American History I Exam Review: I
Questions and Answers
- 1.
A major reason the American colonists of the 1600s chose to settle along the seacoast and rivers was so that they could...
- A.
Export slaves
- B.
Carry out trade
- C.
Protect themselves from Native American Indians
- D.
Use water power to run factory machinery
Correct Answer
B. Carry out tradeExplanation
The American colonists of the 1600s chose to settle along the seacoast and rivers primarily to carry out trade. The proximity to waterways provided easy transportation and access to markets, allowing the colonists to engage in commerce and exchange goods with other colonies and countries. This trade was crucial for their economic development and growth. Additionally, the waterways also provided opportunities for fishing and other maritime activities, further supporting their livelihoods.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The power of judicial review was established when...
- A.
The original United States Constitution was adopted
- B.
An amendment wad added to the United States Constitution
- C.
President Thomas Jefferson established the power in executive order
- D.
The Supreme Court issued its ruling in Marbury vs Madison (1803)
Correct Answer
D. The Supreme Court issued its ruling in Marbury vs Madison (1803)Explanation
The power of judicial review was established when the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Marbury vs Madison (1803). In this landmark case, Chief Justice John Marshall asserted the Court's authority to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional. This decision solidified the Court's power to interpret the Constitution and serve as a check on the other branches of government. It established the principle of judicial review, which remains a fundamental aspect of the American legal system.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which foreign policy toward Europe did President George Washington recommend in his Farewell Address?
- A.
Military alliances
- B.
Internationalism
- C.
Imperialism
- D.
Neutrality
Correct Answer
D. NeutralityExplanation
President George Washington recommended a policy of neutrality towards Europe in his Farewell Address. This means that he advised the United States to avoid getting involved in the conflicts and alliances of European nations. Washington believed that the young nation should focus on its own development and avoid entangling alliances that could potentially draw the country into unnecessary wars. This policy of neutrality allowed the United States to maintain its independence and avoid being dragged into the conflicts of European powers.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The Homestead Act and grants of land to railroads were use to...
- A.
Raise money to finance the federal government
- B.
Limit the influence of monopolies and trust
- C.
Support the development of state universitites
- D.
Encourage settlement of the West
Correct Answer
D. Encourage settlement of the WestExplanation
The Homestead Act and grants of land to railroads were used to encourage settlement of the West. The Homestead Act allowed individuals to claim up to 160 acres of public land, as long as they improved it and lived on it for a certain period of time. This incentivized people to move westward and establish farms and communities. Grants of land to railroads also played a role in encouraging settlement, as the railroads would sell or lease the land to settlers, making it easier for them to establish homes and businesses in the West.Rate this question:
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- 5.
President Andrew Jackson used the spoils system to
- A.
Stop the westward expansion of slavery
- B.
Strengthen the military for national defense
- C.
Reward loyal political supporters
- D.
Destroy the Bank of the United States
Correct Answer
C. Reward loyal political supportersExplanation
President Andrew Jackson used the spoils system to reward loyal political supporters. The spoils system, also known as patronage, involved appointing individuals to government positions based on their political allegiance rather than their qualifications. Jackson believed that by appointing his loyal supporters to government positions, he could ensure their loyalty and maintain control over the political landscape. This system allowed Jackson to strengthen his political base and consolidate power within his administration.Rate this question:
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- 6.
One immediate result of Alexander Hamilton's financial plan was the...
- A.
Removal of the tax on exports
- B.
Creation of a national bank
- C.
Adoption of free trade
- D.
Establishment of an income tax
Correct Answer
B. Creation of a national bankExplanation
Alexander Hamilton's financial plan included the creation of a national bank. This bank would serve as a central institution to manage the country's finances, provide loans, and issue a national currency. The establishment of a national bank was a significant step in developing a stable and organized financial system for the United States. It helped to strengthen the federal government's control over the economy and promote economic growth by providing a reliable source of credit and stability to the nation's financial system.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which action by the British government was considered by American colonist the be a violation of their rights as Englishmen?
- A.
Making treaties with Native American Indians
- B.
Protecting the colonies from foreign invasion
- C.
Failing to enforce the Navigation Acts
- D.
Taxing the colonies without representation in Parliament
Correct Answer
D. Taxing the colonies without representation in ParliamentExplanation
The American colonists considered taxing the colonies without representation in Parliament to be a violation of their rights as Englishmen because they believed that they were entitled to the same rights and protections as British citizens living in England. They argued that they should have a voice in the decisions that affected their lives and that taxation without representation was unjust. This belief ultimately played a significant role in the colonists' decision to rebel against British rule and fight for their independence.Rate this question:
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- 8.
One way the British government carried out the policy of mercantilism was by...
- A.
Promoting free trade between its colonies and Europe
- B.
Prohibiting the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans
- C.
Encouraging the development of colonial manufacturing and trade
- D.
Requiring that most colonial trade occrur within the British Empire
Correct Answer
D. Requiring that most colonial trade occrur within the British EmpireExplanation
The British government carried out the policy of mercantilism by requiring that most colonial trade occur within the British Empire. This means that the colonies were obligated to trade primarily with Britain and other British colonies, rather than with other countries. This policy allowed Britain to control and profit from the colonial trade, as it ensured a steady flow of resources and wealth back to the empire. By restricting trade to within the British Empire, the government aimed to maintain its economic dominance and strengthen its position as a global power.Rate this question:
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- 9.
…Small islands not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something very absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island. In no instance hath nature made the satellite larger than its primary planet, and as England and America, with respect to each other, reverses the common order of nature, it is evident that they belong to different systems: England to Europe, America to itself.… — Thomas Paine, Common SenseThe argument presented in this passage was intended to...
- A.
Urge colonists to accept the Albany Plan of Union
- B.
provide a reason for ratification of the Constitution of the United States
- C.
convince American colonists to declare their independence
- D.
Persuade France to aid the United States in the Revolutionary War
Correct Answer
C. convince American colonists to declare their independenceExplanation
The passage argues that it is absurd to think that a continent like America should be governed by an island like England. It states that small islands are suitable for kingdoms to take care of, but continents should govern themselves. This suggests that the passage is trying to convince American colonists to declare their independence from England and govern themselves.Rate this question:
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- 10.
…No political truth is certainly of greater intrinsic [essential] value, or is stamped with the authority of more enlightened patrons of liberty, than that on which the objection is founded. The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, selfappointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.… — James Madison, The Federalist, Number 47 Which constitutional principle was established to protect American citizens from the tyranny suggested in this quotation?
- A.
Due process of law
- B.
States rights
- C.
Popular sovereignty
- D.
Separation of powers
Correct Answer
D. Separation of powersExplanation
The correct answer is separation of powers. The quotation emphasizes the danger of accumulating all powers in the same hands, which can lead to tyranny. To prevent this, the principle of separation of powers was established in the Constitution. This principle distributes powers among three branches of government - legislative, executive, and judiciary - ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful and that there are checks and balances in place. Separation of powers is essential to protect American citizens from the potential abuse of power and to uphold the principles of liberty and democracy.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power, jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled. — Article II, Articles of Confederation The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.— 10th amendment, United States Constitution The purpose of each of these provisions is to...
- A.
Determine the division of power between state and central governments
- B.
Create a process for allowing amendments
- C.
Grant the central government power to control the states
- D.
Limit the power of the executive branch
Correct Answer
A. Determine the division of power between state and central governmentsExplanation
The purpose of each of these provisions is to determine the division of power between state and central governments. The Article II of the Articles of Confederation and the 10th amendment of the United States Constitution both establish that any powers not explicitly given to the central government are retained by the states or the people. This ensures that the central government does not have unlimited power and that the states maintain their sovereignty and independence. Therefore, the provisions aim to define and maintain the balance of power between the state and central governments.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What was a common goal of the Proclamation of Neutrality (1793), the Embargo Act (1807), and the Monroe Doctrine (1823)?
- A.
Forcing Great Britain to grant independence to Canada
- B.
Avoiding conflicts with European nations
- C.
Providing wartime aid to European nations
- D.
Encouraging independence movements in Latin America
Correct Answer
B. Avoiding conflicts with European nationsExplanation
The common goal of the Proclamation of Neutrality (1793), the Embargo Act (1807), and the Monroe Doctrine (1823) was to avoid conflicts with European nations. These policies were implemented by the United States to maintain a position of neutrality and non-involvement in the conflicts and disputes between European powers. The Proclamation of Neutrality aimed to keep the United States out of the ongoing war between France and Britain, while the Embargo Act sought to protect American interests by prohibiting trade with foreign nations. The Monroe Doctrine, on the other hand, asserted that any further European colonization or intervention in the Americas would be considered as a threat to the United States. Overall, these policies were all aimed at preserving peace and avoiding entanglements with European powers.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Mayflower Compact is considered an important step in the development of American democracy because it...
- A.
Established the principle of separation of church and state
- B.
Provided a basis for self-government in the Plymouth Colony
- C.
defined relations with local Native American Indians
- D.
outlawed slavery in the Massachusetts Bay Colony
Correct Answer
B. Provided a basis for self-government in the Plymouth ColonyExplanation
The Mayflower Compact is considered an important step in the development of American democracy because it provided a basis for self-government in the Plymouth Colony. The compact was a written agreement among the Pilgrims on the Mayflower, in which they established a form of government and agreed to abide by its laws. It laid the foundation for democratic principles such as majority rule and the consent of the governed. This early form of self-government set a precedent for future colonies and eventually influenced the development of democratic ideals in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The Granger movement and the formation of the Populist Party were similar in that each was on effort to...
- A.
End the practice of sharecropping
- B.
Improve conditions for farmers
- C.
Provide housing for urban dwellers
- D.
Increase profits for railroad companies
Correct Answer
B. Improve conditions for farmersExplanation
The Granger movement and the formation of the Populist Party were both aimed at improving conditions for farmers. The Granger movement, which emerged in the late 19th century, sought to address the economic challenges faced by farmers, such as high transportation costs and unfair business practices. It advocated for government regulation of railroads and other industries to protect farmers' interests. Similarly, the Populist Party, formed in the 1890s, aimed to address the economic hardships faced by farmers, advocating for policies such as the free coinage of silver and the establishment of cooperatives to improve farmers' access to credit and markets. Both movements were driven by a desire to improve the economic situation of farmers.Rate this question:
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- 15.
During the presidency of George Washington, disagreements between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson over the interpretation of the Constitution contributed to the...
- A.
Impeachment of federal judges
- B.
Defeat of the Whiskey Rebellion
- C.
Formation of political parties
- D.
Elimination of the commerce clause
Correct Answer
C. Formation of political partiesExplanation
During George Washington's presidency, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson had differing interpretations of the Constitution. Hamilton believed in a loose interpretation, favoring a strong central government, while Jefferson believed in a strict interpretation, advocating for states' rights. These differences led to the formation of political parties, with Hamilton's supporters forming the Federalist Party and Jefferson's supporters forming the Democratic-Republican Party. This marked the beginning of the two-party system in the United States, with each party representing different ideologies and competing for political power.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which heading best completes the partial outline below?I. _________________________________ A. Missouri Compromise B. Compromise of 1850 C. Kansas- Nebraska Act
- A.
Rise of Sectionalism
- B.
Impacts of Industrialization
- C.
Examples of Religious Revivalism
- D.
Events Leading to the Mexican American War
Correct Answer
A. Rise of Sectionalism -
- 17.
Many Antifederalist opposed ratification of the Constitution until they were guaranteed...
- A.
Better protection of individual liberties
- B.
Increased presidential authority to wage war
- C.
Stricter control over state spending
- D.
Expanded police powers
Correct Answer
A. Better protection of individual libertiesExplanation
Many Antifederalists were initially against ratifying the Constitution because they feared that it didn't provide enough protection for individual liberties. They believed that without explicit guarantees, the new government could potentially infringe upon the rights of the people. Therefore, they demanded the inclusion of a Bill of Rights to ensure the protection of individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. This guarantee was crucial in persuading the Antifederalists to support the ratification of the Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 18.
“Uncle Tom’s Cabin Stirs Controversy”“Kansas Rocked by Bloody Conflict”“John Brown’s Raid Angers South” Which statement about the United States in the 1850s is best supported by these headlines?
- A.
The nation had grown increasingly divided over the future of slavery
- B.
Americans had lost confidence in the plan for Reconstruction
- C.
Northern and Southern voters were united in support of popular sovereignty
- D.
Support for the abolitionist movement decreased during this period
Correct Answer
A. The nation had grown increasingly divided over the future of slaveryExplanation
The given headlines "Uncle Tom's Cabin Stirs Controversy," "Kansas Rocked by Bloody Conflict," and "John Brown's Raid Angers South" suggest that there was a growing division in the United States over the future of slavery. These events highlight the tensions and conflicts surrounding the issue of slavery, indicating that the nation was becoming increasingly divided on this issue during the 1850s.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which geographic feature was used to establish the Proclamation Line of 1763?
- A.
Great Lakes
- B.
Rocky Mountains
- C.
Appalachian Mountains
- D.
Mississippi River
Correct Answer
C. Appalachian MountainsExplanation
The Proclamation Line of 1763 was established using the Appalachian Mountains as a geographic feature. This line was drawn by the British government to prevent further conflicts between Native American tribes and American colonists by prohibiting settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains. The British hoped that by limiting westward expansion, they could maintain control over the region and avoid costly conflicts with Native Americans.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Cherokees! The president of the United States has sent me, with a powerful army, to cause you, in obedience to the treaty of 1835, to join that part of your people who are already established in prosperity on the other side of the Mississippi.— Unhappily, the two years which were allowed for the purpose, you have suffered to pass away without following, and without making any preparations to follow; and now, or by the time that this solemn address shall reach your distant settlements, the emigration must be commenced in haste, but, I hope, without disorder. I have no power, by granting a further delay, to correct the error that you have committed. The full moon of May is already on the wane [decline]; and before another shall have passed away, every Cherokee man, woman, and child, in those states, must be in motion to join their brethren in the far west.…— General Winfield Scott, 1838 The immediate result of the action demanded in this passage was the...
- A.
Creation of the Underground Railroad
- B.
Expansion of the rights of Native American Indians
- C.
start of the Trail of Tears march to the Oklahoma Territory
- D.
Assimilation of Native American Indians into mainstream American culture
Correct Answer
C. start of the Trail of Tears march to the Oklahoma TerritoryExplanation
The correct answer is the start of the Trail of Tears march to the Oklahoma Territory. In this passage, General Winfield Scott is addressing the Cherokee people and informing them that they must quickly relocate from their current settlements to join their brethren in the far west, as mandated by the treaty of 1835. This forced relocation, known as the Trail of Tears, resulted in the displacement and suffering of thousands of Cherokee people as they were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands and marched to the Oklahoma Territory.Rate this question:
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.jpg "Which geographic feature was used to establish the Proclamation Line of 1763?")
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