James Polk's Presidency and Policies

James Polk, a Jacksonian Democrat, was a significant U.S. president before the Civil War. He served as Speaker of the House and was elected president in 1844 as a 'dark horse' candidate. Polk believed in Manifest Destiny, leading to the Mexican-American War, which expanded U.S. territory but sparked controversy over slavery. Despite his achievements, including the Oregon Territory settlement and establishing the U.S. Naval Academy, his presidency was marred by health issues. Polk served one term, fulfilling his campaign promise, and died shortly after leaving office.

What was one of James Polk's early political achievements?

• Serving as Speaker of the House

• Abolishing the Electoral College

• Becoming the youngest president

• Winning the Nobel Peace Prize

Which concept did Polk endorse that justified territorial expansion?

• Laissez-faire

• Monroe Doctrine

• Manifest Destiny

• Isolationism

What event led to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War?

• The signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

• The annexation of California

• The ambush of an American unit by Mexican forces

• The election of Polk as president

Who was a notable critic of the Mexican-American War?

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• Abraham Lincoln

• Theodore Roosevelt

What was the Wilmot Proviso aimed at?

• Banning slavery in new territories acquired from Mexico

• Creating a new political party

• Allowing slavery in all new territories

• Establishing a new national bank

How did Polk propose to handle the issue of slavery in new territories?

• By ignoring the issue

• By allowing each state to decide

• By extending the Missouri Compromise line

• By banning slavery entirely

What was one of Polk's significant domestic achievements?

• Building the Hoover Dam

• Establishing the Federal Reserve

• Opening the U.S. Naval Academy

• Creating the Social Security system

What health issue plagued Polk during his presidency?

• Tuberculosis

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Cholera

What was Polk's stance on serving terms as President?

• He had no term limit preference

• He pledged to serve only one term

• He wanted to serve two terms

• He wanted to serve indefinitely

How did scholars view Polk's presidency?

• As a failure

• As highly effective in achieving his agenda

• As controversial and divisive

• As largely insignificant