Early Period Through Progressivism
This quiz helps prepare students for the California U. S. History STAR test. It covers the early period of U. S. History
- 1.
We owe the theory of natural rights central to the Declaration of Independence to the writings of
- A.
John Locke.
- B.
Baron de Montesquieu.
- C.
The Marquis de Sade.
- D.
Voltaire.
Correct Answer
A. John Locke.Explanation
The theory of natural rights central to the Declaration of Independence is owed to the writings of John Locke. Locke's ideas heavily influenced the founding fathers of the United States and are reflected in the principles of individual liberty, equality, and the right to life, liberty, and property. His belief in the social contract, limited government, and the consent of the governed aligns with the core values of the Declaration of Independence, making him the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The first ten constitutional amendments were supported most strongly by those who
- A.
Believed in a strong national government.
- B.
Believed in limiting the power of the national government.
- C.
Supported a strong central executive branch.
- D.
Supported a strong judicial branch.
Correct Answer
B. Believed in limiting the power of the national government.Explanation
The first ten constitutional amendments, also known as the Bill of Rights, were added to the United States Constitution to protect individual rights and limit the power of the national government. These amendments were supported most strongly by those who believed in limiting the power of the national government, as they sought to ensure that the government would not infringe upon the rights and liberties of the people. By adding these amendments, they aimed to establish a system of checks and balances and prevent the government from becoming too powerful.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, the National Bank controversy, the Doctrine of Nullification, and the debate over the expansion of slavery are all examples of
- A.
Reasons why the Articles of Confederation failed as a form of government.
- B.
Battles over whether the South or North would be most important to the country’s financial well-being.
- C.
Arguments over whether the executive, legislative, or judicial branch would be supreme in the federal government.
- D.
Issues faced in the struggle between federal and state authority.
Correct Answer
D. Issues faced in the struggle between federal and state authority.Explanation
The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, the National Bank controversy, the Doctrine of Nullification, and the debate over the expansion of slavery all reflect the conflict between federal and state authority. The Articles of Confederation failed because they lacked a strong central government and gave too much power to the states. These issues highlight the ongoing struggle between the federal government and the individual states over the balance of power and authority.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A significant social effect of the Great Awakening was that
- A.
Many colonists returned from dissenting religious groups to the Church of England.
- B.
Colonists began to emphasize weekly church attendance as a sign of salvation.
- C.
The colonists began to challenge the hierarchical structure of existing religious denominations.
- D.
Singing became a more important part of church services.
Correct Answer
C. The colonists began to challenge the hierarchical structure of existing religious denominations.Explanation
The correct answer is that the colonists began to challenge the hierarchical structure of existing religious denominations. The Great Awakening was a religious revival movement in the American colonies during the 18th century. It emphasized personal religious experience and individual interpretation of the Bible, which led to a questioning of the authority and hierarchy of established religious institutions. This challenge to the traditional religious structure had significant social implications, as it fostered a sense of individualism and democratic values that would later influence other aspects of colonial society and eventually contribute to the American Revolution.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The factor that most led to persecution of the Mormons in the 1840s was
- A.
The objection of the native Americans in Utah to the Mormons’ settlement there.
- B.
Their practice of polygamy.
- C.
Their large families.
- D.
Their reliance on the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible.
Correct Answer
B. Their practice of polygamy.Explanation
The factor that most led to the persecution of the Mormons in the 1840s was their practice of polygamy. Polygamy, or the practice of having multiple wives, was seen as a violation of traditional marriage norms and religious beliefs held by the majority of Americans at the time. This led to widespread disapproval and hostility towards the Mormons, resulting in their persecution and eventual forced migration to Utah. The objection of the native Americans in Utah to the Mormons' settlement there, their large families, and reliance on the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible may have also contributed to the persecution, but the practice of polygamy was the primary factor.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Andrew Carnegie used vertical integration to develop a monopoly in the steel industry by
- A.
Buying 90% of the steel mills in the United States.
- B.
Refusing to negotiate with the union representing his workers.
- C.
Buying coal mines, limestone quarries, and iron ore fields to provide the materials he needed for making steel.
- D.
Organizing all his companies under the umbrella of a holding company.
Correct Answer
C. Buying coal mines, limestone quarries, and iron ore fields to provide the materials he needed for making steel.Explanation
Andrew Carnegie used vertical integration to develop a monopoly in the steel industry by buying coal mines, limestone quarries, and iron ore fields to provide the materials he needed for making steel. Vertical integration allowed Carnegie to control every aspect of the production process, from raw materials to the final product, giving him a significant advantage over his competitors. By owning these essential resources, Carnegie could ensure a steady supply of materials at a lower cost, making his steel production more efficient and profitable. This strategy helped him dominate the steel industry and establish his monopoly.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The two factors most important to the rapid growth of cities during the late 1800s and early 1900s were
- A.
Increased immigration and industrial development.
- B.
Migration of vast numbers of southern African Americans and of farmers.
- C.
Improvements in transportation and in communication.
- D.
The inventions of the electric light bulb and moving picture camera.
Correct Answer
A. Increased immigration and industrial development.Explanation
The rapid growth of cities during the late 1800s and early 1900s can be attributed to increased immigration and industrial development. Immigration brought a large influx of people into cities, leading to population growth and urbanization. This, combined with the rise of industrialization, created job opportunities in factories and industries, attracting more people to cities. The expansion of industries also led to the development of infrastructure and urban amenities, further fueling the growth of cities during this period.Rate this question:
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- 8.
A central source of power for the urban political machines’ was
- A.
Their power to recommend deportation for particular immigrants.
- B.
Their service in providing relief from poverty to the poor and recent immigrants.
- C.
Control of city police and fire departments.
- D.
Their control of the press.
Correct Answer
B. Their service in providing relief from poverty to the poor and recent immigrants.Explanation
The correct answer is "their service in providing relief from poverty to the poor and recent immigrants." Urban political machines gained power by offering assistance and support to those in need, particularly impoverished individuals and recent immigrants. By providing relief from poverty, these machines were able to establish a strong base of support and loyalty from the community. This assistance could include access to jobs, housing, food, and other resources. By offering these services, the political machines were able to solidify their control and influence over the urban population.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The principle that best expresses the idea of social conscience that originated in the Social Gospel movement is
- A.
One’s patriotism should be expressed through Christian faith.
- B.
The poor should adhere to high standards of morality despite their circumstances.
- C.
Good works are necessary to get to heaven.
- D.
We should assist the less fortunate according to the biblical idea of charity.
Correct Answer
D. We should assist the less fortunate according to the biblical idea of charity.Explanation
The principle that best expresses the idea of social conscience that originated in the Social Gospel movement is that we should assist the less fortunate according to the biblical idea of charity. This principle aligns with the core belief of the Social Gospel movement, which emphasized the importance of helping those in need and promoting social justice. It emphasizes the idea that individuals have a moral obligation to care for and support the less fortunate in society, drawing inspiration from biblical teachings on charity and compassion.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The application of the theory of natural selection to business practices was called
- A.
The Social Gospel.
- B.
Populism.
- C.
Progressivism.
- D.
Social Darwinism.
Correct Answer
D. Social Darwinism.Explanation
The theory of natural selection, which states that only the strongest and most adaptable individuals survive and thrive, was applied to business practices in the form of Social Darwinism. This ideology believed that competition in business was natural and necessary for progress, and that those who succeeded were the fittest. It justified the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, while neglecting the welfare of the less fortunate. This concept was influential during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The Populist Party supported public ownership of railroads because
- A.
Travel would be cheaper.
- B.
Its members were socialists.
- C.
It would help the small farmer.
- D.
Americans could share in the profits.
Correct Answer
C. It would help the small farmer.Explanation
The Populist Party supported public ownership of railroads because it would help the small farmer. By having the government control the railroads, the party believed that farmers would have fair and equal access to transportation for their goods, without being subject to high fees and unfair practices by private railroad companies. This would ultimately benefit the small farmer by reducing transportation costs and increasing their profits.Rate this question:
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- 12.
A negative effect of the Americanization movement was that
- A.
Immigrants refused to participate, creating increased nativism.
- B.
Immigrants resented the loss of their cultural heritage.
- C.
The cost of building schools depleted the American treasury.
- D.
Immigrants fought to move into the upscale parts of cities.
Correct Answer
B. Immigrants resented the loss of their cultural heritage.Explanation
The Americanization movement aimed to assimilate immigrants into American culture, often by promoting English language and American customs. However, this had a negative effect as many immigrants resented the pressure to abandon their own cultural heritage. They felt a loss of identity and saw it as a threat to their traditions and values. This led to increased resistance and a sense of alienation among immigrants, contributing to social tensions and the rise of nativism.Rate this question:
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- 13.
One of the central concerns expressed by author Upton Sinclair in The Jungle is
- A.
Child labor.
- B.
Police corruption.
- C.
Food production.
- D.
Labor unions.
Correct Answer
C. Food production.Explanation
In Upton Sinclair's novel, The Jungle, the author expresses his central concern with the food production industry. Sinclair vividly depicts the unsanitary conditions, exploitation of workers, and the use of harmful additives in the meatpacking plants of Chicago. Through the protagonist's experiences, Sinclair exposes the corruption and greed that permeate the food production system, highlighting the hazardous consequences for both workers and consumers. The novel's aim was to shed light on the need for reform in the industry, leading to significant changes in food safety regulations and labor laws.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The key goals of the 1913 Federal Reserve Act were
- A.
Place a banking system under the direct control of Congress.
- B.
Decentralize the banking industry in order to allow for local control of money.
- C.
Protect the banking industry by removing the country from the gold standard.
- D.
Create a banking system that could regulate the amount of money in circulation.
Correct Answer
D. Create a banking system that could regulate the amount of money in circulation.Explanation
The key goals of the 1913 Federal Reserve Act were to create a banking system that could regulate the amount of money in circulation. This was achieved by establishing the Federal Reserve System, which was given the authority to control the supply of money and credit in the economy. The Act aimed to provide a stable and flexible monetary system that could respond to economic fluctuations and promote economic growth. By regulating the amount of money in circulation, the Federal Reserve could influence interest rates, inflation, and overall economic stability.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Prohibition movement in the early 1900s was partly a reaction to
- A.
Differences between rural and urban culture.
- B.
Upton Sinclair’s publication of The Jungle.
- C.
Anti-Catholic sentiment.
- D.
An increase in liquor prices.
Correct Answer
A. Differences between rural and urban culture.Explanation
The Prohibition movement in the early 1900s was partly a reaction to differences between rural and urban culture. During this time, there was a growing divide between rural and urban areas in terms of values, lifestyles, and social norms. Rural areas, which were more conservative and traditional, often viewed alcohol consumption as a threat to moral values and social order. On the other hand, urban areas, which were more cosmopolitan and diverse, had a more relaxed attitude towards alcohol. This cultural divide played a significant role in fueling the Prohibition movement, as rural communities sought to impose their values on urban areas through the banning of alcohol.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The Volstead Act enforced the
- A.
Nineteenth Amendment establishing women’s right to vote.
- B.
Eighteenth Amendment establishing Prohibition.
- C.
Fourteenth Amendment establishing the right to equal treatment under the law.
- D.
Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery.
Correct Answer
B. Eighteenth Amendment establishing Prohibition.Explanation
The Volstead Act enforced the Eighteenth Amendment establishing Prohibition. The Eighteenth Amendment, ratified in 1919, prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. The Volstead Act, passed in 1919 as well, provided the means to enforce the Prohibition law by defining what constituted an alcoholic beverage and outlining penalties for violations. The Prohibition era lasted from 1920 to 1933 and had a significant impact on American society, leading to the rise of organized crime and the illegal production and distribution of alcohol.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The passage of the Nineteenth Amendment was most influenced by
- A.
The increasing number of women elected to state office.
- B.
Women’s participation in World War I.
- C.
The efforts of men who supported the Amendment.
- D.
The support of President Woodrow Wilson.
Correct Answer
A. The increasing number of women elected to state office.Explanation
The passage of the Nineteenth Amendment was most influenced by the increasing number of women elected to state office. This is because the presence of women in positions of power and influence allowed them to advocate for their right to vote and push for the passage of the amendment. As more women were elected to state offices, they were able to build networks, gain support, and effectively lobby for their cause. Additionally, their firsthand experiences in politics and governance gave them the credibility and knowledge to argue for their right to vote.Rate this question:
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