STAAR Review U.S. History

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.

This grievance is listed in a historical document presented to the British king.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.

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

Which principle outlined in the U.S. Constitution is represented by this diagram AND what is its purpose? Think about the question carefully. Then record your answer in the box provided.

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.

Why is the Battle of Saratoga considered the turning point of the Revolutionary War?

• The British victory extended the fighting for another year

• The American defeat led many soldiers to desert the Continental Army

• The British defeat marked the beginning of a steady decline in British military superiority

• The American victory convinced France to ally with the United States

The first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired at​?

• Lexington

• Plymouth

• Saratoga

• Boston

Which of these is a grievance from the Declaration of Independence?

• Colonists born in America were prohibited from hold elected office

• Colonists were forced to quarter troop in their homes

• Colonists were not eligible to become officers in the British army

• Colonists were required to serve a year in their colony's militia