Election of 1796 Quiz

Who was the Federalist candidate in 1796?

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

• Alexander Hamilton

• James Madison

Answer explanation

The Federalist candidate in the 1796 election was John Adams. He ran against Thomas Jefferson, who was the Democratic-Republican candidate. Adams won the presidency, marking a significant moment in early American politics.

Which political party did Thomas Jefferson belong to in 1796?

• Federalist

• Democratic Republican

• Whig

• Libertarian

Answer explanation

In 1796, Thomas Jefferson was a key figure in the Democratic-Republican Party, which he co-founded. This party opposed the Federalists and advocated for agrarian interests and states' rights.

What does the Election of 1796 show about political divisions?

• Unity

• Sectionalism

• Bipartisanship

• Neutrality

Answer explanation

The Election of 1796 highlighted sectionalism as it revealed deep political divisions between the North and South, with differing interests and priorities influencing voter behavior and party alignment.

Who founded the Federalist Party?

• Alexander Hamilton

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

• George Washington

Answer explanation

The Federalist Party was founded by Alexander Hamilton in the early 1790s. It emerged to support a strong central government and a robust financial system, distinguishing itself from the Democratic-Republican Party led by Thomas Jefferson.

Who founded the Democratic-Republican Party?

• Thomas Jefferson and James Madison

• George Washington and John Adams

• Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr

• Benjamin Franklin and John Jay

Answer explanation

The Democratic-Republican Party was founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in the early 1790s as a response to the Federalist Party, advocating for states' rights and agrarian interests.

Who primarily supported the Federalists?

• Businesspeople in the cities

• Isolated farmers

• Rural workers

• Southern plantation owners

Answer explanation

The Federalists were primarily supported by businesspeople in the cities, as they favored a strong central government to promote commerce and trade, contrasting with the more agrarian interests of isolated farmers and rural workers.

Who primarily supported the Democratic-Republicans?

• Isolated farmers

• Urban merchants

• Northern industrialists

• Western miners

Answer explanation

The Democratic-Republicans primarily supported isolated farmers, as they advocated for agrarian interests and opposed the industrial and commercial focus of the Federalists, aligning more with rural constituents.

Who was a prominent Federalist?

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

• James Madison

• Andrew Jackson

Answer explanation

John Adams was a leading figure in the Federalist Party, advocating for a strong central government. In contrast, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were key figures in the opposing Democratic-Republican Party.

What event involved France attacking American ships trading with Britain?

• The Boston Tea Party

• The XYZ Affair

• The Louisiana Purchase

• The Treaty of Paris

Answer explanation

The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident in the late 1790s where France attacked American ships trading with Britain, leading to an undeclared naval conflict. This event heightened tensions between the U.S. and France.

What did the Americans do in response to French attacks on their ships?

• They declared war on France

• They attempted to talk to the French

• They formed an alliance with Spain

• They stopped trading with Britain

Answer explanation

In response to French attacks on their ships, the Americans chose to attempt dialogue with the French rather than escalating to war or forming alliances, indicating a preference for diplomacy.