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
Which feature of the U.S. system of government did de Tocqueville believe might cause conflict in society?
- A. The majority is able to achieve special rights.
- B. The minority is able to block popular legislation.
- C. Legislators must represent minority interests.
- D. Legislators sometimes act against majority rule.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
De Tocqueville observed that when the majority in a democracy can impose its will, it might lead to the oppression of minority groups, creating societal conflict. This reflects his concern about "tyranny of the majority," where the dominant group's interests overshadow the rights of others. Option B is incorrect because while minorities can influence legislation, de Tocqueville focused more on majority power. Option C misrepresents his views; he acknowledged the importance of minority representation but did not see it as a source of conflict. Option D is also inaccurate, as de Tocqueville emphasized the potential for the majority to dominate rather than legislators opposing the majority.
De Tocqueville observed that when the majority in a democracy can impose its will, it might lead to the oppression of minority groups, creating societal conflict. This reflects his concern about "tyranny of the majority," where the dominant group's interests overshadow the rights of others. Option B is incorrect because while minorities can influence legislation, de Tocqueville focused more on majority power. Option C misrepresents his views; he acknowledged the importance of minority representation but did not see it as a source of conflict. Option D is also inaccurate, as de Tocqueville emphasized the potential for the majority to dominate rather than legislators opposing the majority.
Which statement from the passage is an opinion?
- A. "Even so, the success of Levittown depended not only on the efficiency of the Levitt brothers' process but also on the Federal Housing Administration" (paragraph 4)
- B. "Shortly after World War II, many changes led to the development of suburbs." (paragraph 1)
- C. "This, much of the baby-boom generation had well-constructed homes in which to grow up." (paragraph 4)
- D. "With this financing in place, more homes could be built and more veterans could afford to buy them." (paragraph 4)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C expresses a subjective view about the quality of homes available to the baby-boom generation, indicating an opinion that these homes were "well-constructed." This characterization is not a factual statement and reflects a personal judgment. In contrast, Option A presents a factual statement about the factors contributing to Levittown's success, grounded in historical context. Option B provides a straightforward observation regarding the timeline of suburban development, without personal interpretation. Option D outlines a factual cause-and-effect relationship regarding financing and home construction, remaining objective. Thus, only Option C conveys a personal opinion.
Option C expresses a subjective view about the quality of homes available to the baby-boom generation, indicating an opinion that these homes were "well-constructed." This characterization is not a factual statement and reflects a personal judgment. In contrast, Option A presents a factual statement about the factors contributing to Levittown's success, grounded in historical context. Option B provides a straightforward observation regarding the timeline of suburban development, without personal interpretation. Option D outlines a factual cause-and-effect relationship regarding financing and home construction, remaining objective. Thus, only Option C conveys a personal opinion.
Which sentence from the passage provides evidence that the Veterans Administration was involved in the development of suburban communities?
- A. "Men returned home from military service, got married, and started families." (paragraph 1)
- B. "Moreover, a separate government program made low-interest mortgage loans available to returning military personnel." (paragraph 4)
- C. "Even so, the success of Levittown depended not only on the efficiency of the Levitt brothers' process but also on the Federal Housing Administration, which guaranteed bank loans to builders." (paragraph 4)
- D. "William and his brother Alfred first gained experience in assembly-line techniques while building government housing for defense workers during World War II." (paragraph 2)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B clearly highlights the involvement of the Veterans Administration by mentioning a specific government program that provided low-interest mortgage loans to returning military personnel. This directly links the agency's actions to the development of suburban communities, as affordable housing financing is crucial for homeownership. Option A discusses the general trend of returning veterans starting families but does not specifically reference the Veterans Administration's role. Option C mentions the Federal Housing Administration, not the Veterans Administration, which makes it irrelevant to the question. Option D focuses on the Levitt brothers’ prior experience and does not address the Veterans Administration's involvement in suburban development.
Option B clearly highlights the involvement of the Veterans Administration by mentioning a specific government program that provided low-interest mortgage loans to returning military personnel. This directly links the agency's actions to the development of suburban communities, as affordable housing financing is crucial for homeownership. Option A discusses the general trend of returning veterans starting families but does not specifically reference the Veterans Administration's role. Option C mentions the Federal Housing Administration, not the Veterans Administration, which makes it irrelevant to the question. Option D focuses on the Levitt brothers’ prior experience and does not address the Veterans Administration's involvement in suburban development.
Which statement about the ratification of the 19th Amendment is based on the passage?
- A. Ratification was the result of the Seneca Falls Convention.
- B. Ratification occurred in return for the military service of women during World War I.
- C. Ratification occurred prior to the granting of voting rights to freed slaves.
- D. Ratification was the result of the accumulated efforts of women for decades.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The ratification of the 19th Amendment was the culmination of decades of advocacy and activism by women who fought tirelessly for their voting rights, making option D the most accurate statement. Option A incorrectly attributes the ratification solely to the Seneca Falls Convention, which was just one of many events in the long struggle for women's suffrage. Option B suggests a direct exchange of military service for voting rights, which oversimplifies the complex social and political factors involved. Option C misrepresents the timeline, as the 19th Amendment was ratified after the Civil War, but the fight for voting rights for freed slaves and women evolved concurrently, not sequentially.
The ratification of the 19th Amendment was the culmination of decades of advocacy and activism by women who fought tirelessly for their voting rights, making option D the most accurate statement. Option A incorrectly attributes the ratification solely to the Seneca Falls Convention, which was just one of many events in the long struggle for women's suffrage. Option B suggests a direct exchange of military service for voting rights, which oversimplifies the complex social and political factors involved. Option C misrepresents the timeline, as the 19th Amendment was ratified after the Civil War, but the fight for voting rights for freed slaves and women evolved concurrently, not sequentially.