# Americans are now required to pass a test to vote. Come up with fair questions. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 9, 2012, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486 "2012-11-09T15:18:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/41 "2012-11-10T17:16:55Z")
Who is number one? If anyone answers correctly, it’s off to Gitmo!! ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/42 "2012-11-10T17:45:41Z")
I don’t know the questions that should be on the test- I only know that the right answers are: 1. Fruit of the Loom 2. 34-36 3. White with a brown stripe down the middle ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/43 "2012-11-10T18:14:32Z")
> [@astorian](#): > > I don’t know the questions that should be on the test- I only know that the right answers are: > > 1. Fruit of the Loom > > 2. 34-36 > > 3. White with a brown stripe down the middle Yellow part in the front, brown in the back. ---
**Author:** ![Desert\_Nomad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desert_nomad/32/177_2.png) [@Desert\_Nomad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Nomad)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/44 "2012-11-10T18:27:59Z")
Same test they give to become a US citizen ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/45 "2012-11-10T18:29:05Z")
I would have a problem with some of these questions? There are many possible answers: [li]What did Susan B. Anthony do?[/li]–took a healthy dump 4-7 times per week –ate, slept –attended the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 —was a suffragette —appeared on a dollar coin that nobody used [li]What is the economic system in the United States?[/li]—capitalism —a mix of government and free market —no system (Holmes) [li]In what month do we vote for President?[/li]–November —We don’t vote for President, we vote for electors who vote for President [li]What happened at the Constitutional Convention?[/li]–white men gathered —George Washington cleared his throat —a new constitution was written –quill pens were dipped in ink [li]If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?[/li]—The Speaker of the House —Nobody, after the VP, officers only “act” as President. They do not “become” President. [li]Why does the flag have 50 stars?[/li]–Because there are 50 states –Because it’s the law that the flag is to have the same # of stars as states. [li]Who signs bills to become laws?[/li]—The President —Nobody, if it is passed by 2/3 of each house over a Presidential veto. [li]Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?[/li]—Jefferson —Jefferson’s clerk [li]When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?[/li]–April 15 —April 16, 17, or 18 if the IRS says so —Anytime later if you file an extension [li]During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?[/li]–Nuclear War –Russia –Soviet Union —Communism —Food —Cheap Gasoline —Getting laid Like any test, it seems to be tailored to the answer the writer wants and not necessary the correct one. ---
**Author:** ![Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e47c2d/32.png) [@Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hershele_Ostropoler)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/46 "2012-11-10T19:55:02Z")
In states with fusion endorsements: “If a candidate’s name appears on more than one line, on how many do you have to vote for them for it to count?” ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/47 "2012-11-10T20:16:23Z")
> [@PatriotGrrrl](#): > > You voted on the economy? Funny, my ballot only had a bunch of people’s names on it. Voting _on_ the economy, not voting _for_ the economy. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/48 "2012-11-10T20:34:29Z")
> [@Rachellelogram](#): > > The economy is not necessarily the primary concern of the majority of Americans, even if it’s all YOU care about. Who ever said it was _all_ I care about? But it’s a major issue that any informed voter should take into consideration (see Rand Rover’s post). And it’s one of the few issues that actually has some objective truths to it, unlike most of the other issues. Of course, there are a few we could ask: 1. Do the gays plan on banning heterosexual marriage? 2. Rounded to the nearest 10,000, how many people died from marijuana use last year? 3. Rounded to the nearest 100, how many Americans died in terrorist attacks last year? 4. Rank these three countries in terms of per-capita government spending on healthcare (pre-Obamacare): United States, Denmark, Canada. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/49 "2012-11-10T20:50:25Z")
> [@R.P.McMurphy](#): > > “What is the difference between Osama and Obama?” Hey, no trick questions! Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![74westy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/74westy/32/3950_2.png) [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/50 "2012-11-10T21:53:25Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Who is number one? You are number 6. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/51 "2012-11-10T22:28:24Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Who is number one? Elvis Presley. Fifty million Elvis fans can’t be wrong. ---
**Author:** ![RockytheflyingS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a9adbd/32.png) [@RockytheflyingS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RockytheflyingS)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2012, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/52 "2012-11-10T22:38:27Z")
I don’t think they should have to answer a question. It should be based on things. Like, say you had a baby before you turned 18 (father or mother and you weren’t raped/molested), denied. Say you have 5 or more children and your income is under a certain amount, denied. Smoker? Denied. Alcoholic or junkie? Denied. DUIs? Denied. Basically, irresponsible and people who make bad choices shouldn’t be allowed to vote. ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/53 "2012-11-11T00:37:29Z")
> [@RockytheflyingS](#): > > I don’t think they should have to answer a question. It should be based on things. Like, say you had a baby before you turned 18 (father or mother and you weren’t raped/molested), denied. Say you have 5 or more children and your income is under a certain amount, denied. Smoker? Denied. Alcoholic or junkie? Denied. DUIs? Denied. > > Basically, irresponsible and people who make bad choices shouldn’t be allowed to vote. You are scary. ---
**Author:** ![RockytheflyingS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a9adbd/32.png) [@RockytheflyingS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RockytheflyingS)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/54 "2012-11-11T03:14:59Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > You are scary. So, you thinking willing have a child if you’re under 18, having more children than you can afford, being addicted to a substance, drinving under the influnce and smoking are smart choices that will have positive out comes? :dubious: People who do those type of things have issues and even if they don’t, they’re going to have an agenda. Most of them can’t take care of themselves, usually by choice (this isn’t about say disabled people), and don’t care where the money comes from if they’re on government programs. ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/55 "2012-11-11T03:26:21Z")
> [@RockytheflyingS](#): > > So, you thinking willing have a child if you’re under 18, having more children than you can afford, being addicted to a substance, drinving under the influnce and smoking are smart choices that will have positive out comes? :dubious: > > People who do those type of things have issues and even if they don’t, they’re going to have an agenda. Most of them can’t take care of themselves, usually by choice (this isn’t about say disabled people), and don’t care where the money comes from if they’re on government programs. Hey Rocky! Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat! ---
**Author:** ![RockytheflyingS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a9adbd/32.png) [@RockytheflyingS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RockytheflyingS)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/56 "2012-11-11T03:29:58Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > Hey Rocky! Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat! I would geniunely like to know what counterpoint you have about my original statement. I guess it’s easier to be passive aggressive and pretend my comment was so wrong without anything to back your opinion. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/57 "2012-11-11T03:51:34Z")
> [@RockytheflyingS](#): > > I don’t think they should have to answer a question. It should be based on things. Like, say you had a baby before you turned 18 (father or mother and you weren’t raped/molested), denied. Say you have 5 or more children and your income is under a certain amount, denied. Smoker? Denied. Alcoholic or junkie? Denied. DUIs? Denied. > > Basically, irresponsible and people who make bad choices shouldn’t be allowed to vote. None of the above? Denied. You’re obviously hiding something. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![RockytheflyingS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a9adbd/32.png) [@RockytheflyingS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RockytheflyingS)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/58 "2012-11-11T05:47:21Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > None of the above? Denied. You’re obviously hiding something. 😃 I’m not hiding anything, just ask the voices in my head. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/59 "2012-11-11T05:53:11Z")
> [@Taomist](#): > > Hehe, I think we’re going to have to hijack the thread and answer those qustions ourselves 😃 > > What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? > Apparantly the flag, which is weird. BZZT! Incomplete. “And to the Republic for which it stands”. ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2012, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486/60 "2012-11-11T10:06:34Z")
> [@RockytheflyingS](#): > > I’m not hiding anything, just ask the voices in my head. 😃 Hmm… well make sure you get them registered to vote too before you go in the ballot booth! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-now-required-to-pass-a-test-to-vote-come-up-with-fair-questions/640486.md?page=4)