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"If it be conceded, as it must be by every one who is the least conversant with our institutions, that the sovereign powers delegated are divided between the General and State Governments, and that the latter hold their portion by the same tenure as the former, it would seem impossible to deny to the States the right of deciding on the infractions of their powers, and the proper remedy to be applied for their correction. The right of judging, in such cases, is an essential attribute of sovereignty, of which the States cannot be divested without losing their sovereignty itself, and being reduced to a subordinate corporate condition." - John C. Calhoun, South Carolina Exposition and Protest, 1828
"My experience in public concerns and the observation of a life somewhat advanced confirm the opinions long since imbibed by me, that the destruction of our State governments or the annihilation of their control over the local concerns of the people would lead directly to revolution and anarchy, and finally to despotism and military domination. In proportion, therefore, as the General Government encroaches upon the rights of the States, in the same proportion does it impair its own power and detract from its ability to fulfill the purposes of its creation. " - President Andrew Jackson, Second Inaugural Address, 1833
Which controversial act of government is Calhoun responding to in his speech?
The Tariff of 1828 negatively affected the Southern economy and was the proximate cause of the nullification crisis that Calhoun's speech presages.
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"If it be conceded, as it must be by every one who is the least conversant with our institutions, that the sovereign powers delegated are divided between the General and State Governments, and that the latter hold their portion by the same tenure as the former, it would seem impossible to deny to the States the right of deciding on the infractions of their powers, and the proper remedy to be applied for their correction. The right of judging, in such cases, is an essential attribute of sovereignty, of which the States cannot be divested without losing their sovereignty itself, and being reduced to a subordinate corporate condition." - John C. Calhoun, South Carolina Exposition and Protest, 1828
"My experience in public concerns and the observation of a life somewhat advanced confirm the opinions long since imbibed by me, that the destruction of our State governments or the annihilation of their control over the local concerns of the people would lead directly to revolution and anarchy, and finally to despotism and military domination. In proportion, therefore, as the General Government encroaches upon the rights of the States, in the same proportion does it impair its own power and detract from its ability to fulfill the purposes of its creation. " - President Andrew Jackson, Second Inaugural Address, 1833
Which statement best synthesizes Andrew Jackson's position on the policy of nullification proposed by Calhoun?
Jackson supported states rights, as evidenced by the quoted passage and his campaign against the national bank. However, he felt like nullification went too far, hence the passage of the Force Act of 1833, which authorized military action against any state in violation of federal law.
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"If it be conceded, as it must be by every one who is the least conversant with our institutions, that the sovereign powers delegated are divided between the General and State Governments, and that the latter hold their portion by the same tenure as the former, it would seem impossible to deny to the States the right of deciding on the infractions of their powers, and the proper remedy to be applied for their correction. The right of judging, in such cases, is an essential attribute of sovereignty, of which the States cannot be divested without losing their sovereignty itself, and being reduced to a subordinate corporate condition." - John C. Calhoun, South Carolina Exposition and Protest, 1828
"My experience in public concerns and the observation of a life somewhat advanced confirm the opinions long since imbibed by me, that the destruction of our State governments or the annihilation of their control over the local concerns of the people would lead directly to revolution and anarchy, and finally to despotism and military domination. In proportion, therefore, as the General Government encroaches upon the rights of the States, in the same proportion does it impair its own power and detract from its ability to fulfill the purposes of its creation. " - President Andrew Jackson, Second Inaugural Address, 1833
Which earlier historical group espoused strong support for states' rights?
The Whiskey Rebellion was the first major challenge to federal authority. Although it was quickly suppressed, it set the stage for decades of debate over the rightful role and power of the federal government. All of the other examples either favored a strong federal government or, in the case of 1812 soldiers, were not a cohesive political group.
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Passage adapted from Elizabeth Cady Stanton's "Address on Women's Rights" (1848)
Let us now glance at some of the popular objections to this whole question. There is a class of men who believe in the natural inborn, inbred superiority both in body and mind and their full complete Heaven descended right to lord it over the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air, the beast of the field and last tho' not least the immortal being called woman. I would recommend this class to the attentive perusal of their Bibles—to historical research, to foreign travel—to a closer observation of the manifestations of mind about them and to an humble comparison of themselves with such women as Catharine of Russia, Elizabeth of England distinguished for their statesmanlike qualities, Harriet Martineau and Madame de Stael for their literary attainments, or Caroline Herschel and Mary Summerville for their scientific researches, or for physical equality to that whole nation of famous women the Amazones. We seldom find this class of objectors among liberally educated persons, who have had the advantage of observing their race in different countries, climes, and under different phases, but barbarians tho' they be in entertaining such an opinion—they must be met and fairly vanquished.
Which of the following best represents the "whole question" that Elizabeth Cady Stanton speaks of in the opening sentence?
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was one of the leading lights of the women's rights movements from the 1840s until her death in 1902. Apart from identifying Stanton, the passage itself makes clear what she is referring to as "the whole question" multiple times. She challenges the notion of "inbred superiority" of men over women, enumerates remarkable women in history, and asserts that educated people do not hold the prejudices she rails against.
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Passage adapted from Elizabeth Cady Stanton's "Address on Women's Rights" (1848)
Let us now glance at some of the popular objections to this whole question. There is a class of men who believe in the natural inborn, inbred superiority both in body and mind and their full complete Heaven descended right to lord it over the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air, the beast of the field and last tho' not least the immortal being called woman. I would recommend this class to the attentive perusal of their Bibles—to historical research, to foreign travel—to a closer observation of the manifestations of mind about them and to an humble comparison of themselves with such women as Catharine of Russia, Elizabeth of England distinguished for their statesmanlike qualities, Harriet Martineau and Madame de Stael for their literary attainments, or Caroline Herschel and Mary Summerville for their scientific researches, or for physical equality to that whole nation of famous women the Amazones. We seldom find this class of objectors among liberally educated persons, who have had the advantage of observing their race in different countries, climes, and under different phases, but barbarians tho' they be in entertaining such an opinion—they must be met and fairly vanquished.
Which of the following is the best explanation for Stanton's challenge to her opponents to take an "attentive perusal of their Bibles?"
Elizabeth Cady Stanton charges her opponents to look at their Bibles more attentively because she believes they will see that male superiority is not featured in the Bible. She also quickly assumes everyone has a Bible and will accept its authority, when read correctly. This is reflective of the widespread Christian religiosity of the period and the assumption of a generally Christian culture.
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"If an act of the Legislature repugnant to the Constitution is void, does it, notwithstanding its invalidity, bind the Courts and oblige them to give it effect? Or, in other words, though it be not law, does it constitute a rule as operative as if it was a law? This would be to overthrow in fact what was established in theory, and would seem, at first view, an absurdity too gross to be insisted on. It shall, however, receive a more attentive consideration.
It is emphatically the province and duty of the Judicial Department to say what the law is. Those who apply the rule to particular cases must, of necessity, expound and interpret that rule. If two laws conflict with each other, the Courts must decide on the operation of each."
What U.S. Supreme Court case is the passage excerpted from?
Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the principle of judicial review. It held that the Supreme Court had the authority to invalidate legislation passed by Congress that was unconstitutional. Its author was Chief Justice John Marshall.
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"If an act of the Legislature repugnant to the Constitution is void, does it, notwithstanding its invalidity, bind the Courts and oblige them to give it effect? Or, in other words, though it be not law, does it constitute a rule as operative as if it was a law? This would be to overthrow in fact what was established in theory, and would seem, at first view, an absurdity too gross to be insisted on. It shall, however, receive a more attentive consideration.
It is emphatically the province and duty of the Judicial Department to say what the law is. Those who apply the rule to particular cases must, of necessity, expound and interpret that rule. If two laws conflict with each other, the Courts must decide on the operation of each."
Who wrote the Supreme court decision that this excerpt is from?
Chief Justice John Marshall was the fourth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and served from 1801 to 1835. In Marbury v. Madison, the principle of judicial review was established. This provided that the Supreme Court had the authority to invalidate congressional acts. This has contributed to his reputation as the "court builder." Other key decisions authored by Marshall include McCullough v. Maryland and Gibbons v. Ogden.
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"The Judas of the West has closed the contract and will receive the thirty pieces of silver. . . . Was there ever witnessed such a bare faced corruption in any country before?"
- Andrew Jackson, in a letter to his wife
This passage was written in reference to what historical event?
In this quote, Jackson rails against the "Corrupt Bargain," or the Election of 1824. This was in reference to the deal Henry Clay made with John Quincy Adams. Jackson lost the election after Clay turned his electoral votes over to Adams, giving Adams the majority and electing him president.
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"The Judas of the West has closed the contract and will receive the thirty pieces of silver. . . . Was there ever witnessed such a bare faced corruption in any country before?"
- Andrew Jackson, in a letter to his wife
This passage from Jackson most directly reflects which of the following continuities in United States history?
Jackson considered the Election of 1824 to be a "Corrupt Bargain" because he felt that Henry Clay had subverted the democratic system and ceded his electoral votes to John Quincy Adams in return for a political post as Secretary of State. He and his supporters considered this to be back-door dealing and not reflective of true democracy.
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With which accomplishment is the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Pacific Northwest between 1804 and 1806 not credited?
When Lewis and Clark embarked on their journey in 1804, one of their goals was to discover the "Northwest Passage," a rumored water route leading from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Although they were able to travel for a great portion of their journey along various waterways, they were unable to find a continuous water route.
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Manifest Destiny is the belief that __________.
Americans were entranced by the territory west of the Mississippi River after Lewis and Clark returned to the East Coast from their expedition in 1806. They brought back tales of great riches and wide-open land, as well as fantastic new animals and plants. The American people, and therefore politicians, began to believe that it was America's destiny to ultimately stretch from one coast to the other.
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That any person who is the head of a family, or who has arrived at the age of twenty-one years, and is a citizen of the United States ... shall, from and after the first January, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, be entitled to enter one quarter section or a less quantity of unappropriated public lands
-United States Senate, Homestead Act, 1862
The passage of the Homestead Act is consistent with a political philosophy associated with what other historical event?
Like the Homestead Act, the Mexican-American War was supported by the belief in Manifest Destiny, the attitude that America was destined to keep expanding westward.
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Which of the following best describes the impact on European population made by the exchange network depicted in the diagram?
Note: the diagram was created by the question writer.
Nutritious and calorie-dense foods brought from the New World supported European population growth. As the population of Europe grew, in part based on the availability of richer and more varied agricultural products, so too did the demand for those products.
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"Have not results in Mexico taught the invincibility of American arms?...The North Americans will spread out far beyond their present bounds. They will encroach again and again upon their neighbors. New territories will be planted, declare their independence, and be annexed. We have New Mexico and California! We will have Old Mexico and Cuba! The isthmus cannot arrest--nor even the Saint Lawrence!! Time has all of this in her womb. A hundred states will grow up where now exists but thirty."
- DeBow's Commercial Review, 1848
Chief among the benefits of expansionism in the mid-nineteenth century was ___________________.
Though the new territories led to political disputes -especially as several sought statehood and questions arose about how to integrate existing populations into the United States- the access the new, fertile farm lands and natural resources (including gold and, later, oil) stood out as the most impactful benefit of expansion.
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"Have not results in Mexico taught the invincibility of American arms?...The North Americans will spread out far beyond their present bounds. They will encroach again and again upon their neighbors. New territories will be planted, declare their independence, and be annexed. We have New Mexico and California! We will have Old Mexico and Cuba! The isthmus cannot arrest--nor even the Saint Lawrence!! Time has all of this in her womb. A hundred states will grow up where now exists but thirty."
- DeBow's Commercial Review, 1848
Which of the following groups would be least likely to agree with the tone of and sentiments described within the passage?
As more white settlers moved into the region, the West's earlier inhabitants - like the Californios and Native Americans - faced losing their land and, in the case of Mexican citizens, their right to participate in government.
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Passage adapted from Elizabeth Cady Stanton's "Address on Women's Rights" (1848)
Let us now glance at some of the popular objections to this whole question. There is a class of men who believe in the natural inborn, inbred superiority both in body and mind and their full complete Heaven descended right to lord it over the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air, the beast of the field and last tho' not least the immortal being called woman. I would recommend this class to the attentive perusal of their Bibles—to historical research, to foreign travel—to a closer observation of the manifestations of mind about them and to an humble comparison of themselves with such women as Catharine of Russia, Elizabeth of England distinguished for their statesmanlike qualities, Harriet Martineau and Madame de Stael for their literary attainments, or Caroline Herschel and Mary Summerville for their scientific researches, or for physical equality to that whole nation of famous women the Amazones. We seldom find this class of objectors among liberally educated persons, who have had the advantage of observing their race in different countries, climes, and under different phases, but barbarians tho' they be in entertaining such an opinion—they must be met and fairly vanquished.
Which of the following changes in American culture due to the Second Great Awakening most contributed to the arguments Elizabeth Cady Stanton presents in this address?
The Second Great Awakening was a wide-scale religious revival that saw increased church membership, new denominations, and a general religious fervor spreading across America. Significantly, the Second Great Awakening created a number of new religious reform movements. One of the more important of these was the brand-new women's rights movement, in which Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a prime figure.
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Not being allowed to hold meetings on the plantation, the slaves assemble in the swamps, out of reach of the patrols. ... The speaker usually commences by calling himself unworthy, and talks very slowly, until, feeling the spirit, he grows excited, and in a short time, there fall to the ground twenty or thirty men and women under its influence. ...The slave forgets all his sufferings, except to remind others of the trials during the past week, exclaiming: "Thank God, I shall not live here always!" Then they pass from one to another, shaking hands, and bidding each other farewell, promising, should they meet no more on earth, to strive and meet in heaven, where all is joy, happiness and liberty. As they separate, they sing a parting hymn of praise.
Passage adapted fromPeter Randolph's "The Difference Between the Christianity Taught by Masters and Practiced by Slaves" (1893)
Which of the following assertions does this paragraph best illustrate?
Africans and African descendents working in the early modern Atlantic commercial system were exposed to the world of European Christianity as early as the fifteenth century, when Portuguese missionaries came to the coasts of Africa. Some slaves, therefore, brought Christian beliefs with them when they were thrust into slavery. Others converted in America. Even blacks who embraced Christianity in America, however, did not completely abandon Old World religion. Instead, they engaged in syncretism, blending Christian influences with traditional African rites and beliefs. This allowed them to maintain their own cultures and religions as a tool to resist the brutal, often dehumanizing effects of slavery.
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It is emphatically the province and duty of the Judicial Department to say what the law is. Those who apply the rule to particular cases must, of necessity, expound and interpret that rule. If two laws conflict with each other, the Courts must decide on the operation of each.
So, if a law be in opposition to the Constitution, if both the law and the Constitution apply to a particular case, so that the Court must either decide that case conformably to the law, disregarding the Constitution, or conformably to the Constitution, disregarding the law, the Court must determine which of these conflicting rules governs the case. This is of the very essence of judicial duty.
Passage adapted from the ruling of Marbury vs. Madison, Supreme Court of the United States (1803)
What principle did Chief Justice Marshall establish in this case?
Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review in what some consider one of the most brilliant judicial opinions in American history. Judicial review establishes that legislative and executive actions can be reviewed by the judiciary and invalidated if they are incompatible with the Constitution or other overriding law.
The supremacy of the constitution is established in Article VI, Paragraph 2, commonly referred to as the Supremacy Clause. It establishes that the federal constitution, and federal law generally take precedence over state laws, and even state constitutions. Original jurisdiction is also governed by Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution, and most frequently involves suits between states. Only the Supreme Court is established by the Constitution, and Congress is given power to create lower federal courts as needed by Article III, Section 1. Courts do not have the ability to create the law. By "say what the law is," Justice Marshall is referring to courts' role in interpreting and clarifying law.
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"America is destined for better deeds. It is our unparalleled glory that we have no reminiscences of battle fields, but in defence of humanity, of the oppressed of all nations, of the rights of conscience, the rights of personal enfranchisement. Our annals describe no scenes of horrid carnage, where men were led on by hundreds of thousands to slay one another, dupes and victims to emperors, kings, nobles, demons in the human form called heroes. We have had patriots to defend our homes, our liberties, but no aspirants to crowns or thrones; nor have the American people ever suffered themselves to be led on by wicked ambition to depopulate the land, to spread desolation far and wide, that a human being might be placed on a seat of supremacy.
We have no interest in the scenes of antiquity, only as lessons of avoidance of nearly all their examples. The expansive future is our arena, and for our history. We are entering on its untrodden space, with the truths of God in our minds, beneficent objects in our hearts, and with a clear conscience unsullied by the past. We are the nation of human progress, and who will, what can, set limits to our onward march?"
1846
The author of this piece would most likely support __________.
The author of the excerpt is arguing for Manifest Destiny, which is a 19th century American doctrine. Proponents of Manifest Destiny argued for the inevitability of the expansion of the United States throughout the continent. In the piece, the author argues for the continued expansive growth of the United States. As a result, the author would most likely favor western territorial expansion of the U.S.
This excerpt was written by John L. O'Sullivan in 1846.
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"America is destined for better deeds. It is our unparalleled glory that we have no reminiscences of battle fields, but in defence of humanity, of the oppressed of all nations, of the rights of conscience, the rights of personal enfranchisement. Our annals describe no scenes of horrid carnage, where men were led on by hundreds of thousands to slay one another, dupes and victims to emperors, kings, nobles, demons in the human form called heroes. We have had patriots to defend our homes, our liberties, but no aspirants to crowns or thrones; nor have the American people ever suffered themselves to be led on by wicked ambition to depopulate the land, to spread desolation far and wide, that a human being might be placed on a seat of supremacy.
We have no interest in the scenes of antiquity, only as lessons of avoidance of nearly all their examples. The expansive future is our arena, and for our history. We are entering on its untrodden space, with the truths of God in our minds, beneficent objects in our hearts, and with a clear conscience unsullied by the past. We are the nation of human progress, and who will, what can, set limits to our onward march?"
- 1846
Who is the author of this excerpt?
John L. O'Sullivan was an American columnist and editor who coined the term "Manifest Destiny" in the above-excepted article in 1845. Manifest Destiny promoted the inevitability of the expansion of the U.S. across the continent. While the concept was not original to O'Sullivan, he is credited with the phrase and is associated with the promotion of the idea of Manifest Destiny.
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