Social Studies Pre-Civil War

Which of the following is a reason Americans wanted to expand their territory?

• Settlers wanted land on which to work and build homes.

• Businesses wanted resources and places to sell their goods.

• Leaders wanted the United States to be safe and strong.

• All of the above

What is significant about the Louisiana Purchase in 1803?

• It was the first land added to the United States.

• It greatly benefited many American Indian tribes.

• It reduced the amount of land in the United States.

• It made the United States' land quadruple in size.

What was the main reason American Indians went onto reservations?

• They wanted better farmland.

• The US government forced them to move

• They formed an alliance with Mexicans.

• Buffalo herds led them there

What did President James K.  Polk promise voters  when he ran for president ?

• He would spread American culture to new places

• As president, he would not support Texas for statehood

• He would help Texas win its independence from Mexico

• He would end slavery throughout all American states

How did geography affect settlers on the Oregon Trail?

• Settlers had to cross steep mountains

• Settlers were burned by the sun.

• Settlers carried their belongings in wagons

• Settlers crossed long bridges over canyons.

Which of the following was an effect of the California gold rush?

• Texas became a state

• Soldiers settled in California

• The United States declared war on Mexico

• Hotels, hardware stores, and other businesses in California boomed

What did the Minutemen do that led them to be known as Patriots?

• They provided shelter for soldiers fighting the British

• They boycotted the use of British goods in the colonies.

• They wrote letters criticizing British treatment of colonists

• They were able to prepare quickly for battle with the British

Who established the government of the United States?

• the people of the United States

• the king of the United States

• The British Parliament

• The citizens of England

Under the Articles of Confederation, what was Congress not allowed to do?

• create a firm league of friendship

• make and borrow money

• appoint military officers

• collect taxes

What caused the creation of the first political parties?

• The Articles of Confederation made the central government weak.

• President Washington created new cabinet positions.

• Hamilton and Jefferson had different views that divided Americans

• The states wanted more power and less central government.