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Maine Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The State of Maine: A Comprehensive Overview

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The State of Maine: A Comprehensive Overview Study Guide

Geography and Climate

Maine is unique among U.S. states because it borders only one other American state, New Hampshire, in addition to Canadian provinces and the Gulf of Maine.

Answer: True

Explanation: Maine's unique geographical position is defined by its border with only one other U.S. state, New Hampshire, alongside its international borders with Canadian provinces and its extensive coastline along the Gulf of Maine.

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Maine is primarily known for its flat, sandy beaches and its desert-like interior.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maine is renowned for its jagged, rocky Atlantic Ocean and bay-shore coastlines, mountains, and heavily forested interior, not flat, sandy beaches or a desert-like interior.

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Lubec is the westernmost organized settlement in the contiguous United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lubec is the easternmost organized settlement in the contiguous United States, not the westernmost.

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Lake Champlain is the largest lake located entirely within New England.

Answer: False

Explanation: Moosehead Lake, located in Maine, is the largest lake wholly within New England. Lake Champlain is larger but is shared by Vermont, New York, and Quebec.

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Mount Katahdin is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and the southern terminus of the International Appalachian Trail.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mount Katahdin serves as the northern terminus for the Appalachian Trail and the southern terminus for the International Appalachian Trail, which extends into Canada.

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Maine's geomorphology was largely shaped by volcanic activity, creating features like Somes Sound.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maine's geomorphology, including features like Somes Sound, was largely shaped by extensive glacial activity at the end of the last ice age, not volcanic activity.

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Maine experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maine experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold, and very snowy winters, not a humid subtropical climate.

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Maine's record high temperature is 95°F (35°C), recorded in July 1911.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maine's record high temperature is 105°F (41°C), recorded in July 1911 at North Bridgton, not 95°F.

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Maine's state tree is the Eastern white pine, and its forests also commonly feature balsam fir and sugar maple.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Eastern white pine is Maine's state tree, and its forests are indeed characterized by the presence of other coniferous and deciduous trees such as balsam fir and sugar maple.

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Maine has the largest populations of both moose and black bears in the contiguous United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: Maine is noted for having the largest populations of both moose and black bears within the contiguous United States, making them significant symbols of its wilderness.

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Maine is called 'The Pine Tree State' because pine trees cover over 80% of its total area.

Answer: True

Explanation: Maine earns its nickname 'The Pine Tree State' because pine trees, including Eastern white pine and Red pine, cover over 80% of its total area.

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Which of the following is the only other American state that Maine borders?

Answer: New Hampshire

Explanation: Maine is unique among U.S. states for bordering only one other American state, New Hampshire, in addition to Canadian provinces and the Gulf of Maine.

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What is the easternmost organized settlement in the contiguous United States?

Answer: Lubec

Explanation: The town of Lubec is recognized as the easternmost organized settlement in the contiguous United States.

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Which lake, located in Maine, is the largest lake wholly within New England?

Answer: Moosehead Lake

Explanation: Moosehead Lake, situated in Maine, is the largest lake located entirely within the New England region.

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Mount Katahdin serves as the northern terminus of which famous long-distance hiking trail?

Answer: The Appalachian Trail

Explanation: Mount Katahdin marks the northern terminus of the renowned Appalachian Trail, as well as the southern terminus of the International Appalachian Trail.

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Which of the following geological features in Maine is described as a deep fjord-like inlet carved by glaciers?

Answer: Somes Sound

Explanation: Somes Sound is a prominent geological feature in Maine, described as a deep fjord-like inlet that was carved by glacial activity.

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What type of climate does Maine primarily experience?

Answer: Humid continental climate

Explanation: Maine primarily experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm, sometimes humid summers and long, cold, snowy winters.

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What is Maine's record low temperature, which also ties the New England record?

Answer: -50°F (-46°C)

Explanation: Maine's record low temperature is -50°F (-46°C), recorded in January 2009 at Big Black River, which also ties the New England record.

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What is Maine's state tree?

Answer: Eastern white pine

Explanation: The Eastern white pine is officially designated as Maine's state tree.

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Maine boasts the largest populations in the contiguous United States of which two large mammals?

Answer: Moose and black bears

Explanation: Maine has the largest populations of both moose and black bears in the contiguous United States.

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What percentage of Maine's total area is covered by pine trees, contributing to its nickname 'The Pine Tree State'?

Answer: Over 80%

Explanation: Pine trees cover over 80% of Maine's total area, which is the primary reason for its nickname 'The Pine Tree State'.

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History and Statehood

Indigenous populations have continuously inhabited the territory that is now Maine for approximately 5,000 years.

Answer: False

Explanation: Indigenous populations have continuously inhabited the territory of modern-day Maine for approximately 12,000 years, not 5,000 years, following the retreat of glaciers.

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The first European settlement in modern-day Maine was established in 1604 by Samuel de Champlain.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first confirmed European settlement in modern-day Maine was established in 1604 by French explorer Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons, with Samuel de Champlain being part of his party, not the sole establisher.

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The Popham Colony, Maine's first English settlement, was a long-lived endeavor, lasting for several years.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Popham Colony, Maine's first English settlement, was short-lived, with colonists returning to Britain after only 14 months.

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During the American Revolution and the War of 1812, British forces occupied eastern Maine with the goal of annexing it to Canada.

Answer: True

Explanation: British forces occupied eastern Maine during both the American Revolution and the War of 1812, with the explicit aim of annexing it as the Colony of New Ireland to Canada.

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Maine achieved statehood on July 4, 1820, as the 20th state, independent of any major legislative agreements.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maine achieved statehood on March 15, 1820, as the 23rd state, and its admission was part of the Missouri Compromise, a significant legislative agreement.

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The earliest known inhabitants of Maine were exclusively the Penobscot and Maliseet tribes.

Answer: False

Explanation: The earliest known inhabitants of Maine included the Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, Penobscot, Androscoggin, and Kennebec tribes, not exclusively the Penobscot and Maliseet.

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The discovery of the Maine Penny, an 11th-century Irish coin, supports the theory of early European contact by Vikings.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Maine Penny is an 11th-century Norwegian coin, not Irish, and its discovery supports the theory of early European contact by Vikings with native Penobscot people.

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The Massachusetts Bay Colony expanded its control over parts of Maine by purchasing New Somersetshire and Lygonia in 1658.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Massachusetts Bay Colony expanded its control over parts of Maine by seizing New Somersetshire and Lygonia by force in 1658, not by purchasing them.

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The Missouri Compromise was significant for Maine because it allowed its admission to statehood as a slave state.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Missouri Compromise enabled Maine's admission to statehood as a free state, while simultaneously allowing Missouri to be admitted as a slave state, maintaining a balance in the Union.

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Maine's original state capital was Augusta, which was later moved to Portland in 1832.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maine's original state capital was Portland, which was later moved to the more centrally located Augusta in 1832.

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The 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment played a crucial role at Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, under Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, played a pivotal role in defending Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg, preventing a Confederate flanking maneuver.

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The sinking of the USS Maine (ACR-1) in 1898 led directly to the start of the American Civil War.

Answer: False

Explanation: The sinking of the USS Maine (ACR-1) in 1898 precipitated the Spanish-American War, not the American Civil War.

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For approximately how many years has the territory that is now Maine been continuously inhabited by Indigenous populations?

Answer: 12,000 years

Explanation: The territory of modern-day Maine has been continuously inhabited by Indigenous populations for approximately 12,000 years.

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Who established the first confirmed European settlement in modern-day Maine in 1604?

Answer: Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons

Explanation: The first confirmed European settlement in modern-day Maine was established in 1604 by French explorer Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons, with Samuel de Champlain as part of his party.

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How long did the Popham Colony, the first English settlement in Maine, last before the colonists returned to Britain?

Answer: 14 months

Explanation: The Popham Colony, Maine's first English settlement, was short-lived, with colonists returning to Britain after only 14 months.

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During which two conflicts did British forces occupy eastern Maine with the aim of annexing it as the Colony of New Ireland?

Answer: American Revolution and War of 1812

Explanation: British forces occupied eastern Maine during both the American Revolution and the War of 1812, with the aim of annexing it to Canada as the Colony of New Ireland.

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When did Maine achieve formal statehood and become the 23rd state, as part of the Missouri Compromise?

Answer: March 15, 1820

Explanation: Maine achieved formal statehood and was admitted to the Union as the 23rd state on March 15, 1820, as part of the Missouri Compromise.

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Which of these Wabanaki peoples is NOT listed as an earliest known inhabitant of the territory that is now Maine?

Answer: Mohawk

Explanation: The earliest known inhabitants of Maine included the Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, Penobscot, Androscoggin, and Kennebec tribes; the Mohawk are not listed among them.

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What 11th-century artifact found in Maine supports the theory of early Viking contact with native Penobscot people?

Answer: The Maine Penny

Explanation: The discovery of the Maine Penny, an 11th-century Norwegian coin, supports the theory of early Viking contact and trade with the native Penobscot people in Maine.

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By what year did the Massachusetts Bay Colony seize New Somersetshire and Lygonia by force?

Answer: 1658

Explanation: The Massachusetts Bay Colony seized New Somersetshire and Lygonia by force by 1658, consolidating English control over parts of western Maine.

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What was a key significance of the Missouri Compromise for Maine?

Answer: It enabled Maine's admission to statehood as the 23rd state.

Explanation: The Missouri Compromise was crucial for Maine as it facilitated its admission to statehood on March 15, 1820, as the 23rd state, balancing the entry of Missouri as a slave state.

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When was Maine's state capital moved from Portland to Augusta?

Answer: 1832

Explanation: Maine's state capital was moved from Portland to the more centrally located Augusta in 1832.

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Which battle during the American Civil War saw the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment play a crucial role at Little Round Top?

Answer: Battle of Gettysburg

Explanation: The 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment played a crucial role at Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal engagement of the American Civil War.

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The sinking of the armored cruiser USS Maine (ACR-1) on February 15, 1898, precipitated which war?

Answer: Spanish-American War

Explanation: The sinking of the USS Maine (ACR-1) on February 15, 1898, was a key event that precipitated the Spanish-American War.

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Demographics and Society

Maine is the 10th-smallest U.S. state by total area and the 7th-least populous.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the source, Maine is the 12th-smallest U.S. state by total area and the 9th-least populous, not the 10th and 7th respectively.

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Augusta is Maine's most populous city, while Portland serves as its capital.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augusta is the capital of Maine, but Portland is its most populous city, not the other way around.

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As of the 2020 census, Maine's population density is 60.5 people per square mile, making it one of the most densely populated states east of the Mississippi River.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of the 2020 census, Maine's population density was 41.3 people per square mile, making it the least densely populated state east of the Mississippi River, not one of the most densely populated.

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Maine has the lowest proportion of its population aged 65 or older in the United States as of 2020.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of 2020, Maine has the highest proportion of its population aged 65 or older in the United States, not the lowest.

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French is the most widely spoken language in Maine after English, with the highest percentage of French speakers of any U.S. state.

Answer: True

Explanation: French is indeed the chief linguistic minority in Maine, and the state has the highest percentage of French speakers of any U.S. state, after English.

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According to a 2022 survey, the majority of Maine residents identify as religiously unaffiliated.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the 2022 Public Religion Research Institute survey, the majority (63%) of Maine residents identified as Christian, while 30% identified as religiously unaffiliated.

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According to the source, how does Maine rank among the 50 U.S. states in terms of population density?

Answer: 13th-least densely populated

Explanation: Maine is ranked as the 13th-least densely populated among the 50 U.S. states.

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What was the total population of Portland, Maine's most populous city, as of the 2020 census?

Answer: 68,408 residents

Explanation: As of the 2020 census, Portland, Maine's most populous city, had a total population of 68,408 residents.

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As of the 2020 census, what was Maine's population density?

Answer: 41.3 people per square mile

Explanation: As of the 2020 census, Maine's population density was 41.3 people per square mile.

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As of 2020, what demographic trend is noted for Maine regarding its senior population?

Answer: It has the highest proportion of its population aged 65 or older.

Explanation: As of 2020, Maine is notable for having the highest proportion of its population aged 65 or older in the United States.

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According to the 2010 census, what percentage of Maine households were French-speaking, making it the highest percentage of any U.S. state?

Answer: 3.93%

Explanation: According to the 2010 census, 3.93% of Maine households were French-speaking, which is the highest percentage of French speakers of any U.S. state.

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According to the Public Religion Research Institute's 2022 survey, what percentage of Maine residents identified as religiously unaffiliated?

Answer: 30%

Explanation: The Public Religion Research Institute's 2022 survey indicated that 30% of Maine residents identified as religiously unaffiliated.

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Economy and Industry

Maine's per capita personal income in 2023 ranked 15th in the nation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maine's per capita personal income in 2023 was $63,117, ranking 30th in the nation, not 15th.

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As of January 2025, Maine's minimum wage is $12.50.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of January 2025, Maine's minimum wage is $14.65, not $12.50.

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The harvest of oysters and seaweed is declining in Maine's commercial fishing industry.

Answer: False

Explanation: The harvest of oysters and seaweed is on the rise in Maine's commercial fishing industry, with significant projections for growth, not declining.

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Naval shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a crucial part of Maine's industry.

Answer: True

Explanation: Naval shipbuilding and construction, particularly at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, are explicitly identified as crucial components of Maine's industry.

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L.L.Bean, a major company headquartered in Maine, attracts over 3 million visitors to its flagship store annually.

Answer: True

Explanation: L.L.Bean, a company headquartered in Freeport, Maine, is a major attraction, drawing more than 3 million visitors to its flagship store each year.

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Maine's general sales tax rate is 7.5%.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maine's general sales tax rate is 5.5%, not 7.5%.

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Commercial sellers of blueberries in Maine are required to pay a tax of 5 cents per pound.

Answer: False

Explanation: Commercial sellers of blueberries in Maine are required to pay a tax of 1.5 cents per pound, not 5 cents per pound.

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The International Marine Terminal in Portland handled an estimated 10,000 shipping containers in 2021.

Answer: False

Explanation: The International Marine Terminal in Portland handled an estimated 36,700 shipping containers in 2021, not 10,000.

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The Downeaster passenger train provides daily service between Brunswick, Maine, and New York City.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Downeaster passenger train provides daily service between Brunswick, Maine, and Boston's North Station, not New York City.

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What was Maine's per capita personal income in 2023?

Answer: $63,117

Explanation: Maine's per capita personal income in 2023 was $63,117, ranking 30th nationally.

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What is Maine's minimum wage as of January 2025?

Answer: $14.65

Explanation: As of January 2025, the minimum wage in Maine is set at $14.65.

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Beyond lobstering, which two commercial fishing activities are gaining prominence in Maine?

Answer: Oysters and seaweed cultivation

Explanation: In addition to lobstering, the commercial harvesting and cultivation of oysters and seaweed are gaining prominence in Maine's fishing industry.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a key industrial output of Maine?

Answer: Automobile manufacturing

Explanation: Maine's key industrial outputs include paper, lumber, electronic equipment, and naval shipbuilding, but not automobile manufacturing.

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Approximately how many visitors does Acadia National Park attract annually, making it a major attraction in Maine?

Answer: Over 4 million

Explanation: Acadia National Park is a significant tourist attraction in Maine, drawing over 4 million visitors annually.

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What is the special tax levied on commercial sellers of blueberries in Maine?

Answer: 1.5 cents per pound

Explanation: Commercial sellers of blueberries in Maine are subject to a special tax of 1.5 cents per pound.

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Which Icelandic shipping company established its U.S. headquarters in Portland in 2013?

Answer: Eimskip

Explanation: The Icelandic shipping company Eimskip established its U.S. headquarters in Portland in 2013, enhancing the city's role in international shipping.

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What is the name of the Amtrak passenger train service that provides daily service between Brunswick, Maine, and Boston's North Station?

Answer: The Downeaster

Explanation: The Amtrak passenger train service providing daily service between Brunswick, Maine, and Boston's North Station is known as the *Downeaster*.

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Government and Administration

Maine's state government is structured into two co-equal branches: executive and legislative.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maine's state government is structured into three co-equal branches: executive, legislative, and judicial, in addition to constitutional and statutory officers.

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The Maine Legislature is a unicameral body with 151 members.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Maine Legislature is a bicameral body, consisting of the Maine House of Representatives (151 members) and the Maine Senate (35 members), not a unicameral body.

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The Governor of Maine may serve an unlimited number of consecutive terms.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Governor of Maine is limited to serving no more than two consecutive terms in office.

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Judges for the Maine Supreme Judicial Court are elected by popular vote for seven-year terms.

Answer: False

Explanation: Judges for the Maine Supreme Judicial Court are nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature, not elected by popular vote, and serve seven-year terms.

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Maine adopted ranked-choice voting for all state and federal elections through a referendum in 2016.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maine adopted ranked-choice voting for primary elections for state and federal offices, and general elections for federal offices, not for all state and federal elections.

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Maine has 20 counties, a number that has changed frequently since 1860.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maine is divided into 16 counties, a number that has remained consistent since 1860, not 20 counties with frequent changes.

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An 'unorganized territory' in Maine is an area that has its own elected local government but receives state funding.

Answer: False

Explanation: An 'unorganized territory' in Maine lacks a local government; its administration, services, and ordinances are handled by the state and respective county governments.

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How many members are in the Maine House of Representatives?

Answer: 151 members

Explanation: The Maine House of Representatives, part of the bicameral Maine Legislature, consists of 151 members.

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What is the term limit for the Governor of Maine?

Answer: Two consecutive terms

Explanation: The Governor of Maine is limited to serving no more than two consecutive terms in office.

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How long do judges for the Maine Supreme Judicial Court serve after being nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature?

Answer: Seven-year terms

Explanation: Judges for the Maine Supreme Judicial Court serve seven-year terms after being nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature.

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Maine utilizes ranked-choice voting in which types of elections?

Answer: Primary elections for state and federal offices, and general elections for federal offices

Explanation: Maine employs ranked-choice voting in primary elections for both state and federal offices, as well as in general elections for federal offices.

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How many counties are there in Maine?

Answer: 16

Explanation: Maine is divided into 16 counties, a number that has remained consistent since 1860.

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What percentage of Maine's total land area do 'unorganized territories' comprise?

Answer: Over half

Explanation: Unorganized territories, which lack local government, comprise over half of Maine's total land area.

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Education and Culture

Maine's state motto, 'Dirigo,' translates to 'I lead,' 'I guide,' or 'I direct.'

Answer: True

Explanation: The Latin motto of Maine, 'Dirigo,' accurately translates to 'I lead,' 'I guide,' or 'I direct,' reflecting the state's pioneering spirit.

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Bowdoin College, founded in 1794, is the oldest institution of higher learning in Maine.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bowdoin College, established in Brunswick in 1794, holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher learning in Maine.

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The Colby-Bates-Bowdoin Consortium consists of three highly ranked liberal arts colleges in Maine.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Colby-Bates-Bowdoin Consortium is indeed composed of three highly ranked liberal arts colleges in Maine: Colby College, Bates College, and Bowdoin College.

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Maine baked beans are distinct from Boston baked beans because they use a different type of sweetener.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maine baked beans are distinct from Boston baked beans primarily due to their use of thicker-skinned, native bean varieties, such as Marafax, soldier, and yellow-eye beans, not a different type of sweetener.

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The Maine colloquialism 'Ayuh' is used to express disagreement.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Maine colloquialism 'Ayuh' is an affirmative response, equivalent to saying 'Yes,' not an expression of disagreement.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the two primary nicknames for the state of Maine?

Answer: The Lobster State

Explanation: The two primary nicknames for Maine are 'The Pine Tree State' and 'Vacationland'; 'The Lobster State' is not listed as a primary nickname.

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What is the Latin motto of Maine and its English translation?

Answer: Dirigo, 'I lead'

Explanation: Maine's state motto is 'Dirigo,' which is Latin for 'I lead,' 'I guide,' or 'I direct.'

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When was Bowdoin College, the oldest institution of higher learning in Maine, founded?

Answer: 1794

Explanation: Bowdoin College, recognized as Maine's oldest institution of higher learning, was founded in 1794.

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Which magazine named Portland, Maine, its 'Restaurant City of the Year' in 2018?

Answer: Bon Appetit

Explanation: Portland, Maine, received national recognition when Bon Appetit magazine named it its 'Restaurant City of the Year' in 2018.

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What is a key difference between Maine baked beans and Boston baked beans?

Answer: Maine baked beans utilize thicker-skinned, native bean varieties.

Explanation: A primary distinction for Maine baked beans is their use of thicker-skinned, native bean varieties such as Marafax, soldier, and yellow-eye beans, differentiating them from Boston baked beans.

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What does the Maine colloquialism 'Upta camp' signify?

Answer: Going to a more out-of-the-way, rustic place

Explanation: The Maine colloquialism 'Upta camp' refers to the act of going to a remote, rustic location, often a cabin or retreat.

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The Maine term 'Downeast' refers to the coastline of which two counties?

Answer: Washington and Hancock counties

Explanation: The regional term 'Downeast' in Maine specifically refers to the coastline encompassing Washington and Hancock counties.

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