The United States launched the first orbiting spacecraft in 1956.

True
False

False    

It was the Soviet Union - in 1957.

Explanation:

I should add

In September 1956, the U.S. Army did launch a missile that could have put a satellite into orbit if it had included a live third stage, but that's not considered "orbiting."

I don't think this counts though.

it took two men to wrestle rome back from chaos and turn a republic into an empire. in the first century bc, rome was a republic. power lay in the hands of the senate, elected by roman citizens. but the senators were fighting for power between themselves.