AP US History : 1801–1848
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP US History
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Example Questions
Example Question #4 : Domestic Politics 1801–1848
"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?
He supported nullification because it would allow Southern states to maintain the institution of slavery
He was a strong supporter of states' rights and backed the nullification proposal
He believed in the Tariff of 1828 and opposed nullification because it would upset the fragile American economy
Despite a sympathy for states' rights advocates, he opposed nullification, believing that it would dissolve the union
Despite a sympathy for states' rights advocates, he opposed nullification, believing that it would dissolve the union
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.
Example Question #3 : Domestic Politics 1801–1848
"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?
The Mexican American War
The Panic of 1837
The War of 1812
The Election of 1824
The Nullification Crisis of 1828-32
The Election of 1824
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.
Example Question #4 : Domestic Politics 1801–1848
"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?
worries about political radicalism
concerns about political liberty and the importance of maintaining a fair, democratic system
efforts to expand civil rights
concerns about regional divisions within the United States leading to political strife
concerns about economic inequality
concerns about political liberty and the importance of maintaining a fair, democratic system
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.
Example Question #21 : 1801–1848
"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?
White Southern planters who desired the extension of their way of life
Western Democrats who sought to expand their influence
Newly arrived immigrants seeking cheap land to farm
the Californios and Native Americans who inhabited the territory
Urban industrialists who prioritized developing new markets
the Californios and Native Americans who inhabited the territory
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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