Unit 2: The New Nation - Test

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  • 1/30 Questions

    In 1789 President John Adams delivered the following message to Congress: “I will never send another minister to France without assurance the he will be received, respected and honored as the representative of a great, free, powerful and independent nation?”What event inspired this comment?

    • The Citizen Genet Affair
    • The XYZ Affair
    • Jay’s Treaty
    • The Hartford Convention
    • The Pinckney Treaty
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Unit 2: The New Nation - Test - Quiz

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  • 2. 
    Which party totally opposed the War of 1812? - ProProfs

    Which party totally opposed the War of 1812?

    • Federalist

    • Whigs

    • Democratic-Republicans

    Correct Answer
    A. Federalist
    Explanation
    The Federalist party was known for their opposition to the War of 1812. They believed that the war was unnecessary and would harm American trade and economy. The Federalists also argued that the war was a result of Democratic-Republican policies and that it favored the interests of the agrarian South over the commercial North. Their opposition to the war contributed to the decline of the Federalist party, as they were seen as unpatriotic and out of touch with the popular sentiment of the time.

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  • 3. 
    The map shows the exploration routes of Lewis and Clark.  A valid conclusion based on this map is that these expeditions… - ProProfs

    The map shows the exploration routes of Lewis and Clark.  A valid conclusion based on this map is that these expeditions…

    • Faced dew barriers from natural features

    • Avoided land claimed by other countries

    • Used river systems to help them on their journeys

    • Took the most direct routes to reach the Pacific Ocean

    Correct Answer
    A. Used river systems to help them on their journeys
    Explanation
    The map shows the exploration routes of Lewis and Clark. Based on the map, it can be concluded that these expeditions used river systems to help them on their journeys. The map clearly shows the paths taken by Lewis and Clark along various rivers, indicating their reliance on these waterways for navigation and transportation.

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  • 4. 

    The Lewis and Clark expedition began in ____________________, and took _______________.

    • St. Louis, 2 1/2 years

    • Washington DC, 3 years

    • New Orleans, 1 1/2 years

    • Missouri, 2 years

    Correct Answer
    A. St. Louis, 2 1/2 years
    Explanation
    The Lewis and Clark expedition began in St. Louis and took 2 1/2 years. This answer is correct because historical records show that the expedition, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, started in St. Louis, Missouri on May 14, 1804 and ended on September 23, 1806. The purpose of the expedition was to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase territory and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean. The expedition covered a distance of over 8,000 miles, encountering various challenges and documenting valuable information about the western territories of the United States.

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  • 5. 

    Which action during Washington’s administration led to the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania?

    • Passage of a new excise tax

    • Establishment of a presidential cabinet

    • Creation of the Bank of the United States

    • Ban on slavery in the Northwest Territory

    Correct Answer
    A. Passage of a new excise tax
    Explanation
    The passage of a new excise tax during Washington's administration led to the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania. The excise tax was imposed on distilled spirits, which greatly affected the whiskey producers in the region. This tax was seen as unfair and burdensome by the farmers and distillers, leading to widespread resistance and protests. The rebellion was eventually suppressed by the federal government, demonstrating its authority and willingness to enforce its laws.

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  • 6. 

    What was a primary goal of President Thomas Jefferson’s 1803 decision to purchase the Louisiana Territory?

    • Studying Native American Indian societies

    • Mining gold and silver in California

    • Gaining control of the port of New Orleans

    • Securing access to the iron ore deposits near the Great Lakes

    Correct Answer
    A. Gaining control of the port of New Orleans
    Explanation
    President Thomas Jefferson's primary goal in purchasing the Louisiana Territory in 1803 was to gain control of the port of New Orleans. This strategic move would ensure American access to the Mississippi River and its crucial trade route, as well as secure the economic interests of the western frontier. By controlling New Orleans, Jefferson aimed to facilitate the transportation of goods and promote the growth of American commerce in the region. Additionally, this acquisition would prevent any potential foreign powers from gaining control of the port and potentially threatening American interests.

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  • 7. 

    The Alien and Sedition Acts posed no real threat to civil liberties in the United States.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The Alien and Sedition Acts, passed in 1798, were a series of laws that targeted immigrants and limited free speech. These acts allowed the government to deport non-citizens deemed dangerous and made it illegal to criticize the government. These measures clearly violated civil liberties, as they infringed upon the rights of free speech and due process. Many people were prosecuted and imprisoned under these acts, including journalists and politicians who spoke out against the government. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Alien and Sedition Acts did pose a real threat to civil liberties in the United States.

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  • 8. 

    The War Hawks in the period leading up to the War of 1812 garnered most of their support from…

    • New England

    • Urban areas

    • South and West

    • The Northwest Territories

    • Mid-Atlantic states

    Correct Answer
    A. South and West
    Explanation
    The War Hawks in the period leading up to the War of 1812 garnered most of their support from the South and West. This is because these regions had a greater interest in expanding American territory and protecting American trade. The South wanted to expand into Florida and the West wanted to expand into Canada, both of which were controlled by European powers at the time. Additionally, the South relied heavily on agriculture and saw the war as an opportunity to gain access to new markets for their goods.

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  • 9. 

    The case of Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the principle that...

    • The Supreme Court can declare federal laws unconstitutiona

    • The states have power over the federal government

    • The president nominates federal judges

    • Congress can override presidential vetoes

    Correct Answer
    A. The Supreme Court can declare federal laws unconstitutiona
    Explanation
    The case of Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the principle that the Supreme Court can declare federal laws unconstitutional. This landmark case solidified the power of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the authority to interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress. This decision was significant in shaping the balance of power between the three branches of government and establishing the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of the Constitution.

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  • 10. 

    The Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, were intended to...

    • Promote independence from Great Britain

    • Persuade voters to keep the Articles of Confederation

    • Win support for ratification of the Constitution

    • Endorse candidates running for Congress

    Correct Answer
    A. Win support for ratification of the Constitution
    Explanation
    The Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, were a series of essays published in newspapers to convince the American public to support the ratification of the Constitution. These essays explained the reasons why the Constitution was necessary and how it would benefit the country. The authors argued that the Constitution would create a stronger central government and protect individual rights. The goal was to persuade voters and gain their support in order to secure the ratification of the Constitution.

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  • 11. 

    In his Farewell Address George Washington warned against…

    • Deficit spending by the government

    • Foreign entanglements and the formation of political parties

    • Excessive use of executive power

    • Protest by Western farmers over excise taxes

    • Government reliance on excise taxes

    Correct Answer
    A. Foreign entanglements and the formation of political parties
    Explanation
    In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned against foreign entanglements and the formation of political parties. He believed that getting involved in foreign conflicts and alliances could lead to unnecessary wars and compromise the nation's sovereignty. Additionally, Washington warned against the formation of political parties, as he believed they would create divisions and hinder the unity of the nation. He emphasized the importance of maintaining neutrality and unity in order to preserve the young nation's stability and independence.

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  • 12. 

    Base your answer to question on the passage below and on your knowledge." …No political truth is certainly of greater intrinsic [essential] value, or is stamped with the authority of more enlightened patrons of liberty, than that on which the objection is founded. The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, selfappointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.…"                                                                    — James Madison, The Federalist, Number 47Which constitutional principle was established to protect American citizens from the tyranny suggested in this quotation?

    • Due process of law

    • States rights

    • Popular sovereignty

    • Separation of powers

    Correct Answer
    A. Separation of powers
    Explanation
    The quotation emphasizes the danger of concentrating all powers in the same hands, which can lead to tyranny. The principle of separation of powers was established to prevent this by dividing governmental powers among three branches - legislative, executive, and judiciary. This ensures a system of checks and balances, where no single branch has absolute power and each branch can limit the powers of the others. By doing so, the separation of powers protects American citizens from the potential tyranny described in the quotation.

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  • 13. 

    What was a major demand of the Antifederalists during the debate over ratification of the United States Constitution?

    • Continuation of slavery

    • Right to habeas corpus

    • Inclusion of a bill of rights

    • Reduction in the number of representatives in Congress

    Correct Answer
    A. Inclusion of a bill of rights
    Explanation
    The Antifederalists demanded the inclusion of a bill of rights during the debate over the ratification of the United States Constitution. They were concerned that without explicit protections for individual liberties, the federal government would become too powerful and could potentially infringe upon the rights of the people. The inclusion of a bill of rights was seen as necessary to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the citizens and to limit the authority of the government.

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  • 14. 

    Excerpt from President Madison’s War Message to Congress, June 1, 1812 “British cruisers have been in the continued practice of violating the American flag on the great highway of nations, and of seizing and carrying off persons sailing under it. . . British jurisdiction is thus extended to neutral vessels in a situation where no laws can operate but the law of nations and the laws of the country to which the vessels belong. . . .America had tried to avoid war with Great Britain but was forced to fight against Great Britain once again because of what reason described by the document?

    • Impressment

    • Attacks on human rights

    • Destruction of merchandise

    Correct Answer
    A. Impressment
    Explanation
    The document states that British cruisers have been violating the American flag and seizing persons sailing under it. This is known as impressment, which refers to the practice of forcibly recruiting individuals into the British navy. The document suggests that America was forced to fight against Great Britain once again because of this reason. Therefore, the correct answer is impressment.

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  • 15. 

    Use the excerpt below to answer the question: …Europe has set primary interest which to us have none or a very remote relation.  Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns.  Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in use to implicate [connect] ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes [changes] of her politics or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities [antagonisms]…                                                       President George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796According to the passage above in the document, President Washington believed that the United States should…

    • Seek financial aid from European nations

    • End all existing European friendships

    • Avoid involvement in political disputes of Europe

    • Discontinue commercial relations with Europe

    Correct Answer
    A. Avoid involvement in political disputes of Europe
    Explanation
    President Washington believed that the United States should avoid involvement in political disputes of Europe. This is evident from the excerpt where he states that Europe's controversies and conflicts are foreign to the concerns of the United States. He argues that it would be unwise for the US to connect itself to Europe's politics and friendships or enmities. Therefore, the best course of action according to President Washington is to stay out of Europe's political disputes.

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  • 16. 

    The Louisiana Purchase was an important factor in the development of US trade because it…

    • Opened new markets among the western Indian nations

    • Gave the country complete control of the Mississippi River

    • Added numerous French factories in the Louisiana Territory to the US economy

    • Facilitated the immediate competition of the transcontinental railroad

    • Allowed the US to develop ports on the Pacific Coast

    Correct Answer
    A. Gave the country complete control of the Mississippi River
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Gave the country complete control of the Mississippi River." The Louisiana Purchase was a land acquisition by the United States from France in 1803, which doubled the size of the country. One of the key benefits of this purchase was gaining control over the Mississippi River, which was crucial for trade and transportation at that time. The Mississippi River served as a major trade route, allowing goods to be transported from the interior of the country to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Having complete control over this important waterway greatly facilitated the development of US trade.

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  • 17. 

    Which issue did the Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, and the Great Compromise address at the Constitutional Convention (1787)?

    • The power to regulate interstate commerce

    • The number of justices on the Supreme Court

    • A system for electing the president

    • A method of determining state representation in Congress

    Correct Answer
    A. A method of determining state representation in Congress
    Explanation
    The Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, and the Great Compromise all addressed the issue of determining state representation in Congress. The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan proposed equal representation for all states. The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, combined elements of both plans by creating a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation for all states. This compromise resolved the debate over how states would be represented in Congress.

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  • 18. 

    Use the document below to answer the question: Speaker A:  Our national government should be strong.  State governments should have only limited powers. Speaker B:  A bicameral legislature would protect the power of both the large states and the small states. Speaker C:  The expansion of the national government will lead to tyranny. Speaker D:  The executive branch should have significant power.During the debate over ratification of the Constitution, people who agreed with the statements of Speakers A and D became known as…

    • Loyalist

    • Federalists

    • Antifederalists

    • Democratic Republicans

    Correct Answer
    A. Federalists
    Explanation
    During the debate over ratification of the Constitution, people who agreed with the statements of Speakers A and D became known as Federalists. Speaker A advocates for a strong national government and limited state powers, which aligns with the beliefs of Federalists who supported a centralized government. Speaker D emphasizes the need for a powerful executive branch, which was also a key principle of the Federalist party. Therefore, those who agreed with both Speakers A and D would be considered Federalists.

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  • 19. 
    Which region favored war with England in 1812? (Check all that apply) - ProProfs

    Which region favored war with England in 1812? (Check all that apply)

    • New England

    • Agricultural Mid Atlantic

    • South

    • West

    • Maritime Mid Atlantic

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Agricultural Mid Atlantic
    A. South
    A. West
    Explanation
    During the War of 1812, the regions that favored war with England were the Agricultural Mid Atlantic, South, and West. These regions had different motivations for supporting the war. The Agricultural Mid Atlantic region relied heavily on agriculture as their main economic activity and believed that war with England would protect their interests and open up new markets. The South, with its agrarian economy and tensions over British support for Native American tribes, also favored war. The West, which was experiencing territorial expansion and conflicts with Native American tribes, saw war as an opportunity to secure their land and expand further.

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  • 20. 

    Jefferson kept this Federalist institution, even though he argued against it.

    • Bank of the United States

    • Supreme Court

    • Congress

    • Taxes

    Correct Answer
    A. Bank of the United States
    Explanation
    Jefferson kept the Bank of the United States, even though he argued against it, because he recognized its importance in stabilizing the economy and facilitating commerce. Despite his personal opposition to the bank, he understood the need for a centralized financial institution to manage the country's finances and regulate the currency. By maintaining the bank, Jefferson aimed to strike a balance between his ideological beliefs and the practical needs of the nation.

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  • 21. 

    The success of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 hinged on compromises over…

    • Slavery and representation in Congress

    • Taxation and term limits

    • The number of branches of government to be formed

    • Voting rights for women

    • Universal manhood suffrage

    Correct Answer
    A. Slavery and representation in Congress
    Explanation
    The success of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was dependent on the compromises made regarding slavery and representation in Congress. These issues were highly contentious and threatened to divide the states. The compromise reached was the Three-Fifths Compromise, which determined that enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for the purposes of representation in Congress. This compromise allowed for a balance between the interests of the slaveholding states and those of the non-slaveholding states, ultimately leading to the successful creation of the United States Constitution.

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  • 22. 

    Jay's Treaty was extremely unpopular with the American public.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Jay's Treaty was extremely unpopular with the American public because it was seen as favoring Britain over France. The treaty, signed in 1794, aimed to resolve issues between the United States and Britain, including disputes over trade and the British presence in the Northwest Territory. However, many Americans felt that the treaty did not go far enough in protecting American interests and was too lenient towards Britain. The treaty was met with widespread protests and criticism, leading to a decline in public support for President George Washington's administration.

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  • 23. 

    All of the following are associated with loose constructionism during the early years of the US EXCEPT…

    • The Federalists

    • Hamilton’s Bank

    • The “Elastic Clause”

    • Restriction on federal legislative powers

    • Federal government assumption of state debts

    Correct Answer
    A. Restriction on federal legislative powers
    Explanation
    During the early years of the US, loose constructionism was a belief that the federal government had broad powers that were not explicitly stated in the Constitution. The Federalists, Hamilton's Bank, and the "Elastic Clause" all supported this idea of loose constructionism. The Federal government assumption of state debts also aligned with this belief as it demonstrated a willingness to take on additional powers. However, the restriction on federal legislative powers goes against the concept of loose constructionism as it implies limitations on the government's authority.

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  • 24. 

    The debate over the First National Bank of the United States was significant because it raised the issue of…

    • Whether the new government should issue paper currency

    • How strictly the Constitution should be interpreted

    • Whether the US should pay back its war debt to France

    • How to finance the construction of the railroads

    • Whether the president has the power to act unilaterally on important economics issues

    Correct Answer
    A. How strictly the Constitution should be interpreted
    Explanation
    The debate over the First National Bank of the United States was significant because it raised the issue of how strictly the Constitution should be interpreted. The bank's establishment was controversial, with some arguing that it was necessary for the government to have the power to create a national bank in order to carry out its duties effectively, while others believed that such a bank was unconstitutional and exceeded the powers granted to the federal government. This debate highlighted differing interpretations of the Constitution and has had a lasting impact on the interpretation of constitutional powers in the United States.

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  • 25. 
    Which region of the country supported the reelection of James Madison? (Check all that apply) - ProProfs

    Which region of the country supported the reelection of James Madison? (Check all that apply)

    • South

    • Mid Atlantic and West

    • New England

    • Maryland and Delware

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. South
    A. Mid Atlantic and West
    Explanation
    The regions of the country that supported the reelection of James Madison were the South, Mid Atlantic, and West. This can be inferred from the options provided, where South and Mid Atlantic and West are both listed as separate choices. Therefore, both of these regions showed support for James Madison's reelection campaign.

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  • 26. 

    Thomas Jefferson tended to emphasize the importance of industrial development when forecasting the future of the United States.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Thomas Jefferson did not tend to emphasize the importance of industrial development when forecasting the future of the United States. Instead, he believed in an agrarian society, where agriculture and farming played a central role in the country's economy. He saw the United States as a nation of farmers and believed that industrialization would lead to social and economic inequality. Therefore, the statement that Jefferson emphasized the importance of industrial development is false.

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  • 27. 

    The election of 1800 is historically and politically significant because it…

    • Marked the death of the Antifederalist party

    • Demonstrated that our Founding Fathers were correct in their suspicions about factions

    • Demonstrated the significance of the Electoral College

    • Ushered in the Era of Good Feelings

    • Demonstrated that political parties could in fact, bring about a peaceful revolution in a republicans form of government

    Correct Answer
    A. Demonstrated that our Founding Fathers were correct in their suspicions about factions
    Explanation
    The election of 1800 demonstrated that our Founding Fathers were correct in their suspicions about factions. This is because the election was highly contentious and marked the first peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another in the United States. The two main factions, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, engaged in intense political battles during the campaign. This election showed that political parties could indeed bring about a peaceful revolution in a republican form of government, confirming the Founding Fathers' concerns about the potential dangers of factions.

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  • 28. 

    Lewis and Clark faced many challenges on their expedition.  Check of the challenges they faced.

    • Weather

    • Traveling up stream and against the current

    • Climate

    • Terrain

    • Native Americans

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Weather
    A. Traveling up stream and against the current
    A. Climate
    A. Terrain
    A. Native Americans
    Explanation
    Lewis and Clark faced several challenges during their expedition. One of these challenges was the unpredictable weather conditions they encountered along their journey. This could include extreme temperatures, storms, and other weather-related obstacles. Another challenge was traveling up stream and against the current of rivers, which made their progress slower and more difficult. The climate also posed challenges, as they had to adapt to different climates and environments throughout their expedition. The terrain they traversed was often rugged and difficult to navigate, adding another obstacle to their journey. Lastly, they encountered Native American tribes along their route, which presented both communication and cultural challenges.

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