U.S. History — Semester A Practice

Question 1 of 10

TEKS 1A-6B Hard Word

The Alien and Sedition Acts (1798) were controversial because:

A they restricted free speech and targeted immigrants

B they expanded voting rights

C they ended slavery

D they declared war on France

Explanation

📌 Limited free speech and targeted immigrants. Seen as unconstitutional by Jefferson/Madison (Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions).

Question 2 of 10

TEKS 15A-16E Easy Word

The Progressive Era (1890s-1920s) focused on:

A military expansion

B isolationism

C expanding slavery

D social and political reforms

Explanation

📌 Reform: trust-busting, labor rights, women's suffrage, food safety (Upton Sinclair's The Jungle), political reform.

Question 3 of 10

TEKS 17A-19E Easy Word

The Vice President presides over:

A the Supreme Court

B the Cabinet

C the House

D the Senate

Explanation

📌 The Senate. Casts tie-breaking votes. Also first in line of presidential succession.

Question 4 of 10

TEKS 1A-6B Medium Word

The Gettysburg Address was given by:

A George Washington

B Andrew Johnson

C Abraham Lincoln

D Thomas Jefferson

Explanation

📌 Abraham Lincoln (November 1863). Honored fallen soldiers. Redefined the Civil War as a fight for equality and democracy.

Question 5 of 10

TEKS 20A-22E Easy Word

Civic responsibility includes:

A only paying taxes

B voting, paying taxes, and serving on juries

C only voting

D avoiding government

Explanation

📌 Voting, paying taxes, jury duty, following laws, community service, staying informed.

Question 6 of 10

TEKS 12A-14C Easy Word

Sectionalism means:

A loyalty to one's region over the nation

B economic equality

C religious division

D loyalty to the whole country

Explanation

📌 Loyalty to one's own region rather than the nation. North (industry) vs South (agriculture/slavery) vs West (expansion).

Question 7 of 10

TEKS 15A-16E Medium Word

The Gilded Age (1870s-1900) was characterized by:

A agricultural decline

B rapid industrialization and extreme wealth inequality

C widespread equality

D peaceful labor relations

Explanation

📌 Rapid industrialization, wealth inequality, political corruption, immigration boom, monopolies. Term coined by Mark Twain.

Question 8 of 10

TEKS 17A-19E Hard Word

The Great Compromise at the Constitutional Convention resolved:

A presidential term limits

B the Bill of Rights

C the slavery issue

D representation in Congress (bicameral legislature)

Explanation

📌 Dispute between large/small states. Created bicameral legislature: Senate (equal) + House (proportional). Roger Sherman.

Question 9 of 10

TEKS 20A-22E Medium Word

The principle of 'separation of powers' in the U.S. Constitution was most directly influenced by the writings of —

A Niccolo Machiavelli

B Baron de Montesquieu

C Adam Smith

D Karl Marx

Explanation

Montesquieu's 'The Spirit of the Laws' (1748) directly influenced the Framers with his argument that liberty is best protected when power is divided among three branches.

Question 10 of 10

TEKS 12A-14C Easy Word

The Great Plains are primarily used for:

A fishing

B mining

C agriculture

D technology

Explanation

📌 Agriculture (wheat, corn, cattle ranching). Called 'America's breadbasket.'

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