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The Great Seal of North Carolina is primarily used to authenticate official documents, ensuring their legitimacy.
Answer: True
Explanation: The primary function of the Great Seal of North Carolina is to authenticate official government documents, thereby ensuring their legitimacy and authority.
The Great Seal of North Carolina depicts two allegorical figures: Justice and Wisdom.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Great Seal of North Carolina depicts two allegorical figures, Liberty and Prosperity, not Justice and Wisdom.
The motto 'Esse quam videri' translates to 'To see rather than to be.'
Answer: False
Explanation: The Latin motto 'Esse quam videri' translates to 'To be rather than to seem,' emphasizing authenticity and substance.
State law defines the North Carolina state seal to be two and one-quarter inches in diameter.
Answer: True
Explanation: An act of the North Carolina General Assembly legally defines the state seal's diameter as two and one-quarter inches.
The figure of Liberty on the seal holds a scroll inscribed with 'Freedom' in her right hand.
Answer: False
Explanation: The figure of Liberty on the current state seal holds a scroll inscribed with 'Constitution' in her right hand, not 'Freedom'.
The figure of Plenty is depicted standing and holding a cornucopia with its contents rolling out.
Answer: False
Explanation: The figure of Plenty is depicted sitting down, holding three heads of grain in her right hand, and the small end of her cornucopia in her left, with its mouth resting at her feet.
The background of the North Carolina state seal includes a depiction of mountains.
Answer: True
Explanation: The background of the North Carolina state seal features a depiction of mountains, symbolizing the state's diverse geography.
A two-masted ship is located on the ocean to the left of the figure of Liberty on the seal.
Answer: False
Explanation: The current North Carolina state seal features a three-masted ship located on the ocean to the right of the figure of Plenty, not a two-masted ship to the left of Liberty.
The date 'July 4, 1776' is inscribed across the top of the North Carolina state seal.
Answer: False
Explanation: The date inscribed across the top of the North Carolina state seal is 'May 20, 1775', commemorating the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.
The Latin words 'esse quam videri' appear at the bottom perimeter of the seal.
Answer: True
Explanation: The state's official motto, 'esse quam videri,' is indeed inscribed at the bottom perimeter of the North Carolina state seal.
State law allows for additional figures or embellishments on the seal as long as they are approved by the Governor.
Answer: False
Explanation: State law explicitly prohibits any other words, figures, or embellishments from appearing on the North Carolina state seal, ensuring a consistent design.
A brick wall is a legally mandated artistic detail for the North Carolina state seal.
Answer: False
Explanation: Many historical depictions include a brick wall, but this artistic detail is not legally mandated or described in the official state law for the North Carolina seal.
What is the primary purpose of the Great Seal of North Carolina?
Answer: To authenticate official documents issued by the North Carolina government.
Explanation: The Great Seal of North Carolina serves the essential purpose of authenticating official documents issued by the state government, thereby confirming their legal validity.
Which two allegorical figures are depicted on the Great Seal of North Carolina?
Answer: Liberty and Prosperity
Explanation: The Great Seal of North Carolina features two allegorical female figures, Liberty and Prosperity, symbolizing freedom and abundance, respectively.
What is the English translation of North Carolina's motto, 'Esse quam videri'?
Answer: To be rather than to seem.
Explanation: The Latin motto 'Esse quam videri' translates to 'To be rather than to seem,' conveying a message of integrity and substance.
What is the legally defined diameter of the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina?
Answer: Two and one-quarter inches
Explanation: State law, enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly, specifies that the Great Seal must be two and one-quarter inches in diameter.
What does the figure of Liberty hold in her right hand on the North Carolina state seal?
Answer: A scroll inscribed with 'Constitution'
Explanation: The figure of Liberty on the North Carolina state seal holds a scroll inscribed with the word 'Constitution' in her right hand, symbolizing the state's foundational legal document.
How is the figure of Plenty depicted on the North Carolina state seal?
Answer: Sitting down, holding three heads of grain and a cornucopia.
Explanation: The figure of Plenty is depicted sitting down, holding three heads of grain in her right hand and the small end of her cornucopia in her left, with its mouth resting at her feet.
What natural landscape feature is included in the background of the North Carolina state seal?
Answer: Mountains
Explanation: The background of the North Carolina state seal prominently features a depiction of mountains, reflecting the state's diverse geographical landscape, including the Appalachian Mountains.
What type of ship is featured on the North Carolina state seal?
Answer: A three-masted ship
Explanation: The North Carolina state seal includes a side view of a three-masted ship, symbolizing the state's coastal heritage and maritime trade.
What specific date is inscribed across the top of the North Carolina state seal?
Answer: May 20, 1775
Explanation: The date 'May 20, 1775' is inscribed across the top of the North Carolina state seal, commemorating the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.
What phrase is inscribed at the bottom perimeter of the North Carolina state seal?
Answer: Esse quam videri
Explanation: The Latin phrase 'Esse quam videri,' which is North Carolina's official motto, is inscribed at the bottom perimeter of the state seal.
What restrictions are placed on additional elements appearing on the North Carolina state seal?
Answer: No other words, figures, or embellishments shall appear on the seal.
Explanation: State law strictly mandates that no other words, figures, or embellishments shall appear on the North Carolina state seal, ensuring its precise and consistent design.
What common artistic detail in historical depictions of the seal is not legally mandated?
Answer: A brick wall behind one of the women.
Explanation: A common artistic detail, the depiction of a brick wall behind one of the women on the seal, is not legally mandated and represents an artistic interpretation rather than an official design element.
The Province of Carolina was established as a British colony in 1663 and adopted a single-sided seal.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Province of Carolina was established in 1663 as a British colony, but it adopted a two-sided seal, not a single-sided one.
The obverse side of the original Province of Carolina seal featured a crest with two crossed cornucopias on a shield.
Answer: True
Explanation: The obverse side of the original Province of Carolina seal indeed featured a crest with two crossed cornucopias on a shield, flanked by two Native Americans, with a deer atop a knight's helmet.
The reverse side of the original Province of Carolina seal depicted the cross of England surrounded by the individual coats of arms of each lord proprietor.
Answer: True
Explanation: The reverse side of the original Province of Carolina seal accurately depicted the cross of England, encircled by the individual coats of arms of each lord proprietor of Carolina.
The Government of Albemarle adopted the obverse side of the Province of Carolina's seal as its official emblem.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Government of Albemarle adopted the *reverse* side of the Province of Carolina's seal as its official emblem, not the obverse side.
The North Carolina Colony received its own seal immediately after the separation of the Province of Carolina.
Answer: False
Explanation: After the Province of Carolina separated, the North Carolina Colony was without a seal until February 3, 1730, when its creation was recommended to the King.
King George II approved the design for the North Carolina Colony seal in February 1730.
Answer: True
Explanation: The King of Great Britain approved the seal design for the North Carolina Colony in February 1730, following a recommendation from the Board of Trade.
The 1730-1767 North Carolina Colony seal's obverse side depicted King George III on his throne.
Answer: False
Explanation: The obverse side of the North Carolina Colony seal from 1730 to 1767 depicted King George II on his throne, not King George III.
The Latin phrase 'QUÆ SERA TAMEN RESPEXIT' on the 1730-1767 colonial seal translates to 'Always faithful.'
Answer: False
Explanation: The Latin phrase 'QUÆ SERA TAMEN RESPEXIT' on the 1730-1767 colonial seal translates to 'which though late, looked upon me,' not 'Always faithful.'
The reverse side of the North Carolina Colony seal from 1730 to 1767 depicted the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom.
Answer: True
Explanation: The reverse side of the North Carolina Colony seal from 1730 to 1767 indeed depicted the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, symbolizing British sovereignty.
In 1767, the North Carolina Colony seal was updated to replace King George II with King George III.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1767, the North Carolina Colony seal was updated to reflect the new monarch, replacing King George II with King George III, and also repositioned the figure of liberty.
When was the Province of Carolina established as a British colony?
Answer: 1663
Explanation: The Province of Carolina was formally established as a British colony in 1663, marking the beginning of its colonial administration.
What was depicted on the obverse side of the original Province of Carolina seal?
Answer: A crest with two crossed cornucopias on a shield, flanked by two Native Americans.
Explanation: The obverse side of the original Province of Carolina seal depicted a crest with two crossed cornucopias on a shield, flanked by two Native Americans, with a deer atop a knight's helmet.
What was depicted on the reverse side of the original Province of Carolina seal?
Answer: The cross of England surrounded by the individual coats of arms of each lord proprietor.
Explanation: The reverse side of the original Province of Carolina seal featured the cross of England, surrounded by the individual coats of arms of each of the lord proprietors of Carolina.
What modification did the Government of Albemarle make to the adopted reverse side of the colony's seal?
Answer: It added the name 'ALBEMARLE' around the edge.
Explanation: The Government of Albemarle's sole modification to the adopted reverse side of the Province of Carolina seal was the addition of the name 'ALBEMARLE' around its edge to denote its specific jurisdiction.
When did the North Carolina Colony receive its own seal after the separation of the Province of Carolina?
Answer: 1730
Explanation: The North Carolina Colony received its own seal on February 3, 1730, after a period without one following the separation of the Province of Carolina.
Who approved the design for the North Carolina Colony seal in February 1730?
Answer: The King of Great Britain
Explanation: The King of Great Britain approved the design for the North Carolina Colony seal in February 1730, following a recommendation from the Board of Trade.
What Latin phrase was inscribed at the bottom of the 1730-1767 North Carolina Colony seal?
Answer: Quæ Sera Tamen Respexit
Explanation: The Latin phrase 'QUÆ SERA TAMEN RESPEXIT' was inscribed at the bottom of the 1730-1767 North Carolina Colony seal, translating to 'which though late, looked upon me.'
What was depicted on the reverse side of the North Carolina Colony seal from 1730 to 1767?
Answer: The Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom.
Explanation: The reverse side of the North Carolina Colony seal from 1730 to 1767 depicted the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, signifying British royal authority.
What significant change was made to the North Carolina Colony seal in 1767?
Answer: King George II was replaced with King George III.
Explanation: In 1767, the North Carolina Colony seal was significantly updated to replace the depiction of King George II with King George III, reflecting the change in monarchy.
The first seal for the U.S. state of North Carolina was adopted in 1776.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first seal for the U.S. state of North Carolina was adopted in 1779, following the state's declaration of independence, not in 1776.
William Tisdale, a silversmith, began work on the first state seal in 1778.
Answer: True
Explanation: Silversmith William Tisdale commenced work on the first official state seal in 1778, contributing to the state's early symbolic representation.
The obverse side of North Carolina's first state seal (1779-1794) depicted a woman herding cattle.
Answer: False
Explanation: The obverse side of North Carolina's first state seal (1779-1794) depicted a woman wearing a Roman helmet, holding a Phrygian cap and a 'CONSTITUTION' paper. The woman herding cattle was on the *reverse* side.
The inscription 'INDEPENDENCE MDCCLXXVI' on the 1779-1794 state seal signified the year 1776.
Answer: True
Explanation: The inscription 'INDEPENDENCE MDCCLXXVI' on the 1779-1794 state seal indeed signified the year 1776, marking the declaration of United States independence.
When was the first seal of the U.S. state of North Carolina adopted?
Answer: 1779
Explanation: The first seal for the U.S. state of North Carolina was adopted in 1779, marking its transition from a colony to an independent state.
Who was the silversmith that began work on the first state seal in 1778?
Answer: William Tisdale
Explanation: William Tisdale, a silversmith, commenced the creation of North Carolina's first official state seal in 1778.
What did the obverse side of North Carolina's first state seal (1779-1794) depict?
Answer: A woman wearing a Roman helmet, holding a Phrygian cap and a 'CONSTITUTION' paper.
Explanation: The obverse side of North Carolina's first state seal (1779-1794) depicted a woman wearing a Roman helmet, holding a stick with a Phrygian cap and a paper inscribed with 'CONSTITUTION'.
What was the meaning of the Latin phrase 'IN LEGIBUS SALUS' on the 1779-1794 state seal?
Answer: In laws there is safety
Explanation: The Latin phrase 'IN LEGIBUS SALUS' on the 1779-1794 state seal translated to 'in laws there is safety,' underscoring the importance of legal order.
What year did the inscription 'INDEPENDENCE MDCCLXXVI' on the 1779-1794 state seal signify?
Answer: 1776
Explanation: The inscription 'INDEPENDENCE MDCCLXXVI' on the 1779-1794 state seal signified the year 1776, commemorating the declaration of independence.
The Great Seal was initially adopted in 1794, and its design was officially standardized in 1983.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Great Seal was initially adopted in 1794, its design was officially standardized in 1971, with further modifications made in 1983.
The current seal of North Carolina was adopted in 1794.
Answer: True
Explanation: The current design of the Great Seal of North Carolina was adopted in 1794, following authorization by the General Assembly in 1792.
The state seal was officially standardized in 1971 due to a change in the state's constitution.
Answer: False
Explanation: The state seal was officially standardized in 1971 because multiple versions were in use, necessitating a single, consistent design, not due to a constitutional change.
State senator Julian R. Allsbrook proposed adding the date April 12, 1776, to the seal in 1983.
Answer: True
Explanation: State senator Julian R. Allsbrook indeed proposed adding the date April 12, 1776, to the seal in 1983, a modification that was subsequently approved by the state legislature.
When was the Great Seal of North Carolina's design officially standardized?
Answer: April 8, 1971
Explanation: The design of the Great Seal of North Carolina was officially standardized on April 8, 1971, to ensure uniformity across all official uses.
When was the current design of the Great Seal of North Carolina adopted?
Answer: 1794
Explanation: The current design of the Great Seal of North Carolina was authorized by the General Assembly in 1792 and subsequently adopted in 1794.
Why was the state seal officially standardized in 1971?
Answer: Because multiple versions of the seal were in use.
Explanation: The state seal was officially standardized in 1971 due to the discovery that multiple, inconsistent versions of the seal were in use, necessitating a unified design.
The date April 12, 1776, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Answer: False
Explanation: The date April 12, 1776, commemorates the Halifax Resolves, where North Carolina became the first colony to officially call for independence from Great Britain, predating the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
The dates May 20, 1775, and April 12, 1776, are also featured on the flag of North Carolina.
Answer: True
Explanation: Both May 20, 1775, and April 12, 1776, significant historical dates for North Carolina, are prominently featured on the state flag as well as the Great Seal.
What historical event does the date April 12, 1776, commemorate on the North Carolina seal?
Answer: The Halifax Resolves.
Explanation: The date April 12, 1776, commemorates the Halifax Resolves, a pivotal moment when North Carolina became the first colony to formally advocate for independence from Great Britain.
Besides the state seal, where else are the dates May 20, 1775, and April 12, 1776, featured?
Answer: On the North Carolina state flag.
Explanation: The significant dates of May 20, 1775, and April 12, 1776, are also prominently displayed on the flag of North Carolina, underscoring their historical importance to the state.