USA HISTORY

MAKING OF A NEW NATION 1776 1800

THE BILL OF RIGHTS THE CONSTITUTIONS FIRST 10 AMENDMENTS

Please wait while the activity loads.
If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. Also, this page requires javascript. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled.

If loading fails, click here to try again

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]

In most states, you’re not allowed to marry your cousin. In a couple of states, though, marrying your own cousin is A-OK. Why doesn’t the Constitution keep states from having such inconsistent rules?

A	7th
B	8th
C	9th
D	10th

Explanation:

Detailed explanation-1: -Several states of the United States prohibit cousin marriage. As of February 2014, 24 U.S. states prohibit marriages between first cousins, 19 U.S. states allow marriages between first cousins, and seven U.S. states allow only some marriages between first cousins.

Detailed explanation-2: -Many have rules and laws against incest (close relatives marrying one another). This is rooted in genetic concerns: close relatives who marry one another are more likely to have children with diseases or other issues.

Detailed explanation-3: -The position of first cousins under the Special Marriage Act 1954 is in accord with the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 which also does not allow marriage with any first cousin.

Detailed explanation-4: -In some states, including New York, California, and Florida, you can marry your first cousin with no restrictions. But in many other states, like West Virginia, Kentucky, and Texas, cousin marriage is banned altogether.

There is 1 question to complete.