How does Jeremiah reveal his intelligence in his first day in history class?

Ellie and Jeremiah continue chatting once he is seated next to her in history class. When Mr. Hazelton tries to get their attention, he does so by asking if Jeremiah knows about the Fifth Amendment. Jeremiah replies that it is the right to silence. This response shows he is capable of being in this new class and may know more about the subject being taught than the other students.