U.S. History Social Studies Exam Quiz – Are You Ready?

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  • 1/29 Questions

    Which group used violence to try to deny African Americans their civil rights? (please write out fully- 3 words)

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About This Quiz

Exams can feel overwhelming—but the best way to prepare is by testing what you know. This U. S. History Social Studies Exam Review Quiz helps you revisit key terms and concepts likely to appear on your next test. From civil rights movements and women’s suffrage to geographic advantages and foundational U. S. Events, this quiz covers it all. With multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions, it’s perfect for practicing critical thinking and historical recall. Take a closer look at the big picture—one question at a time.

Disclaimer: This quiz is intended for educational review and is not affiliated with any specific school district or curriculum provider.

U.S. History Social Studies Exam Quiz Are You Ready? - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    This term means "the forced separation of people of different races in public places."

    Explanation
    The correct answer is "segregation." Segregation refers to the enforced separation of individuals belonging to different races in public spaces. It involves the implementation of laws, policies, or practices that restrict the interaction and access of people from different races to certain places, such as schools, transportation, restaurants, and housing. This term is commonly associated with the racial discrimination and inequality prevalent during the era of racial segregation in the United States, particularly in the southern states during the mid-20th century. "Segragation" is a misspelling of the word "segregation" and does not have any meaning.

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  • 3. 

    This was the target group that stood to gain benefits from the Seneca Falls Convention (one word plural)

    Explanation
    The Seneca Falls Convention was a pivotal event in the women's suffrage movement, held in 1848. It aimed to address the social, political, and economic rights of women. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that the target group that stood to gain benefits from this convention would be women.

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  • 4. 

    What major geographic advantage did the Louisiana Purchase give the United States? (long waterway, two words)

    Explanation
    The Louisiana Purchase gave the United States a major geographic advantage by providing access to the Mississippi River. This long waterway served as a crucial transportation route for trade and commerce, allowing goods and people to easily move between the western territories and the eastern parts of the country. The Mississippi River also played a significant role in the expansion of the United States, as it provided a pathway for exploration and settlement of the western frontier.

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  • 5. 

    What was dividing the house (or Union) in Lincoln's "House Divided" Speech? (7 letters)

    Explanation
    In Lincoln's "House Divided" Speech, the division in the house or Union was caused by slavery. This speech was delivered in 1858, during a time when tensions were high between the Northern and Southern states over the issue of slavery. Lincoln argued that the nation could not continue to exist half-slave and half-free, and that ultimately, there would either be a complete abolition of slavery or its expansion into all states. This speech highlighted the deep divide and conflict that existed within the country over the issue of slavery.

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  • 6. 

    The power to declare laws unconstitutional

    Explanation
    The correct answer is "judicial review" or "Judicial Review." Judicial review refers to the power of the courts to declare laws or government actions as unconstitutional. This power allows the judiciary to review and interpret the constitutionality of laws and determine if they violate any provisions of the constitution. Through judicial review, the courts can strike down laws that are found to be in conflict with the constitution, ensuring the protection of individual rights and the balance of power among the branches of government.

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  • 7. 

    Which landmark Supreme Court case did NOT protect the rights of minorities?  (You have two solid choices here).  Use the format from the previous questions to answer this one [ _____ v. _________]

    Explanation
    Scott v. Sanford and Plessy v. Ferguson were both landmark Supreme Court cases that did not protect the rights of minorities. In Scott v. Sanford, also known as the Dred Scott case, the Supreme Court ruled that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, were not considered citizens and therefore had no rights. This decision further perpetuated the institution of slavery and denied the rights of African Americans. In Plessy v. Ferguson, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation, establishing the "separate but equal" doctrine that allowed for racial discrimination and inequality. Both of these cases were significant setbacks for the rights of minorities.

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  • 8. 

    A tax on foreign goods is called this (one word)

    Explanation
    A tax on foreign goods is called a tariff. A tariff is a government-imposed tax on imported goods, designed to protect domestic industries and raise revenue for the government. By imposing a tariff, the government can make foreign goods more expensive, making them less competitive compared to domestic products. This can help protect domestic industries and encourage consumers to buy locally produced goods. Tariffs can also be used as a tool for regulating trade and addressing trade imbalances between countries.

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  • 9. 

    This statement by a U.S. President was intended to prevent further European Colonization in the Caribbean region.

    Explanation
    The Monroe Doctrine was a statement made by a U.S. President to prevent further European colonization in the Caribbean region. This doctrine, named after President James Monroe, asserted that any attempt by European powers to colonize or interfere with the newly independent countries in the Americas would be seen as a threat to the United States. It aimed to establish the United States as the dominant power in the region and to protect the interests of the American nations from European influence. The Monroe Doctrine became a cornerstone of American foreign policy and had a significant impact on the history of the Americas.

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  • 10. 

    The practice of rewarding political supporters is called this. (2 words)

    Explanation
    The term "spoils system" refers to the practice of rewarding political supporters with government positions or other benefits. This system was prevalent in the 19th century in the United States, where elected officials would appoint their loyal supporters to key positions in the government, regardless of their qualifications or abilities. This practice often led to corruption and inefficiency in government, as positions were filled based on political loyalty rather than merit. The spoils system was eventually reformed with the introduction of civil service reforms, which aimed to ensure that government positions were filled through a merit-based system.

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  • 11. 

    Early in our nation's history there were few restrictions on this because the Industrial Revolution created many jobs and needed a lot of cheap laborers.

    Explanation
    In the early stages of our nation's history, there were not many limitations on immigration. This was primarily due to the Industrial Revolution, which resulted in the creation of numerous job opportunities that required a large number of inexpensive laborers. As a result, immigration was encouraged and allowed to meet the growing demand for workers.

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  • 12. 

    What two word phrase for expansion is best summarized by the following goals: "...by military conquest, treaty, and purchase"?

    Explanation
    Manifest Destiny is the correct answer because it refers to the belief in the 19th century that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory from coast to coast. The phrase "by military conquest, treaty, and purchase" accurately summarizes the methods through which this expansion was achieved. Military conquest refers to the acquisition of land through warfare, treaty refers to agreements made with other countries or indigenous peoples, and purchase refers to the buying of land, such as the Louisiana Purchase.

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  • 13. 

    How did Jefferson normally intrepret the Constitution?  8 letter adverb

    Explanation
    Jefferson typically interpreted the Constitution strictly. This means that he believed in a narrow and literal interpretation of the document, adhering closely to its original intent and meaning. He did not believe in broad interpretations or expanding the powers of the federal government beyond what was explicitly stated in the Constitution.

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  • 14. 

    How did Jefferson interpret the Constitution when deciding on the Louisiana Purchase? (7 letter adverb)

    Explanation
    Jefferson interpreted the Constitution in a flexible or lenient manner when making the decision to acquire the Louisiana Purchase. He believed that the Constitution allowed for the expansion of the United States and the acquisition of new territories, even if it meant stretching the original intent of the document. This interpretation allowed him to justify the purchase and pursue the country's territorial expansion.

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  • 15. 

    This is the issue that complicated the addition of the western states to the Union. (7 letters)

    Explanation
    The issue of slavery was a major complication in adding the western states to the Union. Slavery was a deeply divisive and controversial topic, with the southern states relying heavily on slave labor for their agricultural economy, while the northern states were increasingly opposed to the institution. This disagreement over slavery led to tensions and conflicts between the North and South, ultimately resulting in the American Civil War. The issue of slavery had far-reaching consequences and greatly influenced the process of adding western states to the Union.

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  • 16. 

    What is the term that means a "devotion to the interests of one geographic region rather than those of the country as a whole"?

    Explanation
    Sectionalism refers to a mindset or attitude where individuals prioritize the interests and concerns of a specific geographic region over the welfare of the entire country. This can lead to a lack of unity and cooperation between different regions, as people become more focused on their own local needs and desires. Sectionalism can arise due to various factors such as economic differences, cultural disparities, or political disagreements. It can hinder national progress and harmony, as it promotes division and competition rather than collaboration for the greater good of the entire nation.

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  • 17. 

    Who took over as president after Lincoln was assassinated? (first and last name)

    Explanation
    Andrew Johnson took over as president after Lincoln was assassinated.

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  • 18. 

    That the "government was a union of the people, not states" was an argument Lincoln used against what? (Be careful on spelling)

    Explanation
    Lincoln used the argument that the "government was a union of the people, not states" against secession. This means that he believed that the government was formed by and for the people, and that states did not have the right to separate from the union. By emphasizing the idea of a united nation, Lincoln aimed to counter the notion of secession and maintain the integrity of the United States.

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  • 19. 

    What term was used to describe the increased industrialization of the South? (two words)

    Explanation
    The term "New South" was used to describe the increased industrialization of the South. This term represents the economic and social changes that occurred in the southern United States after the Civil War. It refers to the region's efforts to modernize its economy by diversifying industries, attracting investment, and promoting urbanization. The "New South" aimed to move away from its traditional agrarian economy and embrace industrialization, which led to significant changes in the region's economic landscape.

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  • 20. 

    The Supreme Court case that said the government did not have the right to take away a citizen's property without due process of the law involved this individual (first and last name)

    Explanation
    The correct answer is Dred Scott. Dred Scott was the individual involved in the Supreme Court case that established the government's lack of right to take away a citizen's property without due process of the law. The case, known as Dred Scott v. Sandford, was decided in 1857 and had significant implications for the rights of African Americans, as it ruled that they were not considered citizens and therefore did not have the same rights and protections under the law.

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  • 21. 

    Who was the Chief Justice for the Marbury v. Madison, Worcester v. Georgia (and many other big cases)?

    • William Marbury

    • James Madison

    • Andrew Jackson

    • John Marshall

    Correct Answer
    A. John Marshall
    Explanation
    John Marshall was the Chief Justice for the Marbury v. Madison, Worcester v. Georgia, and many other big cases. He served as the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1801 to 1835. Marshall's tenure as Chief Justice was marked by his influential decisions that shaped the interpretation of the Constitution and established the principle of judicial review. His ruling in Marbury v. Madison established the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional, while his decision in Worcester v. Georgia affirmed Native American tribal sovereignty.

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  • 22. 

    Which court case first established Judicial Review?

    • Worcester v. Georgia

    • Marbury v. Madison

    • Scott v. Sanford

    • Gibbons v. Ogden

    Correct Answer
    A. Marbury v. Madison
    Explanation
    Marbury v. Madison is the correct answer because this court case, which took place in 1803, was the first to establish the principle of judicial review in the United States. In this case, the Supreme Court asserted its power to declare laws unconstitutional, thus establishing the precedent for the judiciary to interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutionality of laws passed by the legislative branch. This landmark decision solidified the Court's role as a check on the other branches of government and has had a lasting impact on American constitutional law.

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  • 23. 

    Who did both Johnson and Lincoln extend amnesty to?

    • Carpetbaggers

    • Confederates

    • Scalawags

    • Ku Klux Klansmen

    Correct Answer
    A. Confederates
    Explanation
    Both Johnson and Lincoln extended amnesty to Confederates. Amnesty refers to the act of granting forgiveness or pardon to individuals who have committed offenses or crimes. In the context of the American Civil War, the Confederates were individuals who fought against the Union during the war. By extending amnesty to Confederates, Johnson and Lincoln aimed to promote national reconciliation and restore peace after the war. This act of forgiveness allowed former Confederates to regain their rights and privileges as citizens of the United States.

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  • 24. 

    Which of these was not directly linked to the 15th amendment?

    • Poll tax

    • Literacy test

    • Jim Crow laws

    • Grandfather clause

    Correct Answer
    A. Jim Crow laws
    Explanation
    Jim Crow laws were not directly linked to the 15th amendment. The 15th amendment granted African American men the right to vote, prohibiting the denial of suffrage based on race. However, Jim Crow laws were a system of racial segregation and discrimination that emerged after the Reconstruction period, enforcing racial segregation in public facilities and denying African Americans their civil rights. While Jim Crow laws were a direct result of the Reconstruction era, they were not specifically linked to the 15th amendment, which focused on voting rights.

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  • 25. 

    What industry was featured as a part of question 29?

    Correct Answer
    textiles
    clothing
    cloth
    cloth making
    clothes
    Explanation
    The industry featured as a part of question 29 is textiles, clothing, cloth, cloth making, and clothes.

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  • 26. 

    The power of the federal government did this as a result of the Civil War.

    • It increased

    • It decreased

    • The government was like totally gone, dude.

    Correct Answer
    A. It increased
    Explanation
    The power of the federal government increased as a result of the Civil War. This can be attributed to the fact that during the war, the federal government had to take on more responsibilities and exert greater control in order to effectively manage the war effort. The need for a centralized authority to coordinate military operations, oversee the economy, and enforce policies led to an expansion of federal power. Additionally, the war also brought about constitutional amendments, such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, which further expanded the federal government's authority in areas such as abolishing slavery, granting civil rights, and protecting voting rights.

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  • 27. 

    Who was strongly opposed to the amnesty from question 25?

    • Moderate Democrats

    • Moderate Republicans

    • Radical Republicans

    • Radical Democrats

    • The Tea Party

    Correct Answer
    A. Radical Republicans
    Explanation
    The Radical Republicans were strongly opposed to the amnesty. This group was known for their strong stance on Reconstruction and their belief in punishing the South for their role in the Civil War. They wanted to ensure that the Confederacy was held accountable for their actions and were against any leniency or forgiveness towards former Confederates.

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  • 28. 

    Arresting a black man because he could not prove he had a job would be an example of what?

    • A black code

    • A Jim Crow law

    • Civil Rights Act of 1875 in action

    • The 14th amendment in action

    Correct Answer
    A. A black code
    Explanation
    Arresting a black man because he could not prove he had a job would be an example of a black code. Black codes were laws enacted in the Southern states after the Civil War to restrict the rights and freedoms of African Americans. These laws aimed to maintain white supremacy and control the behavior and movement of black people. They imposed harsh restrictions on their employment, education, and civil rights, perpetuating racial discrimination and inequality. This scenario aligns with the oppressive nature of black codes by targeting a black man based on his inability to prove employment.

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  • 29. 

    Which region had its economy stimulated during the Civil War as a result of an increase in governmental contracts?

    • North

    • South

    • West

    • What chu talkin' bout, Willis?

    Correct Answer
    A. North
    Explanation
    During the Civil War, the North had its economy stimulated as a result of an increase in governmental contracts. The Union government needed a significant amount of supplies and equipment for the war effort, and they turned to Northern businesses to fulfill these contracts. This led to a boom in industries such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture in the North, as well as an increase in employment opportunities. The increase in governmental contracts provided a significant economic boost to the Northern region during the Civil War.

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  • Jun 24, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 24, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Jbacolor
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