US History Pre-Test 1600s-1877

What document, signed in 1620, established self-governance among the Pilgrims?

• Mayflower Compact

• Declaration of Independence

• Articles of Confederation

• Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

Answer explanation

The Mayflower Compact, signed in 1620 by the Pilgrims, was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony, establishing a framework for self-governance and mutual consent among the settlers.

The economic system encouraging exports and limiting imports favored the mother country is known as:

• Mercantilism

• Feudalism

• Capitalism

• Socialism

Answer explanation

Mercantilism is an economic system that promotes exports and restricts imports to benefit the mother country, making it the correct answer. It contrasts with feudalism, capitalism, and socialism, which have different economic principles.

A key consequence of the Columbian Exchange was:

• The immediate end of European colonization

• The transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between hemispheres

• A permanent halt to the Atlantic slave trade

• Decrease in global population

Answer explanation

The Columbian Exchange significantly involved the transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds, reshaping ecosystems and societies, making this the key consequence.

The issue of “taxation without representation” directly challenged:

• The idea that colonists deserved independence

• British Parliament’s authority over colonies

• Colonial loyalty to the king

• Local colonial assemblies

Answer explanation

The phrase "taxation without representation" directly challenged British Parliament’s authority over the colonies, as colonists argued they should not be taxed by a body in which they had no elected representatives.

The Declaration of Independence was formally adopted in:

• 1776

• 1783

• 1812

• 1492

Answer explanation

The Declaration of Independence was formally adopted on July 4, 1776, marking the colonies' assertion of independence from British rule. Therefore, the correct answer is 1776.

What battle is considered the first military engagement of the American Revolution?

• Battle of Saratoga

• Battle of Yorktown

• Battle of Lexington (and Concord)

• Battle of Bunker Hill

Answer explanation

The Battle of Lexington (and Concord) on April 19, 1775, is considered the first military engagement of the American Revolution, marking the start of armed conflict between Britain and the American colonies.

The U.S. Constitution was written in:

• 1776

• 1787

• 1791

• 1800

Answer explanation

The U.S. Constitution was written in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The year 1776 marks the Declaration of Independence, while 1791 is when the Bill of Rights was ratified.

The Missouri Compromise (1820) attempted to:

• Permanently abolish slavery

• Temporarily defuse arguments over the expansion of slavery

• Make Missouri an independent nation

• End all compromises

Answer explanation

The Missouri Compromise aimed to temporarily defuse tensions over slavery's expansion by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining a balance between free and slave states.

The Dred Scott decision (1857) ruled that:

• Slavery was illegal in all territories

• African Americans were not citizens and could not bring lawsuits

• The Missouri Compromise was constitutional

• The Fugitive Slave Act was unconstitutional

Answer explanation

The Dred Scott decision stated that African Americans were not considered citizens under the Constitution, thus they could not bring lawsuits. This ruling reinforced the legal status of slavery and denied rights to Black individuals.

The primary cause of the Civil War was:

• Disagreement over trade tariffs

• Conflict over slavery and states’ rights

• Border disputes

• Presidential succession

Answer explanation

The primary cause of the Civil War was the conflict over slavery and states' rights, as Southern states sought to maintain their slave-based economy and assert their rights against federal authority.