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North Carolina Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: North Carolina: Geography, History, and Culture

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North Carolina: Geography, History, and Culture Study Guide

Geography and Climate of North Carolina

North Carolina's three main geographical regions are the Appalachian Mountains, the Piedmont, and the Atlantic coastal plain, running from west to east.

Answer: True

Explanation: The state's geography is characterized by these three distinct regions, ordered from west to east.

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Mount Mitchell, situated in the western mountainous region, is the highest point in North Carolina and is recognized as the highest peak east of the Black Hills.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mount Mitchell is indeed the highest point in North Carolina and the highest peak east of the Black Hills in South Dakota.

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North Carolina exclusively experiences a humid subtropical climate across all its regions.

Answer: False

Explanation: While much of North Carolina has a humid subtropical climate, the western mountainous areas experience a subtropical highland climate due to elevation differences.

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The Piedmont region is the least populous area in North Carolina and contains few major cities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Piedmont region is the most populous area in North Carolina and contains its largest cities.

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Mount Mitchell is the highest peak in North America located east of the Appalachian Mountains.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Black Hills in South Dakota, not east of the Appalachian Mountains.

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The region off Cape Hatteras is named the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" because of its calm waters and safe passage for ships.

Answer: False

Explanation: The region is named the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" due to its treacherous waters and numerous shipwrecks, not calm passage.

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The Piedmont region of North Carolina is characterized by its mountainous terrain and low population density.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Piedmont region is characterized by rolling hills and is the most populous area of the state, containing its largest cities.

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The Appalachian Mountains region of North Carolina experiences a humid subtropical climate.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Appalachian Mountains region of North Carolina generally experiences a subtropical highland climate due to its elevation, which differs from the humid subtropical climate found in much of the state.

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The "Graveyard of the Atlantic" refers to a region known for its calm waters and safe passage for ships.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Graveyard of the Atlantic" is named for its treacherous waters and the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred there, not for calm passage.

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What are the three primary geographical regions of North Carolina from west to east?

Answer: Appalachian Mountains, Piedmont, Atlantic Coastal Plain

Explanation: North Carolina's geography is defined by the Appalachian Mountains in the west, the Piedmont in the center, and the Atlantic coastal plain in the east.

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Why is Cape Hatteras famously known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic"?

Answer: Its treacherous waters have caused the sinking of over a thousand ships.

Explanation: The designation "Graveyard of the Atlantic" stems from the high number of shipwrecks, estimated at over a thousand, caused by the dangerous maritime conditions off Cape Hatteras.

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What is the elevation of Mount Mitchell, the highest point in North Carolina?

Answer: 6,684 feet

Explanation: Mount Mitchell stands at an elevation of 6,684 feet (2,037 meters), making it the highest point in North Carolina and the highest peak east of the Black Hills.

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Which region of North Carolina experiences a subtropical highland climate?

Answer: The western mountainous areas

Explanation: Due to their elevation, the western mountainous areas of North Carolina are characterized by a subtropical highland climate.

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Which region of North Carolina is the most populous and contains its largest cities?

Answer: The Piedmont

Explanation: The Piedmont region is the most populous area in North Carolina and is home to the state's six largest cities.

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The Piedmont region of North Carolina is known for being the state's most populous area and home to its:

Answer: Six largest cities

Explanation: The Piedmont region is the most populous area in North Carolina and contains the state's six largest cities.

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Founding Principles and Revolutionary Era

Cape Hatteras is identified as the location associated with North Carolina's "First in Flight" historical significance in aviation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "First in Flight" designation specifically refers to the Wright brothers' achievement near Kitty Hawk, not Cape Hatteras.

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The world's first controlled, sustained flight of a powered aircraft occurred near Asheville, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903.

Answer: False

Explanation: The historic first flight by the Wright brothers on December 17, 1903, took place near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, not Asheville.

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The Halifax Resolves, adopted on April 12, 1776, were the first formal call for independence from Great Britain by an American Colony.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Halifax Resolves represent a pivotal moment, being the first official colonial action advocating for independence from British rule.

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North Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1776, becoming the seventh state to join the Union.

Answer: False

Explanation: North Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1789, becoming the twelfth state to join the Union.

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The unofficial slogan "First in Freedom" refers to North Carolina's role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Answer: False

Explanation: The slogan "First in Freedom" commemorates North Carolina's early steps toward independence, specifically the Mecklenburg Declaration and the Halifax Resolves, not the Civil Rights Movement.

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The "Race to the Dan" campaign involved General William T. Sherman maneuvering against Confederate forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Race to the Dan" campaign occurred during the Revolutionary War and involved General Nathanael Greene maneuvering against British forces led by Lord Cornwallis.

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The Halifax Resolves were adopted in 1775, preceding the Mecklenburg Declaration.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Halifax Resolves were adopted on April 12, 1776, which was after the Mecklenburg Declaration (May 1775).

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Bath, established in 1705 by John Lawson, is recognized as North Carolina's first town.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bath holds the distinction of being North Carolina's first incorporated town, established in 1705.

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The slogan "First in Freedom" is erroneously associated with commemorating the Wright brothers' aviation achievement near Kitty Hawk.

Answer: True

Explanation: The slogan "First in Flight" commemorates the Wright brothers' aviation achievement near Kitty Hawk; "First in Freedom" refers to North Carolina's early steps toward independence.

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The "Mississippian shatter zone" describes a period of agricultural stability and population decline in the American South.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Mississippian shatter zone" refers to a period of societal upheaval, characterized by disease, destabilized chiefdoms, and militaristic societies, not agricultural stability.

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The Halifax Resolves were adopted on April 12, 1776, marking North Carolina's first formal call for independence.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Halifax Resolves, adopted on April 12, 1776, were indeed North Carolina's first formal call for independence from Great Britain.

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The historic flight commemorated by North Carolina's "First in Flight" slogan occurred near which town?

Answer: Kitty Hawk

Explanation: The "First in Flight" slogan commemorates the Wright brothers' pioneering aviation achievement near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

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What was the significance of the Halifax Resolves adopted on April 12, 1776?

Answer: They were the first formal call for independence from Great Britain among the American Colonies.

Explanation: The Halifax Resolves were significant as the first official colonial resolution advocating for independence from Great Britain.

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North Carolina became the ______ state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

Answer: Twelfth

Explanation: North Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution on November 21, 1789, making it the twelfth state to join the Union.

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The unofficial slogan "First in Flight" commemorates which historical achievement?

Answer: The first controlled, sustained flight of a powered aircraft.

Explanation: The slogan "First in Flight" honors the Wright brothers' groundbreaking achievement of the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered aircraft.

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The "Race to the Dan" campaign during the Revolutionary War was a strategic campaign led by which American commander?

Answer: Nathanael Greene

Explanation: The "Race to the Dan" was a strategic maneuver executed by General Nathanael Greene during the Revolutionary War.

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What historical event is referenced by North Carolina's slogan "First in Freedom"?

Answer: The Mecklenburg Declaration and the Halifax Resolves.

Explanation: The slogan "First in Freedom" highlights North Carolina's early advocacy for independence, specifically referencing the Mecklenburg Declaration and the Halifax Resolves.

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What does the term "Mississippian shatter zone" refer to, according to anthropologist Robbie Ethridge?

Answer: A time of societal upheaval caused by disease, destabilized chiefdoms, and militaristic societies.

Explanation: Anthropologist Robbie Ethridge uses "Mississippian shatter zone" to describe a period of profound societal disruption marked by disease, political instability, and conflict.

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Bath, established in 1705, holds the distinction of being North Carolina's:

Answer: First town

Explanation: Bath, established in 1705, is recognized as North Carolina's first incorporated town.

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What historical event occurred near Kitty Hawk on December 17, 1903?

Answer: The first successful powered flight.

Explanation: On December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, the Wright brothers achieved the world's first controlled, sustained flight of a powered aircraft.

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Civil War and Reconstruction

North Carolina declared its secession from the Union on May 20, 1861, following President Lincoln's call to arms against Virginia.

Answer: False

Explanation: North Carolina seceded following President Lincoln's call for troops to suppress the rebellion in South Carolina, not against Virginia.

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The largest single surrender of Confederate soldiers occurred at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, marking the end of the Civil War in North Carolina.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Appomattox Court House was a significant surrender, the largest single surrender of Confederate soldiers occurred at Bennett Place in North Carolina, effectively concluding the war in the state.

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The phrase "First at Bethel, Farthest at Gettysburg and Chickamauga, and Last at Appomattox" highlights North Carolina's Civil War contributions.

Answer: True

Explanation: This phrase is indeed used to summarize North Carolina's significant military involvement and sacrifices during the Civil War.

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The Wilmington Insurrection of 1898 resulted in the disenfranchisement of most Black Americans and ushered in an era of white supremacy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The events in Wilmington led directly to the disenfranchisement of Black voters and the consolidation of white supremacist rule in the state.

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The Wilmington Insurrection of 1898 was followed by the adoption of a new state constitution in 1900 that eased voter registration requirements for Black Americans.

Answer: False

Explanation: The new state constitution adopted in 1900 implemented measures such as poll taxes and literacy tests that significantly restricted, rather than eased, voter registration requirements for Black Americans.

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The Wilmington Insurrection of 1898 led to the overthrow of the elected government and ushered in an era of white supremacy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The insurrection resulted in the violent overthrow of the elected government and the subsequent implementation of policies reinforcing white supremacy.

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What event prompted North Carolina to secede from the Union in 1861?

Answer: President Lincoln's request for troops to invade South Carolina.

Explanation: President Lincoln's call for troops to suppress the rebellion in South Carolina prompted North Carolina's secession.

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Where did the largest single surrender of Confederate soldiers occur, effectively concluding the Civil War in North Carolina?

Answer: Bennett Place

Explanation: The largest surrender of Confederate forces occurred at Bennett Place in North Carolina, marking the effective end of the Civil War.

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Which of the following phrases is used to describe North Carolina's Civil War contributions?

Answer: First at Bethel, Farthest at Gettysburg and Chickamauga, Last at Appomattox

Explanation: This phrase encapsulates North Carolina's significant and widespread participation in key battles throughout the Civil War.

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What was a major consequence of the Wilmington Insurrection of 1898?

Answer: The disenfranchisement of most Black Americans.

Explanation: The insurrection and subsequent constitutional changes effectively disenfranchised the majority of Black voters in North Carolina.

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What is the significance of the phrase "First at Bethel, Farthest at Gettysburg and Chickamauga, and Last at Appomattox"?

Answer: It highlights North Carolina's notable Civil War contributions.

Explanation: This phrase serves as a concise summary of North Carolina's significant involvement and impact across various key battles of the Civil War.

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Economic Development and Modern Industries

North Carolina's economy has shifted from textiles and furniture towards industries like technology and pharmaceuticals.

Answer: True

Explanation: The state has indeed experienced a significant economic transition, moving from traditional manufacturing to sectors such as technology and pharmaceuticals.

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Research Triangle Park (RTP), established in 1959, is the largest research park in the Southern United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: Research Triangle Park is recognized as the largest research park in the United States, significantly contributing to the state's innovation economy.

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North Carolina's median household income from 2010-2014 ranked higher nationally than the District of Columbia.

Answer: False

Explanation: North Carolina's median household income ranked forty-first nationally during the 2010-2014 period, which is lower than the District of Columbia's ranking.

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North Carolina leads the nation in the production of corn and soybeans.

Answer: False

Explanation: North Carolina leads the nation in the production of flue-cured tobacco and sweet potatoes, not corn and soybeans.

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North Carolina's economy has seen a decline in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors in recent decades.

Answer: False

Explanation: North Carolina's economy has experienced growth in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors, shifting away from traditional industries.

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North Carolina leads the nation in the production of sweet potatoes.

Answer: True

Explanation: North Carolina holds the leading position nationally for the production of sweet potatoes, alongside flue-cured tobacco.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a sector driving North Carolina's economic shift in recent decades?

Answer: Automotive Manufacturing

Explanation: While technology and pharmaceuticals are noted growth sectors, and textiles represent a traditional industry that has shifted, automotive manufacturing is not explicitly mentioned as a primary driver of the recent economic shift in the provided context.

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Research Triangle Park (RTP) significantly contributes to North Carolina's economy by fostering collaboration in what field?

Answer: Advanced scientific research

Explanation: RTP is a hub for advanced scientific research, fostering collaboration among universities and businesses in fields like technology and life sciences.

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What was North Carolina's national ranking for median household income based on 2010-2014 American Community Survey data?

Answer: 41st

Explanation: Based on 2010-2014 American Community Survey data, North Carolina's median household income ranked forty-first nationally.

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North Carolina holds the leading position nationally for the production of which two agricultural products?

Answer: Flue-cured tobacco and sweet potatoes

Explanation: North Carolina leads the nation in the production of flue-cured tobacco and sweet potatoes.

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The economic shift in North Carolina has moved away from traditional industries like tobacco and textiles towards which emerging sectors?

Answer: Technology, pharmaceuticals, and tourism

Explanation: North Carolina's economy has transitioned from traditional sectors towards growth in technology, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.

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Demographics, Culture, and Identity

Eastern North Carolina was predominantly settled by Scots-Irish and German Protestants, while western regions saw English and Gaelic speakers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The settlement patterns were reversed: eastern North Carolina was primarily settled by English and Gaelic speakers, while western regions attracted Scots-Irish, English, and German Protestants.

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North Carolina's two primary nicknames are "The Tar Heel State" and "The Volunteer State."

Answer: False

Explanation: North Carolina's primary nicknames are "The Tar Heel State" and "The Old North State." "The Volunteer State" is the nickname for Tennessee.

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North Carolina's state motto, "Esse quam videri," translates to "To be, rather than to seem" and was adopted in 1893.

Answer: True

Explanation: The motto "Esse quam videri" indeed means "To be, rather than to seem" and was officially adopted in 1893.

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As of 2023, North Carolina has only two major combined statistical areas (CSAs) with populations exceeding one million.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of 2023, North Carolina has four major combined statistical areas (CSAs) with populations exceeding one million: Charlotte Metro, Research Triangle, Hampton Roads, and Piedmont Triad.

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According to the 2020 census, North Carolina's population was approximately 9.5 million.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2020 census recorded North Carolina's population at approximately 10.4 million.

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Wake County and Mecklenburg County were the only North Carolina counties with populations exceeding one million in the 2020 census.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the 2020 census, Wake County and Mecklenburg County were the only counties in North Carolina to surpass one million residents.

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The most common ancestries reported by North Carolina residents include French, Italian, and Polish.

Answer: False

Explanation: The most commonly reported ancestries in North Carolina are African-American, American, German, English, and Irish.

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North Carolina has the third-largest Native American population among U.S. states.

Answer: False

Explanation: North Carolina ranks eighth in the United States for its Native American population.

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In 2010, over 95% of North Carolina residents aged five and older spoke English as their primary language at home.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2010, 89.66% of North Carolina residents aged five and older spoke English as their primary language at home.

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Raleigh, not Charlotte, was the most visited city in North Carolina in 2018.

Answer: False

Explanation: Charlotte was the most visited city in North Carolina in 2018, attracting approximately 28.3 million visitors.

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The "Tobacco Road" college basketball rivalries involve universities from North Carolina and Virginia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Tobacco Road" rivalries are exclusively between four universities within North Carolina: UNC, Duke, NC State, and Wake Forest.

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North Carolina is known for two primary barbecue styles: Eastern style (vinegar-based) and Western style (tomato-based).

Answer: True

Explanation: The state is indeed recognized for its Eastern style (whole hog, vinegar-based sauce) and Western/Lexington style (pork shoulder, tomato-based sauce).

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Life expectancy in North Carolina in recent years has been higher than the national average.

Answer: False

Explanation: In recent years, life expectancy in North Carolina has been lower than the national average.

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In the 2010 midterm elections, North Carolina voters elected a Democratic majority legislature for the first time in over a century.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 2010 midterm elections, North Carolina voters elected a Republican majority legislature, marking the first time in decades that Republicans controlled both houses.

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North Carolina's state motto "Esse quam videri" was officially adopted in the early 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The state motto "Esse quam videri" was officially adopted in 1893, which is the late 19th century, not the early 20th century.

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How did the settlement patterns of eastern and western North Carolina differ, and what impact did this have?

Answer: East was settled by English and Gaelic speakers, West by Scots-Irish, English, and German Protestants.

Explanation: Differing origins of settlers in eastern versus western North Carolina contributed to distinct regional developments throughout the state's history.

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What are North Carolina's two most common nicknames?

Answer: The Tar Heel State and The Old North State

Explanation: The state is widely known by the nicknames "The Tar Heel State" and "The Old North State."

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North Carolina's state motto, "Esse quam videri," translates to which meaning?

Answer: To be, rather than to seem

Explanation: The Latin phrase "Esse quam videri" translates to "To be, rather than to seem."

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As of 2023, which of the following is NOT listed as a major combined statistical area (CSA) in North Carolina with a population over one million?

Answer: Coastal Bend

Explanation: Coastal Bend is not listed as a major CSA in North Carolina with a population over one million; Charlotte Metro, Research Triangle, and Piedmont Triad are among those that meet this criterion.

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According to the 2020 census, what was the approximate population of North Carolina?

Answer: 10.4 million

Explanation: The 2020 census data indicates that North Carolina's population was approximately 10.4 million.

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Which two counties in North Carolina are the only ones with populations exceeding one million, and what were their populations in the 2020 census?

Answer: Wake and Mecklenburg

Explanation: Wake County (1,129,410) and Mecklenburg County (1,115,482) were the only North Carolina counties to surpass one million residents in the 2020 census.

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What are the most commonly reported ancestries among North Carolina residents, according to the source?

Answer: African-American, American, German, English, Irish

Explanation: The most frequently reported ancestries among North Carolina residents are African-American, American, German, English, and Irish.

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North Carolina ranks ______ in the United States for its Native American population.

Answer: Eighth

Explanation: North Carolina holds the eighth-largest Native American population in the United States.

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In 2010, what percentage of North Carolina residents aged five and older spoke English as their primary language at home?

Answer: 89.66%

Explanation: According to 2010 data, 89.66% of North Carolina residents aged five and older reported speaking English as their primary language at home.

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Which city is identified as the most visited in North Carolina, attracting approximately 28.3 million visitors in 2018?

Answer: Charlotte

Explanation: Charlotte was the most visited city in North Carolina in 2018, drawing approximately 28.3 million visitors.

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The "Tobacco Road" college basketball rivalries involve which four universities?

Answer: UNC, Duke, NC State, Wake Forest

Explanation: The renowned "Tobacco Road" rivalries in college basketball are contested among the University of North Carolina, Duke University, North Carolina State University, and Wake Forest University.

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What distinguishes the Eastern style of North Carolina barbecue from the Western (Lexington) style?

Answer: Eastern uses whole hog and a vinegar-and-red-pepper-based sauce; Western uses pork shoulder and a tomato-based sauce.

Explanation: The primary distinction lies in the cut of pork used (whole hog vs. pork shoulder) and the sauce base (vinegar-and-pepper vs. tomato-based).

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Life expectancy in North Carolina in recent years has been ______ the national average.

Answer: Lower than

Explanation: Recent data indicates that life expectancy in North Carolina is lower than the national average.

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What significant political shift occurred in North Carolina following the 2010 midterm elections?

Answer: Republicans gained control of both houses of the legislature for the first time in decades.

Explanation: The 2010 midterm elections resulted in Republicans securing control of both legislative chambers in North Carolina for the first time in many decades.

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Higher Education and Infrastructure

North Carolina possesses the largest state highway system in the United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: North Carolina possesses the second-largest state highway system in the United States.

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The University of North Carolina, established in 1795, was the second public university founded in the United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: The University of North Carolina, established in 1795, holds the distinction of being the first public university founded in the United States.

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The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is responsible for overseeing the state's university system.

Answer: False

Explanation: The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction oversees elementary and secondary public schools, not the state's university system.

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Fort Bragg, located near Jacksonville, serves as the headquarters for the XVIII Airborne Corps.

Answer: False

Explanation: Fort Bragg is located near Fayetteville, not Jacksonville. It serves as the headquarters for the XVIII Airborne Corps.

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North Carolina State University has a larger student enrollment than the University of North Carolina.

Answer: True

Explanation: North Carolina State University is currently the largest university in North Carolina by student enrollment.

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North Carolina ranks second nationally in the size of its state highway system.

Answer: True

Explanation: North Carolina maintains the second-largest state highway system in the United States.

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Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of North Carolina's major airports.

Answer: True

Explanation: Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a significant transportation hub and one of the state's major airports.

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The University of North Carolina, established in 1795, holds the distinction of being the first public university in the United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: The University of North Carolina, founded in 1795, is recognized as the first public university in the United States.

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North Carolina possesses the ______ state highway system in the country.

Answer: Second-largest

Explanation: North Carolina maintains the second-largest state highway system in the United States.

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The University of North Carolina, established in 1795, holds the distinction of being:

Answer: The first public university in the United States.

Explanation: Established in 1795, the University of North Carolina is recognized as the first public university in the United States.

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What is the primary responsibility of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction?

Answer: Overseeing elementary and secondary public schools.

Explanation: The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's primary role is the administration and oversight of the state's public K-12 education system.

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Which major military installation is located near Fayetteville, North Carolina?

Answer: Fort Bragg

Explanation: Fort Bragg, a major U.S. Army installation, is situated near Fayetteville, North Carolina.

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Which of the following is a key military installation located in Jacksonville, North Carolina?

Answer: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Explanation: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a significant military installation located in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

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