Conflict Over States' Rights Quiz

What best explains why the Tariff of Abominations created sectional conflict?

• It benefited the North while harming the South's cotton trade

• It helped all regions of the United States equally

• It only affected foreign countries like Britain

• It was supported by both Northern and Southern states

What is nullification?

• The act of cancelling a federal law

• The act of creating a new law

• The act of voting

• The act of raising taxes

Which statement BEST describes John Calhoun's argument for nullification?

• States should follow all federal laws without question

• States joined the Union understanding they could reject unconstitutional laws

• Only the Supreme Court could decide if laws were constitutional

• The President should decide which laws states must follow

How did Daniel Webster's view of the Constitution differ from Calhoun's?

• Webster believed the Constitution united individual states only

• Webster thought states should have more power than the federal government

• Webster argued the Constitution united all American people as one nation

• Webster supported South Carolina's right to nullify federal laws

Why was the Force Bill significant in the nullification crisis?

• It ended all tariffs permanently

• It gave the President authority to use military force to enforce federal law

• It supported South Carolina's position

• It dissolved the federal government's power

Based on the events described, what can you conclude about sectionalism in this period?

• It was mainly about foreign policy

• It had little impact on American politics

• It created deep divisions between regions over economic interests

• It united the country under federal power

What principle was at the core of the nullification debate?

• Whether states could override federal laws they deemed unconstitutional

• Whether Britain could tax American goods

• Whether the President could make laws

• Whether Congress could pass tariffs

Which action by Jackson shows he prioritized preserving the Union?

• Immediately using military force

• Supporting only Northern interests

• Allowing states to nullify any law

• Working for compromise while maintaining federal authority

Share a fact you wrote down in your notes that was not asked about in this quiz.