

Methodologies and Foundations of Presidential Ranking

Presidential rankings are primarily based on public opinion polls rather than academic surveys.

Answer: False

Explanation: Scholarly rankings are typically based on surveys of historians and political scientists, not primarily public opinion polls.

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Public opinion polls, like those by Gallup and Quinnipiac, generally align closely with scholarly rankings of presidents.

Answer: False

Explanation: Public opinion polls do not consistently align closely with scholarly rankings of presidents; scholarly assessments are generally considered more nuanced and based on different criteria.

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Public opinion polls, like those by Gallup and Quinnipiac, generally align closely with scholarly rankings of presidents.

Answer: False

Explanation: Public opinion polls do not consistently align closely with scholarly rankings of presidents; scholarly assessments are generally considered more nuanced and based on different criteria.

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Consistently Top-Ranked Presidents and Their Achievements

Abraham Lincoln is consistently ranked as the worst U.S. president in scholarly surveys.

Answer: False

Explanation: Scholarly surveys consistently rank Abraham Lincoln among the highest, not the lowest, U.S. presidents.

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George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln were chosen for Mount Rushmore to represent the nation's growth, development, and preservation, respectively.

Answer: False

Explanation: The representation for the presidents on Mount Rushmore is: Washington for birth, Jefferson for growth, Theodore Roosevelt for development, and Lincoln for preservation.

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Abraham Lincoln's high ranking is mainly due to his handling of the Great Depression and his leadership during World War II.

Answer: False

Explanation: Abraham Lincoln's high ranking is primarily attributed to his leadership during the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, not the Great Depression or World War II.

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Franklin D. Roosevelt's high rankings stem from his conservation efforts and antitrust actions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Franklin D. Roosevelt's high rankings are associated with his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II; conservation and antitrust actions are primarily linked to Theodore Roosevelt.

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George Washington is ranked highly because he established the precedent of presidential term limits.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Washington's high ranking is due to his role as the first president and establishing precedents for the office itself, not term limits (which he did not establish).

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Theodore Roosevelt's high historical rankings are attributed to his work on consumer protection and his leadership during the Civil War.

Answer: False

Explanation: Theodore Roosevelt's high rankings are attributed to his work on consumer protection, conservation, and antitrust actions, not leadership during the Civil War, which is associated with Abraham Lincoln.

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The 2018 Siena poll identified George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln as the top three U.S. presidents.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2018 Siena poll indeed identified George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln as the top three U.S. presidents.

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George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are consistently ranked among the top presidents across various surveys.

Answer: True

Explanation: George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are consistently recognized as among the highest-ranked presidents in numerous historical surveys.

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Theodore Roosevelt's high rankings are primarily due to his role in preserving the Union during the Civil War.

Answer: False

Explanation: Theodore Roosevelt's high rankings are attributed to his conservation efforts, antitrust actions, and consumer protection advocacy, not his role in preserving the Union during the Civil War, which is associated with Abraham Lincoln.

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The 2018 Siena poll identified George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln as the top three U.S. presidents.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2018 Siena poll indeed identified George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln as the top three U.S. presidents.

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George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are consistently ranked among the top presidents across various surveys.

Answer: True

Explanation: George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are consistently recognized as among the highest-ranked presidents in numerous historical surveys.

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Theodore Roosevelt's high rankings are primarily due to his role in preserving the Union during the Civil War.

Answer: False

Explanation: Theodore Roosevelt's high rankings are attributed to his conservation efforts, antitrust actions, and consumer protection advocacy, not his role in preserving the Union during the Civil War, which is associated with Abraham Lincoln.

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According to scholarly rankings, who is most frequently cited as the best U.S. president?

Answer: Abraham Lincoln

Explanation: Abraham Lincoln is consistently identified as the best U.S. president in numerous scholarly rankings.

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What did the four presidents chosen for Mount Rushmore represent, according to the source?

Answer: Birth, growth, development, and preservation of the nation

Explanation: The presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore—Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lincoln—symbolize the nation's birth, growth, development, and preservation.

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Which president is highly ranked for leading the country out of the Great Depression and during World War II?

Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt

Explanation: Franklin D. Roosevelt's high rankings are primarily attributed to his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II.

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Theodore Roosevelt's high historical rankings are attributed to his significant efforts in which areas?

Answer: Conservation, antitrust actions, and consumer protection

Explanation: Theodore Roosevelt is highly ranked for his substantial contributions to conservation, his robust antitrust policies, and his advocacy for consumer protection.

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George Washington's high ranking is attributed to his role as the first president and establishing enduring precedents for:

Answer: The office of the president

Explanation: George Washington's high rankings stem from his foundational role as the first president and his establishment of crucial precedents for the executive office.

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The Siena poll director, Don Levy, referred to the top five presidents (Washington, FDR, Lincoln, TR, Jefferson) as:

Answer: Mount Rushmore plus FDR

Explanation: Siena poll director Don Levy referred to the consistently top-ranked presidents—Washington, FDR, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Jefferson—as 'Mount Rushmore plus FDR'.

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Which of the following pairs correctly matches a president with a primary reason for their high ranking?

Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt - Leadership during World War II

Explanation: Franklin D. Roosevelt is highly ranked for his leadership during World War II, distinguishing this from other presidents' primary achievements.

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Consistently Low-Ranked Presidents and Historical Context

James Buchanan is often ranked last due to his handling of the Vietnam War.

Answer: False

Explanation: James Buchanan's low ranking is primarily due to his leadership during the period leading up to the Civil War, not the Vietnam War.

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Andrew Johnson's low ranking is primarily due to his policies regarding economic management during Reconstruction.

Answer: False

Explanation: Andrew Johnson's low ranking stems primarily from his obstruction of civil rights for freed slaves and his undermining of the Reconstruction era, rather than economic management policies.

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The early 20th century is considered an exceptionally poor era by presidential historians.

Answer: False

Explanation: Presidential historians generally consider the mid-19th century, leading up to the Civil War, as an exceptionally poor era for presidential leadership, not the early 20th century.

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James Buchanan and Andrew Johnson are consistently ranked among the lowest presidents in historical surveys.

Answer: True

Explanation: James Buchanan and Andrew Johnson are consistently found among the lowest-ranked presidents in historical surveys due to their perceived leadership failures.

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James Buchanan is often ranked last due to his handling of the Vietnam War.

Answer: False

Explanation: James Buchanan's low ranking is primarily due to his leadership during the period leading up to the Civil War, not the Vietnam War.

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Andrew Johnson's low ranking is primarily due to his policies regarding economic management during Reconstruction.

Answer: False

Explanation: Andrew Johnson's low ranking stems primarily from his obstruction of civil rights for freed slaves and his undermining of the Reconstruction era, rather than economic management policies.

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The early 20th century is considered an exceptionally poor era by presidential historians.

Answer: False

Explanation: Presidential historians generally consider the mid-19th century, leading up to the Civil War, as an exceptionally poor era for presidential leadership, not the early 20th century.

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James Buchanan and Andrew Johnson are consistently ranked among the lowest presidents in historical surveys.

Answer: True

Explanation: James Buchanan and Andrew Johnson are consistently found among the lowest-ranked presidents in historical surveys due to their perceived leadership failures.

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Which president is most often ranked as the worst U.S. president in scholarly surveys, primarily due to leadership during the lead-up to the Civil War?

Answer: James Buchanan

Explanation: James Buchanan is consistently ranked as the worst U.S. president by scholars, largely due to his leadership during the critical period preceding the Civil War.

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Andrew Johnson, Lincoln's successor, is often ranked last primarily due to:

Answer: His obstruction of civil rights for freed slaves and undermining Reconstruction

Explanation: Andrew Johnson's consistently low rankings stem primarily from his obstructionist policies regarding civil rights for freed slaves and his undermining of the Reconstruction efforts.

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Which era is considered exceptionally poor by presidential historians, often featuring presidents ranked among the lowest?

Answer: The mid-19th century, leading up to the Civil War

Explanation: Presidential historians frequently identify the mid-19th century, particularly the period preceding the Civil War, as an exceptionally poor era for presidential leadership.

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Which of the following presidents is NOT consistently ranked among the top five in major presidential surveys like C-SPAN or Siena?

Answer: James Buchanan

Explanation: James Buchanan is consistently ranked among the lowest presidents, not among the top five, in major presidential surveys.

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Which president is consistently ranked among the bottom presidents, often alongside James Buchanan and Andrew Johnson?

Answer: Franklin Pierce

Explanation: Franklin Pierce is frequently ranked among the lowest presidents, often appearing alongside James Buchanan and Andrew Johnson in historical surveys.

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What was the primary reason cited for Donald Trump's consistent ranking among the bottom four presidents in surveys?

Answer: His challenges to institutional precedents and breaking norms

Explanation: Donald Trump's consistent ranking among the lowest presidents is primarily attributed to his challenges to institutional precedents and his departure from established norms.

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Which president is frequently ranked as the worst, primarily for leadership during the period leading up to the Civil War?

Answer: James Buchanan

Explanation: James Buchanan is consistently ranked as the worst U.S. president, largely due to his leadership during the critical period preceding the Civil War.

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Prominent Presidential Surveys and Findings

The Siena College Research Institute has been conducting presidential surveys annually since 1982.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Siena College Research Institute has been conducting presidential surveys since 1982, but not annually; they typically release rankings every few years.

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The Ridings/McIver 1996 poll surveyed only historians and political scientists.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ridings/McIver 1996 poll surveyed a broader group, including historians, political scientists, politicians, and celebrities.

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The 2005 Lindgren/Wall Street Journal poll aimed to balance liberal and conservative scholarly opinions by giving equal weight to scholars from both political leanings.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2005 Lindgren/Wall Street Journal poll specifically adjusted its methodology to give equal weight to scholars with Democratic and Republican leanings, aiming for a balanced perspective.

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The C-SPAN Survey of Presidential Leadership has been conducted five times, most recently in 2021.

Answer: False

Explanation: The C-SPAN Survey of Presidential Leadership has been conducted four times, with the most recent survey occurring in 2021.

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C-SPAN historians rate presidents using 12 categories, including economic policy and foreign relations.

Answer: False

Explanation: C-SPAN historians rate presidents using ten categories, not twelve, which include economic policy and international relations.

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The C-SPAN surveys show significant variation in the rankings of top and bottom presidents across different survey years.

Answer: False

Explanation: The C-SPAN surveys have demonstrated remarkable consistency in the rankings of top and bottom presidents across different survey years.

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The 2011 USPC survey polled American specialists in history and politics.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2011 USPC survey polled British specialists in American history and politics, not American specialists.

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In the 2011 USPC survey, John F. Kennedy ranked higher than in most American polls due to his strong perceived achievements.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 2011 USPC survey, John F. Kennedy ranked lower than in most American polls, with British academics suggesting a gap between his rhetoric and achievements.

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Newsweek asked historians to rank the ten worst presidents since 1900 in a 2012 survey.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2012, Newsweek asked historians to rank the ten best presidents since 1900, not the ten worst.

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The 2015 APSA poll placed George Washington first and Abraham Lincoln second among the top 10 presidents.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2015 APSA poll placed Abraham Lincoln first and George Washington second among the top 10 presidents.

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Donald Trump was ranked for the first time in the 2018 Siena poll, placed in the last position.

Answer: False

Explanation: Donald Trump was ranked for the first time in the 2018 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey, not the Siena poll, and was placed in the last position.

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In the 2022 Siena poll, Abraham Lincoln was ranked first, followed by Franklin D. Roosevelt and George Washington.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 2022 Siena poll, Franklin D. Roosevelt was ranked first, Abraham Lincoln second, and George Washington third.

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The 2019 Tillery and Greer poll evaluated modern presidents based on their foreign policy achievements and economic management.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2019 Tillery and Greer poll focused on evaluating modern presidents based on their overall leadership and rhetoric concerning diversity and inclusion, not foreign policy or economic management.

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A November 2010 Gallup poll asked Americans to rate former presidents on their job handling based on memory.

Answer: True

Explanation: The November 2010 Gallup poll indeed asked Americans to rate former presidents on their job handling, relying on memory and knowledge.

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In a February 2011 Gallup poll, Abraham Lincoln was identified as the greatest U.S. president by the highest percentage of respondents.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the February 2011 Gallup poll, Ronald Reagan was identified as the greatest U.S. president by the highest percentage of respondents (19%), not Abraham Lincoln.

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The June 2014 Quinnipiac University poll asked voters to identify the best and worst presidents since the Civil War.

Answer: False

Explanation: The June 2014 Quinnipiac University poll asked voters to identify the best and worst presidents since World War II, not since the Civil War.

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According to the June 2014 Quinnipiac poll, George W. Bush was named the worst president since World War II by the largest percentage of voters.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the June 2014 Quinnipiac poll, Barack Obama was named the worst president since World War II by the largest percentage of voters (33%), not George W. Bush.

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In the January 2017 Quinnipiac poll, Richard Nixon was named the worst president since World War II by the largest percentage of voters.

Answer: True

Explanation: The January 2017 Quinnipiac poll indicated that Richard Nixon was named the worst president since World War II by the largest percentage of voters.

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The January 2021 Gallup poll asked respondents how they thought presidents would be remembered, using categories like 'outstanding' and 'average'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The January 2021 Gallup poll surveyed respondents on how they believed presidents would be remembered, utilizing categories such as 'outstanding' and 'average'.

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According to the January 2021 Gallup poll, Donald Trump received the highest 'Outstanding' rating from respondents.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the January 2021 Gallup poll, Barack Obama received the highest 'Outstanding' rating (21%), not Donald Trump.

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The 2014 Roediger and DeSoto survey published in *Science* focused on the memorability of presidents based on their speeches.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2014 Roediger and DeSoto survey focused on presidential memorability through name recognition, not specifically based on speeches.

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Barack Obama had the highest name recognition percentage in the 2014 Roediger and DeSoto survey.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2014 Roediger and DeSoto survey found that Barack Obama achieved the highest name recognition percentage, reaching 100%.

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The 2021 Putnam Survey examined the effectiveness of presidential libraries.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2021 Putnam Survey examined the memorability of U.S. presidents, specifically measuring name recognition and facial recognition, not the effectiveness of presidential libraries.

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The C-SPAN survey uses ten categories to evaluate presidents, including 'Public Persuasion' and 'Moral Authority'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The C-SPAN survey employs ten categories for evaluation, including 'Public Persuasion' and 'Moral Authority', among others.

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British specialists in American history ranked John F. Kennedy lower than American polls did, citing a gap between his rhetoric and achievements.

Answer: True

Explanation: British specialists in the 2011 USPC survey ranked John F. Kennedy lower than American polls, attributing this to a perceived gap between his rhetoric and his actual achievements.

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The Siena College Research Institute has consistently surveyed presidents since 1982, releasing rankings every few years.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Siena College Research Institute has been conducting presidential surveys since 1982 and releases updated rankings periodically, typically every few years.

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The Siena College Research Institute has been conducting presidential surveys annually since 1982.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Siena College Research Institute has been conducting presidential surveys since 1982, but not annually; they typically release rankings every few years.

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The Ridings/McIver 1996 poll surveyed only historians and political scientists.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ridings/McIver 1996 poll surveyed a broader group, including historians, political scientists, politicians, and celebrities.

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The 2005 Lindgren/Wall Street Journal poll aimed to balance liberal and conservative scholarly opinions by giving equal weight to scholars from both political leanings.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2005 Lindgren/Wall Street Journal poll specifically adjusted its methodology to give equal weight to scholars with Democratic and Republican leanings, aiming for a balanced perspective.

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The C-SPAN Survey of Presidential Leadership has been conducted five times, most recently in 2021.

Answer: False

Explanation: The C-SPAN Survey of Presidential Leadership has been conducted four times, with the most recent survey occurring in 2021.

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C-SPAN historians rate presidents using 12 categories, including economic policy and foreign relations.

Answer: False

Explanation: C-SPAN historians rate presidents using ten categories, not twelve, which include economic policy and international relations.

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The C-SPAN surveys show significant variation in the rankings of top and bottom presidents across different survey years.

Answer: False

Explanation: The C-SPAN surveys have demonstrated remarkable consistency in the rankings of top and bottom presidents across different survey years.

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The 2011 USPC survey polled American specialists in history and politics.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2011 USPC survey polled British specialists in American history and politics, not American specialists.

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In the 2011 USPC survey, John F. Kennedy ranked higher than in most American polls due to his strong perceived achievements.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 2011 USPC survey, John F. Kennedy ranked lower than in most American polls, with British academics suggesting a gap between his rhetoric and achievements.

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Newsweek asked historians to rank the ten worst presidents since 1900 in a 2012 survey.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2012, Newsweek asked historians to rank the ten best presidents since 1900, not the ten worst.

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The 2015 APSA poll placed George Washington first and Abraham Lincoln second among the top 10 presidents.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2015 APSA poll placed Abraham Lincoln first and George Washington second among the top 10 presidents.

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Donald Trump was ranked for the first time in the 2018 Siena poll, placed in the last position.

Answer: False

Explanation: Donald Trump was ranked for the first time in the 2018 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey, not the Siena poll, and was placed in the last position.

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In the 2022 Siena poll, Abraham Lincoln was ranked first, followed by Franklin D. Roosevelt and George Washington.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 2022 Siena poll, Franklin D. Roosevelt was ranked first, Abraham Lincoln second, and George Washington third.

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The 2019 Tillery and Greer poll evaluated modern presidents based on their foreign policy achievements and economic management.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2019 Tillery and Greer poll focused on evaluating modern presidents based on their overall leadership and rhetoric concerning diversity and inclusion, not foreign policy or economic management.

Return to Game

A November 2010 Gallup poll asked Americans to rate former presidents on their job handling based on memory.

Answer: True

Explanation: The November 2010 Gallup poll indeed asked Americans to rate former presidents on their job handling, relying on memory and knowledge.

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In a February 2011 Gallup poll, Abraham Lincoln was identified as the greatest U.S. president by the highest percentage of respondents.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the February 2011 Gallup poll, Ronald Reagan was identified as the greatest U.S. president by the highest percentage of respondents (19%), not Abraham Lincoln.

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The June 2014 Quinnipiac University poll asked voters to identify the best and worst presidents since the Civil War.

Answer: False

Explanation: The June 2014 Quinnipiac University poll asked voters to identify the best and worst presidents since World War II, not since the Civil War.

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According to the June 2014 Quinnipiac poll, George W. Bush was named the worst president since World War II by the largest percentage of voters.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the June 2014 Quinnipiac poll, Barack Obama was named the worst president since World War II by the largest percentage of voters (33%), not George W. Bush.

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In the January 2017 Quinnipiac poll, Richard Nixon was named the worst president since World War II by the largest percentage of voters.

Answer: True

Explanation: The January 2017 Quinnipiac poll indicated that Richard Nixon was named the worst president since World War II by the largest percentage of voters.

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The January 2021 Gallup poll asked respondents how they thought presidents would be remembered, using categories like 'outstanding' and 'average'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The January 2021 Gallup poll surveyed respondents on how they believed presidents would be remembered, utilizing categories such as 'outstanding' and 'average'.

Return to Game

According to the January 2021 Gallup poll, Donald Trump received the highest 'Outstanding' rating from respondents.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the January 2021 Gallup poll, Barack Obama received the highest 'Outstanding' rating (21%), not Donald Trump.

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The 2014 Roediger and DeSoto survey published in *Science* focused on the memorability of presidents based on their speeches.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2014 Roediger and DeSoto survey focused on presidential memorability through name recognition, not specifically based on speeches.

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Barack Obama had the highest name recognition percentage in the 2014 Roediger and DeSoto survey.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2014 Roediger and DeSoto survey found that Barack Obama achieved the highest name recognition percentage, reaching 100%.

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The 2021 Putnam Survey examined the effectiveness of presidential libraries.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2021 Putnam Survey examined the memorability of U.S. presidents, specifically measuring name recognition and facial recognition, not the effectiveness of presidential libraries.

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The C-SPAN survey uses ten categories to evaluate presidents, including 'Public Persuasion' and 'Moral Authority'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The C-SPAN survey employs ten categories for evaluation, including 'Public Persuasion' and 'Moral Authority', among others.

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British specialists in American history ranked John F. Kennedy lower than American polls did, citing a gap between his rhetoric and achievements.

Answer: True

Explanation: British specialists in the 2011 USPC survey ranked John F. Kennedy lower than American polls, attributing this to a perceived gap between his rhetoric and his actual achievements.

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The Siena College Research Institute has consistently surveyed presidents since 1982, releasing rankings every few years.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Siena College Research Institute has been conducting presidential surveys since 1982 and releases updated rankings periodically, typically every few years.

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The Siena College Research Institute has been conducting presidential surveys since 1982 and typically surveys which groups?

Answer: Historians, political scientists, and presidential scholars

Explanation: The Siena College Research Institute surveys historians, political scientists, and presidential scholars to gather rankings across various attributes, abilities, and accomplishments.

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Which survey aimed to balance the opinions of liberal and conservative scholars by giving them equal weight?

Answer: The 2005 Lindgren/Wall Street Journal poll

Explanation: The 2005 Lindgren/Wall Street Journal poll specifically adjusted its methodology to give equal weight to scholars with Democratic and Republican leanings, aiming for a balanced perspective.

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How many times has the C-SPAN Survey of Presidential Leadership been conducted according to the source?

Answer: Four times

Explanation: The C-SPAN Survey of Presidential Leadership has been conducted four times, with the most recent survey occurring in 2021.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the ten categories used by C-SPAN historians to rate presidents?

Answer: Foreign Policy Success

Explanation: The C-SPAN survey utilizes ten categories for rating presidents, including 'International Relations' but not 'Foreign Policy Success'.

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The 2011 USPC survey, conducted by British specialists, ranked John F. Kennedy lower than American polls did, suggesting a potential reason related to:

Answer: A gap between his rhetoric and actual presidential achievements

Explanation: British specialists in the 2011 USPC survey ranked John F. Kennedy lower than American polls, citing a perceived gap between his rhetoric and his actual presidential achievements.

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In the 2015 American Political Science Association (APSA) poll, who ranked second among the top 10 presidents?

Answer: George Washington

Explanation: In the 2015 APSA poll, George Washington was ranked second, following Abraham Lincoln.

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Donald Trump was ranked for the first time in which 2018 survey, where he was placed in the last position?

Answer: Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey

Explanation: Donald Trump made his debut in presidential rankings in the 2018 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey, where he was placed in the lowest position.

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According to the 2022 Siena poll, who were the top three presidents?

Answer: FDR, Lincoln, Washington

Explanation: The 2022 Siena poll ranked Franklin D. Roosevelt first, Abraham Lincoln second, and George Washington third.

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Which president was identified as the greatest U.S. president by the highest percentage (19%) in a February 2011 Gallup poll?

Answer: Ronald Reagan

Explanation: Ronald Reagan was identified as the greatest U.S. president by the highest percentage of respondents (19%) in the February 2011 Gallup poll.

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According to the June 2014 Quinnipiac poll, who did the largest percentage of voters name as the worst president since World War II?

Answer: Barack Obama

Explanation: The June 2014 Quinnipiac poll indicated that Barack Obama was named the worst president since World War II by the largest percentage of voters.

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The 2014 Roediger and DeSoto survey, published in *Science*, measured which aspect of presidential memorability?

Answer: Name recognition only

Explanation: The 2014 Roediger and DeSoto survey measured presidential memorability primarily through name recognition.

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The 2019 Tillery and Greer poll evaluated modern presidents based on overall leadership and their rhetoric concerning:

Answer: Diversity and inclusion

Explanation: The 2019 Tillery and Greer poll assessed modern presidents based on their leadership and rhetoric concerning diversity and inclusion.

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In the January 2017 Quinnipiac poll, which president was named the worst president since World War II by the largest percentage of voters?

Answer: Richard Nixon

Explanation: The January 2017 Quinnipiac poll indicated that Richard Nixon was named the worst president since World War II by the largest percentage of voters.

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According to the January 2021 Gallup poll, who was rated 'Outstanding' by the highest percentage of respondents?

Answer: Barack Obama

Explanation: Barack Obama received the highest 'Outstanding' rating (21%) from respondents in the January 2021 Gallup poll.

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The 2021 Putnam Survey examined the memorability of U.S. presidents, specifically measuring:

Answer: Name recognition and facial recognition

Explanation: The 2021 Putnam Survey focused on assessing presidential memorability through measures of both name and facial recognition.

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Which president's ranking was reportedly affected by the Vietnam War's impact on his scores in the 2011 USPC survey?

Answer: Lyndon B. Johnson

Explanation: Lyndon B. Johnson's ranking in the 2011 USPC survey was reportedly influenced by the impact of the Vietnam War on his assessment.

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The 2005 Lindgren/Wall Street Journal poll adjusted results to give equal weight to scholars leaning towards which political parties?

Answer: Democratic and Republican

Explanation: The 2005 Lindgren/Wall Street Journal poll balanced scholarly opinions by giving equal weight to scholars with Democratic and Republican leanings.

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Which publication asked a panel of historians in 2012 to rank the ten best presidents *since 1900*?

Answer: Newsweek

Explanation: In 2012, Newsweek commissioned a panel of historians to rank the ten best presidents who served since 1900.

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According to the 2014 Roediger and DeSoto survey, which president achieved 100% name recognition?

Answer: Barack Obama

Explanation: The 2014 Roediger and DeSoto survey found that Barack Obama achieved 100% name recognition among participants.

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The Siena College Research Institute surveys historians, political scientists, and presidential scholars. How frequently do they typically release new rankings?

Answer: Every few years

Explanation: The Siena College Research Institute typically releases updated presidential rankings every few years, rather than on a fixed annual schedule.

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The C-SPAN survey includes 'Performance Within the Context of His Times' as one of its evaluation categories. What is another category listed?

Answer: International Relations

Explanation: The C-SPAN survey includes 'International Relations' as one of its ten evaluation categories, alongside 'Performance Within the Context of His Times'.

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The 2011 USPC survey, polling British specialists, found that John F. Kennedy ranked lower than in American polls due to a perceived gap between his rhetoric and what?

Answer: His actual presidential achievements

Explanation: The 2011 USPC survey suggested that John F. Kennedy's lower ranking compared to American polls was due to a perceived gap between his rhetoric and his actual presidential achievements.

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Critiques and Interpretations of Presidential Rankings

Lincoln, Truman, and Nixon were categorized by Walton and Smith solely as 'anti-racist' for their policies.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Walton and Smith survey categorized Lincoln, Truman, and Nixon as complex figures, holding both 'white supremacist' personal views and implementing 'anti-racist' policies.

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Gerard Baker described presidential rankings as a skewed distribution with most presidents falling into the 'outstanding' category.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gerard Baker described presidential rankings as a bell curve or normal distribution, not a skewed distribution with most presidents in the 'outstanding' category.

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Julian E. Zelizer argued that traditional presidential rankings are excellent mechanisms for evaluating presidential performance.

Answer: False

Explanation: Julian E. Zelizer criticized traditional presidential rankings, deeming them weak mechanisms for evaluating presidential performance and offering limited insight into historical context.

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Ron Walters stated in 2002 that presidential evaluations from white and African-American intellectuals were largely identical.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ron Walters observed in 2002 that presidential evaluations from white and African-American intellectuals differed, particularly concerning criteria like race relations and the balance of majority and minority interests.

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Alvin S. Felzenberg criticized presidential rankings for a perceived conservative bias among historians.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alvin S. Felzenberg criticized presidential rankings for a perceived prevalent liberal bias among historians, not a conservative bias.

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Lincoln, Truman, and Nixon were categorized by Walton and Smith solely as 'anti-racist' for their policies.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Walton and Smith survey categorized Lincoln, Truman, and Nixon as complex figures, holding both 'white supremacist' personal views and implementing 'anti-racist' policies.

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Gerard Baker described presidential rankings as a skewed distribution with most presidents falling into the 'outstanding' category.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gerard Baker described presidential rankings as a bell curve or normal distribution, not a skewed distribution with most presidents in the 'outstanding' category.

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Julian E. Zelizer argued that traditional presidential rankings are excellent mechanisms for evaluating presidential performance.

Answer: False

Explanation: Julian E. Zelizer criticized traditional presidential rankings, deeming them weak mechanisms for evaluating presidential performance and offering limited insight into historical context.

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Ron Walters stated in 2002 that presidential evaluations from white and African-American intellectuals were largely identical.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ron Walters observed in 2002 that presidential evaluations from white and African-American intellectuals differed, particularly concerning criteria like race relations and the balance of majority and minority interests.

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Alvin S. Felzenberg criticized presidential rankings for a perceived conservative bias among historians.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alvin S. Felzenberg criticized presidential rankings for a perceived prevalent liberal bias among historians, not a conservative bias.

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Gerard Baker used which analogy to describe the distribution of U.S. presidents' rankings?

Answer: A bell curve or normal distribution

Explanation: Gerard Baker employed the analogy of a bell curve or normal distribution to characterize the typical pattern of presidential rankings.

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Political scientist Julian E. Zelizer criticized traditional presidential rankings for being:

Answer: Weak mechanisms for evaluating presidential performance

Explanation: Julian E. Zelizer criticized traditional presidential rankings, stating they offer little insight into presidential history and serve as weak evaluation tools.

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Ron Walters observed in 2002 that presidential evaluations differed between white and African-American intellectuals based on criteria such as:

Answer: Race relations and balance of majority/minority interests

Explanation: Ron Walters noted in 2002 that evaluations from white and African-American intellectuals diverged, particularly concerning criteria like race relations and the balance of majority and minority interests.

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Which of the following presidents was categorized by Walton and Smith as both having 'white supremacist' personal views and 'anti-racist' policies?

Answer: Abraham Lincoln

Explanation: Abraham Lincoln, along with Truman and Nixon, was categorized by Walton and Smith as holding 'white supremacist' personal views while simultaneously enacting 'anti-racist' policies.

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What criticism did Alvin S. Felzenberg make regarding the perceived bias in traditional presidential rankings?

Answer: They exhibited a prevalent liberal bias among historians.

Explanation: Alvin S. Felzenberg criticized presidential rankings for a perceived prevalent liberal bias among historians, contrasting it with his own work which he suggested offered a conservative balance.

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Which survey focused on ranking presidents based on their views and actions concerning race?

Answer: The Walton and Smith survey

Explanation: The Walton and Smith survey specifically evaluated presidents based on their views and actions related to race.

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What criticism did Julian E. Zelizer make regarding the value of traditional presidential rankings?

Answer: They explain little about actual presidential history and are weak evaluation tools.

Explanation: Julian E. Zelizer criticized traditional presidential rankings, stating they offer little insight into presidential history and serve as weak evaluation tools.

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