SAT II US History : Sequence in U.S. Political History from 1790 to 1898

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II US History

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Sequence In U.S. Political History From 1790 To 1898

Which of the following purported to end the Civil War before it even began?

Possible Answers:

The Tariff of Abominations

The Emancipation Proclamation

The Crittenden Compromise

The Compromise of 1852

Correct answer:

The Crittenden Compromise

Explanation:

Just based off of pure timing, this should have been a fairly easy answer—although the Compromise of 1852 may have been a tempting answer. The Crittenden Compromise is the correct answer, the reasoning being that Crittenden proposed his compromise two days before South Caroline announced its official secession. The Compromise was a last-ditch attempt at holding the country together before the inevitable war broke out after secession. The Compromise essentially proposed that the Missouri Compromise line be reinstated and extended west, and that slavery be constitutionally protected in any territory south of the line (including possible acquired territories).

Example Question #194 : U.S. Political History

Who is the only president to have won two non-consecutive terms?

Possible Answers:

Grover Cleveland

Chester Arthur

None of these

Benjamin Harrison

Rutherford B. Hayes

Correct answer:

Grover Cleveland

Explanation:

Grover Cleveland is the only President in the history of the USA to win two non-consecutive elections. Grover Cleveland, a Democrat, first ran (and won) in 1884, and then was succeeded by Benjamin Harrison, a Republican, who beat him out in the general election the following cycle. Cleveland ran again in 1892 and won back the presidency.

Interestingly, Cleveland was the only Democrat President (other than Andrew Johnson, who, remember, succeeded Lincoln via presidential succession) from post-Civil War until Woodrow Wilson.

Example Question #195 : U.S. Political History

Which of the following states did not join the Union during the Presidency of George Washington?

Possible Answers:

Vermont

Tennessee

Kentucky

Louisiana

Correct answer:

Louisiana

Explanation:

During the Presidency of George Washington, Americans rapidly began to settle westwards, expanding the new nation at a startling rate. Kentucky, Tennessee, Vermont, and Ohio were all added to the Union during Washington’s term in office. The Mississippi river became the nation’s western boundary. Louisiana did not become a part of the Union until after the Louisiana Purchase, which took place during the Presidency of Thomas Jefferson. 

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