1) As part of the fiscal cliff negotiations, Speaker of the House John Boehner proposed raising income tax rates for everyone making above a certain amount a year. What amount?
c) $1,000,000
This was the first time that Boehner – who is viewed as negotiating on behalf of the Republican Party – has offered to raise tax rates on anyone.
2) Last week, President Obama officially recognized this group as the legitimate representative of its people. What?
a) The Syrian rebels
The statement was made on the eve of a meeting of Syrian opposition leaders in Morocco.
https://www.cnn.com/2012/12/13/politics/rice-withdraws-secretary-of-state/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
3) What politician withdrew from consideration as Hillary Clinton’s replacement as Secretary of State?
c) U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice
Rice has been heavily criticized by Republicans in the Senate for comments she made about the raid on the Benghazi embassy. Specifically, the Senators believe that Rice made intentionally misleading statements about the motive behind the attack.
https://www.cnn.com/2012/12/13/politics/rice-withdraws-secretary-of-state/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
4) On Friday, President Obama agreed to send 400 U.S. troops and two Patriot missile batteries to what country?
d) Turkey
Turkey is a member of NATO and is concerned about a possible attack by Syria.
https://www.cnn.com/2012/12/14/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
5) President Obama said last week that this is not “a top priority.” What?
d) Prosecuting pot smokers in Colorado and Washington
Neither the state law of Colorado nor the state law of Washington prohibits smoking marijuana. It is illegal, however, under federal law.
6) Despite protests from organized labor, this state recently passed a “right to work” law which allows people to refuse to join a union. What state?
b) Michigan
Michigan is the 23d state to pass this type of law.
https://money.cnn.com/2012/12/11/news/economy/michigan-right-to-work-vote/index.html
7) To the dismay of countries all over the world, this country recently launched a rocket. What country?
d) North Korea
North Korea says that the rocket launched a weather satellite. Other countries are concerned that the type of rocket tested could be used to carry a ballistic missile with a nuclear warhead.
https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/12/us-korea-north-rocket-idUSBRE8BB02K20121212
8) Citizens of this country went to the polls last week to vote on whether to ratify a newly drafted constitution. What country?
d) Egypt
So far, 57% of voters have approved the new constitution, but voting will continue next weekend.
https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/16/us-egypt-politics-idUSBRE8BD0CO20121216
9) The conservative-leaning Liberal Democratic Party recently won a parliamentary majority in what country?
a) Japan
The LDP was the majority party in Japan before being ousted from power in 2009.
https://www.cnn.com/2012/12/16/world/asia/japan-election/index.html?hpt=hp_bn2
10) According to a recent study funded by the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation, what is the healthiest country in the world?
a) Japan
Japan topped the list for both men and women.