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South Carolina's name honors King Charles I of England, derived from the Latin word 'Carolus' for Charles.
Answer: True
Explanation: The name 'Carolina' is derived from 'Carolus,' the Latin form of King Charles I of England, in whose honor the territory was named.
Estimates suggest that around 20,000 Native Americans, including Cherokee and Catawba tribes, inhabited South Carolina before European arrival.
Answer: True
Explanation: Prior to European colonization, it is estimated that up to 20,000 Native Americans, including members of the Cherokee and Catawba tribes, resided in the territory that is now South Carolina.
San Miguel de Gualdape, established in 1526, was the first European settlement in the contiguous United States and lasted for several years.
Answer: False
Explanation: San Miguel de Gualdape, founded in 1526, was indeed the first European settlement in the contiguous United States, but it was abandoned after only eight months due to hardships.
South Carolina transitioned to a royal colony in 1719 after colonists successfully overthrew proprietary rule.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1719, South Carolina became a royal colony following a rebellion by the colonists against the proprietary government, leading to direct rule by the British Crown.
Rice and indigo were minor cash crops in colonial South Carolina, with indigo dye being less valuable than cotton.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rice cultivation was a major cash crop in colonial South Carolina, and indigo, which provided a valuable blue dye, was also a significant economic contributor.
The 'Carolinas' region encompasses South Carolina and Virginia, known for their shared colonial history.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Carolinas' region specifically refers to South Carolina and North Carolina, highlighting their shared history and geographical proximity, not Virginia.
What is the origin of the name "South Carolina"?
Answer: It honors King Charles I of England, using the Latin form 'Carolus'.
Explanation: The name 'South Carolina' originates from 'Carolus,' the Latin translation for King Charles I of England, in whose honor the territory was named.
What was the estimated Native American population in South Carolina around the year 1600?
Answer: Up to 20,000
Explanation: Estimates suggest that approximately 20,000 Native Americans inhabited the region that is now South Carolina around the year 1600.
Which were the two largest Native American tribes in South Carolina prior to European colonization?
Answer: Cherokee and Catawba
Explanation: The Cherokee and Catawba tribes were the two most significant Native American groups residing in South Carolina prior to the arrival of Europeans.
What was the fate of San Miguel de Gualdape, founded in 1526?
Answer: It was abandoned after eight months due to various hardships.
Explanation: San Miguel de Gualdape, established in 1526, was the first European settlement in the contiguous United States but was abandoned within eight months due to numerous difficulties.
In what year did South Carolina become a royal colony?
Answer: 1719
Explanation: South Carolina transitioned to the status of a royal colony in the year 1719.
Eliza Lucas is credited with developing the cultivation of which important colonial cash crop in South Carolina?
Answer: Indigo
Explanation: Eliza Lucas is recognized for her pioneering work in developing the cultivation of indigo, which became a highly valuable cash crop in colonial South Carolina.
During the Antebellum period (1790-1865), political control in South Carolina was primarily held by wealthy male landowners.
Answer: True
Explanation: Throughout the Antebellum period, political power in South Carolina was concentrated among wealthy male landowners, who often held significant property qualifications for holding office.
The Nullification Crisis was resolved when South Carolina agreed to a compromise on federal tariff laws after the federal government threatened military action.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Nullification Crisis was resolved through a compromise tariff, but the federal government's threat of military action (via the Force Bill) was a significant factor in South Carolina's eventual compliance.
The American Civil War commenced when Confederate forces fired upon Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor on April 12, 1861.
Answer: True
Explanation: The conflict that initiated the American Civil War began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in Charleston Harbor, on April 12, 1861.
The Port Royal Experiment provided formerly enslaved people with wages for working on cotton farms under Union supervision.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Port Royal Experiment during the Civil War involved formerly enslaved individuals working on cotton farms and receiving wages, marking an early instance of economic self-sufficiency under Union administration.
Reconstruction in South Carolina concluded in 1877 following the federal government's withdrawal of troops as part of the Compromise of 1877.
Answer: True
Explanation: The end of Reconstruction in South Carolina is generally marked by the withdrawal of federal troops in 1877, a key component of the Compromise of 1877.
South Carolina's 1895 constitution introduced poll taxes and literacy tests primarily to disenfranchise Black citizens and poor whites.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1895 South Carolina constitution implemented measures such as poll taxes and literacy tests with the explicit intent of disenfranchising African American voters and many poor white citizens.
The 'one-drop rule' proposal during the 1895 convention aimed to classify anyone with any known African ancestry as Black, potentially prohibiting interracial marriage.
Answer: True
Explanation: The proposed 'one-drop rule' during South Carolina's 1895 constitutional convention sought to define individuals with any African ancestry as Black, thereby potentially forbidding interracial marriage.
The Supreme Court case *Texas vs. White* ruled that states could not legally secede from the Union.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the landmark case *Texas vs. White* (1869), the U.S. Supreme Court declared that states could not unilaterally secede from the Union, affirming the perpetual nature of the United States.
Which group held dominant political control in South Carolina between 1790 and 1865?
Answer: Wealthy male landowners
Explanation: From 1790 to 1865, political power in South Carolina was predominantly wielded by wealthy male landowners.
What was the central issue of the Nullification Crisis in the 1830s involving South Carolina?
Answer: Opposition to federal tariff laws
Explanation: The Nullification Crisis primarily revolved around South Carolina's opposition to federal tariff laws, which the state declared unconstitutional.
The firing on Fort Sumter marked the beginning of which conflict?
Answer: The American Civil War
Explanation: The commencement of the American Civil War is marked by the Confederate forces' attack on Fort Sumter.
What was a key feature of the "Port Royal Experiment" during the Civil War?
Answer: It involved formerly enslaved people earning wages working on cotton farms.
Explanation: A significant aspect of the Port Royal Experiment was the provision of wages to formerly enslaved individuals for their labor on cotton farms.
How did Reconstruction effectively end in South Carolina?
Answer: When federal troops were withdrawn following the Compromise of 1877.
Explanation: The withdrawal of federal troops in 1877, as part of the Compromise of 1877, effectively marked the conclusion of the Reconstruction era in South Carolina.
What was the intended effect of the 1895 South Carolina constitution's measures like poll taxes and literacy tests?
Answer: To disenfranchise Black citizens and poor whites.
Explanation: The poll taxes and literacy tests introduced by the 1895 South Carolina constitution were designed to disenfranchise African Americans and poor whites.
What was the purpose of the proposed 'one-drop rule' during South Carolina's 1895 constitutional convention?
Answer: To classify anyone with any known African ancestry as Black.
Explanation: The 'one-drop rule' proposal at the 1895 convention aimed to classify individuals with any African ancestry as Black, which carried implications for marriage laws.
South Carolina is bordered by North Carolina to the north and northeast, and Georgia to the west and south.
Answer: True
Explanation: The state's geographical boundaries include North Carolina to the north and northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, and Georgia to the west and south, with the Savannah River forming much of the border with Georgia.
South Carolina ranks as the 23rd most populous state and is among the smallest states by area.
Answer: True
Explanation: South Carolina is the 11th smallest state by land area and ranks as the 23rd most populous state in the United States.
Sassafras Mountain is the highest point in South Carolina, located in the Blue Ridge region.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sassafras Mountain, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Upstate South Carolina, represents the state's highest elevation point.
The three main geographic regions of South Carolina are the coastal plain, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Answer: True
Explanation: South Carolina is geographically divided into three primary regions: the Atlantic coastal plain in the east, the Piedmont plateau in the center, and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwestern part of the state.
Carolina bays are geological features typically oriented from northeast to southwest.
Answer: False
Explanation: Carolina bays are distinctive geological depressions, commonly found across the coastal plain, that are typically oriented from northwest to southeast.
South Carolina's climate is generally humid subtropical, with coastal areas experiencing milder winters than inland regions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The state generally exhibits a humid subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters along the coast and colder conditions, including frequent freezing temperatures, in the inland Upstate region.
Hurricanes Hazel (1954) and Hugo (1989) are among the significant hurricanes that have impacted South Carolina.
Answer: True
Explanation: South Carolina has experienced several impactful hurricanes, with Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and Hurricane Hugo in 1989 being notable examples.
Projected impacts of climate change in South Carolina include reduced crop yields and increased coastal flooding.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to projections, climate change is expected to lead to reduced agricultural yields and exacerbate coastal flooding in South Carolina, among other environmental effects.
South Carolina experiences an average of about 14 tornadoes annually, which is more frequent than states bordering the Gulf of Mexico.
Answer: False
Explanation: South Carolina averages approximately 14 tornadoes per year, which is less frequent than states situated along the Gulf of Mexico.
Oysters are vital to South Carolina's coastal ecology by filtering water and creating habitats, but they are considered imperiled due to overharvesting.
Answer: True
Explanation: Oysters play a critical ecological role in South Carolina's coastal waters by filtering water and forming habitats, though they face threats from overharvesting.
Which state borders South Carolina to the north and northeast?
Answer: North Carolina
Explanation: North Carolina shares its northern and northeastern border with South Carolina.
How does South Carolina rank in size among U.S. states?
Answer: It is the 11th smallest state by area.
Explanation: South Carolina ranks as the 11th smallest state in the United States by land area.
What is Sassafras Mountain known for in South Carolina?
Answer: It is the highest point in the state.
Explanation: Sassafras Mountain is recognized as the highest elevation point within the state of South Carolina.
Which of the following is NOT one of South Carolina's three main natural geographic regions?
Answer: Appalachian Plateau
Explanation: South Carolina's three main geographic regions are the Atlantic coastal plain, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains; the Appalachian Plateau is not typically listed as one of these primary regions.
What is the typical orientation of Carolina bays?
Answer: Northwest to Southeast
Explanation: Carolina bays, a unique geological feature, are characteristically oriented along a northwest to southeast axis.
How does South Carolina's climate vary between its coastal and inland regions?
Answer: Coastal areas have very mild winters, while inland areas often experience freezing temperatures.
Explanation: Coastal regions of South Carolina typically experience very mild winters, whereas inland areas, particularly the Upstate, often encounter colder conditions with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
Which of these hurricanes significantly impacted South Carolina in 1989?
Answer: Hurricane Hugo
Explanation: Hurricane Hugo was a significant storm that made a major impact on South Carolina in 1989.
According to EPA projections, what is a potential impact of climate change on South Carolina's agriculture?
Answer: Reduced crop yields.
Explanation: EPA projections indicate that climate change could lead to reduced crop yields in South Carolina.
What ecological role do oysters play in South Carolina's coastal waters?
Answer: They filter water and create reefs that provide habitats.
Explanation: Oysters are ecologically significant in South Carolina's coastal waters for their role in filtering water and constructing reefs that serve as habitats for other marine life.
Key industries driving South Carolina's economy in the early 21st century include aerospace, agribusiness, automotive manufacturing, and tourism.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the early 21st century, South Carolina's economy is significantly supported by sectors such as aerospace, agribusiness, automotive manufacturing, and tourism.
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge connects Columbia and Mount Pleasant across Charleston Harbor.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge spans Charleston Harbor, connecting Charleston and Mount Pleasant, not Columbia.
Amtrak routes serving South Carolina include the Crescent, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, and Silver Star, primarily serving Upstate and Lowcountry cities.
Answer: True
Explanation: Amtrak operates four routes in South Carolina: the Crescent (serving Upstate), the Palmetto, Silver Meteor, and Silver Star (serving Midlands and Lowcountry).
Creative industries contribute significantly to South Carolina's economy, generating billions annually and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
Answer: True
Explanation: The creative industries are a substantial economic driver in South Carolina, generating billions in revenue and providing employment for tens of thousands of individuals.
Approximately 1,950 foreign-owned firms operate in South Carolina, employing nearly 135,000 people.
Answer: True
Explanation: South Carolina hosts approximately 1,950 foreign-owned companies, which collectively provide employment for nearly 135,000 individuals.
In the early 21st century, which sector is a major contributor to South Carolina's economy?
Answer: Aerospace
Explanation: The aerospace sector is identified as a significant contributor to South Carolina's economy in the early 21st century.
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a significant transportation link connecting which two cities?
Answer: Charleston and Mount Pleasant
Explanation: The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge serves as a crucial transportation link between Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
Which Amtrak route primarily serves the Upstate cities of South Carolina?
Answer: Crescent
Explanation: The Crescent Amtrak route is the primary service that connects the Upstate region of South Carolina.
What is the annual economic impact of creative industries in South Carolina, according to the Arts Commission?
Answer: $9.2 billion
Explanation: The South Carolina Arts Commission reports that the state's creative industries generate an annual economic impact of $9.2 billion.
The Birth Outcomes Initiative aimed to increase early elective deliveries to improve infant health.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Birth Outcomes Initiative was designed to improve infant health and reduce healthcare costs by discouraging early elective deliveries, not to increase them.
As of 2022, South Carolina ranked among the states with the highest percentage of women in its state legislature.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of 2022, South Carolina ranked among the states with one of the lowest percentages of women serving in its state legislature.
South Carolina maintains the nation's largest state highway system, exceeding 50,000 miles.
Answer: False
Explanation: South Carolina maintains the fourth-largest state-maintained highway system in the United States, encompassing approximately 41,500 miles.
As of November 8, 2022, South Carolina had just over 3 million registered voters.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of November 8, 2022, South Carolina reported approximately 3.74 million registered voters.
South Carolina's population was approximately 5.1 million according to the 2020 census.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2020 census recorded South Carolina's population at approximately 5,118,425 individuals.
South Carolina's official nickname is 'The Palmetto State'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The official nickname adopted for South Carolina is 'The Palmetto State'.
South Carolina's Latin mottos are 'Dum spiro spero' ('While I breathe, I hope') and 'Animis opibusque parati' ('Prepared in mind and resources').
Answer: True
Explanation: The state of South Carolina officially uses two Latin mottos: 'Dum spiro spero' (While I breathe, I hope) and 'Animis opibusque parati' (Prepared in mind and resources).
A 2022 survey indicated that 20% of South Carolina's population identified as religiously unaffiliated.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to a 2022 survey, 20% of the population in South Carolina identified as religiously unaffiliated.
South Carolina's highway system spans roughly 41,500 miles (66,800 km).
Answer: True
Explanation: The state-maintained highway system in South Carolina covers an extensive network of approximately 41,500 miles (66,800 km).
Since 1980, South Carolina has consistently voted Democratic in presidential elections.
Answer: False
Explanation: South Carolina has consistently voted Republican in presidential elections since 1980; the last Democratic presidential victory in the state was in 1976.
South Carolina's authorized methods of execution include the electric chair and firing squad.
Answer: True
Explanation: The state of South Carolina authorizes the use of the electric chair or firing squad as methods for capital punishment.
An April 2023 poll showed a majority of South Carolinians supported legalizing medical marijuana.
Answer: True
Explanation: A poll conducted in April 2023 indicated that a majority of South Carolina residents expressed support for the legalization of medical marijuana.
South Carolina's government consists of executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Answer: True
Explanation: The governmental structure of South Carolina is organized into three distinct branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.
What was the goal of South Carolina's "Birth Outcomes Initiative"?
Answer: To reduce infant mortality and state healthcare costs.
Explanation: The "Birth Outcomes Initiative" aimed to enhance infant health and decrease state healthcare expenditures by discouraging early elective deliveries.
What is notable about South Carolina's state highway system?
Answer: It is the fourth-largest state-maintained system.
Explanation: South Carolina's state highway system is notable for being the fourth-largest state-maintained system in the United States.
How many registered voters were there in South Carolina as of November 8, 2022?
Answer: Approximately 3.7 million
Explanation: As of November 8, 2022, South Carolina had approximately 3,740,743 registered voters.
Which party has predominantly won South Carolina's presidential elections since 1980?
Answer: Republican Party
Explanation: The Republican Party has consistently secured victories in South Carolina's presidential elections since 1980.
What are the authorized methods of execution in South Carolina, according to the source?
Answer: Electric chair and firing squad
Explanation: South Carolina's authorized methods for execution include the electric chair and the firing squad.
What did an April 2023 poll reveal about support for medical marijuana in South Carolina?
Answer: Majority support
Explanation: An April 2023 poll indicated that a majority of South Carolinians support the legalization of medical marijuana.
In 2023, South Carolina's average SAT score was significantly lower than the national average.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2023, South Carolina's average SAT score was 1028, which was in line with the national average for that year.
South Carolina is unique in owning and operating a statewide school bus system.
Answer: True
Explanation: South Carolina holds the distinction of being the only state in the nation that owns and operates its school bus system statewide.
The College of Charleston, founded in 1770, is the oldest institution of higher learning in South Carolina.
Answer: True
Explanation: Established in 1770, the College of Charleston is recognized as the oldest institution of higher learning within South Carolina.
Golf and water sports are popular recreational destinations in South Carolina, alongside professional sports.
Answer: True
Explanation: Beyond professional sports, South Carolina is a favored destination for recreational activities such as golf and various water sports.
As of 2022, South Carolina had approximately 1,167 K-12 schools serving over 750,000 students.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2022, South Carolina operated 1,167 K-12 schools across 79 districts, with a total student enrollment of approximately 751,660.
Furman University, located in Greenville, is recognized as the largest private institution of higher learning in South Carolina.
Answer: True
Explanation: Furman University, situated in Greenville, holds the distinction of being the largest private institution for higher education in South Carolina.
Lander University, situated in Greenwood, primarily focuses on undergraduate education.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lander University, located in Greenwood, centers its educational mission on undergraduate studies, serving approximately 3,000 students.
The College of Charleston was the first municipal college established in the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston holds the historical distinction of being the first municipal college established in the United States.
South Carolina State University (SCSU) is the only university in the state offering a Doctor of Education program.
Answer: True
Explanation: South Carolina State University (SCSU) holds the unique position of being the sole university in the state to offer a Doctor of Education program.
The state song of South Carolina is titled 'My Carolina Home'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The official state song of South Carolina is titled 'Carolina', not 'My Carolina Home'.
The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston is one of South Carolina's major art museums.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Gibbes Museum of Art, located in Charleston, is recognized as one of the prominent art museums within South Carolina.
Darlington Raceway is historically significant in NASCAR as its first paved speedway.
Answer: True
Explanation: Darlington Raceway holds historical importance in NASCAR, notably as the sport's very first paved speedway.
The Gullah community in South Carolina is known for its distinct cultural traditions and unique creole language.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Gullah community in South Carolina is distinguished by its unique creole language and the preservation of distinct cultural traditions.
What was South Carolina's average SAT score in 2023?
Answer: 1028
Explanation: In 2023, the average SAT score recorded for students in South Carolina was 1028.
What unique distinction does South Carolina hold regarding its school bus system?
Answer: It is the only state that owns and operates a statewide school bus system.
Explanation: South Carolina is distinguished as the sole state in the U.S. that owns and operates its school bus system on a statewide basis.
Which institution, founded in 1770, is the oldest institution of higher learning in South Carolina?
Answer: College of Charleston
Explanation: The College of Charleston, established in 1770, holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher learning in South Carolina.
Besides professional sports, what other recreational activities are popular destinations in South Carolina?
Answer: Golf and water sports
Explanation: Golf and water sports are highly popular recreational activities that draw visitors and residents to South Carolina, in addition to professional sports.
How many K-12 schools were operating in South Carolina as of 2022?
Answer: Approximately 1,167
Explanation: As of 2022, South Carolina had approximately 1,167 K-12 schools in operation.
Which South Carolina university was ranked No. 1 Liberal Arts College nationally by Washington Monthly in 2007?
Answer: Furman University
Explanation: Furman University in Greenville achieved the national ranking of No. 1 Liberal Arts College by Washington Monthly in 2007.
What is the primary educational focus of Lander University?
Answer: Undergraduate education
Explanation: Lander University, located in Greenwood, primarily concentrates its educational efforts on undergraduate programs.
South Carolina State University (SCSU) is unique for offering which specific doctoral program?
Answer: Doctor of Education (EdD)
Explanation: South Carolina State University (SCSU) is distinguished as the only institution in the state offering a Doctor of Education (EdD) program.
Which of the following is mentioned as a major art museum in South Carolina?
Answer: The Gibbes Museum of Art
Explanation: The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston is cited as one of South Carolina's significant art museums.
Darlington Raceway is significant in NASCAR history primarily because it was:
Answer: The first paved speedway in NASCAR.
Explanation: Darlington Raceway holds historical importance in NASCAR as it was the first paved speedway utilized by the organization.
What is the Gullah community known for?
Answer: A unique creole language and distinct cultural traditions
Explanation: The Gullah community is recognized for its unique creole language and the preservation of distinct cultural traditions.