US History STAAR Redesign

Why is Dorothea Dix a significant figure in U.S. history?

• She was a leader in the fight for the abolition of slavery.

• She led a reform effort to improve working conditions in factories.

• She was a leader in the fight for women’s suffrage.

• She led a reform effort to improve care for the mentally ill.

Which statement describes a reason for the development of the transatlantic slave trade?

• Colonial governments wanted to use enslaved labor to build needed canals.

• Plantation owners in southern colonial states were increasing profits by using enslaved labor.

• Many colonists relied on enslaved labor to do the difficult work on their ranches.

• Textile production in northern colonial factories was increasingly dependent on enslaved labor.

Which characteristics MAINLY describe either the era of European colonization or the era of westward expansion? Select the correct answers for each box.

• Construction of the railroad connected different regions.

• Settlers migrated to seek religious freedom.

• Principles of self-governance were established.

• Settlers sought individual wealth through minerals or ranching.

This excerpt is from a song written in 1875. Oh! times are tough, amazing rough, Expenses are alarming, I will go West, it’s far the best, Try my luck at farming. For the idea, of staying here To just earn your gruel, Makes me feel sad and sometimes mad ’Tis so awful cruel. —sheet music by J. P. Barrett, "I Will Go West!" Based on the excerpt and your knowledge of U.S. history, which aspect of American life during this time is indicated by this song?

• Unfair working conditions due to industrialization inspired artists to begin a protest movement.

• The nation’s economy shifted away from industrialization in order to focus on agriculture.

• Difficult conditions in industrial cities encouraged people to seek opportunities elsewhere.

• A dramatic increase in the inflation rate at this time raised the cost of living in industrial cities.

Based on the map and your knowledge of U.S. history, which outcomes resulted from the Compromise of 1850? Select TWO correct answers.

• California was admitted into the union as a free state.

• A parallel was designated as the boundary between free and slave states.

• Southern state legislators failed to get a new fugitive-slave law passed.

• New territories were given the power to decide the issue of slavery.

• The Florida territory was purchased from Spain and admitted as a free state.

This grievance is listed in a historical document presented to the British king. Imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: —Declaration of Independence How was this grievance addressed in the U.S. Constitution?

• Only states have the power to tax citizens.

• Only the courts can decide the legality of taxation.

• Only Congress can pass laws on taxation.

• Only the president can determine to tax citizens.

In 1828, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to approve the Tariff of Abominations by a vote of 105 to 94. Why did this tariff create division within the United States?

• The tariff helped international trade but hurt domestic trade.

• The tariff hurt Southern plantation owners but helped Western farmers.

• The tariff lowered interest rates but raised personal taxes.

• The tariff raised Northern business profits but lowered Southern consumer prices.

Which reason explains a purpose of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

• To create a process to admit new states to the country

• To settle territorial disputes with Great Britain

• To establish the western boundary of the country

• To fund the exploration of the Louisiana Territory

How did these events challenge the U.S. government?

• It was the first time southern states opposed northern states in the United States.

• It was the first test of federal authority in the United States.

• It was the first time federal taxes were introduced in the United States.

• It was the first test of state cooperation in the United States.

What is Judicial Review?

• When the courts declare a law unconstitutional

• When the President declares a law unconstitutional

• When Congress reviews laws

• When the states review laws