American Historical Associations Quiz

Answer: James Madison

The Virginia Plan, which became the basis for the U. S. Constitution, was written by James Madison. Virginia governor Edmund Randolph presented the plan to the delegates at the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

Answer: National Bank

Hamilton was the first Secretary of Treasury, and he developed a post-Revolutionary War economic plan which included a national bank. The bank would provide a place where government monies could be deposited and then used for loans to government and businesses.

Answer: George Washington

The continual disagreements between Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson on just about every issue during Washington's two terms led to the formation of the first political parties. Washington was greatly bothered by the division created as government officials took sides.

In 1793 Britain and France went to war, and Washington was determined that the U. S. would remain neutral.

Answer: Thomas Jefferson

During President Jefferson's administration, the U. S. practically doubled in size with the addition of land gained in the Louisiana Purchase. Two US Army officers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were chosen to lead an expedition into the new territory. Sacajawea and her husband later served as interpreters and guides helping Lewis and Clark to establish peaceful relations with Native Americans in the Louisiana Territory.

Answer: Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry is quoted as saying "If a victory is to be gained, I will gain it." At age 27, he did achieve victory which provided protection for the Ohio Valley and opened Canada to possible invasion. He died at the young age of 34 after contracting yellow fever during an expedition in Latin America.

Answer: Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun

Clay from Kentucky and Calhoun from South Carolina presented the American System which included tariffs, a renewal of the national bank, and government grants to finance internal improvements like roads and canals. Clay and Calhoun's ideas were part of the strong feelings of pride and loyalty known as nationalism which spread across the country after the War of 1812.

Answer: Andrew Jackson

Native Americans suffered greatly during Jackson's presidency. Because of a greater demand for land, the Cherokee were forced to leave their homelands in the southeastern part of the US. The trek to the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) is known as the Trail of Tears. Starvation, disease, and inadequate clothing and shelter led to the deaths of around 4,000 Cherokee.

Answer: Stephen F. Austin

The idea of taking a group of settlers to Texas actually began with Austin's father, Moses. Moses died before he was able to set up his colony, so Stephen followed through with his father's plans and established the first settlements near the Brazos and Colorado rivers. His efforts resulted in him being called the "Father of Texas."

Answer: Stephen A. Douglas

During the campaign Douglas did not want a face-to-face meeting with Lincoln, but as he traveled the state in a private train provided by his friend George McClellan, Lincoln was right behind him, delivering speeches in response to Douglas' claims and accusations. Finally, Douglas had had enough and agreed to publically appear with Lincoln seven times which became known as the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Douglas defeated Lincoln in the 1858 senate race, but then lost to Lincoln in the presidential race of 1860.

Answer: Roger Taney

At the time when Scott's case reached the Supreme Court, many of the justices upheld the idea of slavery. This was reflected in the 7 to 2 vote against Scott. In the opinion of the court, delivered by Justice Taney, Scott had no rights in the federal courts because he was African American and therefore not a citizen.