TCI, Unit 7, Lesson 21, Section 6

What was the main issue in the Dred Scott case that the Supreme Court needed to decide in 1857?

• Whether Dred Scott had the right to sue in federal court

• Whether the Missouri Compromise was constitutional

• Whether Congress had the power to make laws concerning slavery in the territories

• All of the above

Which state did Dred Scott travel to with his enslaver, where slavery was banned by the Missouri Compromise?

• Maryland

• Wisconsin

• Missouri

• Kansas

How did Chief Justice Roger Taney view slavery, according to the text?

• He was indifferent to the issue of slavery

• He believed slavery was essential for the economy

• He had long been opposed to slavery

• He supported the Missouri Compromise

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court's decision regarding Dred Scott's ability to sue for his freedom?

• The Court decided that he could sue for his freedom

• The Court was undecided and postponed the decision

• The Court decided that he could not sue for his freedom

• The Court ruled in favor of Dred Scott's freedom without a lawsuit

By what margin did the Supreme Court decide that Dred Scott could not sue for his freedom?

• Unanimously

• 5 to 4

• 7 to 2

• 6 to 3

Why did the Court declare that Dred Scott could not sue for his freedom in a federal court?

• Because he was not a citizen and no African American could be a citizen

• Because he had committed a crime

• Because he did not reside in a free state

• Because the Court was in recess

What was the reason the Court gave for declaring the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional?

• Because it was an outdated law

• Because it was not approved by Congress

• Because it was considered as taking property from enslavers without due process

• Because it was not signed by the President

What was the reaction of slaveholders to the Dred Scott decision?

• They were indifferent to the decision

• They were delighted because it settled the issue of slavery in their favor

• They were disappointed by the decision

• They were confused by the legal implications

How did many Northerners feel about the Dred Scott decision?

• They were pleased with the decision

• They were indifferent to the decision

• They were stunned and enraged by the decision

• They were supportive of the decision

How did The New York Independent react to the Supreme Court's decision according to the headline from March 7, 1857?

• They supported the decision

• They showed no clear opinion

• They expressed outrage

• They praised the moral judgment of the court