U.S. History B Topic 2 Assignment (Politics in the Guilded Age

Which of the following statements BEST describes the perspective expressed in the cartoon above about politics in the 19th century?

• Political machines had an unprecedented amount of control over local politics.

• Political machines were a necessary evil to improve the lives of immigrants.

• Political machines did not influence national politics and were mostly ineffective.

• Political machines facilitated the growth of monopolies in manufacturing centers.

Who was William M. Tweed?

• the political machine boss in New York City

• the president of the United States

• the governor of New Jersey

• a factory owner

The figures standing in the back row represent industries such as steel, copper, and oil. Why are they depicted as large bags of money?

• The industries are in danger of losing their profits.

• They are easier to see in the cartoon this way.

• The industries are controlled by large companies with big profits.

• There is no more space available for new industries to develop.

The caption at the bottom of the cartoon says, "The Bosses of the Senate." What does this mean?

• Wealthy companies often keep senators from passing laws.

• Congress is being controlled by influential business owners.

• The powerful and wealthy large companies have no influence over lawmakers.

• The senators make laws without any outside influence.

How did a civil service movement affect the spoils system in the late 1800s?

• The administration of President Arthur introduced legislation to limit political patronage.

• Some Democrats supported a Republican Party candidate running on reform.

• It prevented people with the best qualifications from being hired to prominent positions.

• The administration of President Grant became focused on fighting political corruption.

What factors led to the rise of a spoils system in the late 1800s?

• weak presidents elected without a majority and political jobs promised in return for support

• political jobs promised in return for support and reforms of the requirements for civil servants

• changes in who qualified to vote in elections and reforms of the requirements for civil servants

• reforms of the requirements for civil servants and weak presidents elected without a majority

Why did working Americans want tariffs reduced in the late 1800s?

• It would reduce the price of foreign-made products and lower the price of goods through greater competition.

• It would result in manufacturing moving outside of the country and lowering the price of goods through greater competition.

• It would lower the price of goods through greater competition and encourage the buying of American products and goods.

• It would encourage the buying of American products and goods and reduce the price of foreign-made products.

What was the result of Benjamin Harrison’s victory over Grover Cleveland in the race for president?

• lower tariffs and increased patronage

• increased patronage and civil service reform

• civil service reform and higher tariffs

• higher tariffs and increased patronage

How did the Sherman Silver Purchase Act affect the gold standard in the late 1800s?

• The government favored silver over gold.

• The legislation proved largely ineffective.

• The working class experienced economic relief.

• The business community embraced silver.

The term “Gilded Age” accurately reflects the characteristics of the time. Why or why not? Provide two examples.