What two states are directly south of North Dakota?

The correct answer identifies South Dakota and Minnesota as the two states directly south of North Dakota. This is accurate because North Dakota shares its southern border with South Dakota, which is positioned directly south of it in the United States. Additionally, a small portion of Minnesota lies to the southeast of North Dakota’s border, placing it also in a directly southern position, but only in relation to the eastern part of North Dakota.

In this context, it’s important to note that while South Dakota is firmly adjacent to North Dakota's southern boundary, Minnesota's relevance here mainly involves its eastern proximity. This geographic detail reinforces the positioning of these states in relation to North Dakota.

The option mentioning Iowa and Minnesota is incorrect because while Minnesota does share a border, Iowa is further south and does not border North Dakota. The choice including South Dakota and Nebraska is also wrong, as Nebraska does not touch North Dakota at all. Lastly, Montana lies to the west of North Dakota, not south, making that option inaccurate as well. Understanding the geography of these states helps clarify why South Dakota and Minnesota fit the criteria perfectly.