Dred Scott and Constitutional Rights

The Dred Scott decision was a pivotal Supreme Court case that denied citizenship to African Americans and declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional. Dred Scott, an enslaved man, sued for his freedom based on his residence in free territories. The court ruled against him, stating that African Americans could not be citizens. This decision intensified national tensions over slavery, contributing to the Civil War. It was later overturned by the 14th Amendment, which granted citizenship regardless of race.

What was the primary purpose of the Missouri Compromise of 1820?

• To abolish slavery in all states

• To balance power between slave and free states

• To grant citizenship to all enslaved people

• To establish new territories in the West

Why did Dred Scott sue for his freedom?

• He was born in a free state

• He lived in free territories with his master

• He was promised freedom by his master

• He was granted freedom by the Missouri Compromise

What was Chief Justice Taney's stance on the citizenship of enslaved people?

• They could become citizens if freed

• They were citizens if born in free states

• They were never meant to be citizens

• They could sue for citizenship

What did the Supreme Court declare about the Missouri Compromise?

• It was only applicable to new states

• It was a temporary measure

• It was unconstitutional

• It was a valid law

What was Justice John McLean's argument regarding Congress's power?

• Congress could only regulate trade

• Congress could not ban slavery

• Congress was obligated to ban slavery

• Congress had no power over states

How did Justice Benjamin Robbins Curtis view the Constitution?

• It applied only to white people

• It was irrelevant to the case

• It needed amendments for clarity

• It applied to all races

What was the impact of the Dred Scott decision on the Civil War?

• It delayed the war

• It was a catalyst for the war

• It had no impact on the war

• It ended the war

Which amendment eventually overturned the Dred Scott decision?

• The 15th Amendment

• The 14th Amendment

• The 13th Amendment

• The 12th Amendment

What did the 14th Amendment achieve?

• It abolished slavery

• It granted citizenship regardless of race

• It established the Supreme Court

• It created new states

What was a major criticism of Chief Justice Taney's decision?

• It was ignored by the public

• It was praised for its fairness

• It was seen as judicial overreach

• It was too lenient