Preview Extract
Chapter Ten
The Triumph Of White Men’s Democracy
Multiple Choice
1. ________ came to symbolize the triumph of democracy in the 1820s.
A) Henry Clay
B) John C. Calhoun
C) Daniel Webster
D) Martin Van Buren
E) Andrew Jackson
Answer: E
Rationale:
Andrew Jackson came to symbolize the triumph of democracy in the 1820s due to his
populist appeal and his portrayal as a champion of the common people. His election as
President in 1828 marked a significant shift toward a more inclusive democracy,
characterized by expanded suffrage and a rejection of entrenched political elites.
2. The most evident feature of democracy in America to European travelers was the
________.
A) American contribution
B) decline in the spirit of deference
C) participation of women in government
D) American election process
E) equality of former slaves
Answer: B
Rationale:
The decline in the spirit of deference was the most evident feature of democracy in America
to European travelers. They observed a society where social hierarchies were less
pronounced, and ordinary citizens displayed greater independence and assertiveness,
contrasting with the deferential attitudes more common in European societies.
3. American culture in the Jacksonian period ________.
A) reflected the development of a more hierarchical society
B) was based on elitism and privileges
C) was primarily the concern of the upper class
D) reflected the rise of the democratic spirit
E) reached an all-time low in production
Answer: D
Rationale:
American culture in the Jacksonian period reflected the rise of the democratic spirit. This era
saw a flourishing of popular culture, including literature, art, and music, which increasingly
celebrated the experiences and values of ordinary people. Themes of individualism, equality,
and national identity became prominent in cultural expressions.
4. Which of the following individuals is incorrectly matched with his art form?
A) William Sidney Mount: paintings
B) Nathaniel Hawthorne: novels
C) Herman Melville: novels
D) Oliver Wendell Holmes: paintings
E) George Caleb Bingham: paintings
Answer: D
Rationale:
Oliver Wendell Holmes was incorrectly matched with paintings. Holmes was primarily
known as a physician, poet, and essayist, not a painter. The other options correctly match
individuals with their respective art forms: William Sidney Mount with paintings, Nathaniel
Hawthorne and Herman Melville with novels, and George Caleb Bingham with paintings.
5. The most obvious indicator of the supremacy of democracy in the United States was the
________.
A) high percentage of people who voted
B) widespread use of the “spoils system”
C) absence of any kind of social or economic class
D) development of universal white manhood suffrage
E) increase in the number of appointed officials
Answer: D
Rationale:
The most obvious indicator of the supremacy of democracy in the United States was the
development of universal white manhood suffrage. This expansion of voting rights to nearly
all white males, regardless of property ownership or social status, signaled a significant shift
toward a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
6. Martin Van Buren regarded a two-party system as essential to democratic government
because ________.
A) it provided a check on the temptation to abuse power
B) he believed governments could not operate effectively without parties
C) they were traditional in democracies
D) he saw two parties as a way to increase his personal power
E) three or more parties would cause too much voter confusion
Answer: A
Rationale:
Martin Van Buren regarded a two-party system as essential to democratic government
because it provided a check on the temptation to abuse power. Van Buren believed that the
presence of competing parties helped maintain balance and accountability within the political
system, preventing any single faction from monopolizing control and promoting greater
representation of diverse interests.
7. The major issues dominating politics in the 1820s and 1830s were ________.
A) constitutional
B) sectional
C) social
D) economic
E) diplomatic
Answer: D
Rationale:
The major issues dominating politics in the 1820s and 1830s were economic. During this
period, debates over economic policies, such as tariffs, internal improvements, and the role of
the national bank, took center stage in political discourse. These issues reflected broader
debates about the nature of the American economy and government intervention in economic
affairs.
8. The “corrupt bargain” was used to describe ________.
A) another name for the Missouri Compromise
B) the selection of John Quincy Adams for president
C) President Jackson’s policy of Indian removal
D) the appointment of Roger B. Taney as chief justice
E) an insulting reference to Jackson’s marriage to Rachel Robards
Answer: B
Rationale:
The "corrupt bargain" was used to describe the selection of John Quincy Adams for president.
Following the 1824 presidential election, Adams was accused of making a backroom deal
with Henry Clay, who had been one of the other candidates, to secure the presidency in
exchange for appointing Clay as Secretary of State. This alleged bargain fueled resentment
and contributed to the divisive political climate of the era.
9. Which of the following men were true political and philosophical allies in the 1820s?
A) John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay
B) Henry Clay and Andrew Jackson
C) Andrew Jackson and John Marshall
D) Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun
E) Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams
Answer: A
Rationale:
John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay were true political and philosophical allies in the 1820s.
Despite their differences within the Democratic-Republican Party, they shared a vision of an
active federal government promoting internal improvements and economic development,
known as the American System. Their collaboration on these issues laid the foundation for
later political alliances.
10. The main issue of John Quincy Adams’s presidency was ________.
A) the forced relocation of Native Americans
B) relations with Canada
C) foreign affairs
D) tariffs
E) the idea of a continental railroad
Answer: D
Rationale:
The main issue of John Quincy Adams’s presidency was tariffs. Adams advocated for
protective tariffs to promote American industry and fund internal improvements
11. Andrew Jackson’s attitude toward Native Americans was that they should be ________.
A) removed to areas beyond white expansion
B) allowed to remain on their tribal lands
C) encouraging settlement and assimilation
D) treated as equals to the white man
E) exterminated
Answer: A
Rationale:
Andrew Jackson's attitude toward Native Americans was characterized by his support for
their forced removal to areas beyond white expansion, as evidenced by policies such as the
Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the subsequent Trail of Tears, which resulted in the
displacement and suffering of thousands of Native Americans.
12. ________ denied states the right to take Native American tribal lands.
A) McCulloch v. Maryland
B) southern legislatures
C) Worcester v. Georgia
D) Fletcher v. Peck
E) Wallace v. Tennessee
Answer: C
Rationale:
Worcester v. Georgia denied states the right to take Native American tribal lands. In this
landmark Supreme Court case in 1832, the Court ruled that the state of Georgia could not
enforce its laws on Native American tribal lands, asserting federal authority over Native
American affairs and recognizing tribal sovereignty.
13. The Trail of Tears refers to ________.
A) the destruction of the national bank
B) passage of the “tariff of abominations”
C) the forced relocation of the Cherokees to Oklahoma
D) the nullification controversy
E) the Oregon Trail and westward expansion
Answer: C
Rationale:
The Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation of the Cherokees to Oklahoma in the 1830s.
This tragic event, resulting from the Indian Removal Act signed by President Andrew Jackson
in 1830, led to the displacement and deaths of thousands of Native Americans as they were
forcibly removed from their ancestral lands in the Southeast.
14. In the 1830s and 1840s, the most vocal advocate of states’ rights was ________.
A) Daniel Webster
B) Henry Clay
C) John C. Calhoun
D) Martin Van Buren
E) Andrew Jackson
Answer: C
Rationale:
In the 1830s and 1840s, the most vocal advocate of states' rights was John C. Calhoun. As a
senator from South Carolina and Vice President under Andrew Jackson and Martin Van
Buren, Calhoun staunchly defended the doctrine of nullification and states' rights, particularly
in opposition to federal tariff policies.
15. The nullification crisis was strongly influenced by ________.
A) foreign manufacturing interests
B) the political maneuvers of the National Republicans
C) the demands of other southern states
D) the fear of attacks on slavery
E) the relocation of Native Americans
Answer: D
Rationale:
The nullification crisis was strongly influenced by the fear of attacks on slavery. South
Carolina's threat to nullify the federal tariff acts of 1828 and 1832 stemmed from concerns
that protective tariffs would harm the southern economy, particularly the institution of
slavery, by reducing exports and raising the cost of imported goods.
16. The nullification crisis of the early 1830s ________.
A) had little impact outside South Carolina
B) was of little significance to the future of the United States
C) revealed the strength of the Constitution
D) was an early indication of dangerous future divisions
E) demonstrated the inherent solidarity of the Union
Answer: D
Rationale:
The nullification crisis of the early 1830s was an early indication of dangerous future
divisions within the United States. The confrontation between South Carolina and the federal
government over the issue of nullification raised questions about the balance of power
between the states and the federal government, foreshadowing deeper conflicts over states'
rights and sectional tensions.
17. Who was the president of the Bank of the United States and Andrew Jackson’s chief
opponent in the “bank war”?
A) Henry Clay
B) John C. Calhoun
C) Francis B. Blair
D) Nicholas Biddle
E) John Jacob Astor
Answer: D
Rationale:
Nicholas Biddle was the president of the Bank of the United States and Andrew Jackson’s
chief opponent in the "bank war." Biddle's efforts to renew the bank's charter and his
perceived abuse of its powers made him a target of Jackson's attacks on the institution.
18. The strategic blunder made by Nicholas Biddle was his ________.
A) decision to confide in Henry Clay
B) decision to seek the bank’s charter renewal four years early
C) decision to give bank loans to congressmen
D) failure to listen to the advice of Henry Clay
E) advocacy of large loans to immigrants
Answer: B
Rationale:
The strategic blunder made by Nicholas Biddle was his decision to seek the bank’s charter
renewal four years early. Biddle's premature push for the bank's recharter in 1832 allowed
Jackson to turn the issue into a major political controversy, ultimately leading to the bank's
demise and solidifying Jackson's reputation as a champion of states' rights.
19. The major significance of Jackson’s national bank veto message was that it ________.
A) was the first veto made by Jackson
B) failed to explain the constitutional reasons for his decision
C) was the first veto not based solely on a bill’s constitutionality
D) decisively ended the life of the national bank
E) was the first recorded presidential veto
Answer: C
Rationale:
The major significance of Jackson's national bank veto message was that it was the first
presidential veto not based solely on a bill’s constitutionality. Jackson vetoed the recharter of
the Second Bank of the United States in 1832, not on constitutional grounds, but rather on the
basis of his belief that the bank was harmful to the interests of the common people and the
nation as a whole.
20. Andrew Jackson killed the national bank ________.
A) by withdrawing federal deposits from it
B) through further legislation
C) through the actions of the Supreme Court
D) by letting its charter expire in 1836
E) by accusing Nicholas Biddle of treasonous acts
Answer: A
Rationale:
Andrew Jackson killed the national bank by withdrawing federal deposits from it. He directed
his Secretary of the Treasury to remove federal funds from the bank and deposit them in
state-chartered banks, known as "pet banks," effectively undermining the bank's ability to
function as the central financial institution of the country.
21. The Whig Party ________.
A) generally supported Jackson’s presidency
B) grew from a coalition of Jackson’s opponents
C) refused the support of other, smaller parties
D) represented political ideas unique to the American experience
E) supported abolition
Answer: B
Rationale:
The Whig Party grew from a coalition of Jackson’s opponents. Formed in the 1830s in
opposition to Andrew Jackson and his policies, the Whig Party united various factions,
including former National Republicans, anti-Masons, and disaffected Democrats, under a
common banner of opposition to Jacksonianism.
22. William Henry Harrison’s nickname “Tippecanoe” refers to his ________.
A) support for the emancipation of African-American slaves in the South
B) birthplace
C) experience as a legislative logroller
D) military experience
E) prediction of the nullification crisis
Answer: D
Rationale:
William Henry Harrison’s nickname “Tippecanoe” refers to his military experience. Harrison
gained fame as a military leader during the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, where he defeated
Native American forces led by Tecumseh, becoming a celebrated figure and earning his
famous moniker.
23. Belief in a national bank, high tariffs, and federally financed internal improvements best
describes the policies of which party in the 1830s?
A) Democrats
B) Republicans
C) Masons
D) Whigs
E) Federalists
Answer: D
Rationale:
Belief in a national bank, high tariffs, and federally financed internal improvements best
describes the policies of the Whig Party in the 1830s. The Whigs advocated for these
economic policies as part of their platform, emphasizing a strong federal government role in
promoting economic development and infrastructure.
24. Typically, immigrants, Catholics, freethinkers, and backwoods farmers of the 1840s
would be members of the ________.
A) Democratic party
B) Equal Rights party
C) Federalist party
D) Whig party
E) Republican party
Answer: A
Rationale:
Typically, immigrants, Catholics, freethinkers, and backwoods farmers of the 1840s would be
members of the Democratic party. During this period, the Democratic Party, led by figures
such as Andrew Jackson, attracted support from diverse segments of society, including recent
immigrants and those seeking to expand the influence of popular democracy.
25. In the 1840s, which of the following was LEAST likely to determine a person’s political
identification?
A) social class
B) economic interests
C) religious belief
D) ethnic identity
E) lifestyle
Answer: A
Rationale:
In the 1840s, social class was LEAST likely to determine a person’s political identification.
While social class remained a significant factor in American society, the political landscape
of the 1840s saw a greater emphasis on issues such as religion, ethnicity, and lifestyle,
particularly in light of the emergence of mass politics and broader suffrage.
26. How did hotels symbolize the American spirit in the 1820s–1840s?
A) Like democracy, they were open to all men, but closed to women; they also showed how
easily people moved around physically, socially, economically, and politically.
B) Hotels reflected the cultural changes—particularly the blurring of class distinctions—that
accompanied the extension of the franchise in the period.
C) Hotels were often sites of debauchery and illicit behaviors, showing that Americans had
become morally bankrupt.
D) Hotels were expensive demonstrating the entrepreneurial power of the American spirit.
E) Hotels were large, cavernous places, not the cozy warm places that old-fashioned inns
were; they symbolized the size of America geographically, economically, and politically.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Hotels reflected the cultural changes—particularly the blurring of class distinctions—that
accompanied the extension of the franchise in the period. As centers of social and political
activity, hotels served as venues where individuals from different backgrounds could interact
and participate in the democratic process, symbolizing the growing inclusivity and dynamism
of American society.
27. In what ways was American democracy an illusion in the 1820s–1840s?
A) Although all white men began life with equal opportunities, women and African and
Native Americans did not.
B) Despite the impression that people had equal opportunities, distinctions of class and
education persisted.
C) Not only were women and African and Native Americans excluded, but economic
inequality was growing.
D) Only land owners could vote, and as there were so few land owners in the United States,
suffrage was not universal even among white men.
E) U.S. foreign policy in Latin America showed that the democracy Americans enjoyed was
not the same system they supported for their neighbors.
Answer: C
Rationale:
Economic inequality was growing during the 1820s–1840s despite the impression of
democratic equality. While the era saw the expansion of political participation among white
men, significant exclusions persisted, particularly for women, African Americans, and Native
Americans. Moreover, economic disparities were widening, with wealth becoming
increasingly concentrated among a privileged few, undermining the democratic ideal of
equality.
28. What theme ran through almost all cultural expression of the 1820s–1840s?
A) peace
B) prosperity
C) expansion
D) morality
E) democracy
Answer: E
Rationale:
Democracy ran through almost all cultural expressions of the 1820s–1840s. This period
witnessed a surge in democratic sentiment and the extension of suffrage to a broader segment
of the population. Cultural works, including literature, art, and music, often reflected and
reinforced the values of democracy, emphasizing themes such as individualism,
egalitarianism, and the celebration of the common people.
29. What led the two-party system of politics to develop in the 1820s–1840s?
A) The Supreme Court passed changes in the Constitution regarding the party system.
B) There was an increasing concern about foreign policy issues.
C) Changes in the method of nominating and electing the president developed.
D) The burgeoning population of the trans-Appalachian West created a need for two parties.
E) Married women gained the right to vote and created a second party.
Answer: C
Rationale:
Changes in the method of nominating and electing the president developed, leading to the
emergence of the two-party system of politics in the 1820s–1840s. The adoption of
nominating conventions and the popular election of presidential electors transformed the
political landscape, fostering the organization of political parties around competing platforms
and candidates.
30. Which of these led voter participation in elections to increase dramatically between 1824
and 1840?
A) The population of the U.S. grew, so the number of voters increased.
B) People who had been migrating were settled and could register and vote.
C) African Americans in the North were given permission and encouragement to vote.
D) Politicians changed campaigning practices, drawing in more voters.
E) Native Americans in the South and West were given permission and encouragement to
vote.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Politicians changed campaigning practices, drawing in more voters, leading to a dramatic
increase in voter participation between 1824 and 1840. Campaigning became more dynamic
and inclusive, employing techniques such as rallies, parades, and public speeches to engage
voters and mobilize support for candidates and parties.
31. Why was Andrew Jackson so influential in the mid-1800s?
A) He embodied the popular taste for democracy and social leveling.
B) He was a charismatic and kind president, fighting for the poor and disenfranchised.
C) The 1830s and 1840s represented a time in which Americans wanted to be led by a strong
leader.
D) He made political deals to gain majority support in Congress and the Supreme Court,
using the other branches to further his own agenda.
E) His political career had earned him popularity among both Whigs and Democrats.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Andrew Jackson was so influential in the mid-1800s because he embodied the popular taste
for democracy and social leveling. Jackson's rise to prominence reflected the growing
sentiment of egalitarianism and the empowerment of the common man during the era. His
image as a self-made man and champion of the "common folk" resonated with many
Americans, contributing to his enduring influence.
32. Why did the “tariff of abominations” become a major campaign issue of the 1828
elections?
A) Adams’ campaigners used it to try to win reelection, suggesting that the tariff showed
Jackson was an unfit candidate.
B) Jackson campaigners used the tariff to rally opposition to the Adams administration.
C) The Democratic party in the South (where the tariff was hated) used the tariff to rally
around Jackson, a staunch opponent of the tariff.
D) The Republican party in the North (where the tariff was generally welcomed) used it to
rally around Adams, a staunch supporter of the tariff.
E) Senator Martin Van Buren opposed both Adams and Jackson on the tariff and state rights,
proposing a third party that would eliminate the tariff.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Jackson campaigners used the tariff to rally opposition to the Adams administration, making
it a major campaign issue of the 1828 elections. Jackson and his supporters portrayed the
tariff as oppressive and detrimental to the interests of the common people, garnering support
from voters who opposed the Adams administration's economic policies.
33. How did campaigning methods change in the election campaign of 1828?
A) Politicians campaigned at state and local levels, using parades, barbeques, and eventually
rumors and mudslinging.
B) Politicians did most of the campaigning themselves, going door-to-door in their cities and
soliciting support.
C) Politicians hired people called “supporters”; the name is ironic because they didn’t
necessarily believe in the candidate but were financially supported by him.
D) Politicians debated with opposing candidates in town squares, halls, and newspaper
forums.
E) Politicians relied predominantly on newspapers, writing essays and letters to editors that
were read nationwide.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Campaigning methods changed in the election campaign of 1828 as politicians increasingly
engaged in grassroots efforts, including parades, barbecues, and rallies at the state and local
levels. These methods aimed to mobilize voters and generate enthusiasm for candidates,
reflecting the growing importance of popular participation in the political process.
34. Georgia’s actions against the Cherokee were very similar to those of South Carolina’s in
regard to the “tariff of abominations” in that both hinged on _________.
A) motives that were primarily patriotic
B) a strict reading of the Bill of Rights
C) states’ rights and defiance of the Constitution
D) protectionism
E) racism and chauvinism
Answer: C
Rationale:
Georgia’s actions against the Cherokee were very similar to those of South Carolina’s in
regard to the “tariff of abominations” in that both hinged on states’ rights and defiance of the
Constitution. Both instances involved state governments asserting their authority over federal
law, reflecting a broader tension between state sovereignty and federal power during the
period.
35. Why did South Carolinians protest the tariff of 1828?
A) They feared its effect on the price of cotton.
B) They saw it as an unfair “northern” law.
C) They used it as an excuse to exert a state veto of federal law.
D) They disliked Andrew Jackson.
E) Tariffs determined the prices that southerners could get for their manufactured goods.
Answer: C
Rationale:
South Carolinians protested the tariff of 1828 primarily as a means to exert a state veto of
federal law, asserting the doctrine of nullification. They viewed the tariff as detrimental to
their economic interests, particularly in the agrarian South, and saw nullification as a way to
challenge the authority of the federal government over states' rights.
36. What can one conclude from Jackson’s response to the nullification crisis?
A) Jackson was a strong supporter of states’ rights.
B) Jackson believed that states were not truly sovereign.
C) Jackson supported the unlimited use of federal power.
D) Jackson supported higher tariffs especially on manufactured goods coming from Europe.
E) Jackson supported lower tariffs especially on manufactured goods going from the South to
the North.
Answer: B
Rationale:
From Jackson's response to the nullification crisis, one can conclude that Jackson believed
that states were not truly sovereign. By vigorously opposing South Carolina's nullification
efforts and asserting federal authority, Jackson demonstrated his commitment to preserving
the integrity of the Union and the supremacy of federal law over state ordinances.
37. Why were most southern states unconcerned about Jackson’s fight with South Carolina?
A) They knew him to be in sympathy with the abolitionists.
B) They knew him to be truly an advocate of extreme state sovereignty.
C) He was a Southerner and a slaveholder.
D) They knew he was unable to prevent Congress from overriding his decisions.
E) He was a master politician with the ability to turn enemies into allies.
Answer: C
Rationale:
Most southern states were unconcerned about Jackson's fight with South Carolina because he
was a Southerner and a slaveholder himself. This identity reassured them of his commitment
to their interests and made them confident in his ability to protect their rights within the
Union.
38. How was Jackson’s Force Bill of 1833 connected with slavery?
A) South Carolina equated the extension of federal power with a threat to the institution of
slavery.
B) Many Northerners feared that if Southerners required the threat of force to pay tariffs they
would require physical violence to obey antislavery laws.
C) The Force Bill of 1833 surprised South Carolinians in that Jackson showed he was willing
to force abolitionist ideas on Southerners.
D) The Force Bill of 1833 required Southerners to pay tariffs on all manufactured goods,
including slaves traded from Africa and within the South.
E) The Force Bill of 1833 put a time limit not only on the slave trade but also the institution
itself.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Jackson’s Force Bill of 1833 was connected with slavery because South Carolina equated the
extension of federal power, as asserted in the bill, with a threat to the institution of slavery.
South Carolina and other southern states viewed federal interference, even on economic
matters like tariffs, as a potential encroachment on their ability to maintain and defend the
institution of slavery within their borders.
39. How did the foundation of the Democratic party differ from that of the Whig Party?
A) The Democratic party was composed of white evangelical Protestants, whereas the Whig
party was founded as a more universal group.
B) The Democratic party was founded to infuse politics with morality, whereas the Whig
party was established to champion individual freedom.
C) The Democratic party was founded by Andrew Jackson in his second term as president,
whereas the Whig party was founded by Adams in his first term.
D) The Democratic party was founded to support Jackson’s presidency, whereas the Whig
party was founded to counter Jackson’s attack on the Bank.
E) The Whig party was founded to elect Jackson whereas the Democratic party was founded
to counter Jackson’s attack on the Bank.
Answer: D
Rationale:
The foundation of the Democratic party differed from that of the Whig Party in that the
Democratic party was founded to support Jackson’s presidency, whereas the Whig party was
founded to counter Jackson’s attack on the Bank. The Democratic Party coalesced around
Jackson's populist agenda and his opposition to the Bank of the United States, while the Whig
Party emerged in opposition to Jacksonian policies, advocating for a stronger federal
government and the preservation of the Bank.
40. The “kitchen cabinet” was ________.
A) Jackson’s special staff of gourmet chefs who prepared White House meals, demonstrating
his hypocrisy with regard to social deference
B) a reference to the fact that the only place Jackson could consult with his official advisors
in secrecy was in the White House kitchen
C) Jackson’s circle of unofficial advisors
D) the oldest piece of furniture in the White House, saved from destruction by then General
Jackson when the British burned the executive mansion in 1814
E) where Jackson kept his state papers, demonstrating his humility and true “common man”
character
Answer: C
Rationale:
The “kitchen cabinet” refers to Jackson’s circle of unofficial advisors. These individuals, who
were informally consulted by Jackson on matters of policy and politics, held considerable
influence despite not holding official government positions. They played a significant role in
shaping Jackson's decisions and policies during his presidency.
41. Why was Jackson’s view of the 1832 election results suspect?
A) He was accused of having made a deal with his close friend, Martin Van Buren, in
exchange for electoral college votes.
B) He didn’t win by a very large margin, yet he took the results to mean the nation supported
his Native American removal policies.
C) He lost the popular vote but won the electoral college vote, increasing his suspicion that
states should not have sovereignty.
D) He beat Adams a second time, assuring himself that the nation supported his financial and
foreign policies as they differed greatly from Adams’.
E) He took it to be a mandate to attack the national bank.
Answer: E
Rationale:
Jackson’s view of the 1832 election results was suspect because despite not winning by a
significant margin, he interpreted his victory as a mandate to attack the national bank. This
interpretation led to his subsequent actions against the Bank of the United States, including
the removal of federal deposits and the subsequent economic repercussions.
42. What did resistance within Jackson’s own cabinet suggest about his attack on the national
bank?
A) The cabinet resistance suggested that Jackson was a tyrant who would brook no
competition.
B) The cabinet resistance suggested that withdrawing funds from the national bank and
depositing it in state banks was probably unconstitutional.
C) The cabinet resistance suggested that killing the bank was a politically risky act that might
damage future Senatorial aspirations.
D) The cabinet resistance shows that Jackson was a charismatic leader who orchestrated his
actions with the same precision with which he lead his army.
E) The cabinet resistance demonstrated that Jackson was a weak president with Congress and
the Supreme Court despite his popular appeal.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Resistance within Jackson’s own cabinet suggested that withdrawing funds from the national
bank and depositing them in state banks, as part of Jackson's attack on the national bank, was
likely unconstitutional. This internal dissent reflected concerns about the legality and
potential consequences of Jackson's actions.
43. Why was the Panic of 1837 significant for President Van Buren?
A) Van Buren had to respond but was hampered by his own party’s laissez-faire policies,
dooming his reelection.
B) The Whigs blamed Van Buren for the crisis, further strengthening their popular appeal.
C) The Democrats blamed Van Buren for the crisis, further strengthening their popular
appeal.
D) Van Buren responded contrary to his political party’s laissez-faire policies, forcing the
economy into enough of a rebound to win him a second term.
E) His predecessor, Jackson, had caused the crisis, so Van Buren was taxed with fixing it
without insinuating the popular president from his own political party.
Answer: A
Rationale:
The Panic of 1837 was significant for President Van Buren because he had to respond to the
crisis while being hampered by his own party's laissez-faire policies, which limited
government intervention in the economy. This dilemma made it difficult for Van Buren to
address the economic downturn effectively, contributing to his challenges for reelection.
44. What did the Whigs mean by “executive usurpation”?
A) Jackson had usurped the executive presidential power by abusing the Constitution in the
Nullification Crisis and Bank War.
B) Democrats had usurped the executive power by creating a corrupt bargain between
President Adams and Henry Clay.
C) Jackson was a weak president, giving in to states that usurped federal prerogatives.
D) The Whigs wanted to usurp Jackson’s executive powers by winning back the presidency.
E) They saw Adams as a tyrannical executive who had usurped the democratic powers of the
presidency.
Answer: A
Rationale:
The Whigs meant by “executive usurpation” that Jackson had usurped the executive
presidential power by allegedly abusing the Constitution during the Nullification Crisis and
Bank War. They criticized Jackson for what they perceived as excessive use of presidential
authority in dealing with these crises, which they viewed as undermining the balance of
powers prescribed by the Constitution.
45. How did the two-party political system of 1840 differ from the previous system?
A) In 1840, there was a two-party system, which only allowed for two candidates; in
Jefferson’s time there were many parties and candidates.
B) In 1840, the two-party system was regionally organized, meaning there were more than
two candidates; in Jefferson’s time parties were national.
C) In 1840, the two-party system dominated political, social, and economic life; during
Jefferson’s time, political parties had a much narrower, political impact.
D) In 1840, the two-party system had little impact on people’s lives, whereas political parties
of Jefferson’s time affected politics, social life, and economics.
E) In 1840, there were no real differences between the two parties, so voters had no real
choice; before, political parties and candidates had varied greatly.
Answer: C
Rationale:
The two-party political system of 1840 differed from the previous system in that it dominated
political, social, and economic life. In contrast, during Jefferson’s time, political parties had a
narrower political impact, and their influence was not as pervasive across various aspects.
46. To what was French historian Alexis de Tocqueville referring to when he wrote that
Americans did not believe “that democratic principles should undermine the husband’s
authority and make it doubtful who is in charge of the family”?
A) In France, unlike in the U.S., women experienced true democracy both in and outside of
the home.
B) In the U.S., women did not experience true democracy in or outside of their homes.
C) In the U.S., unlike in France, women experienced true democracy both in and outside of
the home.
D) Democracy undermines women’s rights and safety in the American home.
E) U.S. democracy supports and establishes women’s rights in the American home.
Answer: B
Rationale:
French historian Alexis de Tocqueville was referring to the patriarchal nature of American
society, where democratic principles did not challenge the traditional authority of husbands
within the family. This observation highlights the limited scope of democracy in terms of
gender equality during that time.
47. To what was French historian Alexis de Tocqueville referring when he wrote, “it is
possible to foresee that the freer the whites in America are, the more they will seek to isolate
themselves”?
A) The more rights and liberties whites obtain, the less willing they are to share those rights
with others such as African or Native Americans.
B) Democracy breeds in people (white Americans especially) an isolationist attitude, causing
them to eschew involvement in foreign affairs.
C) As all whites gain rights and liberties despite social or economic status, they will be more
willing to share those rights with nonwhites.
D) In order to gain rights and liberties, whites must oppress others, namely African and
Native Americans. E) Because white Americans are isolated from African and Native
Americans, they do not see that they do not share the same rights and liberties.
Answer: A
Rationale:
French historian Alexis de Tocqueville's statement reflects the idea that as white Americans
gain more rights and liberties, they become less willing to share those rights with others, such
as African or Native Americans. This isolationist tendency highlights underlying racial
tensions and inequalities in American society.
48. Like the earlier Federalist-Jeffersonian Republican split, Whigs and Democrats were
divided on A) Indian education versus Indian removal.
B) unicameral versus bicameral legislatures.
C) alliance with France or Britain.
D) confederation versus a federal union.
E) states’ right versus federal power.
Answer: E
Rationale:
The division between Whigs and Democrats mirrored the earlier Federalist-Jeffersonian
Republican split on the issue of states' rights versus federal power. This ideological difference
was central to their political platforms and policies.
49. How does Jackson’s interpretation of the “spoils system” compare to that of earlier
presidents? A) He condemned it in theory and practice.
B) Jackson condemned Jefferson for using the system, but himself continued its use.
C) Jackson had been an outspoken opponent of the practice, but used it when in office.
D) Jackson spoke of the system as democratic in principle.
E) Jackson rejected the system, believing it maintained inherited privilege.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Jackson's interpretation of the "spoils system" differed from earlier presidents in that he spoke
of the system as democratic in principle. He defended the practice of appointing loyal
supporters to government positions as a means of promoting democracy and ensuring
accountability to the electorate.
50. How do economic crises today compare to the Panic of 1837?
A) The Panic of 1837 was caused by Andrew Jackson’s laissez-faire policies; today
politicians regulate commerce more, avoiding panics and recessions.
B) The Panic of 1837 was caused by international fluctuations; today panics and recessions
are usually localized within regions and countries.
C) Like the Panic of 1837, panics and recessions today may be caused by international
fluctuations natural to a capitalistic economy.
D) Like the Panic of 1837, panics and recessions today are caused by tight governmental
controls on commerce.
E) Like the Panic of 1837, panics and recessions today are the primary cause of presidents
losing reelection campaigns.
Answer: C
Rationale:
Economic crises today may be compared to the Panic of 1837 in that both may be caused by
international fluctuations natural to a capitalistic economy. This similarity underscores the
interconnectedness of global economic systems and their impact on domestic economies.
Essay
1. How did American culture in the 1820s and 1830s reflect the democratic impulse of the
period?
Answer: American culture in the 1820s and 1830s reflected the democratic impulse of the
period through various aspects. Cultural expressions, such as literature and art, increasingly
focused on themes of equality, individualism, and the experiences of common people. This
period saw the rise of a vibrant popular culture, including the spread of newspapers, novels,
and theater productions that appealed to a broader audience. The emergence of mass political
rallies, public debates, and the celebration of folk traditions further showcased the growing
influence of ordinary citizens in shaping cultural norms and expressions.
2. How did the democratization of the political system affect the practice of politics? What
factors limited political participation during this era?
Answer: The democratization of the political system during this era fundamentally changed
the practice of politics by expanding suffrage, decentralizing power, and increasing the
influence of ordinary citizens. Political parties became more organized and responsive to
popular demands, leading to the rise of grassroots activism and mass mobilization. However,
despite these democratic advancements, several factors limited political participation.
Property qualifications for voting and holding office disenfranchised many, particularly
women, African Americans, and Native Americans. Additionally, voter intimidation, party
machines, and corrupt practices in elections restricted genuine democratic representation.
3. How did the tumultuous political struggles of the Jacksonian era influence the rise of a
second two-party system? What relationship did the Whigs and Democrats have with earlier
party divisions?
Answer: The tumultuous political struggles of the Jacksonian era played a significant role in
shaping the emergence of a second two-party system in the United States. Jackson's
presidency witnessed the formation of the Democratic Party, which emphasized the interests
of the common people, particularly white male suffrage. In response to Jacksonian policies,
opposition coalesced around the Whig Party, which drew support from diverse groups,
including northern industrialists, southern planters, and advocates of governmental reforms.
While the Whigs and Democrats represented different factions, their roots can be traced back
to earlier party divisions, such as the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, albeit with
shifting ideologies and coalitions.
Test Bank for The American Story
Robert A. Divine, T. H. Breen, R. Hal Williams, Ariela J. Gross, H. W. Brands
9780205900688
