3 Mar - Do Now - Civil War DBQ Review

According to Document E, what is the fundamental nature of the relationship between a state and the Union?

• A permanent and unbreakable bond.

• A voluntary agreement or compact.

• A hierarchical structure with the federal government holding ultimate authority.

Answer explanation

According to Document E, the relationship between a state and the Union is described as a voluntary agreement or compact, emphasizing the choice and consent of the states rather than a permanent or hierarchical structure.

In Document F, Abraham Lincoln presents his perspective on the nature of the Union. Which of the following best summarizes his argument?

• The Union is a temporary agreement between states that can be dissolved at any time.

• The Union is a perpetual entity, implied by universal law and the Constitution.

• The Union is a flawed system that needs to be reformed to address the issue of slavery.

Answer explanation

Lincoln argues that the Union is a perpetual entity, rooted in universal law and the Constitution, emphasizing its enduring nature rather than a temporary agreement or a flawed system needing reform.

Frederick Douglass's speech in Document G expresses a strong opinion about the Fourth of July. Which of the following best reflects his perspective?

• He believes the Fourth of July is a joyous celebration of freedom and equality for all Americans.

• He believes the Fourth of July is a sham and a mockery for enslaved people who are denied basic rights.

• He believes the Fourth of July is an important reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in America.

Answer explanation

Frederick Douglass criticizes the Fourth of July as a celebration that excludes enslaved people, highlighting its hypocrisy. He views it as a sham that mocks their suffering and denial of basic rights, making the second choice correct.

Which of the following statements best reflects John C. Calhoun's argument in Document E?

• The federal government should have the power to regulate slavery in the states.

• States have the right to nullify federal laws they deem unconstitutional.

• The institution of slavery is essential to the economic prosperity of the South.

Answer explanation

John C. Calhoun argued for states' rights, particularly the right to nullify federal laws they consider unconstitutional, reflecting his belief in state sovereignty over federal authority.

How does Frederick Douglass's perspective in Document G contribute to the understanding of tensions leading up to the Civil War?

• It highlights the economic disparities between the North and South.

• It emphasizes the moral and ideological conflict over slavery.

• It reveals the political debates surrounding westward expansion.

Answer explanation

Douglass's perspective underscores the deep moral and ideological conflict over slavery, which was a central issue fueling tensions between the North and South leading up to the Civil War.