Age of Jackson Benchmark Review

What was a significant change in voting rights during Andrew Jackson's presidency?

• Women gained the right to vote.

• Property ownership requirements for voting were eliminated.

• Voting age was lowered to 18.

• Only landowners could vote.

Answer explanation

During Andrew Jackson's presidency, a significant change was the elimination of property ownership requirements for voting, which expanded suffrage to more white men, allowing greater participation in the democratic process.

Which political party's modern legacy is attributed to Andrew Jackson's views?

• Republican Party

• Whig Party

• Democratic Party

• Federalist Party

Answer explanation

Andrew Jackson's views and policies laid the foundation for the Democratic Party, emphasizing populism and the common man, which are central to its modern legacy.

Explain how Andrew Jackson's election represented a shift in political power.

• It marked the rise of the elite class in politics.

• It signaled a shift of power to the common man.

• It led to the establishment of a monarchy.

• It resulted in the decline of democratic principles.

Answer explanation

Andrew Jackson's election in 1828 marked a significant shift in political power from the elite to the common man, as he championed the interests of ordinary citizens and expanded democratic participation.

What was the primary reason for the removal and resettlement of the Cherokee Indians during the Jacksonian era?

• To promote cultural exchange

• To acquire land for white settlers

• To protect the Cherokee from other tribes

• To establish new trade routes

Answer explanation

The primary reason for the removal and resettlement of the Cherokee Indians during the Jacksonian era was to acquire land for white settlers, as the U.S. government sought to expand its territory for agricultural and economic development.

Describe the significance of the Indian Removal Act.

• It allowed Native Americans to gain citizenship.

• It gave the president power to negotiate removal treaties with Indian tribes.

• It provided financial aid to Native Americans.

• It established reservations in the eastern United States.

Answer explanation

The Indian Removal Act was significant because it gave the president the authority to negotiate removal treaties with Indian tribes, leading to the forced relocation of many Native Americans from their ancestral lands.

What was the outcome of Worcester v. Georgia?

• The Cherokee were declared a sovereign nation.

• The state of Georgia was given control over Cherokee lands.

• The Cherokee were forced to relocate immediately.

• The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Georgia's laws.

Answer explanation

In Worcester v. Georgia, the Supreme Court recognized the Cherokee Nation as a sovereign entity, affirming their rights to their lands and rejecting Georgia's laws that sought to impose state authority over them.

Analyze the impact of the Trail of Tears on the Cherokee people.

• It resulted in the expansion of Cherokee territory.

• It led to the death of thousands of Cherokee people.

• It improved relations between the U.S. government and Native Americans.

• It allowed the Cherokee to maintain their cultural practices.

Answer explanation

The Trail of Tears led to the forced removal of the Cherokee from their ancestral lands, resulting in the death of thousands due to harsh conditions, disease, and starvation during the journey.

What was a key argument of the Federalists regarding the national government?

• It should be weak to prevent tyranny.

• It should be strong to ensure national success.

• It should be abolished in favor of state governments.

• It should focus solely on foreign affairs.

Answer explanation

The Federalists argued for a strong national government to maintain order, promote economic growth, and ensure the country's success, contrasting with the belief that a weak government would prevent tyranny.

How did the Anti-Federalists view the Constitution?

• As a document that protected individual rights.

• As a threat to states' rights and individual freedoms.

• As a perfect solution to the nation's problems.

• As irrelevant to the new nation.

Answer explanation

The Anti-Federalists viewed the Constitution as a threat to states' rights and individual freedoms, fearing it centralized power and undermined local governance and personal liberties.

What was Patrick Henry's stance on the Philadelphia Convention?

• He supported the creation of a strong national government.

• He refused to attend because he opposed a stronger national government.

• He was a leading advocate for the Constitution.

• He believed the convention was unnecessary.

Answer explanation

Patrick Henry opposed a stronger national government, which is why he refused to attend the Philadelphia Convention. He believed it would undermine states' rights and individual liberties.