US History STAAR Review

Who helped construct the Transcontinental Railroad?

• Irish & Chinese Immigrants

• Chinese & German Immigrants

• Irish & German Immigrants

• German & Japanese Immigrants

Answer explanation

The Transcontinental Railroad was constructed with the help of Irish and Chinese immigrants, making them the correct choice.

Which statement best explains why this resolution was adopted?

• Colonists were upset by the punishment imposed after the Boston Tea Party.

• Colonists created this in order to address the causes of the Boston Massacre.

• Colonists were opposed to colonial laws being created only by Parliament.

• Colonists wanted to expand powers given to governors appointed by King George III.

Answer explanation

The colonists adopted this resolution because they were opposed to colonial laws being created only by Parliament.

Which amendment matches this definition: The ___________ amendment provides that Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise. It protects freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

• 1st Amendment

• 2nd Amendment

• 3rd Amendment

• 4th Amendment

Answer explanation

The 1st Amendment matches the definition. It protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the Government.

Which outcome best completes this diagram?

• American Revolution

• Popular Sovereignty

• Manifest Destiny

• Civil War

Answer explanation

The correct outcome that completes the diagram is the Civil War. It was a significant event in American history that resulted in the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union.

What was the significance of the Louisiana Purchase?

• Doubled the size of the United States

• Finished the war between Spain and France

• Provided a place for the French to plant crops

• Tripled the size of the United States

Answer explanation

The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States, making it a significant event in American history.

In President Washington's Farewell address, he warned the US not to do what?

• Form permanent alliances with other countries

• Form temporary alliances with other countries

• Allow a president to serve more than two terms of office

• Allow the south to have the nation's capital located there

Answer explanation

President Washington's Farewell address warned against forming permanent alliances with other countries.

Why was Saratoga considered the turning point of the American Revolutionary War?

• The Red Coat's supply had been blocked off by the French

• The Patriots captured the Red Coat's general

• The Patriots had finally won their first battle

• The French decided to join the war on the side of the Patriots

Turning point battle b/c this victory convinces France to join forces with the Continental Army. 

• Lexington & Concord

• Saratoga

• Valley Forge

• Yorktown

Answer explanation

The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point battle because it convinced France to join forces with the Continental Army.

Why did slavery become a widespread practice in the United States during the early nineteenth century?

• The system of indentured servitude was banned.

• The need for agricultural labor increased as a result of expanded cotton production.

• Improved transportation systems made it easier for workers to migrate.

• Advancements in technology led to the need for skilled workers.

Answer explanation

Slavery became widespread in the US due to increased demand for agricultural labor caused by expanded cotton production.

Congress passes a bill---the president vetoes the bill---Congress overrides the veto
Which principle of government is shown above?

• judicial review

• checks and balances

• popular sovereignty

• federalism

Answer explanation

The principle of checks and balances is shown above. Congress passes a bill, but the president can veto it. However, Congress can override the veto, demonstrating the system of checks and balances.