The excerpt below is from the 1831 U.S. Supreme Court case Cherokee Nation v. Georgia.
The Indian territory is admitted to compose a part of the United States. They acknowledge themselves in their treaties to be under the protection of the United States; they admit that the United States shall have the sole and exclusive right of regulating the trade with them, and managing all their affairs as they think proper... Treaties were made with some tribes... by which they ceded all their lands... [and] they admit their dependence.
They look to our government for protection; rely upon its kindness and its power... and address the president as their great father.
... [T]he Cherokee nation. retains its usages and customs and self government, greatly improved by the civilization which it has been the policy of the United States to encourage and foster among them.
This excerpt is taken from the public domain.
What is the main point of view expressed in this excerpt?
- A. The Cherokee Nation is equal to the United States in terms of trade and government.
- B. The Cherokee Nation is dependent on the United States for basic necessities and survival.
- C. The Cherokee Nation is dependent on the United States for guidance and protection.
- D. The Cherokee Nation is a separate state that deals with the United States as a foreign country.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The excerpt emphasizes the Cherokee Nation's reliance on the United States for guidance and protection, reflecting a relationship where the Cherokee seek support in navigating external challenges. Option A misrepresents the dynamics by suggesting equality in trade and government, which overlooks the power imbalance. Option B, while hinting at dependence, fails to capture the broader context of guidance and protection that the Cherokee sought. Option D incorrectly frames the relationship as one of complete separation, ignoring the interdependence that characterized their interactions with the United States.
The excerpt emphasizes the Cherokee Nation's reliance on the United States for guidance and protection, reflecting a relationship where the Cherokee seek support in navigating external challenges. Option A misrepresents the dynamics by suggesting equality in trade and government, which overlooks the power imbalance. Option B, while hinting at dependence, fails to capture the broader context of guidance and protection that the Cherokee sought. Option D incorrectly frames the relationship as one of complete separation, ignoring the interdependence that characterized their interactions with the United States.
Other Related Questions
According to this graph, in which year did the U.S. government first achieve a budget surplus?
- A. 1996
- B. 1994
- C. 1998
- D. 2002
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The graph indicates that the U.S. government first achieved a budget surplus in 1998, as evidenced by the line crossing above the zero mark in that year. Option A (1996) shows a deficit, as the line remains below zero. Option B (1994) also reflects a deficit, indicating that the government had not yet balanced its budget. Option D (2002) is incorrect as it depicts a return to deficit after a surplus, confirming that the surplus was achieved earlier in 1998. Thus, 1998 is the first year when the budget surplus was realized.
The graph indicates that the U.S. government first achieved a budget surplus in 1998, as evidenced by the line crossing above the zero mark in that year. Option A (1996) shows a deficit, as the line remains below zero. Option B (1994) also reflects a deficit, indicating that the government had not yet balanced its budget. Option D (2002) is incorrect as it depicts a return to deficit after a surplus, confirming that the surplus was achieved earlier in 1998. Thus, 1998 is the first year when the budget surplus was realized.
Which event counters the viewpoint expressed in the newspaper excerpt that African Americans refused to defend their civil rights?
- A. the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments
- B. the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation
- C. the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- D. the start of the Great Migration
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) directly counters the viewpoint that African Americans refused to defend their civil rights. Established in 1909, the NAACP actively fought for civil rights through legal challenges, advocacy, and public education, demonstrating a strong commitment to defending their rights. Option A, the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, although significant, primarily established legal rights rather than showcasing active defense. Option B, the Emancipation Proclamation, ended slavery but did not directly address civil rights activism. Option D, the Great Migration, reflects a movement for better opportunities but does not specifically illustrate organized efforts to defend civil rights.
The founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) directly counters the viewpoint that African Americans refused to defend their civil rights. Established in 1909, the NAACP actively fought for civil rights through legal challenges, advocacy, and public education, demonstrating a strong commitment to defending their rights. Option A, the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, although significant, primarily established legal rights rather than showcasing active defense. Option B, the Emancipation Proclamation, ended slavery but did not directly address civil rights activism. Option D, the Great Migration, reflects a movement for better opportunities but does not specifically illustrate organized efforts to defend civil rights.
Which statement from Common Sense provides evidence that the author Thomas Paine supported American independence?
- A. "Absolute governments have this advantage with them, that they are simple..."
- B. "I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation, to [show], a single advantage that this continent can reap, by being connected with Great Britain."
- C. "The prejudice of Englishmen, in [favor] of their own government arises as much or more from national pride than reason."
- D. "Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil."
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B provides clear evidence of Thomas Paine's support for American independence by challenging the benefits of remaining connected to Great Britain. By asking advocates for reconciliation to demonstrate any advantages, Paine emphasizes the futility of such ties and advocates for autonomy. Option A discusses the simplicity of absolute governments, which does not directly address the question of American independence. Option C critiques English national pride but lacks a direct link to the argument for independence. Option D presents a philosophical view on government but does not specifically advocate for breaking away from British rule.
Option B provides clear evidence of Thomas Paine's support for American independence by challenging the benefits of remaining connected to Great Britain. By asking advocates for reconciliation to demonstrate any advantages, Paine emphasizes the futility of such ties and advocates for autonomy. Option A discusses the simplicity of absolute governments, which does not directly address the question of American independence. Option C critiques English national pride but lacks a direct link to the argument for independence. Option D presents a philosophical view on government but does not specifically advocate for breaking away from British rule.
Which historical event shaped President Wilson's point of view?
- A. the enactment of the Neutrality Acts
- B. the building of the Panama Canal
- C. the outcome of the Spanish-American War
- D. the fighting in World War I
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
President Wilson's perspective was profoundly shaped by the fighting in World War I, as it highlighted the need for a new approach to international relations and the promotion of democracy. His commitment to a peaceful resolution and the establishment of the League of Nations stemmed from the devastation of the war. Option A, the Neutrality Acts, reflects a desire to avoid conflict, but they were enacted after Wilson's initial views were formed. Option B, the Panama Canal, was significant for U.S. expansion but did not directly influence Wilson's foreign policy. Option C, the Spanish-American War, marked an earlier phase of U.S. imperialism, contrasting with Wilson's focus on self-determination and peace.
President Wilson's perspective was profoundly shaped by the fighting in World War I, as it highlighted the need for a new approach to international relations and the promotion of democracy. His commitment to a peaceful resolution and the establishment of the League of Nations stemmed from the devastation of the war. Option A, the Neutrality Acts, reflects a desire to avoid conflict, but they were enacted after Wilson's initial views were formed. Option B, the Panama Canal, was significant for U.S. expansion but did not directly influence Wilson's foreign policy. Option C, the Spanish-American War, marked an earlier phase of U.S. imperialism, contrasting with Wilson's focus on self-determination and peace.