1) 196 countries signed on to a climate change agreement last weekend. In what city was the deal signed?
b) Paris, France
The deal aims to keep global temperature rise at less than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35084374
2) What presidential candidate called for a ban on all Muslims entering the country?
a) Donald Trump
Trump has been criticized by both Democratic and Republican politicians. Recent polls also show that a majority of Americans disagree with Trump’s proposal.
https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/07/politics/donald-trump-muslim-ban-immigration/
3) What Republican was in the lead in the most recent poll of Iowa Republicans?
b) Ted Cruz
This is only the second time since August that someone other than Trump has taken the lead in Iowa; Ben Carson briefly led in Iowa earlier this year.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ted-cruz-takes-lead-from-donald-trump-in-new-iowa-poll/
4) President Obama signed a bill last week that is going to replace President Bush’s No Child Left Behind law. What is it called?
a) Every Student Succeeds Act
The new law still requires schools to test students, but leaves states with the responsibility to decide what to do about failing schools.
5) Last week, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in a case on what controversial topic?
a) The use of race in college admissions
Proponents of affirmative action are worried that the Court might completely ban the use of; race in college admissions. A decision is expected next spring.
6) Last week, the Supreme Court let stand an assault weapon ban put in place by a city in what state?
d) Illinois
The Court did not decide a case on the issue. Rather, it formally declined to consider the issue at this time, leaving in place a lower court ruling which upheld the ban.
7) What country recently allowed women to vote for the first time?
d) Saudi Arabia
Women were also allowed to run as candidates for the first time. It was only the third election in Saudi history, and the elections were for municipal councils that have few powers.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35075702
8) What country announced last week that it has developed a hydrogen bomb?
d) North Korea
South Korean intelligence is skeptical of the claim.
9) What city issued its first ever red smog alert last week?
a) Beijing, China
To deal with the issue, China closed schools and limited the number of cars that could be on the road.
https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/07/asia/china-beijing-pollution-red-alert/
10) What team started the NBA season with a 24-0 record before finally losing Saturday night?
c) Golden State Warriors
The 24-0 start set an NBA record.