Download Question Dissection Part VIII

Question Dissection – Part VIII
US History/Napp
Name: _________________
Introduction to Review:
Some things just go together. Like
Or
A multiple-choice question also has parts that naturally go together.
In this review, I will present multiple-choice questions and answers. I will explain what
the question is asking and provide its answer. I will also reveal why these two parts of the
question must go together.
Yes, some things just naturally go together.
The Question Dissection:
A. Which statement best summarizes the beliefs of Booker T. Washington?
(1) The best solution for African Americans was to return to Africa.
(2) Social equality for African Americans would be easier to achieve than legal
rights.
(3) The way to dissolve the barriers of segregation and bring about an end to Jim
Crow laws was by active, violent resistance.
(4) The most immediate means for African Americans to achieve equality was to
expand their opportunities for vocational education.
What the question is asking:
Who was Booker T. Washington and what did he believe?
Answer:
Booker T. Washington was a former slave. He believed that African Americans should
concentrate on first trying to achieve economic independence before seeking full social
equality. In 1881, he founded the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. In other words, Booker
T. Washington believed that if African Americans had vocational training or training for
skilled jobs, they would be able to earn more money. By gaining wealth, African
Americans would eventually gain more political rights. Vocational education is education
that prepares an individual for a specific trade.
Booker T. Washington once said, “I want to see my race live such high and useful lives
that they will not be merely tolerated, but they shall actually be needed and wanted because
of their usefulness to the community.”
Thus, the answer must be 4.
B. “Although important strides were made, Reconstruction failed to provide lasting
guarantees of the civil rights of the freedmen.”
Which evidence best supports this statement?
(1) passage of Jim Crow laws in the latter part of the 19th century
(2) ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments
(3) refusal of Southern States to allow sharecropping
(4) passage of the Civil Rights Acts of 1866
What the question is asking?
How did Reconstruction fail to change the lives of newly freed slaves?
Reconstruction refers to the period after the Civil War when the South was restored to the
Union and Northerners changed certain aspects of Southern culture. Slavery was
abolished by the Thirteenth Amendment and former slaves were given equal rights
through the Fourteenth Amendment. The Fifteenth Amendment even gave former male
slaves the right to vote. However, sadly and tragically, once Reconstruction ended and
military troops were removed from the South, Southern states enacted Jim Crow or
segregation laws. These laws created separate and inferior public facilities for African
Americans. In addition, poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses prevented
African Americans from voting.
Thus, the answer must be 1.
C. The dispute between President Andrew Johnson and Congress during the
Reconstruction Era illustrates the constitutional principle
(1) Of equality of justice under the law
(2) Of federalism
(3) Of one man, one vote
(4) Of separation of powers
What is the question asking?
What constitutional principle best demonstrates the conflict between the President and the
Congress during Reconstruction?
The President wanted a lenient approach to restoring the South to the Union. Radical
Republicans in Congress wanted the South to be punished for secession and more rights
and protections for newly freed slaves. This conflict was a conflict between two different
branches of government. The executive and the legislative branches were in conflict. Of
course, in the United States, there are three branches of government: a legislative branch,
an executive branch, and a judicial branch. The European Enlightenment philosopher,
Baron de Montesquieu, argued that through separation of powers, tyranny or cruel and
oppressive government cannot exist. During Reconstruction, there was conflict over which
branch of government was responsible for Reconstruction.
Thus, the answer is 4.
D. The label “Solid South” was applied to the former Confederate States after
Reconstruction because they
(1) consistently supported the Democratic Party
(2) could not participate in national politics
(3) rejected efforts to pass Jim Crow laws
(4) continued to support abolitionist causes
What is the question asking?
Why was the South referred to as the solid South particularly after Reconstruction? What
was a common characteristic of Southerners after Reconstruction?
Even before the Civil War, most Southern men were Democrats. However, after the Civil
War, Southern men were even more committed and loyal to the Democratic Party. There
was a very profound reason for this Party loyalty. White Southerners associated the
Republican Party with Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. They associated the
Republican Party with the Party that changed their way of life. Of course, as a result of
Jim Crow segregation, African American men could not vote due to poll taxes, literacy
tests, and grandfather clauses. Thus, the “Solid South” refers to white voters in the South
voting consistently for the Democratic Party.
Thus, the answer is 1.
E. The passage of the Homestead Act and the completion of the transcontinental railroad
helped to fulfill the United States commitment to
(1) Reconstruction
(2) racial equality
(3) manifest destiny
(4) conservation of natural resources
What is the question asking?
What was the Homestead Act? What did the Homestead Act and the completion of the
transcontinental (across the continent) railroad lead to?
The Homestead Act was an act that gave Americans free federal land in the West if they
created working farms within five years. Of course, people had to have tools, seeds, and
livestock to create successful farms. The transcontinental railroad made it possible for
Americans to move more easily across the nation. Thus, the Homestead Act encouraged
Americans to move west and the transcontinental railroad helped people move west. So,
the student is looking for a term that is connected to this idea of moving west, of the nation
growing through the West. Manifest Destiny was the idea that it was God’s will that the
United States should encompass all of the land from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. The
Homestead Act encouraged Americans to settle in the West, to move west. Thus, westward
expansion and Manifest Destiny are connected. Free land in the West and railroads
through the West encourage westward expansion leading to the fulfillment of Manifest
Destiny.
Thus, the answer is 3.
F. The aim of the Dawes Act of 1887 was to
(1) restore previously taken land to Native American Indian tribes
(2) maintain traditional Native American Indian cultures
(3) assimilate Native American Indians into American culture
(4) end all governmental contact with Native American Indians
What is the question asking?
What was the Dawes Act?
The Dawes Act was created to encourage Native American Indians living on reservations to
act more like white men. The new policy focused specifically on breaking up reservations
by granting land allotments to individual Native Americans. It encouraged Native
American Indians to adopt white clothing and ways, and farm individual plots of land. It
encouraged Native American Indians to abandon Native cultures and be assimilated into
the population.
The word assimilate means the process of adopting another group’s culture. The Dawes
Act encouraged Native American Indians to adopt the culture of white Americans. This
Act did not demonstrate respect towards Native American Indian cultures.
Thus, the answer is 3.
G. In the 1850s, why did many runaway slaves go to Canada?
(1) They feared being drafted into the Northern army.
(2) The Fugitive Slave Act kept them at risk in the United States.
(3) More factory jobs were available in Canada.
(4) Northern abolitionists refused to help fugitive slaves.
What is the question asking?
What had happened in 1850 that required runaway slaves to run to Canada and not just
the Northern part of the United States?
The Compromise of 1850 allowed California to enter the United States as a free state as
long as the Fugitive Slave Act was included in the compromise. The Fugitive Slave Act
required Northerners to return runaway slaves to their masters in the South. Thus, a
runaway slave had to run to Canada to ensure that he would not be sent back to the
brutality of slavery in the South.
Thus, the answer is 2.
H. Which argument did President Abraham Lincoln use against the secession of the
Southern States?
(1) Slavery was not profitable
(2) The government was a union of people and not of states.
(3) The Southern States did not permit their people to vote on secession.
(4) As the Commander in Chief, he had the duty to defend the United States against
foreign invasion.
What is the question asking?
Why Did Abraham Lincoln believe that the South could not secede from the Union?
The Constitution begins with these words: “We the People”…yes, the United States is a
Union of the people. It is not a confederation of states. Therefore, the South could not
secede or withdraw from the Union. For it was not in the power of the States to make such
a decision. The Union was a Union of the people.
Thus, the correct answer is 2.
I. The North’s rapid economic growth during the Civil War was stimulated by
(1) the elimination of taxes on defense industries
(2) a reduction in the number of immigrants
(3) increased government demand for many products
(4) enslaved persons filling industrial jobs
What is the question asking?
Why did the North experience economic growth during the Civil War?
The North had begun to industrialize before the Civil War. Yet soldiers need boots, guns,
and ammunitions. As the Union fought the Confederacy, the Union government needed
manufactured goods from Northern factories to help fight and win the war. As
government demand for Northern manufactured products increased during the war, the
North experienced a rapidly growing economy.
Thus, the answer is 3.
J. As the Civil War began, President Abraham Lincoln stated that his primary goal was to
(1) end slavery
(2) set new national boundaries
(3) increase congressional powers
(4) preserve the Union
What is the question asking?
Abraham Lincoln wanted to save the Union. As he once said, “If I could save the Union
without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I
would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do
that.” Lincoln wanted to save or preserve the Union.
Thus, the answer is 4.
K. Sectional differences developed in the United States largely because
(1) the Federal Government adopted a policy of neutrality
(2) economic conditions and interests in each region varied
(3) only northerners were represented at the Constitutional Convention
(4) early Presidents favored urban areas over rural areas
What is the question asking?
What is sectionalism and why did it develop?
Sectionalism is loyalty to the individual’s region or section of the country. The Northerner
was loyal to the North while the Southerner was loyal to the South. Sectionalism developed
because the North and South developed differently and thus, the way of life in the North
differed from the way of life in the South. Due to geographic factors, plantations developed
in the South. Plantations were dependent on slave labor. Plantations did not develop in
the North. Therefore, geographic factors gave rise to different economic conditions and
different ways of working and living.
Thus, the answer is 2.
L. Prior to the Civil War, abolitionists reacted to the situation described in the poster by
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
supporting the Underground Railroad
opposing the Emancipation Proclamation
banning freed slaves from Northern states
proposing a stricter fugitive slave law
What is the question asking?
Who were abolitionists and what did this poster encourage abolitionists to do?
Abolitionists wanted to end slavery. This poster is a reward for the individual willing to
capture this slave master’s runaway slave. In the Fugitive Slave Act, a runaway slave had
to be returned to his master. Abolitionists would never return a runaway slave because
abolitionists did not believe in slavery. Abolitionists wanted to end slavery. Thus, an
abolitionist would help the runaway slave stay free. The Underground Railroad was
created to help runaway slaves escape and stay free. It was not an actual railroad but
rather a collection of individuals who would help hide runaway slaves and help runaway
slaves escape to Canada.
Thus, the answer is 1.
M. At times, the United States Government has passed protective tariffs to
(1) encourage foreign trade
(2) help the nation’s manufacturers
(3) reduce the cost of consumer goods
(4) improve the quality of goods
What is the question asking?
What is a tariff and why would the government pass a tariff?
A tariff is a tax on an imported or foreign good. A tariff raises the prices of foreign goods
and thus, encourages Americans to buy domestic goods or goods produced in the nation.
By making foreign goods more expensive, the goods of the nation’s manufacturers are
cheaper and thus more desirable.
Thus, the answer is 2.
N. A major reason for the issuance of the Monroe Doctrine (1823) was to
(1) discourage United States trade with Latin America
(2) defend the Panama Canal from Great Britain
(3) prevent further European colonization in the Caribbean region
(4) provide economic aid to Latin American nations
What is the question asking?
What was the Monroe Doctrine and why did the United States issue the Monroe Doctrine?
The Monroe Doctrine was written in response to independence movements in Latin
America. As Latin American colonies gained independence, the United States wanted to
send a clear message to the European powers that the Americas were closed for future
colonization. In other words, the Americas belonged to the peoples of the Americas and the
European powers should consider the Americas closed to further European colonization.
Thus, the answer is 3.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand…I do not expect the Union to be dissolved; I
do not expect the house to fall; but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all
one thing, or all the other…” ~ Abraham Lincoln, 1858
O. The “divided house” referred to in this speech was caused primarily by
(1) expansionism
(3) slavery
(2) war with Mexico
(4) the suffrage movement
What is the question asking?  What is dividing the nation?
The issue dividing the nation is slavery. Throughout the 1840s and 1850s, the nation tried
a series of compromises to keep the Union united. Yet the division between the North and
South was great. Southern plantation owners depended on slavery and Northern factory
owners did not depend on slavery. In addition, abolitionists viewed slavery as immoral and
sought the complete end of slavery. The divided house was a nation divided over the issue
of slavery. As Lincoln said, “It will become all one thing, or all the other…” As a result of
the Civil War (1861-1865), the United States became a house united without slavery.
Thus, the correct answer is 3.
P. During the presidency of Andrew Jackson, the spoils system resulted in
(1) federal laws being nullified by the states
(2) elected officials rewarding their supporters with government jobs
(3) all free males being given the right to vote
(4) the end of political corruption in the federal government
What is the question asking?
What was the spoils system?
Andrew Jackson believed that “To the victor go the spoils.” In other words, the person
elected President had the right and the power to reward his supporters with government
jobs. The idea was that by providing the president’s supporters with government jobs
more individuals would have the opportunity of working in government. Of course, this
system is not used today. Today, there is a civil service examination system to ensure that
competent people are employed in government service and not just the president’s
supporters. Yet at the time, the spoils system was considered a more democratic way of
allowing more people to experience government work. Oh, and think “S” –
Spoils/Supporters!
Thus, the answer is 2.
Q. One way in which the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions (1798) and the South Carolina
Ordinance of Nullification (1832) are similar is that each
(1) claimed that individual states have the right to interpret federal laws
(2) formed part of the unwritten constitution
(3) supported the federal government’s power to declare war
(4) provided a way for new states to enter the Union
What is the question asking?
What was the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions? What was the South Carolina Order of
Nullification?
Written in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, Vice President Thomas Jefferson
(Kentucky Resolution) and James Madison (Virginia Resolution) wrote that state
legislatures should have the right to declare these acts of the federal government “null and
void”. The South Carolina Order of Nullification stated that states had the right to nullify
the federal law on the tariff. South Carolina declared the federal tariff null and void. So,
the key word is nullification. Nullification is the act of cancelling something. In these
cases, the states are cancelling or not obeying federal laws. The states are claiming that the
states have the right to interpret federal laws or to explain the laws or act upon the laws
according to the interests of the states. But it is important to remember that a federal law
applies to all states.
Thus, the correct answer is 1.
R. Which city is paired with the geographical feature that directly contributed to its
growth?
(1) San Francisco – Rocky Mountains
(2) New Orleans – Mississippi River
(3) Pittsburgh – Hudson River
(4) Cleveland – Atlantic Coastal Plain
What is the question asking?
Where are these cities located in the United States?
A map of the United States is needed for this question. The student of U.S. History and
Government needs to know where important cities and geographic features of the nation
are located. So, the Hudson River is located in beautiful New York State. Pittsburg is a
city in Pennsylvania. Cleveland is a city located in Ohio. Ohio is not located on the
Atlantic Coast. San Francisco is a city in California that is located on the Pacific Coast.
The Rocky Mountains are located in the West but not on the Pacific coast. However, New
Orleans is an important city located on the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. It is
a city located in Louisiana. This city was gained during the Louisiana Purchase when the
United States gained full control of the Mississippi River, the port of New Orleans, and the
Great Plains.
Thus, the correct answer is 2.
S. What was an immediate effect of the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825?
(1) Prices increased for food products along the Atlantic Coast.
(2) Farmers could more easily ship grain to eastern markets.
(3) A territorial conflict began with Canada over the Great Lakes.
(4) Railroads were forced to reduce their shipping rates.
What is the question asking?
Where is the Erie Canal located and how did it benefit the region?
The Erie Canal is a canal located in New York State that connects the Hudson River to
Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. By linking the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, the
Erie Canal allowed farmers in the Northwest to transport their goods all the way to New
York City for New York City is located along the Hudson River too. Of course, New York
City is located in the East.
Thus, the correct answer is 2.
T. Population data from the census of 2000 was used to determine the number of
(1) states in the Union
(2) Senators from each state
(3) electoral college votes from each state
(4) Supreme Court justices
What is the question asking?
What is the census and what is the census used for?
The census records the population of each state every ten years. Population must be
recorded because representation in the House of Representatives is determined by each
state’s population. Of course, the House of Representatives is not one of the answers.
However, the number of electors for each state is determined by its number of
representatives in the House of Representatives and its two senators. Thus, the
information recorded in the census is used for each state’s number of representatives in the
House of Representatives and thus, for the number of electors each state is assigned.
Thus, the answer is 3.
U. Because of fertile land and a long growing season, plantations in the thirteen colonies
developed in
(1) New England
(2) the Middle Atlantic region
(3) the South
(4) the upper Mississippi River valley
What is the question asking?
What region of the United States had fertile land, a long growing season, and plantations?
The South had plantations because the South had fertile land and a long growing season to
support large farms.
Thus, the answer is 3.
V. The main reason Great Britain established the Proclamation Line of 1763 was to
(1) avoid conflicts between American colonists and Native American Indians
(2) make a profit by selling the land west of the Appalachian Mountains
(3) prevent American industrial development in the Ohio River valley
(4) allow Canada to control the Great Lakes region
What is the question asking?
What was the Proclamation Line of 1763 and why did Great Britain establish it?
The Proclamation Line of 1763 stated that colonists could not settle west of the
Appalachian Mountains in order to prevent conflict between colonists and Indians. Thus,
the territory west of the Mountains was Indian Territory according to the British. The
colonists resented this dividing line and longed for more land west of the Appalachian
Mountains.
Thus, the answer is 1.
W. The Mayflower Compact, New England town meetings, and the Virginia House of
Burgesses are examples of
(1) early colonial efforts in self-government
(2) colonial protests against British taxation
(3) governments imposed by Parliament
(4) attempts to limit democracy
What is the question asking?
What was the Mayflower Compact? What were New England town meetings? What was
the Virginia House of Burgesses?
The Mayflower Compact was a document where the Pilgrims pledged to make decisions in
the new settlement by voting and majority rule. The Virginia House of Burgesses was a
representative assembly in the colony of Virginia. New England town meetings were
meetings where colonists met and discussed important issues. Community members met
and made decisions together. When the people of a community make decisions for their
community, it is a form of self-government.
Thus the answer is 1.
X. In which area did good harbors, abundant forests, rocky soil, and a short growing
season most influence the colonial economy?
(1) Southern colonies
(2) Middle Atlantic region
(3) Northwest Territory
(4) New England colonies
What is the question asking?
Which region of the original thirteen colonies had good harbors, forests, rocky soil, and a
short growing season?
New England was known for its good harbors, abundant forests, rocky soil, and short
growing season. Think Massachusetts – Boston harbor, shipping, and sailing!
Thus, the answer is 4.
Y. One of the principles stated in the Declaration of Independence is that government
should
(1) guarantee economic equality among citizens
(2) have unlimited power to rule the people
(3) be based upon the consent of the governed
(4) be led by educated citizens
What is the question asking?
What was written in the Declaration of Independence and what is consent of the governed?
From the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,
Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are
instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”
Consent of the governed is a term that means the people give government its power. This
permission is given through voting. By voting, the people inform the government of what
the people want.
Thus, the answer is 3.
Z. An example of the use of the unwritten constitution is the creation of the
(1) presidential veto
(2) United States Navy
(3) federal postal system
(4) president’s cabinet
What is the question asking?
What is the unwritten constitution?
The unwritten constitution refers to the traditions and customs of U.S. government. Many
of these traditions and customs were developed during the days of President George
Washington. The president’s cabinet was developed by President George Washington.
Washington’s cabinet was a group of advisors to help the president make decisions.
Thus the answer is 4.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Here are some more to practice. You may need my Two Hundred and Fifty Facts to Pass
the US History and Government Regents to find your answers. This packet is the first link
on my U.S. History – Consent of the Governed page on my webpage. Here is a link to my
U.S. page:
http://www.whiteplainspublicschools.org//site/Default.aspx?PageID=12862
In order to win ratification of the United States Constitution, supporters agreed to
(1) add a bill of rights
(2) admit new states to the Union
(3) establish an electoral college
(4) give the Senate the power to ratify treaties
Clue: The original Constitution lacked important protections for individual rights and
freedoms. The first ten amendments were added in order to win ratification or approval.
“…I challenge the warmest advocate [supporter] for reconciliation, to shew [show], a single
advantage that this continent can reap [gain], by being connected with Great Britain. I
repeat the challenge, not a single advantage is derived [acquired]. Our corn will fetch its
price in any market in Europe, and our imported goods must be paid for, buy them where
we will…
~ Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776
This speaker is most likely opposed to
(1) mercantilism
(2) capitalism
(3) direct democracy
(4) representative government
Clue: Why did Thomas Paine write Common Sense? What did Thomas Paine encourage
colonists to do? Why did Thomas Paine dislike British colonialism? How did British rule
harm the colonists?
The British system of mercantilism was opposed by many American colonists because it
(1) placed quotas on immigration
(2) discouraged the export of raw materials to England
(3) placed restrictions on trading
(4) encouraged colonial manufacturing
Clue: What is mercantilism? How did mercantilism harm the colonists?
In the United States Constitution, the power to impeach a federal government official is
given to the
(1) House of Representatives
(2) president
(3) state legislatures
(4) Supreme Court
Clue: To impeach means to charge a government official with a crime or misconduct.
What branch of government has the power to impeach?
At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which problem was solved by the Great
Compromise?
(1) developing the method of electing a president
(2) designating control of interstate commerce
(3) outlining the structure of the federal court system
(4) establishing the formula for representation in Congress
Clue: It was a compromise between states with large populations and states with smaller
populations. It was a conflict over how to determine representation in Congress.
Ultimately, this compromise led to a House of Representatives based on population and two
Senators per state.
The first amendment of the Constitution deals primarily with
(1) states’ rights
(2) property rights
(3) rights of the accused
(4) rights of self-expression
Clue: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting
the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of
the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of
grievances.”
Which statement is an example of the system of federalism?
(1) Cabinet members are appointed by the president.
(2) Revenue bills must begin in the House of Representatives.
(3) The national government coins money, but states cannot.
(4) The president can negotiate treaties, but the Senate has the power to ratify them.
Clue: Federalism is a system of government where the federal government shares power
with the state governments. Some powers are reserved solely for the federal government
and some powers are reserved solely for the state governments. And of course, some
powers are shared.
The necessary and proper clause, the amendment process, and the unwritten constitution
are evidence that our constitutional system of government provides for
(1) popular sovereignty
(2) equal representation
(3) flexibility
(4) ratification
Clue: The Constitution can be changed through the amendment process. What is a word
for being able to change?
The Supreme Court has the power to
(1) control the federal budget
(2) vote to end a tie in the Senate
(3) approve presidential appointments
(4) interpret the Constitution
Clue: Think judicial review!
The main criticism of the Articles of Confederation was that they failed to
(1) allow for the admission of new states
(2) limit the powers of the president
(3) provide adequate powers for the central government
(4) prevent the development of military rule
Clue: The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation because the Articles of
Confederation gave too much power to the states.
The significance of the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison is that the decision
(1) advanced civil rights for minorities
(2) upheld the constitutionality of a national bank
(3) limited Presidential control of foreign policy
(4) established the power of judicial review
Clue: The power to determine whether a law is constitutional!
One major reason that Alexander Hamilton proposed a national bank was to
(1) improve the economic position of the United States government
(2) help state governments collect taxes
(3) make loans available to owners of small farms
(4) reduce foreign investment in the United States
Clue: This Federalist and supporter of the national bank and of the tariff was the Secretary
of Treasury under President George Washington. Need I write more?
“Our true policy is to steer clear of permanent alliances…”
~ George Washington
President Washington made this statement to warn against United States involvement in
(1) European military conflicts
(2) international trade
(3) the race for overseas colonies
(4) westward expansion
Clue: Washington in his Farewell Address encouraged Americans to choose neutrality, to
avoid entanglements with European powers and to concentrate on the building the new
nation rather than being overwhelmed by the many conflicts in Europe.
One factor that led to the formation of the first two political parties in the United States in
the 1790s was the conflict over the
(1) distribution of power between the federal and state governments
(2) spread of slavery into the western territories
(3) control of interstate commerce
(4) acquisition of lands from France and Spain
Clue: The first division in the new nation: Federalists v. Antifederalists
Adherence to a strict interpretation of the Constitution would have prevented President
Thomas Jefferson from
(1) making the Louisiana Purchase
(2) writing “State of the Union” messages
(3) receiving ambassadors
(4) commissioning military officers
Clue: There was no statement in the Constitution about the President buying land.
In the period from 1865 to 1900, the United States Government aided the development of
the West by
(1) maintaining free and unlimited coinage of silver
(2) offering low-interest loans to businesses
(3) granting land to railroad companies
(4) providing price supports for farm products
Clue: By giving free federal land to the railroad companies, the companies could invest
their capital in workers, tracks, and tools. Railroads were expensive and difficult to build
and by granting land to the companies, the government encouraged entrepreneurs or
businessmen to take the risk and start laying railroad tracks.
After the Civil War, one way business leaders tried to eliminate competition was by
(1) forming monopolies or trusts
(2) developing overseas markets
(3) increasing the prices of their products
(4) paying high wages to their workers
Clue: A single seller dominated a market is a monopoly.
The 19th-century philosophy of Social Darwinism maintained that
(1) the government should have control over the means of production and the
marketplace
(2) all social class distinctions in American society should be eliminated
(3) economic success comes to those who are the hardest working and most competent
(4) wealth and income should be more equally distributed
Clue: Social Darwinists believed that stronger individuals had the right to dominate
weaker individuals.
Nativism in the late 19th century was motivated primarily by
(1) hostility toward immigrant workers
(2) the need to reduce overcrowding in western states
(3) cultural conflicts with Native American Indians
(4) the migration of African Americans to northern cities
Clue: Nativism was anti-immigrant.
“Labor Leaders Executed for Causing Haymarket Riot”
“State Militia Called In To End Homestead Strike”
“1,000 Jailed as Silver Miners Protest Wage Cuts”
Which statement about labor unions in the late 1800s is illustrated by these headlines?
(1) Strikes by labor unions usually gained public support.
(2) The government frequently opposed labor union activities.
(3) Labor union demands were usually met.
(4) Arbitration was commonly used to end labor unrest.
Clue: One thousand miners were jailed for protesting wage cuts? Clearly, the government
was supporting the bosses.
During the late 19th century, Samuel Gompers, Terence Powderly, and Eugene Debs were
leaders in the movement to
(1) stop racial segregation of Native American Indians
(2) limit illegal immigration
(3) gain fair treatment of Native American Indians
(4) improve working conditions
Clue: These men all were founders of unions in America. A union is an organization of
workers to help workers.
-Free and unlimited coinage of silver
-Government ownership of railroads
-Graduated income tax
Which of these political parties first proposed these reforms in its platform?
(1) Republican Party in 1876
(2) Populist Party in 1892
(3) Bull-Moose Party 1912
(4) Democratic Party in 1932
Clue: It was a party of the working people: farmers, especially. Farmers often suffered
greatly when the railroad companies would raise their fees. It was hard to be a farmer and
this party wanted to help the working men and women of the nation.
A goal of the Granger and Populist movements was to
(1) expand rights for African Americans
(2) help western farmers fight unjust economic practices
(3) provide support for the banking industry
(4) enable big business to expand without government interference
Clue: This question will also help with the previous question. These movements were
friends of the American farmers.
What was the experience of most of the “new immigrants” who arrived in the United States
from southern and eastern Europe in the late 1800s and early 1900s?
(1) They lived in urban areas and most held low-paying jobs.
(2) They obtained free land in the West and became farmers.
(3) They became discouraged with America and returned to their homelands.
(4) They were easily assimilated into mainstream American culture.
Clue: The “new immigrants” from Southern and Eastern Europe came to work in the
nation’s factories. Factories were located in cities.
Always read carefully!
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