USH 2.2 Pitstop

Read the following list: Nullification Crisis, Kansas-Nebraska Act, Dred Scott Decision, Election of 1860. Which category would best include all of these events?

• Causes of sectional conflict

• Foreign policy initiatives

• Government policies toward Native Americans

• Effects of the 13th Amendment

Answer explanation

All listed events—Nullification Crisis, Kansas-Nebraska Act, Dred Scott Decision, and Election of 1860—contributed to rising tensions between the North and South, making 'Causes of sectional conflict' the best category.

The Supreme Court ruling in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) increased sectional conflict because the decision

• gave full citizenship to all enslaved persons.

• prohibited slavery in lands west of the Mississippi River.

• denied Congress the power to regulate slavery in US territories.

• allowed for the importation of enslaved persons for ten years.

Answer explanation

The Supreme Court's decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford denied Congress the power to regulate slavery in US territories, which heightened tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, increasing sectional conflict.

Which of the following were policies of Andrew Jackson? (CHOOSE TWO)

• The expansion of suffrage to "common men"

• The abolition of slavery

• Support for Native American rights

• Acquisition of the Mexican Cession

• Opposition to the Second National Bank

Answer explanation

Andrew Jackson expanded suffrage to 'common men' by promoting democratic participation. He also opposed the Second National Bank, viewing it as a threat to individual liberties and state rights.

Which Supreme Court decision created the need for a constitutional amendment that would grant citizenship to formerly enslaved persons?

• McCulloch v. Maryland

• Scott v. Sandford

• Worcester v. Georgia

• Marbury v. Madison

Answer explanation

The Supreme Court decision in Scott v. Sandford ruled that enslaved persons were not citizens, which highlighted the need for a constitutional amendment to grant citizenship to formerly enslaved individuals.

According to the author, the Dred Scott decision was a turning point in American politics because:

• the decision further divided the North and the South in the debate over slavery.

• the decision forced the North and the South to compromise on slavery.

• the decision strengthened the Democratic Party's support for the abolition of slavery.

• the decision encouraged Americans to vote against Lincoln in the election of 1860.

Answer explanation

The Dred Scott decision intensified the conflict between the North and South over slavery, making it a pivotal moment that deepened divisions rather than fostering compromise.

How did the events described above attempt to resolve the issue of slavery and sectional differences during the early 1800s?

• The events tried to fix the political issues between the United States and Mexico as the nation moved west.

• The events were legislative agreements made over the issue of slavery as the nation moved west.

• The events helped create a common attitude across the United States over women’s rights and slavery.

• The events showed how the United States was never willing to compromise to prevent conflict.

Answer explanation

The events were legislative agreements, such as the Missouri Compromise, aimed at addressing the expansion of slavery as the U.S. moved west, highlighting the contentious nature of slavery and sectional differences during this period.

What was the significance of the Compromise of 1850?

• It granted women the right to vote.

• It ended the Mexican-American War.

• It established the first transcontinental railroad.

• It allowed California to enter the Union as a free state.

Answer explanation

The Compromise of 1850 was significant because it allowed California to enter the Union as a free state, which was a crucial step in the ongoing debate over slavery and helped to temporarily ease tensions between free and slave states.

What was the primary impact of the Kansas-Nebraska Act on the issue of slavery in the United States?

• It resulted in the creation of the Underground Railroad.

• It led to the immediate abolition of slavery in the southern states.

• It allowed territories to decide the issue of slavery through popular sovereignty.

• It banned slavery in all new territories.

Answer explanation

The Kansas-Nebraska Act introduced popular sovereignty, allowing territories to decide for themselves whether to permit slavery, which intensified the debate over slavery in the U.S.

How did the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 affect the relationship between the North and the South?

• It strengthened the North's resolve to support the abolitionist movement.

• It led to the immediate secession of southern states.

• It was widely supported by both northern and southern states.

• It resulted in the North imposing stricter laws on runaway slaves.

Answer explanation

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 angered many in the North, as it forced them to assist in capturing runaway slaves. This strengthened their resolve to support the abolitionist movement, increasing tensions between the North and South.

Jackson's practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs became known as

• the spoils system.

• Jacksonian democracy.

• mudslinging.

• a corrupt bargain.

Answer explanation

Jackson's practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs is known as the spoils system. This approach emphasized loyalty over merit in government appointments, a hallmark of his administration.