Presidential Medals and a $250,000 Scholarship Fund
The top three student champions were honored at the White House, where they received official presidential medals, commemorative coins, and a share of a $250,000 prize pool designated entirely for their future college scholarships.
The final round operated like a fast-paced television quiz show, blending elements of Jeopardy! and competitive academic bees. Finalists had a strict 30-second window to answer rapid-fire questions face-to-face with a panel of academic judges.
Take the Challenge: The ‘Impossible’ U.S. Civics Quiz
Below are the 14 lightning-round questions that decided the grand champion. Read through them to see how many points you can score, then check the verified answers at the bottom to see how you measure up:
Which amendment granted Congress the constitutional authority to establish and collect a federal income tax?The Official Answer Key
(Compare these with your choices)
14. The 16th Amendment.WASHINGTON – A homeschooled teenager from Wyoming has made history by capturing the first-ever Presidential 1776 Award in a rigorous national competition designed to test young Americans on their constitutional and historical knowledge.
1. The 13th Amendment.
2. The Office of the President of the United States (Executive Branch).
3. Women’s suffrage (the right for women to vote).
4. The 26th Amendment.
5. 6 years.
6. The House of Representatives.
7. The 21st Amendment (which repealed the 18th Amendment).
8. A two-thirds (2/3) majority of senators present.
9. Two times.
10. The Legislative Branch (Congress).
11. Prohibition (the ban on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors).
12. 25 years old.
13. The 3rd Amendment.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution officially abolished slavery?
Which federal office holds the constitutional duty to ensure that all laws are faithfully executed?
What specific right is protected and guaranteed by the 19th Amendment?
Which amendment lowered the legal voting age across the United States to 18?
What is the standard term length for a elected United States Senator?
According to the Constitution, in which specific house of Congress must all revenue-raising bills originate?
Which unique constitutional amendment was ratified solely to repeal a previous amendment?
What specific proportion of the U.S. Senate must vote in favor for a international treaty to be officially ratified?
Under the terms of the 22nd Amendment, how many times can an individual be elected to the office of President?
Which primary branch of the United States government holds the sole authority to declare war?
What societal ban did the 18th Amendment implement throughout America?
What is the minimum age requirement stipulated by law to serve as a U.S. Representative in the House?
Which amendment explicitly prohibits the forced quartering of military troops in private homes during times of peace?
Miriam Washut, 17, outperformed dozens of elite finalists from across the country in what the Department of Education dubbed the “impossible exam.” Hosted at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts by Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the initiative is part of a nationwide effort to revitalize civic engagement among youth ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.
