The Dred Scott Case Quiz

In what year did Dred Scott first go to trial to sue for his freedom?

• 1843

• 1836

• 1857

• 1847

What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding people of African ancestry?

• They could sue in federal court regardless of their status.

• They were allowed to sue for their freedom in federal court.

• They could become citizens if they were free.

• They could never become citizens of the United States.

Who was Dred Scott's master when he moved to the free state of Illinois?

• Mrs. Emerson

• John Sanford

• Dr. John Emerson

• Peter Blow

Why did Dred Scott believe he had the legal standing to make a claim for freedom?

• Because he was educated.

• Because he lived in a free state and territory for an extended period.

• Because his master had promised him freedom.

• Because he was born a free man.

What was the outcome of the 1850 retrial in the St. Louis circuit court?

• The case was dismissed.

• Scott was sold to another master.

• Scott and his family were declared free.

• Scott was returned to slavery.

How many justices on the Supreme Court of 1856 had biases regarding slavery?

• Nine

• Seven

• Three

• Five

What was the main issue for the Supreme Court to decide in Dred Scott's case?

• Whether the Missouri Compromise was constitutional.

• Whether Scott's stay in free territories granted him freedom.

• Whether slavery was constitutional.

• Whether Scott was a citizen and could sue.

Who wrote the majority opinion for the Supreme Court?

• Dr. John Emerson

• John Sanford

• Roger B. Taney

• Abraham Lincoln

What was the reaction in the South to the Supreme Court's decision?

• Confusion

• Outrage

• Celebration

• Indifference

Who helped pay for Dred Scott's legal fees?

• Dr. John Emerson's family

• John Sanford

• Peter Blow's sons

• Abraham Lincoln