Investigative Journalism Trivia Questions

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  • 🗂️ Journalism
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In-depth reporting uncovering hidden truths. Play Investigative Journalism trivia solo to sharpen your knowledge, or challenge a friend head-to-head in Trivia Tango — every question comes with an explanation so you learn as you play. Questions span every level, from easy warm-ups to expert-level stumpers, so there's a real challenge here however much you already know.

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Sample Investigative Journalism Quiz Questions

A mix of easy, medium and hard — questions run from warm-up to expert, so there's a real challenge at every level. Think you know the answers? Play to find out.

  1. This two-word term describes a person who exposes wrongdoing within an organization to the public or authorities.

    Difficulty: Easy
    • Whistleblower
    • Deep Throat
    • Muckraker
    • Informant
  2. This 1972 Supreme Court case ruled that journalists do not have absolute First Amendment protection from testifying before grand juries.

    Difficulty: Medium
    • Branzburg v. Hayes
    • Zurcher v. Stanford Daily
    • Cohen v. Cowles Media
    • Herbert v. Lando
  3. This 2017 investigation by BuzzFeed News used machine learning to identify spy planes circling over American cities.

    Difficulty: Hard
    • Drone Wars
    • The Spy Planes
    • Surveillance from Above
    • Sky Watch
  4. The Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein investigated this political scandal that led to President Nixon's resignation.

    Difficulty: Easy
    • Iran-Contra
    • Watergate
    • Teapot Dome
    • Pentagon Papers
  5. This 1931 expose by Lincoln Steffens examined urban political machines in cities like St. Louis, Minneapolis, and Pittsburgh.

    Difficulty: Medium
    • The Shame of the Cities
    • The Brass Check
    • The American Commonwealth
    • Cities in Crisis
  6. This 2013 investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists exposed offshore accounts of Chinese political elites.

    Difficulty: Hard
    • Swiss Leaks
    • Panama Papers
    • Luxembourg Leaks
    • Offshore Leaks
  7. This law allows journalists and citizens to request access to federal government documents and records.

    Difficulty: Easy
    • Sunshine Act
    • Freedom of Information Act
    • Open Records Law
    • Public Access Act
  8. This legal term refers to a court order requiring someone to provide documents or testify, often fought by journalists protecting sources.

    Difficulty: Medium
    • Writ of mandamus
    • Subpoena
    • Injunction
    • Summons

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