APUSH Unit 2 Practice Test Questions And Answers
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American colonists, in the years just after the conclusion of the Seven Year's War, could be characterized best as
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Optimistic about the future
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Trying to rebuild
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Eager for independence from Great Britain
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Apathetic about colonial-British relations
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Hostile toward the British
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Prepare for your U. S. History exam with our APUSH Unit 2 practice test, an essential tool for any AP student aiming to master this unit. Covering important events, figures, and themes from the Colonial era to the American Revolution, this practice test ensures that you are fully prepared for all aspects of U. S. History.
Each question has See morebeen carefully crafted to align with AP exam standards, offering you a realistic and challenging experience. By taking this AP US History Unit 2 practice test, you’ll deepen your understanding of early American history, including the critical social, political, and economic shifts that defined this period. This practice test provides everything you need to build your knowledge and test-day confidence.
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- 2.
George III believed
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Parliament should run the empire
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The monarch should be a figurehead
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The monarch should consider parliamentary opinion when making decisions
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The monarch should make policies for the empire
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Qualified men should run the government
Correct Answer
A. The monarch should make policies for the empireExplanation
George III believed that the monarch should make policies for the empire. This suggests that he had a strong belief in the power and authority of the monarchy, and saw it as the primary decision-maker in governing the empire. He likely believed that the monarch, as the head of state, should have the final say in policy-making and should not be solely a figurehead or rely heavily on parliamentary opinion. This view aligns with a more centralized and autocratic approach to governance.Rate this question:
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- 3.
A major source of information for the colonists was
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The market place
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Newspapers
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The town crier
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Books
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Church meetings
Correct Answer
A. NewspapersExplanation
Newspapers were a major source of information for the colonists because they provided up-to-date news, local and international events, and political discussions. They allowed the colonists to stay informed about the latest developments in their own communities and beyond. Newspapers also played a crucial role in disseminating revolutionary ideas and rallying support for the American Revolution. They provided a platform for colonists to express their opinions and engage in public discourse. Overall, newspapers were a vital source of information for the colonists, shaping their understanding of the world around them and influencing their actions and beliefs.Rate this question:
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- 4.
England passed the Coercive Acts in response to
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The Declaratory Act
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The Tea Act
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The Boston Tea Party
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The colonial boycott of the Stamp Act
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The American victory at Saratoga
Correct Answer
A. The Boston Tea PartyExplanation
The Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts, were passed by England in response to the Boston Tea Party. The Boston Tea Party was an act of protest by American colonists against the Tea Act, which granted a monopoly to the British East India Company and imposed taxes on tea. In retaliation, the Coercive Acts were passed to punish the colonists and assert British authority over them. Therefore, the correct answer is the Boston Tea Party.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Aggravating the problems created by the Seven Years' War debt was
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George III's decision to invest government funds in British industrial expansion
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George |||'s desire to provoke another war with the French
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The unusually extravagant habits of the British courts
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France's continuation of hostilities on the continent
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George III's desire to maintain a large standing army.
Correct Answer
A. George III's desire to maintain a large standing army.Explanation
George III's desire to maintain a large standing army aggravated the problems created by the Seven Years' War debt. This decision required a significant amount of funds to be allocated towards the military, further straining the already burdened economy. The cost of maintaining a large army added to the financial difficulties faced by the British government, making it even more challenging to address the debt accumulated from the war.Rate this question:
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- 6.
As a result of the Sugar Act, the duty on molasses was
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Raised dramatically
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Replaced with a duty on processed sugar
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Kept at essentially the same level
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Removed entirely
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Reduced significantly
Correct Answer
A. Reduced significantlyExplanation
The Sugar Act was a law passed by the British Parliament in 1764 that aimed to reduce smuggling and increase revenue from the American colonies. One of the main provisions of the Sugar Act was to reduce the duty or tax on molasses, a key ingredient in the production of rum. By reducing the duty significantly, the British hoped to discourage smuggling and promote legal trade. Therefore, the correct answer is "reduced significantly."Rate this question:
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- 7.
The Stamp Act of 1765 affected
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Only those who engaged in direct trade with Great Britain
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Only businessmen and merchants
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Notaries and other public officials
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Primarily colonial manufacturers
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The lives of ordinary people, as well as those of the elite.
Correct Answer
A. The lives of ordinary people, as well as those of the elite.Explanation
The Stamp Act of 1765 affected the lives of ordinary people, as well as those of the elite. This act imposed a tax on all printed materials in the American colonies, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards. This tax burden fell on both the common people and the wealthy elite, as they were all consumers of these printed materials. The act sparked widespread protests and resistance from all levels of society, leading to the eventual repeal of the Stamp Act.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The boycott movement against the Stamp Act
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Mobilized colonial women to action
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Was opposed by New England buisnessmen
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Had little effect on Great Britain
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Was badly organized
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Ultimately hurt American businessmen more than British.
Correct Answer
A. Mobilized colonial women to actionExplanation
The correct answer is "mobilized colonial women to action." This is because the boycott movement against the Stamp Act encouraged and motivated women in the colonies to actively participate and take action against the British taxation. Women played a crucial role in organizing and supporting the boycotts by making and promoting homemade goods, encouraging others to join the cause, and spreading awareness about the movement. Their involvement helped to strengthen the resistance against the Stamp Act and contributed to the overall success of the boycott movement.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Samuel Adams' role prior to 1774 can best be described as
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Pacifier
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Guerilla fighter
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Genuine revolutionary
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Pragmatist
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Compromiser
Correct Answer
A. Genuine revolutionaryExplanation
Samuel Adams' role prior to 1774 can be described as a genuine revolutionary because he played a significant role in organizing and leading protests against British policies, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. He was a key figure in the Sons of Liberty, a secret organization that advocated for American independence. Adams believed in the rights and freedoms of the American colonists and actively worked towards achieving independence from British rule. His revolutionary ideas and actions demonstrate his commitment to the cause of American independence.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The Deceleration of Independence
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Stated that all men are created equal
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Blamed George III for much of the impasse
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Was unanimously approved with no alterations
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Both A and B
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Both A and C
Correct Answer
A. Both A and BExplanation
The correct answer is both A and B. The Declaration of Independence stated that all men are created equal, emphasizing the idea of equality among individuals. Additionally, it blamed George III for much of the impasse, holding him responsible for the issues and conflicts that led to the declaration.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following was NOT a result of the American Revolution
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The end of primogeniture
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Abolition of slavery in several southern states
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Disestablishment of the Anglican Church in several southern states
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The continued uneven distribution of wealth
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Reductions in the minimum property requirement for voting
Correct Answer
A. Abolition of slavery in several southern statesExplanation
The correct answer is "abolition of slavery in several southern states." The American Revolution did not result in the abolition of slavery in several southern states. In fact, slavery continued to exist in the southern states for several more decades after the revolution. It was not until the Civil War in the 1860s that slavery was abolished throughout the United States with the enactment of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The American Revolution did, however, lead to other significant changes such as the end of primogeniture, the disestablishment of the Anglican Church in several southern states, the continued uneven distribution of wealth, and reductions in the minimum property requirement for voting.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The Articles of Confederation
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Jealously guarded state sovereignty at the expense of national power
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Created a powerful presidency
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Changed little from first draft to final document
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Provided for state representation by population
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Gave too much power to the central government
Correct Answer
A. Jealously guarded state sovereignty at the expense of national powerExplanation
The correct answer is "jealously guarded state sovereignty at the expense of national power." This is because the Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States, prioritized the autonomy and authority of individual states over the strength of the national government. The central government under the Articles had limited powers and lacked the ability to enforce laws or collect taxes effectively. This emphasis on state sovereignty ultimately led to weaknesses and inefficiencies in the functioning of the national government.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Thomas Jefferson felt it was important that the new government
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Support business and industrial development
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Foster strong ties with Great Britain
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Expand the franchise
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Lean toward France in the event it clashed with Britain
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Decrease the role agriculture played in the American economy
Correct Answer
A. Lean toward France in the event it clashed with BritainExplanation
Thomas Jefferson believed that the new government should lean toward France in the event it clashed with Britain. This suggests that Jefferson favored a closer relationship with France and saw it as a potential ally against Britain. It also implies that Jefferson may have had reservations or concerns about Britain and wanted to ensure that the United States aligned itself with France in any potential conflicts. This stance reflects Jefferson's foreign policy approach and his desire to protect American interests and maintain independence in the face of European rivalries.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Opposition to Hamilton's proposed national bank
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Was led by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson
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Generally did not involve the general public
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Reflected the fears of private bankers
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Resented that the enterprise would be wholly private, with no real ties to the federal government.
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Was justified because his plans so clearly favored a few "monied interests"
Correct Answer
A. Was led by James Madison and Thomas JeffersonExplanation
The correct answer is "was led by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson." This is because the opposition to Hamilton's proposed national bank was indeed led by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. They were both influential political figures at the time and strongly disagreed with Hamilton's plan for a national bank. They believed that it would give too much power to the federal government and favored a more decentralized approach to banking.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Bank of the United States was based on the doctrine of
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Implied powers
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Judicial review
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Checks and balances
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Strict construction
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States rights
Correct Answer
A. Implied powersExplanation
The Bank of the United States was based on the doctrine of implied powers. This means that the bank was established under the belief that the government has the authority to take actions that are not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, as long as those actions are necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers. The doctrine of implied powers allows for flexibility in interpreting the Constitution and enables the government to effectively address new and unforeseen challenges.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Washington believed that the Whiskey Rebellion
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Should have been dealt with by the state of Pennsylvania
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Presented a direct threat to the nation
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Was not something with which to be concerned
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Was the result of a legitimate complaint on the part of distillers
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Indicated the importance of repealing the excise tax
Correct Answer
A. Presented a direct threat to the nationExplanation
Washington believed that the Whiskey Rebellion presented a direct threat to the nation. This is evident from his decision to personally lead a militia of 13,000 troops to suppress the rebellion. He saw the rebellion as a challenge to the authority of the federal government and believed that allowing it to go unchecked would set a dangerous precedent for future uprisings against the newly formed United States. By taking decisive action, Washington aimed to demonstrate the strength and power of the federal government and assert its ability to maintain law and order.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following was NOT a Hamiltonian idea?
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France was the most important ally of the United States
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The government should try to encourage industrial and commercial development
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National Bank was necessary for the country's economic health
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Development of cities was key to the success of the nation
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The new central government would survive if the wealthiest people supported it.
Correct Answer
A. France was the most important ally of the United StatesExplanation
France was the most important ally of the United States was Jefferson's idea.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The Tea Act of 1773 was passed in order to
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Raise revenue to pay royal governments' salaries
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Punish colonists for the Boston Massacre
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Support the stationing of British troops in America
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Save the East India Company
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Recover revenue lost by reducing the tax on molasses
Correct Answer
A. Save the East India CompanyExplanation
The Tea Act of 1773 was passed in order to save the East India Company. The East India Company was facing financial difficulties and was on the verge of bankruptcy. The Tea Act was designed to help the company by granting it a monopoly on the sale of tea in the American colonies. This would allow the company to sell its tea directly to the colonists without having to go through middlemen, thus reducing costs and increasing profits. However, this act was highly resented by the colonists, as it undermined their own tea merchants and gave the East India Company unfair advantages. This ultimately contributed to the growing tensions between the colonies and Britain, leading to the American Revolution.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Common Sense
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Did not criticize all monarchs, just George III
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Persuaded colonial elites to sever their ties with Great Britain
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Acknowledged the sovereignty of the monarchs
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Had little popularity among the colonists
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Provided the colonists with a rationale for revolution
Correct Answer
A. Provided the colonists with a rationale for revolutionExplanation
Common Sense, a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine, provided the colonists with a rationale for revolution. It argued that it was common sense for the American colonies to break away from British rule and establish their own independent government. The pamphlet criticized King George III and the monarchy, persuading colonial elites to sever their ties with Great Britain. It acknowledged the sovereignty of the monarchs but made the case that it was in the best interest of the colonists to rebel against British rule. This pamphlet played a significant role in shaping public opinion and rallying support for the American Revolution.Rate this question:
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- 20.
With respect to women, the political ideology of the American Revolution
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Gave them the right to participate actively in the government
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Brought them together to demand suffrage
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Had little interest for them
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Cause them to be more assertive about their roles in the family
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Brought dramatic changes in their lifestyles and opportunities
Correct Answer
A. Cause them to be more assertive about their roles in the familyExplanation
The political ideology of the American Revolution caused women to be more assertive about their roles in the family. This is because the revolutionary ideas of liberty and equality challenged traditional gender roles and expectations. Women became more aware of their own rights and abilities, leading them to question and challenge the traditional patriarchal structure of the family. They began to assert themselves more in decision-making processes within the family and sought greater autonomy and independence. The American Revolution, with its emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, inspired women to demand more agency and equality within their own households.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The most important accomplishment of Congress under the Articles of Confederation was its
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Disposition of the Florida border problem with Spain
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Set of rules for interstate trade and tariffs
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Rejection of British demands for territory along the country's orders with Canada
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Passage of ordinances organizing the Northwest Territory
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Management of the nation's financial affairs
Correct Answer
A. Passage of ordinances organizing the Northwest TerritoryExplanation
The correct answer is the passage of ordinances organizing the Northwest Territory. This was a significant accomplishment of Congress under the Articles of Confederation because it established a system for governing and settling the newly acquired territory. The ordinances provided for the creation of new states, outlined the process for admitting them into the Union, and established principles of self-government and individual rights. This laid the foundation for the expansion of the United States and the eventual formation of several states in the Midwest.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The best definition of republican, as it was understood in the late 1700s was
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A government without a monarchy or aristocracy
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A new political party
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Strong central government
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One man, one vote
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A continuation of the British monarchy
Correct Answer
A. A government without a monarchy or aristocracyExplanation
In the late 1700s, the term "republican" referred to a form of government that did not have a monarchy or aristocracy. This means that power was not concentrated in the hands of a king or a small group of privileged individuals. Instead, it was a government where the power resided with the people, who were considered equal and had the right to participate in decision-making. This definition aligns with the ideals of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States as a republic.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Members of the Federalist Party
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Despised centralized economic planning
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Supported the French Revolution
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Wanted Thomas Jefferson to be president
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Supported a strong national government
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Advocated states' rights
Correct Answer
A. Supported a strong national governmentExplanation
The correct answer is "supported a strong national government." This is evident from the given options as the other options do not align with the principles of the Federalist Party. The Federalists believed in a strong central government and supported policies that would strengthen the federal government's power and authority. They favored a strong executive branch and a strong military, and they believed that a strong national government was necessary for the stability and success of the young United States.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Why did the Sedition Act distress many Americans?
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It allowed libel convictions without jury trial
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It threatened their political rights
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It suspended free elections
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Allow the government to deport undesirable aliens
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Allow Federalists to maintain political control
Correct Answer
A. It threatened their political rightsExplanation
The Sedition Act of 1798 was part of a series of laws known collectively as the Alien and Sedition Acts. This particular Act made it a crime to publish "false, scandalous, and malicious writing" against the government or certain officials. Many Americans saw this as a direct violation of the First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and press. The law was highly controversial because it was perceived as a tool for the Federalist Party to suppress dissent and criticism, especially from Republican newspapers and other media supportive of the opposition. This attack on what were considered fundamental democratic rights led to significant distress and opposition among the populace.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which of the following was a key result of the First Continental Congress in 1774?
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A plan for colonial independence was adopted
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A full-scale boycott of British goods was agreed upon
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George Washington was appointed as commander of the colonial forces
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The colonies declared loyalty to the British Crown
Correct Answer
A. A full-scale boycott of British goods was agreed uponExplanation
The correct answer is "A full-scale boycott of British goods was agreed upon." The First Continental Congress in 1774 marked a united response from the colonies to the British Coercive Acts. Representatives from the colonies met to discuss their grievances and decided to implement a widespread boycott of British goods. This Congress did not call for independence, nor did it draft a constitution, but it was a significant step toward colonial unity and resistance against British policies.Rate this question:
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