Preview Extract
Chapter seven
Democracy and dissent: the violence of party politics, 1788–1800
Multiple Choice
1. Members of the Federalist party ________.
A) advocated states’ rights
B) supported the French Revolution
C) wanted Thomas Jefferson to be president
D) supported a strong national government
E) despised centralized economic planning
Answer: D
Rationale:
The Federalist Party, led by figures like Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, advocated for
a strong national government with centralized authority. They believed in a robust federal
system capable of promoting economic development, maintaining order, and protecting
national interests. This stance distinguished them from other factions, such as the
Democratic-Republicans, who favored more emphasis on states' rights and limited federal
authority.
2. For many Americans, George Washington was ________.
A) a symbol of the new government
B) a routine, typical political leader
C) not a popular leader
D) a threat to proclaim himself king
E) a good general, but not necessarily a good politician
Answer: A
Rationale:
George Washington was widely regarded as a symbol of the new American government
following the Revolutionary War. His leadership during the war and his stature as the nation's
first president elevated him to a position of great respect and admiration among the American
people. Washington's reputation for integrity, leadership, and commitment to the principles of
republicanism solidified his status as a revered figure in American history.
3. Which of the following Native American groups were peaceful farmers and herdsmen?
A) the Sioux
B) the Kiowa
C) the Seminole
D) the Pueblo peoples
E) the Comanche
Answer: D
Rationale:
The Pueblo peoples were known for their peaceful farming and herding practices. They
cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and squash, and raised livestock like sheep and cattle.
The Pueblo societies were primarily settled agricultural communities, emphasizing a
sedentary lifestyle and a focus on agriculture and pastoralism rather than warfare or nomadic
pursuits.
4. Which of the following individuals was NOT a member of George Washington’s first
government?
A) Thomas Jefferson
B) James Madison
C) Edmund Randolph
D) Alexander Hamilton
E) Henry Knox
Answer: B
Rationale:
James Madison was not a member of George Washington's first government. While he was a
prominent figure in the early American government and played a crucial role in the formation
of the Democratic-Republican Party, he did not serve in George Washington's initial cabinet.
The other options, Thomas Jefferson, Edmund Randolph, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry
Knox, all held positions in Washington's administration.
5. By the end of Washington’s first term of office, ________.
A) political harmony had unified the cabinet
B) political squabbling had divided the government
C) political parties had not yet formed
D) the machinery of government had been brought to a standstill
E) politicians listened only to public opinion
Answer: B
Rationale:
By the end of Washington's first term, political squabbling had divided the government.
During Washington's presidency, key figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Alexander
Hamilton clashed over fundamental issues such as the national debt, the economy, and the
scope of federal power. This division laid the groundwork for the emergence of the first
political parties in the United States, with Jefferson leading the Democratic-Republicans and
Hamilton leading the Federalists.
6. The greatest challenge facing the first Washington administration was ________.
A) foreign affairs
B) waging war with Native Americans
C) setting the government’s finances in order
D) territorial expansion
E) regulating interstate trade
Answer: C
Rationale:
Setting the government's finances in order was indeed the greatest challenge facing the first
Washington administration. The newly formed United States faced significant debt from the
Revolutionary War, and establishing a stable financial system was crucial for the country's
economic stability and credibility.
7. Hamilton’s Report on the Public Credit recommended ________.
A) the renunciation of all old government debts
B) that the federal government assume remaining state debts
C) that the states fund most government activities
D) that bankers be restricted in their dealings with the federal government
E) that the federal government offer its creditors 80 percent of the face value of its
obligations
Answer: B
Rationale:
Hamilton's Report on the Public Credit recommended that the federal government assume the
remaining state debts. This recommendation was aimed at centralizing the national debt
under the federal government's control and establishing federal credit.
8. James Madison opposed Hamilton’s proposal for the public debt because ________.
A) he feared Hamilton’s growing political power
B) the powers of state government would be reduced
C) he believed only speculators would benefit
D) it did not foster the government of the Revolution
E) many soldiers had lost the old loan certificates that entitled them to payment
Answer: C
Rationale:
James Madison opposed Hamilton's proposal for the public debt because he believed only
speculators would benefit. Madison was concerned that Hamilton's plan would primarily
benefit wealthy investors who had purchased government bonds at a fraction of their original
value, rather than the original holders of the debt.
9. Opposition to Hamilton’s proposed national bank ________.
A) was based on “loose construction” of the Constitution
B) reflected the fears of private bankers
C) was justified because his plans so clearly favored a few “monied interests.”
D) generally did not involve the general public
E) involved issues relating to Congress’s constitutional powers
Answer: E
Rationale:
Opposition to Hamilton's proposed national bank involved issues relating to Congress's
constitutional powers. Critics argued that the creation of a national bank exceeded the powers
granted to Congress by the Constitution, leading to debates over the interpretation of the
Constitution and the extent of federal authority.
10. Creation of the Bank of the United States was based on the doctrine of ________.
A) strict construction
B) states’ rights
C) implied powers
D) judicial review
E) checks and balances
Answer: C
Rationale:
Creation of the Bank of the United States was based on the doctrine of implied powers.
Advocates, including Alexander Hamilton, argued that the establishment of the bank was
necessary and proper for carrying out the government's enumerated powers, such as
regulating commerce and collecting taxes, even though the Constitution did not explicitly
mention a national bank.
11. The Report on Manufactures suggested ________.
A) low tariffs on imported goods
B) congressional taxes on industrial goods
C) protective tariffs
D) strict laissez faire
E) a fluctuating tariff schedule
Answer: C
Rationale:
The Report on Manufactures suggested protective tariffs. Alexander Hamilton, who authored
the report, advocated for protective tariffs to encourage domestic manufacturing by making
imported goods more expensive compared to domestically produced ones.
12. During Washington’s second term in office, ________.
A) foreign affairs became a much more important focus
B) relations with Great Britain and France improved dramatically
C) Hamilton and Jefferson resolved their differences over domestic policy
D) Hamilton ceased to be a force in American politics
E) the European war unified American officials in support of France
Answer: A
Rationale:
During Washington's second term, foreign affairs became a much more important focus. The
outbreak of war in Europe and issues such as the French Revolution and British impressment
of American sailors demanded significant attention from the administration.
13. In the early 1790s, British actions toward the United States indicated ________.
A) respect for the status of the new nation
B) a desire to recruit the United States as a close ally
C) disdain for American rights
D) a willingness to join the French in taking advantage of the new country
E) the need for American resources to feed and clothe British troops
Answer: C
Rationale:
In the early 1790s, British actions toward the United States indicated disdain for American
rights. British impressment of American sailors, violations of American sovereignty, and
support for Native American resistance against American expansion demonstrated a lack of
respect for American sovereignty and rights.
14. Thomas Jefferson felt it was important that the U.S. government ________.
A) foster strong ties with Great Britain
B) support business and industrial development
C) decrease the role agriculture played in the American economy
D) lean toward France in the event it clashed with Britain
E) expand the franchise
Answer: D
Rationale:
Thomas Jefferson felt it was important that the U.S. government lean toward France in the
event it clashed with Britain. Jefferson was sympathetic to the French Revolution and
believed that America's interests aligned more closely with France than with Great Britain.
15. Jay’s Treaty succeeded in ________.
A) getting British troops to withdraw from the northwest forts
B) opening New Orleans to U.S. commerce
C) pacifying Southerners who had lost slaves during the war
D) humiliating the French
E) calming Washington’s anxieties
Answer: A
Rationale:
Jay's Treaty succeeded in getting British troops to withdraw from the northwest forts. One of
the key provisions of Jay's Treaty was the British agreement to evacuate their forts in the
Northwest Territory, which they had occupied since the end of the Revolutionary War.
16. As a result of the Battle of Fallen Timbers, ________.
A) Great Britain continued to dominate the western frontier
B) the United States withdrew from the western frontier
C) the Indians scored a decisive victory
D) the inadequacy of the American army was made evident
E) the British encouraged Native Americans to give up their land
Answer: B
Rationale:
As a result of the Battle of Fallen Timbers, the United States withdrew from the western
frontier. The defeat of Native American forces at Fallen Timbers opened up much of the Ohio
Territory to American settlement, as Native resistance to American expansion was
significantly weakened.
17. Which of the following statements about the Whiskey Rebellion is FALSE?
A) It took place in western Pennsylvania.
B) It lent credence to fears of political violence against the government.
C) It involved an attempt to prohibit the consumption of whiskey and other alcoholic
beverages.
D) The Washington administration’s reaction to it was excessive.
E) It increased Republican electoral strength along the frontier.
Answer: C
Rationale:
The false statement is C) It involved an attempt to prohibit the consumption of whiskey and
other alcoholic beverages. The Whiskey Rebellion was not about prohibition but rather
opposition to the excise tax on whiskey imposed by the federal government.
18. Washington’s Farewell Address ________.
A) warned against creating a strong military
B) brought harmony to the political system
C) supported the political ideology of Jefferson and Madison
D) advised against an alliance with France
E) wholeheartedly endorsed the two-party system
Answer: D
Rationale:
Washington's Farewell Address advised against an alliance with France. Washington
cautioned against entangling alliances with foreign nations, including France, as he believed
such alliances could draw the United States into conflicts that did not serve its interests.
19. The election of 1796 was complicated by ________.
A) changes in the nation’s voting laws
B) interference from British diplomats
C) behind-the-scenes manipulations by Alexander Hamilton
D) Washington’s refusal to stay out of politics
E) confusion over the differences between Federalists and Republicans
Answer: C
Rationale:
The election of 1796 was complicated by behind-the-scenes manipulations by Alexander
Hamilton. Hamilton's actions, including his efforts to influence the selection of Federalist
candidates and his disagreements with John Adams, added complexity to the electoral
process.
20. During the Adams administration, ________.
A) Great Britain continued to pose problems for the nation
B) domestic problems occupied the president’s full attention
C) France reacted negatively to the terms of Jay’s Treaty
D) few Americans seemed concerned with foreign affairs
E) France became a closer ally thanks to the terms of Jay’s Treaty
Answer: C
Rationale:
During the Adams administration, France reacted negatively to the terms of Jay's Treaty. The
French viewed Jay's Treaty as evidence of America siding with Great Britain, leading to
tensions between the United States and France and the XYZ Affair.
21. In 1798, the Federalists sponsored a military buildup with the intention of ________.
A) taking the French West Indies
B) suppressing internal political dissent
C) conquering Canada
D) pacifying the Indian tribes of the Ohio Valley
E) pumping federal dollars into a sagging economy
Answer: B
Rationale:
The Federalists sponsored a military buildup in 1798 with the intention of suppressing
internal political dissent. This was primarily in response to concerns over domestic
opposition to Federalist policies, particularly criticism of the Alien and Sedition Acts.
22. According to the Kentucky Resolutions, ________.
A) ultimate power always remained with the federal government
B) states had the right to nullify federal law under certain circumstances
C) the Sedition Act was worthy of enforcement by the states
D) Kentucky chose to remain neutral in the contest between Hamilton and Jefferson
E) the “general welfare” of the nation should be the guiding principle in state decisions
Answer: B
Rationale:
According to the Kentucky Resolutions, states had the right to nullify federal law under
certain circumstances. These resolutions, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison,
asserted the principle of states' rights and argued that states could interpose themselves
between unconstitutional federal actions and their citizens.
23. As a result of the actions taken by President Adams in 1799, ________.
A) he was overwhelmingly reelected in 1800
B) the United States resolved its differences with France
C) the Federalist Party remained the major party
D) France compensated the United States for ships taken
E) the French added even more restrictions on U.S. commerce
Answer: B
Rationale:
As a result of the actions taken by President Adams in 1799, the United States resolved its
differences with France. Adams's diplomatic efforts helped avoid a full-scale war with
France, leading to the negotiation of the Convention of 1800, which ended the FrancoAmerican Quasi-War.
24. The Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution ________.
A) changed the process of electing the president and vice president
B) decreased presidential power
C) heightened the potential for further political conflict
D) stopped the African slave trade
E) dealt with the judicial power of the United States
Answer: A
Rationale:
The Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution changed the process of electing the president and
vice president. It was ratified in 1804 in response to issues that arose during the election of
1800, particularly the tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr in the Electoral College.
25. Each of the following is true of the election of 1800 EXCEPT ________.
A) Alexander Hamilton intrigued to keep his own party’s candidate from winning
B) the Federalist Party was hopelessly split
C) the electoral college decided the election
D) Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson tied for president
E) it led to changes in the presidential electoral process
Answer: C
Rationale:
The false statement is C) the electoral college decided the election. In the election of 1800,
the Electoral College initially tied in the vote for president between Thomas Jefferson and
Aaron Burr, leading to a contingent election in the House of Representatives where Jefferson
was eventually chosen as president.
26. Why did Jeffersonians fear strong financial institutions?
A) Most were simple farmers who did not understand banking policy.
B) They resented Federalists, who tended to have more money.
C) They held firm religious beliefs about the sin of greed.
D) Most were anti-Semitic, believing that banks were controlled by Jewish interests.
E) They believed that banks were the root of corruption in the British government.
Answer: E
Rationale:
Jeffersonians feared strong financial institutions because they believed that banks were the
root of corruption in the British government. They saw concentrated financial power as a
threat to democracy and individual liberty, viewing it as a tool for consolidating wealth and
political influence.
27. How was Washington’s election to the presidency different from that of every president
since?
A) He was unanimously elected by the Electoral College.
B) He was elected by the public as there was no Electoral College yet.
C) He was not “elected” but rather appointed by Congress.
D) He is the only army general to become president.
E) He is the only president who wasn’t born on American soil.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Washington's election to the presidency was different from that of every president since
because he was unanimously elected by the Electoral College. He remains the only president
to have received a unanimous electoral vote.
28. Which of these was true of U.S. political leaders in the 1790s?
A) Many of those who had collaborated closely during the American Revolution found
themselves bitter enemies.
B) Political leadership passed from those active in the American Revolution to a new
generation of statesmen.
C) Friendships among those active in the American Revolution continued under Washington’s
two terms. D) Differences that developed during the Revolution created the political parties
that emerged under Washington.
E) While those who were prominent remained united, political parties emerged under the
leadership of a new generation of leaders.
Answer: A
Rationale:
The true statement is A) Many of those who had collaborated closely during the American
Revolution found themselves bitter enemies. The political landscape of the 1790s saw the
emergence of bitter rivalries and divisions among former allies, leading to the formation of
political parties and intense political conflicts.
29. Which of the following was NOT a Hamiltonian idea?
A) Private greed could be the source of public good.
B) The new government depended primarily on the wealthiest Americans.
C) France was the United States’ most important ally.
D) A national bank was necessary for the country’s economic health.
E) Anarchy was a greater threat than monarchy.
Answer: C
Rationale:
The statement that was NOT a Hamiltonian idea is C) France was the United States' most
important ally. Hamilton favored closer ties with Britain and believed that Britain, rather than
France, was a more stable and beneficial ally for the United States.
30. How did Hamilton demonstrate his dedication in developing his plan for prosperity and
security?
A) He consulted his friends and colleagues in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Virginia.
B) He surveyed and patiently listened to his political enemies, especially Jefferson and
Madison.
C) He traveled to England and France, studying their economic institutions and industrial
centers.
D) He traveled around the United States, even into the Western Territories, to gain a true
sense of the nation’s fiscal status.
E) He conducted a survey of political and economic leaders on the subject.
Answer: E
Rationale:
Hamilton demonstrated his dedication in developing his plan for prosperity and security by
conducting a survey of political and economic leaders on the subject. He gathered input and
support from influential figures across the country to bolster his financial and economic
proposals.
31. Why did opponents criticize Hamilton’s assumption program?
A) It rewarded states like Massachusetts, which had sloppy financial systems, for
nonpayment of debt.
B) It proposed a lengthy and unrealistic policy of repaying the original holders of the debt.
C) Only the poor would profit from the program, disadvantaging the rich and creating larger
economic issues.
D) The program was disproportionately favorable to the South.
E) The program could lead to the establishment of a monarchy.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Opponents criticized Hamilton's assumption program because it rewarded states like
Massachusetts, which had sloppy financial systems, for nonpayment of debt. Critics argued
that this unfairly burdened states that had been responsible in managing their finances and
rewarded those that had been irresponsible.
32. Why didn’t Washington veto Hamilton’s bank bill?
A) He agreed with it wholeheartedly.
B) He didn’t like it, but he knew it was best for the country.
C) Jefferson made a strong argument for it, and Hamilton argued weakly against it.
D) Hamilton made a strong argument for it, and Jefferson argued weakly against it.
E) The Supreme Court had already approved it.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Washington didn't veto Hamilton's bank bill because Hamilton made a strong argument for it,
and Jefferson argued weakly against it. Hamilton's persuasive arguments for the necessity of
a national bank, coupled with Jefferson's less compelling objections, convinced Washington
not to veto the bill.
33. Which of the following would Alexander Hamilton have proposed?
A) strong diplomatic ties with France
B) the purchase of western lands
C) expanding the franchise
D) placing tighter controls on commerce
E) modeling the banking system on the German model
Answer: D
Rationale:
Alexander Hamilton would have proposed placing tighter controls on commerce. Hamilton
favored a strong central government and believed that regulation of commerce was essential
for economic development and stability, aligning with his broader economic policies.
34. In saying “We are all republicans; we are all federalists” Jefferson meant that _______.
A) Republicans and Federalist should be united against the Whigs
B) he hoped to make common cause with the Federalists
C) there were no real differences between these two parties
D) Americans still shared a common political ideology
E) the real threat was the Whig-Tory split
Answer: D
Rationale:
In saying "We are all republicans; we are all federalists," Jefferson meant that Americans still
shared a common political ideology. He sought to emphasize unity and the common interests
of all citizens, regardless of their party affiliations, in promoting the ideals of republicanism
and federalism.
35. How were political parties formed in the United States?
A) Each congressman voted on possible party affiliations.
B) They were a simple continuation of Federalist and Antifederalist groups.
C) Opponents who had disagreed on economic policy split further regarding foreign
alliances.
D) Political parties developed out of the personal followings of Jefferson and Hamilton.
E) Washington, seeing how divided the country was about slavery, proposed political parties
as a way for people to disagree civilly.
Answer: C
Rationale:
Political parties were formed in the United States as opponents who had disagreed on
economic policy split further regarding foreign alliances. Disagreements over issues such as
the French Revolution and foreign policy led to the formation of distinct political factions,
which eventually coalesced into the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties.
36. Initially, why did Americans want to remain neutral when war broke out in Europe?
A) Neutrality seemed safest.
B) Most Americans believed only in nonviolent solutions to conflicts.
C) Most Americans didn’t care about a war a whole ocean away.
D) Americans were tired of fighting as they had just finished the Revolution.
E) Both Britain and France were generous, powerful allies.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Initially, Americans wanted to remain neutral when war broke out in Europe because
neutrality seemed safest. The United States, still a young nation, sought to avoid
entanglement in the conflicts between European powers and protect its own interests.
37. What was Hamilton’s impact on Jay’s Treaty?
A) He counseled Jay on whom to see and what to say when he went to England.
B) He wrote the terms of the treaty, consolidating his and Madison’s ideas.
C) He informed the French of the treaty, allowing them to attack England.
D) He set the terms of the treaty by secret communications with Britain.
E) He filibustered in Congress, stalling the ratification until the treaty expired.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Hamilton's impact on Jay's Treaty was that he set the terms of the treaty by secret
communications with Britain. Hamilton played a significant role in shaping the treaty's terms
and ensuring that it aligned with his vision for American foreign policy, despite objections
from Democratic-Republicans.
38. Why did Spain agree to the terms of Pinckney’s Treaty?
A) It mistook Jay’s Treaty for an Anglo-American alliance.
B) It needed the additional sources of revenue.
C) It needed protection on its southwest borders.
D) The United States threatened direct military action.
E) It thought America and France had agreed to take Spain’s North American land.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Spain agreed to the terms of Pinckney's Treaty because it mistook Jay's Treaty for an AngloAmerican alliance. Concerned about the possibility of an alliance between Britain and the
United States, Spain sought to improve relations with the United States by agreeing to
favorable terms in Pinckney's Treaty.
39. Why did Washington view the Whiskey Rebellion as treason?
A) The rebellious farmers elicited the help of Native Americans, creating a quasi civil war.
B) He thought French agents had supported the protest.
C) Because Britain supplied the rebellious farmers with money and arms, Washington
assumed that they were siding with the enemy.
D) Because France was having its own revolutionary war, Washington worried the violence
would lead to civil war.
E) The rebellious farmers began to ship and sell their whiskey to France and England,
breaking U.S. trade agreements.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Washington viewed the Whiskey Rebellion as treason because he thought French agents had
supported the protest. Given the tensions between the United States and France at the time,
Washington suspected that the rebellion might have been incited or supported by agents of
the French government, which he considered a hostile act.
40. Why had Washington’s political alliance shifted by the end of his presidency?
A) Disillusioned by political factions, he created his own political party.
B) He regretted supporting England in the war, and began to support France.
C) He regretted supporting France in the war, and began to support England.
D) He shifted from neutrality to a closer alliance with the Federalists.
E) He shifted from neutrality to a closer alliance with the Republicans.
Answer: E
Rationale:
Washington's political alliance shifted by the end of his presidency because he shifted from
neutrality to a closer alliance with the Republicans. Initially seeking to maintain neutrality
and unity, Washington became increasingly disillusioned
41. How was John Adams’s presidency made much more difficult?
A) He lacked experience with government.
B) Alexander Hamilton interfered and opposed him constantly.
C) Jefferson refused to cooperate with a Federalist president.
D) America continued to have problems with the British on the seas.
E) Adams could not communicate well with Jefferson.
Answer: B
Rationale:
John Adams's presidency was made much more difficult because Alexander Hamilton
interfered and opposed him constantly. Hamilton, a powerful figure within the Federalist
Party, often clashed with Adams over various policy matters, creating significant challenges
for Adams during his presidency.
42. How are the Quasi-War and the XYZ Affair related?
A) The XYZ Affair was the most significant “battle” in the Quasi-War between the U.S. and
France.
B) The Quasi-War was one factor leading to the XYZ Affair.
C) They XYZ Affair and the Quasi-War are examples of European attacks on the United
States.
D) The XYZ Affair ended the Quasi-War between the U.S. and France.
E) The XYZ Affair was a disagreement between England and the U.S., whereas the QuasiWar was a disagreement between France and the U.S.
Answer: B
Rationale:
The Quasi-War was one factor leading to the XYZ Affair. The Quasi-War, an undeclared
naval war between the United States and France, heightened tensions between the two
countries and contributed to the diplomatic incident known as the XYZ Affair.
43. How did the XYZ Affair affect U.S. politics?
A) Adams declared war on France.
B) France suffered diplomatic humiliation at the hands of the U.S.
C) Hamilton resisted the idea of a strong army.
D) Adams and Jefferson reached a political impasse.
E) High Federalists used the tensions it created as an excuse for military expansion.
Answer: E
Rationale:
The XYZ Affair affected U.S. politics by prompting High Federalists to use the tensions it
created as an excuse for military expansion. The affair heightened anti-French sentiment in
the United States and provided justification for Federalist efforts to strengthen the military
and expand federal power.
44. Why did Congress pass the Naturalization Law?
A) to help immigrants assimilate into society
B) to allow the government to deport undesirable aliens
C) to allow the Federalists to maintain political control
D) to create a heterogeneous society for America
E) to keep out eastern European immigrants
Answer: C
Rationale:
Congress passed the Naturalization Law to allow the Federalists to maintain political control.
The Naturalization Act of 1798, part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, extended the residency
requirement for U.S. citizenship from 5 to 14 years, making it more difficult for immigrants
to become citizens and vote, thereby strengthening the Federalist Party's political position.
45. Why did the Sedition Act distress many Americans?
A) It threatened their political right to disagree with and speak out against the government.
B) It gave the Federalists too much power and reduced the Republicans’ power.
C) It suspended free elections, depriving all white males of their voting rights.
D) It expanded the powers of Congress, which meant bigger government.
E) It allowed libel convictions without a jury trial, affecting people’s judicial rights.
Answer: A
Rationale:
The Sedition Act distressed many Americans because it threatened their political right to
disagree with and speak out against the government. The act criminalized criticism of the
government, leading to concerns about violations of free speech and the suppression of
political dissent.
46. Why did Jefferson and Madison oppose the Alien and Sedition Acts?
A) The acts deprived poor farmers of their voting and civil rights.
B) The acts expanded federal power.
C) Jefferson and Madison opposed all of Hamilton’s acts on principle.
D) The acts didn’t support a strong central government.
E) The acts essentially rewrote the Constitution without due process.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Jefferson and Madison opposed the Alien and Sedition Acts because the acts expanded
federal power. Both Jefferson and Madison, as proponents of limited government and states'
rights, viewed the acts as unconstitutional and as dangerous expansions of federal authority
that threatened individual liberties and the principles of republicanism.
47. In what sense was the election of 1800 a “peaceful revolution”?
A) The public marched in the streets, chanting and holding signs in support of their
candidates.
B) There was only one candidate for president, so he won without political battle.
C) The House and the Senate disagreed about who should be president, so they created the
Electoral College—a revolutionary but peaceful solution.
D) Although politicians passionately disagreed about who should be president, a new
president was elected peacefully, in spite of electoral glitches.
E) Power passed quietly from Washington to Jefferson.
Answer: D
Rationale:
The election of 1800 was a "peaceful revolution" in the sense that, although politicians
passionately disagreed about who should be president, a new president was elected
peacefully, in spite of electoral glitches. This transition of power from Federalists to
Democratic-Republicans marked a significant change in U.S. politics without resorting to
violence or upheaval.
48. How did Washington’s and Adam’s cabinets compare to those of today?
A) They were much smaller, consisting of only three offices, whereas today’s cabinet
comprises dozens of secretaries and thousands of employees.
B) They were much larger; having to lay the groundwork for a new nation required more
manpower than running a superpower today.
C) Their cabinets had less power; they acted only as advisors to the president and couldn’t
create any actual policies.
D) Their cabinet members, being from the same political party, accomplished more by
cooperating better than today’s members.
E) Their cabinets met less frequently as they were busy traveling about the country or
Europe, whereas today’s members stay mainly in Washington, D.C.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Washington’s and Adam’s cabinets were much smaller compared to those of today, consisting
of only three offices, whereas today’s cabinet comprises dozens of secretaries and thousands
of employees. In the early days of the nation, the executive branch was smaller and less
complex, with fewer departments and advisors.
49. How does the financial-political climate of the late eighteenth century compare to today’s
climate?
A) The late eighteenth century was a simpler time; people were either farmers or
professionals; few people discussed politics or financial systems.
B) Debate about politics and finances was more intense in the late eighteenth century; strife
resulted as people established political and financial systems.
C) In the late eighteenth century, politics and finances were intertwined; today financial
institutions are separate from the influence of political systems.
D) Both the financial and political climates of the late eighteenth century and today can be
characterized as generally peaceful and focused on domestic affairs.
E) The political and financial climates of both times can be characterized as strife-filled,
interdependent on each other, and heavily influenced by foreign affairs.
Answer: E
Rationale:
The political and financial climates of both times can be characterized as strife-filled,
interdependent on each other, and heavily influenced by foreign affairs. In both the late
eighteenth century and today, political decisions and financial policies have significant
impacts on each other. Moreover, foreign affairs play a crucial role in shaping domestic
policies and economic conditions.
50. How did Adams influence the United States’ future land holdings?
A) He proposed a law in Congress to tax English imports at a high rate, generating enough
income to buy the Southwest from Spain.
B) He banned political parties, cooling passionate debates so that the nation could focus on
expansion.
C) He repaired relations with France and created a sense of trust so that the U.S. could
eventually purchase the Louisiana Territory.
D) He gave the U.S. Army permission to clear Native Americans from the lands, using
violence if necessary.
E) He appeased Britain with tax agreements and U.S. army assistance in the war against
France, so Britain gave the U.S. the land that is now Montana.
Answer: C
Rationale:
Adams influenced the United States’ future land holdings by repairing relations with France
and creating a sense of trust so that the U.S. could eventually purchase the Louisiana
Territory. Through diplomacy and negotiation, Adams laid the groundwork for the acquisition
of vast territories, significantly expanding the nation's land holdings and influence.
Essay
1. How did the conflicting views of Hamilton and Jefferson give rise to our first political
parties?
Answer: The conflicting views of Hamilton and Jefferson gave rise to our first political
parties by polarizing public opinion and creating divisions based on ideological differences.
Hamilton, as Secretary of the Treasury, advocated for a strong central government, a national
bank, and an industrial economy, aligning himself with the Federalist Party. Jefferson, as
Secretary of State, favored states' rights, agrarianism, and a strict interpretation of the
Constitution, leading to the formation of the Democratic-Republican Party. Their differing
visions for the future of the United States led to the emergence of distinct political factions,
laying the groundwork for the development of formalized political parties.
2. What was the role of foreign policy issues in the bitter political polarization of the late
1790s?
Answer: Foreign policy issues played a significant role in the bitter political polarization of
the late 1790s by exacerbating tensions between the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.
The United States faced challenges such as the French Revolution and conflicts with Britain,
which fueled debates over neutrality, treaty obligations, and alliances. Federalists tended to
favor closer ties with Britain and a pro-British stance, while Democratic-Republicans
sympathized more with France. These differing foreign policy approaches intensified partisan
divisions, leading to heated debates and contributing to the formation of opposing political
factions.
3. What threat did the Alien and Sedition Acts pose to individual liberties? What threat did
the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions pose to the integrity of the Union? How do these
issues relate to the balance between liberty and order?
Answer: The Alien and Sedition Acts posed a threat to individual liberties by infringing upon
freedom of speech, press, and the rights of immigrants. These acts empowered the federal
government to detain and deport immigrants deemed "dangerous," and criminalized criticism
of the government, undermining basic civil liberties protected by the Constitution. The
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, proposed by Jefferson and Madison, respectively,
asserted states' rights to nullify unconstitutional federal laws, challenging the authority of the
federal government and threatening the unity of the Union. These issues reflect the delicate
balance between liberty and order, as the government sought to maintain order and security
through restrictive measures while risking the erosion of fundamental freedoms guaranteed
by the Constitution. The tension between individual liberties and governmental authority
underscored the challenges of preserving democratic principles in times of political turmoil.
Test Bank for The American Story
Robert A. Divine, T. H. Breen, R. Hal Williams, Ariela J. Gross, H. W. Brands
9780205900688
