Msg77 US History Ch 3 & 4
A test on early America leading up to and through the Civil War.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Why was the case of Marbury v. Madison significant?
- A.
It affirmed that the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land.
- B.
It established the principle of judicial review.
- C.
It barred an outgoing president from making last-minute appointments.
- D.
It allowed a president to dismiss a judge appointed by a previous president.
Correct Answer
B. It established the principle of judicial review.Explanation
The case of Marbury v. Madison was significant because it established the principle of judicial review. This means that the Supreme Court has the power to declare laws unconstitutional. This landmark decision solidified the Court's role as the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution and gave it the authority to check the actions of the other branches of government. This decision had a lasting impact on the balance of power in the United States and is still considered one of the most important cases in American legal history.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which idea is promoted by the concept of nullification?
- A.
Nationalism
- B.
States' rights
- C.
Judicial review
- D.
Territorial expansion
Correct Answer
B. States' rightsExplanation
The concept of nullification promotes the idea of states' rights. Nullification is the belief that individual states have the right to nullify or invalidate federal laws that they deem unconstitutional. This idea asserts that states have the power to reject or refuse to enforce federal laws within their borders if they believe those laws infringe upon their rights or exceed the federal government's authority. Therefore, the concept of nullification aligns with the promotion of states' rights and the idea that states have the ability to challenge and resist federal authority when necessary.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which group was forcibly relocated by means of the “Trail of Tears”?
- A.
Mexicans
- B.
Shoshone
- C.
African slaves
- D.
Cherokee
Correct Answer
D. CherokeeExplanation
The correct answer is Cherokee. The "Trail of Tears" refers to the forced relocation of thousands of Cherokee Native Americans from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. This relocation was a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed into law by President Andrew Jackson, which aimed to remove Native American tribes from their lands to make way for white settlement. The Cherokee people were forcibly removed from their homes, resulting in the death of thousands due to exposure, disease, and starvation during the journey.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which area did the Monroe Doctrine aim to free from European influence?
- A.
The Oregon Territory
- B.
The Western Hemisphere
- C.
North America
- D.
Texas
Correct Answer
B. The Western HemisphereExplanation
The Monroe Doctrine aimed to free the Western Hemisphere from European influence. This doctrine, established by President James Monroe in 1823, stated that any further colonization or interference by European powers in the Americas would be seen as a threat to the United States. It was a declaration of the United States' intent to protect the newly independent nations of Latin America and prevent any European powers from extending their influence or control in the region. Therefore, the correct answer is the Western Hemisphere.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Many 19th-century Americans wanted to improve their society. Name somereform movements of this era and describe what the people in eachmovement wanted to accomplish. Think About:• attitudes toward religion• the institution of slavery• women’s place in American society[QW]
- 6.
Name two things that contributed to feelings of nationalism in the early 1800sand two things that contributed to feelings of sectionalism. Explain youranswers. Think About:• the American System• economic differences between regions• the Missouri Compromise• new transportation systems• the War of 1812 and America’s status as a nation• states’ rights and the idea of nullification[QW]
- 7.
The American System helped bring the nation together by
- A.
Compromising on the difficult issue of slave versus free states.
- B.
Withdrawing funds from the unpopular Bank of the United States.
- C.
Giving common people across the nation a voice in government.
- D.
Protecting American businesses with a tax on imported items.
Correct Answer
D. Protecting American businesses with a tax on imported items.Explanation
The American System helped bring the nation together by protecting American businesses with a tax on imported items. This policy aimed to promote domestic industries and protect them from competition with cheaper foreign goods. By implementing this tax, the American System aimed to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and support American businesses. This measure also aimed to reduce dependence on foreign products and strengthen the nation's economy. By protecting American businesses, the American System sought to unite the nation by fostering economic prosperity and self-sufficiency.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Andrew Jackson’s spoils system increased the new president’s power by
- A.
Overruling Supreme Court decisions with which he disagreed.
- B.
Ensuring that government officials would agree with his policies.
- C.
Taking power away from the wealthiest Americans.
- D.
Raising tariffs to fill the government treasury with funds.
Correct Answer
B. Ensuring that government officials would agree with his policies.Explanation
Andrew Jackson's spoils system increased the new president's power by ensuring that government officials would agree with his policies. The spoils system involved replacing existing government officials with loyal supporters of the president. By doing so, Jackson was able to surround himself with individuals who shared his views and would support his agenda. This allowed him to exert more control over the government and implement his policies more effectively.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The fact that the system of checks and balances was not yet fully established in the early 1800s is shown by
- A.
Marbury v. Madison.
- B.
The Trail of Tears.
- C.
The nullification crisis.
- D.
The Missouri Compromise.
Correct Answer
B. The Trail of Tears.Explanation
The correct answer is the Trail of Tears. The Trail of Tears refers to the forced removal of Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee Nation, from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to territories west of the Mississippi River in the 1830s. This event demonstrates that the system of checks and balances was not fully established in the early 1800s because the executive branch, led by President Andrew Jackson, was able to enforce this policy without significant opposition or intervention from the other branches of government.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The main effect of the Missouri Compromise was to
- A.
Admit Missouri as a state
- B.
Resolve disputes over slavery in the territories
- C.
Change the balance of slave and free states
- D.
Incline the Southerners toward secession
Correct Answer
B. Resolve disputes over slavery in the territoriesExplanation
The main effect of the Missouri Compromise was to resolve disputes over slavery in the territories. This compromise, enacted in 1820, allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state while Maine entered as a free state, maintaining the balance between slave and free states. It also established a line, known as the 36°30' parallel, where slavery would be prohibited in future territories north of that line. This compromise temporarily eased tensions between the North and the South over the issue of slavery, but it ultimately proved to be a temporary solution and did not fully resolve the underlying conflict.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which eloquent critic of slavery hoped to achieve abolition nonviolently?
- A.
Nat Turner
- B.
Frederick Douglass
- C.
William Lloyd Garrison
- D.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Correct Answer
B. Frederick DouglassExplanation
Frederick Douglass is the correct answer because he was a well-known abolitionist and critic of slavery. He believed in the power of education and moral persuasion to bring about the end of slavery. Douglass advocated for the rights and freedom of enslaved people through his powerful speeches and writings, sharing his own experiences as a former slave. He believed in nonviolent resistance and worked tirelessly towards achieving abolition through peaceful means.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The speakers listed here reflect the varying attitudes regarding slavery in the mid-19th-century. Base your answers to the following question on the speakers’ statements and your knowledge of U.S. history. Speaker I: “Slaves should be freed and sent to Africa because the black and white races can never live together.” Speaker II: “Slavery is an abomination and a sin and must be ended immediately.” Speaker III: “Slaves must fight for their own freedom and not wait for white slave owners to set them free.” Speaker IV: “Slavery is a Christian institution, supported by the Bible, providing for the physical and spiritual welfare of people unable to care for themselves.” Which of the following would Speaker III NOT be in favor of?
- A.
Slave rebellions
- B.
Runaway slaves
- C.
Gradual emancipation
- D.
African Americans in the Union
Correct Answer
C. Gradual emancipationExplanation
Speaker III would not be in favor of gradual emancipation. This is because Speaker III believes that slaves should fight for their own freedom and not rely on white slave owners to set them free. Gradual emancipation suggests a slow and gradual process of freeing slaves, which goes against Speaker III's belief in taking immediate action for freedom.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The speakers listed here reflect the varying attitudes regarding slavery in the mid-19th-century. Base your answers to the following question on the speakers’ statements and your knowledge of U.S. history. Speaker I: “Slaves should be freed and sent to Africa because the black and white races can never live together.” Speaker II: “Slavery is an abomination and a sin and must be ended immediately.” Speaker III: “Slaves must fight for their own freedom and not wait for white slave owners to set them free.” Speaker IV: “Slavery is a Christian institution, supported by the Bible, providing for the physical and spiritual welfare of people unable to care for themselves.” Which two speakers use religion to support their arguments?
- A.
I and II
- B.
I and IV
- C.
II and III
- D.
II and IV
Correct Answer
D. II and IVExplanation
Speaker II states that slavery is an abomination and a sin, suggesting that it goes against religious beliefs. Speaker IV argues that slavery is a Christian institution supported by the Bible, indicating a religious justification for slavery. Therefore, both Speaker II and Speaker IV use religion to support their arguments.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which event was a direct result of the Compromise of 1850?
- A.
Violence broke out in Kansas
- B.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed.
- C.
California was admitted as a free state.
- D.
Slavery was ended in Washington, D.C.
Correct Answer
C. California was admitted as a free state.Explanation
The Compromise of 1850 was a series of legislative measures aimed at maintaining the balance between free and slave states. As part of the compromise, California was admitted as a free state in order to offset the admission of Texas as a slave state. This event directly resulted from the Compromise of 1850 as it helped to maintain the delicate equilibrium between free and slave states in the United States at that time.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Under popular sovereignty, who would decide whether slavery would be allowed in a territory?
- A.
The Senate
- B.
The president
- C.
The residents of the territory
- D.
The House of Representatives
Correct Answer
C. The residents of the territoryExplanation
Under popular sovereignty, the residents of the territory would decide whether slavery would be allowed. Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the people. In the context of this question, it means that the people living in the territory would have the power to determine whether slavery would be permitted within their borders. This idea was particularly relevant during the time of the American Civil War, as the issue of slavery was a major point of contention between the northern and southern states.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What did the Supreme Court declare in the Dred Scott decision?
- A.
Being in free territory did not make a slave free.
- B.
Being in free territory automatically made a slave free.
- C.
Slave owners could not move into free territory with slaves.
- D.
Slave owners could not travel through free territory with slaves.
Correct Answer
A. Being in free territory did not make a slave free.Explanation
In the Dred Scott decision, the Supreme Court declared that being in free territory did not automatically make a slave free. This means that even if a slave was taken to a state or territory where slavery was prohibited, they would still remain a slave and not gain their freedom. The court's ruling reinforced the rights of slave owners and upheld the legality of slavery in the United States, regardless of the location.Rate this question:
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- 17.
When the Civil War began, what was Abraham Lincoln’s main goal?
- A.
To free the slaves
- B.
To punish the South
- C.
To restore the Union
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. To restore the UnionExplanation
Abraham Lincoln's main goal when the Civil War began was to restore the Union. This means that he aimed to bring the seceded southern states back into the United States and maintain the unity of the country. Lincoln's primary focus was not on freeing the slaves or punishing the South, although these issues became significant aspects of the war as it progressed. His ultimate objective was to preserve the integrity of the United States and prevent its division.Rate this question:
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- 18.
In which of the following areas did the South have an advantage over the North in the Civil War?
- A.
Food production
- B.
Civilian leadership
- C.
Industrial capacity
- D.
Military leadership
Correct Answer
D. Military leadershipExplanation
The South had an advantage over the North in terms of military leadership during the Civil War. This is because many of the Southern military leaders had previous experience and expertise in warfare, due to their involvement in the Mexican-American War and other conflicts. Additionally, Southern generals such as Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson were highly skilled and strategic in their military tactics, which allowed them to achieve several victories over the Northern forces. This advantage in military leadership played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the war.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following quotations is from the Gettysburg Address?
- A.
“We are not prepared for this suffrage. But we can learn.”
- B.
“All persons held as slaves . . . henceforward shall be free.”
- C.
“The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”
- D.
“You are rushing into war with one of the most powerful, ingeniously mechanical and determined people on earth—right at your doors.”
Correct Answer
C. “The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”Explanation
The given quotation, "The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here," is from the Gettysburg Address. This quote reflects the idea that the words spoken at the Gettysburg battlefield may not be remembered, but the actions and sacrifices made by those who fought there will never be forgotten. It highlights the importance of honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which action showed that President Andrew Johnson did not support greater rights for African Americans in the South?
- A.
He allowed many high-ranking Confederates to vote without swearing allegiance to the United States.
- B.
He vetoed the Freedmen’s Bureau Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1866.
- C.
He fired Secretary of War Edwin Stanton in 1868.
- D.
He supported a Reconstruction plan similar to President Lincoln’s plan.
Correct Answer
B. He vetoed the Freedmen’s Bureau Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1866.Explanation
President Andrew Johnson's veto of the Freedmen's Bureau Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1866 demonstrated his lack of support for greater rights for African Americans in the South. These acts were designed to protect the rights and provide assistance to newly freed slaves, but Johnson's veto showed his opposition to these measures. This action indicated his unwillingness to support the efforts to ensure equality and civil rights for African Americans during the Reconstruction period.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Which of the following was not a provision of the Reconstruction Act of 1867?
- A.
The South would be divided into military districts.
- B.
Southern states had to pass the Fourteenth Amendment.
- C.
Southern states had to give African Americans the right to vote.
- D.
All African-American families would receive 40 acres and a mule.
Correct Answer
D. All African-American families would receive 40 acres and a mule.Explanation
The Reconstruction Act of 1867 was a legislation passed by the U.S. Congress to address the aftermath of the Civil War and ensure the rights of freed slaves. It included provisions such as dividing the South into military districts and requiring Southern states to pass the Fourteenth Amendment, which granted equal protection under the law to all citizens. Additionally, the act mandated that African Americans be given the right to vote. However, it did not include a provision stating that all African-American families would receive 40 acres and a mule.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What key difference between the North and the South ultimately led to the Civil War?
- A.
The Southern climate was warm, while the Northern climate was cooler.
- B.
The South was less densely populated than the North.
- C.
The South was agricultural, while the North was more industrialized.
- D.
The Southern economy depended on slavery, while the Northern economy did not.
Correct Answer
D. The Southern economy depended on slavery, while the Northern economy did not.Explanation
The key difference between the North and the South that ultimately led to the Civil War was the economic dependence on slavery in the South. Slavery was deeply ingrained in the Southern economy, as it was the backbone of their agricultural system, particularly in the production of cotton. In contrast, the Northern economy was more industrialized and did not rely on slavery. This fundamental difference in economic systems and the moral conflict surrounding slavery played a significant role in driving the tensions between the North and the South, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Which group is an example of Northerners who wanted to keep slavery out of the territories but did not have positive feelings toward African Americans?
- A.
Free-Soilers
- B.
Border ruffians
- C.
Abolitionists
- D.
Confederates
Correct Answer
A. Free-SoilersExplanation
Free-Soilers is the correct answer because they were a group of Northerners who wanted to prevent the expansion of slavery into the territories. They believed that slavery was harmful to white labor and economic opportunities, rather than having positive feelings towards African Americans. Their main goal was to keep the territories free from slavery, but they did not necessarily advocate for equal rights or social equality for African Americans.Rate this question:
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- 24.
What was an important effect of the Emancipation Proclamation?
- A.
It immediately freed Southern slaves.
- B.
It gave a moral purpose to the war.
- C.
It united the Republican Party.
- D.
It kept Great Britain out of the war.
Correct Answer
B. It gave a moral purpose to the war.Explanation
The Emancipation Proclamation did not immediately free Southern slaves, as it only applied to states in rebellion and did not have the power to enforce it. However, it did give a moral purpose to the war by declaring that the Union was fighting to end slavery. This proclamation shifted the focus of the war from preserving the Union to also include the abolition of slavery, which ultimately became a central goal of the Union. The proclamation also helped to unite the Republican Party, as it solidified their commitment to ending slavery and attracted support from abolitionist factions. It did not directly keep Great Britain out of the war, as their decision to stay neutral was influenced by other factors.Rate this question:
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- 25.
What was the aim of “total war” as practiced by Union generals Grant and Sherman?
- A.
To fight until the Confederacy had no army left
- B.
To break the Southern people’s will to fight
- C.
To wage war in every part of the South
- D.
To use the most lethal weapons available
Correct Answer
B. To break the Southern people’s will to fightExplanation
The aim of "total war" as practiced by Union generals Grant and Sherman was to break the Southern people's will to fight. This strategy involved targeting not only the Confederate armies but also the civilian population and infrastructure. By destroying their resources and causing widespread devastation, the Union hoped to demoralize the Southern population and make them more willing to surrender. This approach was intended to bring about a quicker end to the war by undermining the Confederacy's ability and willingness to continue the fight.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Why did new Republican governments in the South after the Civil War have difficulty?
- A.
African Americans resented interference from Northern carpetbaggers.
- B.
Slavery remained in force in several Southern states.
- C.
Many white Southerners refused to accept equal rights for blacks.
- D.
African Americans did not hold office at the state or local level.
Correct Answer
C. Many white Southerners refused to accept equal rights for blacks.Explanation
The new Republican governments in the South after the Civil War had difficulty because many white Southerners refused to accept equal rights for blacks. This resistance from white Southerners hindered the implementation of policies and laws that aimed to grant African Americans their rights and freedoms. It created a hostile and discriminatory environment that prevented African Americans from fully participating in political, social, and economic life. This systemic inequality and discrimination made it challenging for the Republican governments to effectively govern and bring about lasting change in the South.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Why did the federal government eventually send troops into the South?
- A.
To keep Confederate veterans from forming a new Southern army
- B.
To limit acts of violence and voter intimidation against African Americans
- C.
To protect the land farmed by African-American sharecroppers
- D.
To put down riots caused by bank failures during the Panic of 1873
Correct Answer
B. To limit acts of violence and voter intimidation against African AmericansExplanation
The federal government eventually sent troops into the South to limit acts of violence and voter intimidation against African Americans. This action was taken to enforce civil rights laws and protect the newly gained rights of African Americans during the Reconstruction era. The presence of troops helped to maintain order, ensure the safety of African American citizens, and safeguard their voting rights in the face of opposition and resistance from white supremacist groups.Rate this question:
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- 28.
What point of view does this cartoon present?
- A.
It favors the Ku Klux Klan.
- B.
It is neutral toward the Reconstruction South.
- C.
It opposes the Ku Klux Klan.
- D.
It was a recruitment poster for the Ku Klux Klan.
Correct Answer
C. It opposes the Ku Klux Klan.Explanation
The cartoon presents a viewpoint that is against the Ku Klux Klan. This can be inferred from the fact that the other options suggest favoring, being neutral, or promoting the Ku Klux Klan, while this option stands out as the only one opposing the organization.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin was written in response to
- A.
The raid on Harpers Ferry.
- B.
The Lincoln-Douglas debates.
- C.
The Fugitive Slave Act.
- D.
The Dred Scott decision.
Correct Answer
C. The Fugitive Slave Act.Explanation
Uncle Tom's Cabin was written in response to the Fugitive Slave Act. This act, passed in 1850, required the return of escaped slaves to their owners and increased penalties for those who aided them. Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, was deeply affected by the injustices of slavery and the Fugitive Slave Act. Her novel aimed to expose the horrors of slavery and the impact of the Fugitive Slave Act on individuals and families. It became a powerful tool in the abolitionist movement, helping to shape public opinion and increase opposition to slavery.Rate this question:
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