History Checkpoint

What were THREE reasons immigrants were attracted to the Republic of Texas?

• Famine (Lack of a food source)

• Expensive land

• New opportunities

• cheap Land

• Centralist Government

What significant cultural difference existed between the Mexican National Era and the Republic of Texas?

• Religious freedom in Texas vs. Catholicism as the official religion in the Mexican National Era

• The use of English as the primary language in Mexico

• A focus on agriculture in Texas vs. industrialization in the Mexican National Era

• Higher taxes in Texas compared to the Mexican National Era

What does Anson Jones' statement most accurately reflect about his role and the process of annexation?

• His opposition to Texas joining the United States, as he favored remaining independent.

• His satisfaction that Texas had successfully negotiated annexation, fulfilling a long-standing goal.

• His regret that annexation would limit Texas' sovereignty as an independent nation.

• His declaration of war against the United States due to territorial disputes.

Why did the United States Congress hesitate to annex Texas initially?

• Texas was at war with Mexico.

• The U.S. wanted to maintain a balance between slave and free states.

• The U.S. feared Texas’ large debt.

• Texas refused to join the United States.

What event was directly triggered by the annexation of Texas?

• The Compromise of 1850

• The U.S.-Mexican War

• The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo

• Texas' independence from Mexico

Why did the Compromise of 1850 involve Texas?

• To end the slavery debate in Texas

• To organize western territories and relieve Texas of debt

• To return Texas' disputed lands to Mexico

• To allow Texas to remain independent

What caused the population of Texas to double in a few years after annexation?

• Immigration/Migration of Americans and Europeans for cheap land

• Natural population growth within Texas

• Expansion of slavery in Texas

• The end of the U.S.-Mexican War

Read the quote below about the Compromise of 1850, then answer the question. "I wish to speak today not as a Northerner or a Southerner, but as an American. The Union must be preserved, for it is the Union that holds this great nation together. Compromise is necessary to maintain the balance and avoid the chaos of disunion." — Inspired by a speech from Henry Clay What was the primary goal of the Compromise of 1850, as reflected in the quote?

• To create a new political party in the United States

• To preserve the Union by addressing the tensions between free and slave states including Texas and California

• To declare slavery illegal throughout the United States

• To expand the borders of the United States into Mexico

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects several basic freedoms. Which of the following are rights protected by the First Amendment? (Select 4 that apply.)

• Freedom of religion

• Right to bear arms

• Freedom of Speech

• Freedom of peaceful assembly

• Freedom of press

Which of the following best describes the principle of limited government?

• The government has total control over all aspects of citizens’ lives.

• The government is bound by laws that restrict its powers and protect citizens’ rights.

• The government can change the Constitution whenever it wishes.

• The government operates without checks and balances.