American History To 1865

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American History Quizzes & Trivia

A quiz on tidbits of American history to 1865, inspired by the Dictionary of Cultural Literarcy and prepared in preperation for the FSOT. Many obvious historical items (e. G. Johnny Appleseed, Daniel Boone, etc) skipped.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    A series of laws, passed during the presidency of John Adams at the end of the 18th century, that sought to restrict the public activities of radicals that sympathized with the French Revolution and were anti-Federalist.

    • A.

      Commonweil Act of 1798

    • B.

      Alien and Sedition Acts

    • C.

      Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

    • D.

      The Federalist Act of 1799

    Correct Answer
    B. Alien and Sedition Acts
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the Alien and Sedition Acts. These acts were a series of laws passed in 1798 during John Adams' presidency. They aimed to limit the activities of radicals who supported the French Revolution and were critical of the Federalist party. The Alien Act allowed the government to deport or imprison non-citizens deemed dangerous, while the Sedition Act made it a crime to criticize the government, leading to the prosecution of several newspaper editors and politicians. These acts were highly controversial and seen as a violation of free speech and the First Amendment.

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  • 2. 

    "These are the times that try men's souls" came from what pamphlet?

    • A.

      Common Sense by Thomas Paine

    • B.

      The Federalist Papers by James Madison

    • C.

      Hutchinson Letters by Benjamin Franklin

    • D.

      The American Crisis by Thomas Paine

    Correct Answer
    D. The American Crisis by Thomas Paine
    Explanation
    "The American Crisis" is the correct answer because it is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine. The phrase "These are the times that try men's souls" is a famous quote from this pamphlet, which was published during the American Revolution. Paine used this phrase to emphasize the difficult and challenging nature of the times and to inspire and encourage American soldiers and citizens to continue their fight for independence.

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  • 3. 

    It is said that the first black American to die in the struggle for liberty was

    • A.

      Crispus Attucks

    • B.

      James Somersett

    • C.

      Thomas Schifter

    • D.

      Henry Dustoque

    Correct Answer
    A. Crispus Attucks
    Explanation
    Crispus Attucks is considered the first black American to die in the struggle for liberty because he was one of the victims of the Boston Massacre in 1770. Attucks, a former slave, was part of a crowd protesting against British soldiers when the soldiers opened fire, killing him and four others. This event played a significant role in fueling the American Revolution and highlighting the injustices faced by African Americans in the colonies. Attucks' sacrifice and death have made him an important figure in the fight for freedom and equality in American history.

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  • 4. 

    Benjamin Banneker taught himself calculus and trigonometry in order to make astronomical calculations for almanacs. However, he roused the ire of some Americans for stating that

    • A.

      "the powers of the mind are disconnected with the color of the skin".

    • B.

      "the Revolution has come too far too fast to be sustainable".

    • C.

      "the nation must eventually split into two disparate halves, the one of which will be dominated by the other".

    • D.

      "the new government has spiritually divorced itself from the divine right to rule".

    Correct Answer
    A. "the powers of the mind are disconnected with the color of the skin".
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "the powers of the mind are disconnected with the color of the skin". This answer is supported by the information given in the passage, which states that Benjamin Banneker taught himself advanced mathematics in order to make astronomical calculations. This demonstrates that his intellectual abilities were not limited by his skin color, contradicting the beliefs of some Americans who believed in racial superiority.

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  • 5. 

    "John Brown's body lies a-mold'ring in the grave; His soul marching on" was a verse from a song honoring John Brown, who was known for

    • A.

      Being the first American shot and killed at the Boston Massacre, leading to popular furor against the crown.

    • B.

      Opening the first leg of the underground railroad; he was executed for his troubles in 1848.

    • C.

      Being killed by Seminole indians in Florida; his death led to relocation of several Floridian tribes.

    • D.

      Violently advocating the freedom of slaves; he led an ill-fated attack on a federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in Virginia.

    Correct Answer
    D. Violently advocating the freedom of slaves; he led an ill-fated attack on a federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in Virginia.
    Explanation
    John Brown's body lies a-mold'ring in the grave; His soul marching on" is a verse from a song that honors John Brown. This verse refers to John Brown's violent advocacy for the freedom of slaves. He is known for leading an ill-fated attack on a federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in Virginia. This event further fueled the tensions between the North and the South leading up to the American Civil War.

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  • 6. 

    The Battle of Bull Run was won by the ____________________, and is also known as ____________. It was the first battle of the Civil War.

    • A.

      The North / the Battle of Manassas

    • B.

      The South / the Battle of Manassas

    • C.

      The North / the Battle of Shiloh

    • D.

      The South / the Battle of Shiloh

    Correct Answer
    B. The South / the Battle of Manassas
    Explanation
    The Battle of Bull Run was won by the South and is also known as the Battle of Manassas. It was the first battle of the Civil War.

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  • 7. 

    The first great battle of the Revolutionary War encouraged the colonists by showing them that they could compete with the British. The Americans were driven from their stronghold at Breed's Hill, showed well. The battle is known as

    • A.

      Battles of Lexington and Concord

    • B.

      Battle of Bunker Hill

    • C.

      Battle of Trenton

    • D.

      Battle of Ticonderoga

    Correct Answer
    B. Battle of Bunker Hill
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Battle of Bunker Hill. This battle was the first major confrontation between the American colonists and the British during the Revolutionary War. Although the Americans were eventually forced to retreat, they put up a strong resistance and inflicted heavy casualties on the British troops. This gave the colonists confidence and showed them that they were capable of standing up to the powerful British army.

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  • 8. 

    This American political character not only killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel, but was later acquited on charges of treason; he had been involved in a conspiracy to sever the western states from the Union.

    • A.

      John Calhoun

    • B.

      James Madison

    • C.

      Kit Carson

    • D.

      Aaron Burr

    Correct Answer
    D. Aaron Burr
    Explanation
    Aaron Burr is the correct answer because he was an American political character who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. He was later acquitted on charges of treason for his involvement in a conspiracy to sever the western states from the Union.

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  • 9. 

    This man was the leading southern politician of the early 19th century. From South Carolina, he was VP under both J.Q. Adams and Andrew Jackson. A towering intellect, he was a champion of state's rights and slavery, and was involved in the "nullification" movement.

    • A.

      Aaron Burr

    • B.

      Abel Upshur

    • C.

      Eldred Simpkins

    • D.

      John Calhoun

    Correct Answer
    D. John Calhoun
    Explanation
    John Calhoun was the leading southern politician of the early 19th century, hailing from South Carolina. He served as Vice President under both J.Q. Adams and Andrew Jackson. Calhoun was known for his exceptional intellect and was a strong advocate for state's rights and slavery. He played a significant role in the "nullification" movement, which asserted that states had the right to invalidate federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.

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  • 10. 

    This frontier guide won respect for his considerable trapping and guiding - and opening California to settlement - but was also involved in the forceful relocation of Navajos in the 1860s.

    • A.

      Kit Carson

    • B.

      Daniel Boone

    • C.

      Sam Bowie

    • D.

      Sam Houston

    Correct Answer
    A. Kit Carson
    Explanation
    Kit Carson is the correct answer because he was a frontier guide who gained respect for his trapping and guiding skills, as well as for his role in opening up California for settlement. However, he was also involved in the forceful relocation of Navajos in the 1860s, which tarnished his reputation.

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  • 11. 

    Though a Southern victory, this battle proved costly, as General Stonewall Jackson was accidentally killed by his troops shortly after it.

    • A.

      Battle of Gettysburg

    • B.

      Battle of Chickamauga

    • C.

      Battle of Chancellorsville

    • D.

      Battle of Antietam

    Correct Answer
    C. Battle of Chancellorsville
    Explanation
    The Battle of Chancellorsville was a costly victory for the South because it resulted in the accidental death of General Stonewall Jackson by his own troops. This loss was significant as Jackson was one of the most skilled and respected Confederate generals. The battle took place in Virginia in 1863 during the American Civil War and was a major Confederate victory, but the loss of Jackson was a significant blow to the Southern forces.

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  • 12. 

    This American leader was one of the finest politicians never to be elected President. A Whig from Kentucky, he was devoted to keeping the Union together, and was behind the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850.

    • A.

      Daniel Webster

    • B.

      John C Calhoun

    • C.

      Henry Clay

    • D.

      Robert Young Hayne

    Correct Answer
    C. Henry Clay
    Explanation
    Henry Clay was a prominent American leader who was known for his political skills and dedication to preserving the Union. Although he never became President, he played a crucial role in shaping American politics. As a Whig from Kentucky, Clay was instrumental in brokering important compromises such as the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. These compromises helped to maintain the delicate balance between free and slave states and temporarily eased tensions over the issue of slavery. Clay's efforts to preserve the Union and his significant contributions to American politics make him one of the finest politicians never to be elected President.

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  • 13. 

    California came into the Union as a free (non-slave) state as a result of this law, which also allowed some newly-acquired territories to decide on the matter for themselves.

    • A.

      Missouri Compromise

    • B.

      California Act of 1848

    • C.

      13th Amendment

    • D.

      Compromise of 1850

    Correct Answer
    D. Compromise of 1850
    Explanation
    The Compromise of 1850 was a series of laws that aimed to settle the dispute between free and slave states. As part of this compromise, California was admitted as a free state, meaning that slavery was prohibited there. Additionally, the compromise allowed other newly-acquired territories, such as New Mexico and Utah, to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery or not. Therefore, the Compromise of 1850 is the correct answer because it directly resulted in California becoming a free state and allowed other territories to determine their own stance on slavery.

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  • 14. 

    The Decleration of Independence was largely written by

    • A.

      John Adams

    • B.

      Thomas Jefferson

    • C.

      John Hancock

    • D.

      Benjamin Franklin

    Correct Answer
    B. Thomas Jefferson
    Explanation
    Thomas Jefferson is the correct answer because he was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was a prominent figure in the American Revolution and his eloquent writing skills made him the ideal choice to draft the document. He drew inspiration from Enlightenment thinkers and incorporated their ideas of natural rights and government by consent into the Declaration. Jefferson's contribution to the document solidified his place in history as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

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  • 15. 

    A famous line from American Revolutionary writings includes the line "we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".

    • A.

      The Federalist Papers

    • B.

      The US Constitution

    • C.

      Common Sense

    • D.

      The Decaration of Independence

    Correct Answer
    D. The Decaration of Independence
    Explanation
    The correct answer is The Declaration of Independence. This famous line is from the opening paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, which was written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. It is a foundational document in American history, declaring the colonies' independence from Great Britain and asserting the rights and principles upon which the new nation was built. The line emphasizes the belief in the equality of all men and the idea that these rights are inherent and cannot be taken away.

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  • 16. 

    The French and Indian War was the American theater for this war, which resulted in the settling of Canada.

    • A.

      The War of 1812

    • B.

      The Seven Years' War

    • C.

      The Franco-Prussian War

    • D.

      The Hundred Years' War

    Correct Answer
    B. The Seven Years' War
    Explanation
    The French and Indian War, which took place from 1754 to 1763, was part of the larger conflict known as the Seven Years' War. It was fought between the French and their Native American allies against the British and their Native American allies. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which resulted in France ceding Canada to Britain. Therefore, the correct answer is the Seven Years' War.

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  • 17. 

    The Fugitive Slave Act gave Southern slave owners tools to capture slaves that had escaped to the free states. Very unpopular in the north, it pushed many indifferent northerns to an antislavery position. It was part of this legal act:

    • A.

      Alien and Sedition Act

    • B.

      Missouri Compromise

    • C.

      Compromise of 1850

    • D.

      California Act of 1848

    Correct Answer
    C. Compromise of 1850
    Explanation
    The Fugitive Slave Act was indeed part of the Compromise of 1850. This compromise was a series of laws that aimed to address the growing tensions between the North and the South over the issue of slavery. The Fugitive Slave Act was one of the provisions of this compromise, and it required the return of escaped slaves to their owners, even if they had reached free states. This act was highly controversial and sparked outrage in the North, leading to increased opposition to slavery and pushing many previously indifferent northerners towards an anti-slavery position.

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  • 18. 

    This woman was a slave owned byThomas Jefferson, and it is alleged that he sired at least one child with her.

    • A.

      June Templeton

    • B.

      Sally Hennings

    • C.

      Margaret Sanger

    • D.

      Betty Friedan

    Correct Answer
    B. Sally Hennings
    Explanation
    Sally Hemings is the correct answer because she was a slave owned by Thomas Jefferson, and it is alleged that he had a sexual relationship with her and fathered several children. Sally Hemings' relationship with Jefferson has been a subject of historical debate and controversy, but recent DNA evidence has supported the claims of her descendants.

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  • 19. 

    A law passed in the 1860s that offered up to 160 acres of public land to any head of a family who paid a registration fee, lived on the land for five years and cultivated or built on it.

    • A.

      Homestead Act

    • B.

      California Act

    • C.

      Migrants' Act

    • D.

      West Growth Act

    Correct Answer
    A. Homestead Act
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Homestead Act. The Homestead Act was a law passed in the 1860s that allowed individuals to claim up to 160 acres of public land if they met certain requirements. These requirements included paying a registration fee, living on the land for five years, and either cultivating crops or building structures on the land. The Homestead Act was intended to encourage settlement and development of the western territories by providing individuals with the opportunity to acquire land and establish themselves as landowners.

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  • 20. 

    This wily Texan wore many hats: as a soldier, he led the Texans during their struggle for independence from Mexico. Later he seved as president of the Republic of Texas; after it became a state he represented it as a senator. Elected governor of Texas just before the Civil War, he was removed when he opposed the state's decision for secession.

    • A.

      John Kirby Allen

    • B.

      Steven F Austin

    • C.

      John Neely Byran

    • D.

      Sam Houston

    Correct Answer
    D. Sam Houston
    Explanation
    Sam Houston is the correct answer because he was a prominent figure in Texas history who held multiple important roles. He served as a soldier and led the Texans during their fight for independence from Mexico. He later became the president of the Republic of Texas and represented the state as a senator after it became a state. However, when he opposed Texas' decision to secede from the Union before the Civil War, he was removed from his position as governor.

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  • 21. 

    Someone who came under contract to work for another person for a definite period of time without pay but in exchange for free passage to a new country is known as

    • A.

      Sharecropper.

    • B.

      Bond servant.

    • C.

      Indentured servant.

    • D.

      Perioded slave.

    Correct Answer
    C. Indentured servant.
    Explanation
    An indentured servant is someone who voluntarily entered into a contract to work for another person for a specific period of time in exchange for free passage to a new country. Unlike a sharecropper, who typically worked on someone else's land and received a share of the crops as payment, an indentured servant did not receive any pay. A bond servant is similar to an indentured servant, but their contract was often for life instead of a specific period of time. A "perioded slave" is not a recognized term, and there is no information given to suggest that the person in question was a slave.

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  • 22. 

    "Let us cross the river and rest in the shade of the trees" are famous dying words of this American:

    • A.

      "Stonewall" Jackson

    • B.

      Robert E Lee

    • C.

      George Washington

    • D.

      Thomas Jefferson

    Correct Answer
    A. "Stonewall" Jackson
    Explanation
    "Stonewall" Jackson is known for his famous dying words, "Let us cross the river and rest in the shade of the trees." This statement reflects his desire for peace and tranquility after the hardships of war. Jackson was a prominent Confederate general during the American Civil War and his last words have become iconic, symbolizing his longing for a peaceful end to the conflict.

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  • 23. 

    Andrew Jackson's tenure as President is best known for what?

    • A.

      Sowing the seeds for the Civil War.

    • B.

      The end of of the Whig political party era, and the beginning of 2-party politics.

    • C.

      The start of the Jim Crow era, and great westward expansion.

    • D.

      Jacksonian Democracy, which saw much more direct democracy in the US' governmental system.

    Correct Answer
    D. Jacksonian Democracy, which saw much more direct democracy in the US' governmental system.
    Explanation
    During Andrew Jackson's presidency, he implemented a set of policies known as Jacksonian Democracy. This era saw a significant increase in direct democracy within the US government. Jackson believed in expanding political participation to the common man, which resulted in the removal of property qualifications for voting and the election of political officials. This shift towards a more democratic system laid the foundation for future reforms and increased the power of the people in shaping the government.

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  • 24. 

    The President preceeding Andrew Jackson that also advocated for more direct democracy (though less radically than Jackson's) was:

    • A.

      John Adams

    • B.

      James Madison

    • C.

      Thomas Jefferson

    • D.

      John Quincy Adams

    Correct Answer
    C. Thomas Jefferson
    Explanation
    Thomas Jefferson is the correct answer because he was the President who preceded Andrew Jackson and also advocated for more direct democracy, although to a lesser extent than Jackson. Jefferson believed in the importance of individual liberties and limited government, and he supported the expansion of voting rights and the involvement of ordinary citizens in the political process. His presidency was marked by policies that aimed to empower the common people and reduce the influence of elites, similar to Jackson's approach.

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  • 25. 

    A law passed by Congress in 1854 that divided the territory west of the states of Missouri and Iowa into two new territories. It was controversial, as it did not exclude slavery from the new territories, and effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise. It led to the collapse of the Whig party and the rise of the Republican Party.

    • A.

      Minnesota-Nebraska Act

    • B.

      Homestead Act

    • C.

      The Second Missouri Act

    • D.

      Kansas-Nebraska Act

    Correct Answer
    D. Kansas-Nebraska Act
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the Kansas-Nebraska Act. This law, passed by Congress in 1854, divided the territory west of Missouri and Iowa into two new territories. It was controversial because it allowed for popular sovereignty, meaning that the residents of these territories could decide whether or not to allow slavery. This effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise, which had prohibited slavery in these territories. The Kansas-Nebraska Act sparked intense debate and violence, as pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers clashed in the newly formed territories. It also led to the collapse of the Whig party and the rise of the Republican Party, which was founded as an anti-slavery party.

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  • 26. 

    These were all planks/traits of the "Know-Nothing" party, except:

    • A.

      Opposed to Roman Catholic influence in America

    • B.

      Known as the "American Party"

    • C.

      Unified behind the abolition of slavery

    • D.

      Were in favor of only "true", "native" Americans holding positions of power

    Correct Answer
    C. Unified behind the abolition of slavery
    Explanation
    The "Know-Nothing" party was known for its anti-immigrant and nativist views, as well as its opposition to Roman Catholic influence in America. They were also known as the "American Party" and advocated for only "true", "native" Americans holding positions of power. However, they were not unified behind the abolition of slavery, which sets them apart from the other traits mentioned.

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  • 27. 

    This French nobleman, political leader, and general of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was enthusiastic for the ideals of the American Revolution. He fought alongside the Americans in the Revolution before returning to France to participate in the French Revolution. It is said that, when landing in France in WWI, General John Pershing said "_________, we are here", in a nod to returning America's outstanding debt.

    • A.

      Alexis de Toqueville

    • B.

      Jean Lafitte

    • C.

      Marquis de Lafayette

    • D.

      Jean Bulbois

    Correct Answer
    C. Marquis de Lafayette
    Explanation
    Marquis de Lafayette is the correct answer because he was a French nobleman, political leader, and general who supported the ideals of the American Revolution. He fought alongside the Americans during the Revolution and later played a significant role in the French Revolution. The statement about General John Pershing mentioning Lafayette when landing in France during WWI refers to the debt of gratitude owed to Lafayette for his support and involvement in the American Revolution.

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  • 28. 

    Emerson's "shot heard round the world" was from a poem commemorating this battle, the first of the Revolutionary War.

    • A.

      The Battle of Lexington and Concord.

    • B.

      The Battle of Ticonderoga.

    • C.

      The Battle of Breed's Hill.

    • D.

      The Battle of Bunker Hill.

    Correct Answer
    A. The Battle of Lexington and Concord.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is The Battle of Lexington and Concord. Emerson's "shot heard round the world" refers to the first shot fired in the Battle of Lexington and Concord, which marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. The phrase became famous because it symbolized the start of a major conflict that would have far-reaching consequences.

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  • 29. 

    Called "Father of the Modern Public School", this Massachusetts man worked tirelessly to increase the availability of free, nondenominational public schools.

    • A.

      Francis Martin

    • B.

      Horace Mann

    • C.

      James Templeton

    • D.

      David Wickman

    Correct Answer
    B. Horace Mann
    Explanation
    Horace Mann is known as the "Father of the Modern Public School" because he dedicated his efforts to expanding access to free, nondenominational public education in Massachusetts. He believed that education should be available to all children, regardless of their social or economic background. Mann worked tirelessly to improve the quality of education, increase teacher training, and establish standardized curriculum and school funding. His contributions to the public school system had a lasting impact on education in the United States, making him the correct answer in this context.

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  • 30. 

    Marbury vs. Madison was an important Supreme Court decision for what reason?

    • A.

      It established that slaves were property of their owners, leading to tensions that erupted in the Civil War.

    • B.

      It allowed for the attendence of public school by children of all races.

    • C.

      It set the basis for the concept of judicial review.

    • D.

      It is a landmark case used to show that the court, by nature, should not be activist.

    Correct Answer
    C. It set the basis for the concept of judicial review.
    Explanation
    Marbury vs. Madison was an important Supreme Court decision because it set the basis for the concept of judicial review. Judicial review is the power of the courts to review and potentially invalidate laws or actions that are deemed unconstitutional. This decision established the principle that the Supreme Court has the authority to interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress. It solidified the Court's role as the final arbiter of the Constitution and its ability to check the actions of the other branches of government.

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  • 31. 

    James Polk's tenure as President is best known for what?

    • A.

      The Nullification movement.

    • B.

      The French and Indian War.

    • C.

      Muckrakers.

    • D.

      Acquisition of Texas and California.

    Correct Answer
    D. Acquisition of Texas and California.
    Explanation
    During James Polk's presidency, one of his major achievements was the acquisition of Texas and California. Polk's administration successfully negotiated the annexation of Texas, which had previously been an independent republic. Additionally, Polk's administration played a significant role in the Mexican-American War, which resulted in the United States gaining California and other territories in the Southwest. These territorial acquisitions were crucial in expanding the United States' territory and influence during Polk's presidency, making it the most notable aspect of his tenure as President.

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  • 32. 

    Shay's Rebellion was led by a former military officer against the government, in protest of the foreclosures of farms. What was the significance of Shay's Rebellion?

    • A.

      It was the spark that led to the Battle of Lexington and Concord.

    • B.

      It led many to push for a stronger federal government, and a constitution.

    • C.

      It prompted Paul Revere's famous "Midnight Ride".

    • D.

      It set the stage for the eventual battle over slavers on personally-owned plantations.

    Correct Answer
    B. It led many to push for a stronger federal government, and a constitution.
    Explanation
    Shay's Rebellion was a significant event in American history because it highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger federal government. The rebellion, led by a former military officer, was a response to the government's foreclosure of farms. The rebellion's violent nature and the government's inability to effectively respond to it demonstrated the limitations of the existing political system. As a result, many people realized the necessity of a stronger central government and a new constitution, which eventually led to the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution.

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  • 33. 

    This was the site of the first military engagement of the Civil War.

    • A.

      Manassas.

    • B.

      Bull Run.

    • C.

      Fort Sumter.

    • D.

      Gettysburg.

    Correct Answer
    C. Fort Sumter.
    Explanation
    Fort Sumter is the correct answer because it was indeed the site of the first military engagement of the Civil War. The battle of Fort Sumter took place on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces attacked the Union-held fort in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. This marked the beginning of the Civil War, as it was the first armed conflict between the Union and Confederate forces. The engagement ended with the surrender of the Union forces after two days of bombardment, establishing Confederate control over the fort.

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  • 34. 

    In the 1790s Madison and Jefferson penned resolutions that sought to affirm states' rights. Written in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, they attempted to mitigate the Federal Government's power and promoted the concept of Nullification.

    • A.

      Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

    • B.

      Resolutions of 1792

    • C.

      State Resolutions of Rhode Island

    • D.

      The Federal Restrictions Acts

    Correct Answer
    A. Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. In the 1790s, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson wrote these resolutions to assert states' rights and limit the power of the Federal Government. These resolutions were a response to the Alien and Sedition Acts and promoted the concept of Nullification, which allowed states to declare federal laws unconstitutional. The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions were significant in the ongoing debate over the balance of power between the states and the federal government.

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  • 35. 

    "Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseperable!" is a quote from this Whig political leader in defense of maintaining federal unity.

    • A.

      John C Calhoun

    • B.

      Patrick Henry

    • C.

      Noah Webster

    • D.

      Daniel Webster

    Correct Answer
    D. Daniel Webster
    Explanation
    The quote "Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable!" is attributed to Daniel Webster, a Whig political leader. He used this quote to emphasize the importance of maintaining federal unity and preserving the union. John C. Calhoun, Patrick Henry, and Noah Webster were all notable figures in American history, but they did not make this specific quote in defense of federal unity.

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  • 36. 

    The Whigs were a political party formed to oppose Jackson's Democrats. They collapsed over the issue of slavery in the 1850s; many former Whigs joined the new Republican party. All of the following where Whig planks, except:

    • A.

      Advocacy for expanding American control into northern South America.

    • B.

      Protective tarrifs.

    • C.

      National banking.

    • D.

      Federal aid for infrastructure.

    Correct Answer
    A. Advocacy for expanding American control into northern South America.
    Explanation
    The Whigs were a political party that emerged in opposition to Jackson's Democrats. They eventually disbanded due to the contentious issue of slavery in the 1850s, with many former Whigs joining the newly formed Republican party. The Whigs supported protective tariffs, national banking, and federal aid for infrastructure as part of their political platform. However, expanding American control into northern South America was not a plank of the Whig party.

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  • 37. 

    The first real test of the new Federal Government's Constitutional powers came:

    • A.

      In putting down Shay's Rebellion.

    • B.

      In the War of 1812.

    • C.

      In deploying Marines to Tripoli.

    • D.

      In putting down the Whiskey Rebellion.

    Correct Answer
    D. In putting down the Whiskey Rebellion.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is in putting down the Whiskey Rebellion. This was the first major test of the new Federal Government's Constitutional powers because it demonstrated the government's ability to enforce its laws and maintain order within the country. The rebellion, which occurred in 1794, was a response to the newly established federal tax on whiskey. The government's successful suppression of the rebellion showed that it had the authority and capability to assert its power and maintain control over the states.

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  • 38. 

    Rhode Island was founded by ___________ who was expelled from Massachusetts for his liberal _______________ views.

    • A.

      Roger Williams / political

    • B.

      Roger Williams / religious

    • C.

      John Scott / political

    • D.

      John Scott / religious

    Correct Answer
    B. Roger Williams / religious
    Explanation
    Roger Williams was expelled from Massachusetts for his liberal religious views, not political views. He believed in the separation of church and state and advocated for religious freedom. This led to his founding of Rhode Island as a haven for those seeking religious liberty.

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  • 39. 

    British general Lord Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington at this site of the last battle of the American Revolutionary War.

    • A.

      Battle of Lexington.

    • B.

      Battle of Trenton.

    • C.

      Battle of Hastings.

    • D.

      Battle of Yorktown.

    Correct Answer
    D. Battle of Yorktown.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Battle of Yorktown. The Battle of Yorktown was the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. British general Lord Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington at this site, effectively ending the war. The battle took place in Yorktown, Virginia in 1781 and was a decisive victory for the American forces.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 31, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Adrusu01
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