Survey of United States History (C121)

Correct Answer

D. By imposing tariffs on imported agricultural products

Explanation

During the Great Depression, the government took several measures to assist rural farmers, including imposing tariffs on imported agricultural products to protect American farmers from foreign competition. The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) was also introduced to regulate crop production and stabilize prices. These efforts aimed to provide economic relief to struggling farmers by increasing the value of domestic produce.

Why other options are wrong

A. By providing direct cash payments to farmers

While the government did offer some financial aid through the AAA, it was primarily in the form of subsidies for reducing crop production rather than direct cash payments.

B. By increasing agricultural exports to Europe

The Great Depression reduced global demand for agricultural goods, making exports less effective in aiding farmers. Additionally, many countries imposed their own tariffs, limiting trade opportunities.

C. By reducing taxes on urban businesses

Reducing taxes on urban businesses would not have directly helped rural farmers. This policy was more related to urban economic recovery rather than agricultural relief.

Correct Answer

A. Muller v. Oregon

Explanation

The 1908 Supreme Court case Muller v. Oregon upheld an Oregon law that limited women's workdays to ten hours. The decision was based on the argument that long working hours could negatively affect women's health and their role as mothers. This case was significant because it set a precedent for labor laws, although it also reinforced gender-based legal distinctions.

Why other options are wrong

B. Roe v. Wade

This 1973 case dealt with abortion rights and a woman's right to privacy, not labor laws or work hours.

C. Brown v. Board of Education

This 1954 case declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson. It had no connection to labor laws or work hours.

D. Plessy v. Ferguson

This 1896 case upheld racial segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine. It did not concern labor laws or work hours.

Correct Answer

A. The Boston Massacre.

Explanation

The Boston Massacre (March 5, 1770) is often considered the start of the American Revolution because it escalated tensions between Britain and the American colonies. British soldiers fired into a crowd of colonists, killing five people. The event was widely publicized by revolutionaries like Paul Revere and Samuel Adams, fueling anti-British sentiment and rallying support for independence. While the war did not begin immediately after, the Boston Massacre marked a turning point in colonial resistance.

Why other options are wrong

B. The Boston Tea Party.

The Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773) was a significant act of protest against British taxation but was not the direct start of the American Revolution. Colonists dumped British tea into the harbor to protest the Tea Act, leading to harsher British policies (the Intolerable Acts), which further escalated tensions. However, it did not mark the beginning of armed conflict.

C. The Treaty of Paris.

The Treaty of Paris (1783) officially ended the American Revolution rather than starting it. This treaty recognized American independence and established the new nation's borders, but it was signed after the war had been fought and won by the colonists.

D. The signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) formally declared the colonies' separation from Britain, but by this time, the war had already begun with the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775. The Declaration was a political statement rather than the initial event that led to conflict.

Correct Answer

D. The legislative branch creates laws, which checks the powers of the executive and judicial branches.

Explanation

The legislative branch, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, is responsible for creating laws. This role is crucial in maintaining the balance of power in the U.S. government by ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful. Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority, control government spending, and approve judicial appointments, keeping the executive and judicial branches in check.

Why other options are wrong

A. The legislative branch administers justice, resolving disputes among citizens.

Administering justice and resolving disputes is the responsibility of the judicial branch, not the legislative branch. Courts handle cases and determine legal interpretations.

B. The legislative branch enforces laws, ensuring they are followed by citizens.

Enforcing laws is the duty of the executive branch, particularly through agencies like the Department of Justice and law enforcement authorities. Congress does not enforce laws.

C. The legislative branch interprets laws, providing clarity on their meaning.

Interpreting laws falls under the judicial branch, specifically the Supreme Court and lower courts, which determine how laws apply in specific cases.

Correct Answer

D. To gain exportation of sugars

Explanation

The United States was interested in annexing Hawaii primarily due to its profitable sugar industry. American businessmen and plantation owners sought to avoid tariffs on Hawaiian sugar by making Hawaii part of the U.S. The strategic location of Hawaii also played a role, as it served as a refueling and military outpost in the Pacific. The annexation was formalized in 1898.

Why other options are wrong

A. To establish a military base in Europe.

Hawaii is located in the Pacific, not Europe, so this reason is geographically incorrect. While Pearl Harbor became a key military base, economic interests, particularly in sugar, were the main motivators.

B. To increase agricultural diversity in the mainland.

Although Hawaii’s agriculture contributed to the U.S. economy, the primary reason for annexation was the economic benefits of sugar exportation and avoiding tariffs, rather than diversifying mainland crops.

C. To promote tourism in the Pacific.

While Hawaii is now a major tourist destination, tourism was not a key factor in the U.S. decision to annex it in the late 19th century. Economic and strategic military reasons were the main drivers.

Correct Answer

B. To protect the family and oppose abortion and gay rights

Explanation

The Moral Majority, founded by Jerry Falwell in 1979, was a politically influential conservative Christian organization that sought to promote traditional family values. It played a significant role in mobilizing evangelical voters to support conservative political candidates, particularly in opposition to abortion, same-sex rights, and secular influences in society. The group was instrumental in shaping the Christian right as a powerful political force in the U.S.

Why other options are wrong

A. To promote civil rights and equality

While the organization claimed to stand for moral values, it was not focused on civil rights or racial equality. Instead, it prioritized conservative social issues.

C. To advocate for free market policies

Although the Moral Majority supported conservative economic policies, its main focus was on social and religious issues rather than economic ones.

D. To support environmental protection laws

The organization did not prioritize environmental protection. Its agenda was centered on moral and social concerns rather than ecological issues.

Correct Answer

B. They must register to vote.

Explanation

In the United States, one of the key civic responsibilities of citizens is to participate in the democratic process, primarily by voting. Upon turning 18, eligible citizens must register to vote in order to cast a ballot in elections. This requirement ensures that individuals are properly documented and can participate in federal, state, and local elections, shaping government policies and leadership.

Why other options are wrong

A. They must be property owners.

Owning property is not a requirement to participate in government activities. Historically, property ownership was once a voting requirement, but this restriction was removed in the 19th century, allowing more citizens to vote.

C. They must attend a government class.

There is no national requirement that citizens attend a government class before participating in government activities. While civic education is encouraged, it is not mandatory for voting or government participation.

D. They must pay a fee.

No fee is required to participate in government activities, including voting. Poll taxes, which once restricted voting rights, were banned by the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1964.

Correct Answer

D. To expand trade and lower tariffs

Explanation

The Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act (RTAA), passed in 1934, was designed to boost international trade and help the struggling U.S. economy recover from the Great Depression. It gave the president the authority to negotiate bilateral trade agreements with other nations, reducing tariffs on imported goods in exchange for similar reductions from other countries. This helped to open up new markets for American products, encouraging economic growth and trade expansion.

Why other options are wrong

A. To manage farmers' produce and offer subsidies.

This describes the purpose of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), not the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act. The AAA was designed to help farmers by controlling crop production and providing subsidies to reduce agricultural overproduction, thereby stabilizing prices. It did not focus on international trade policies.

B. To combat discrimination based on race.

The RTAA was purely an economic policy aimed at trade expansion and tariff reduction. It did not address civil rights or discrimination. Laws addressing racial discrimination, such as the Civil Rights Act, were enacted decades later, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s.

C. To create jobs through public works.

Creating jobs through public works was the primary goal of the Public Works Administration (PWA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). These programs focused on infrastructure development and employment opportunities, whereas the RTAA dealt with international trade agreements.

Correct Answer

B. It represented the expansion of the nation and the idea of Manifest Destiny, shaping its identity as a continental power.

Explanation

The expansion of the United States from coast to coast by 1850 was a significant moment in American history, reinforcing the idea of Manifest Destiny—the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America. This achievement solidified the country’s identity as a growing power with vast resources and economic potential. The acquisition of new territories, including California and Oregon, strengthened national unity and economic opportunities, particularly in trade, agriculture, and transportation.

Why other options are wrong

A. It showed the United States' commitment to isolationism.

This statement is incorrect because expansion demonstrated a willingness to engage in territorial conflicts and negotiations rather than isolationism. The U.S. was actively expanding its influence, not withdrawing from world affairs.

C. It indicated a decline in international trade opportunities for the nation.

On the contrary, reaching the Pacific allowed the United States to engage in increased trade with Asia, particularly China and Japan. The expansion improved access to new markets rather than reducing trade opportunities.

D. It marked the end of territorial disputes with Native American tribes.

This is incorrect because conflicts with Native American tribes continued well beyond 1850. Westward expansion led to further displacement and violence, including wars and forced relocations such as the Trail of Tears and later conflicts with Plains tribes.