The slogan "54-40 or Fight" referred to the latitude line of 54 degrees 40 minutes, which was the northern boundary of the Oregon Territory. The United States and Britain had jointly occupied the territory for decades. Both nations felt they had a legitimate claim to the land and its wealth of resources.
This excerpt is from President James Polk's 1845 inaugural address.
Nor will it become in a less degree my duty to... maintain by all constitutional means the right of the United States to that portion of our territory which lles beyond the Rocky Mountains. Our title to... Oregon is "clear and unquestionable," and already are our people preparing to perfect that title by occupying it with their wives and ascended the Missouri to its headsprings, and are already engaged in establishing the children.. [0]ur people... have filled the eastern valley of the Mississippi, To us belongs the duty of protecting them adequately wherever they may be upon our blessings of self-government in valleys of which the rivers flow to the Pacific.. soil. The jurisdiction of our laws and the benefits of our republican institutions should be extended over them in the distant regions which they have selected for their homes.
Which statement from President Polk's address is a fact rather than an opinion?
- A. "Our title to… Oregon is 'clear and unquestionable,' and already are our people preparing to perfect that title by occupying it with their wives and children..."
- B. "[O]ur people… have filled the eastern valley of the Mississippi,... ascended the Missouri to its headsprings..."
- C. "Nor will it become in a less degree my duty to… maintain by all constitutional means the right of the United States to that portion of our territory which lies beyond the Rocky Mountains."
- D. "The jurisdiction of our laws and the benefits of our republican institutions should be extended over them in the distant regions which they have selected for their homes."
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B presents a factual statement about the movement of people in the United States, specifically noting their migration patterns along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. This statement can be verified through historical records, making it a fact. In contrast, Option A expresses a subjective belief regarding the clarity of the title to Oregon, which is an opinion rather than an objective truth. Option C discusses the duty of the President in a way that implies a commitment but does not provide verifiable information. Lastly, Option D suggests a normative view on governance and territorial expansion, reflecting a belief in the benefits of U.S. institutions rather than stating a fact.
Option B presents a factual statement about the movement of people in the United States, specifically noting their migration patterns along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. This statement can be verified through historical records, making it a fact. In contrast, Option A expresses a subjective belief regarding the clarity of the title to Oregon, which is an opinion rather than an objective truth. Option C discusses the duty of the President in a way that implies a commitment but does not provide verifiable information. Lastly, Option D suggests a normative view on governance and territorial expansion, reflecting a belief in the benefits of U.S. institutions rather than stating a fact.
Other Related Questions
Which statement from the excerpts is a fact?
- A. "When people blame the current crisis on the free market, they are making a grave intellectual error." (paragraph 3)
- B. "... we ultimately included a provision in the Affordable Care Act that people who can afford to buy health insurance should take the responsibility to do so." (paragraph 7)
- C. "Like other areas of the economy where the federal government wields its heavy hand, health care is overregulated and in need of serious market reforms." (paragraph 2)
- D. "... [T]oday's decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it." (paragraph 5)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B presents a factual statement regarding the Affordable Care Act, specifically mentioning a provision that mandates individuals who can afford health insurance to take responsibility for purchasing it. This is a verifiable aspect of the legislation. In contrast, Option A expresses an opinion about blaming the free market, which is subjective and open to interpretation. Option C also conveys a viewpoint on government regulation and reform needs, lacking objective verification. Lastly, Option D describes a perceived outcome of a decision, reflecting an opinion on its impact rather than presenting a fact. Thus, only Option B stands as an objective statement grounded in legislation.
Option B presents a factual statement regarding the Affordable Care Act, specifically mentioning a provision that mandates individuals who can afford health insurance to take responsibility for purchasing it. This is a verifiable aspect of the legislation. In contrast, Option A expresses an opinion about blaming the free market, which is subjective and open to interpretation. Option C also conveys a viewpoint on government regulation and reform needs, lacking objective verification. Lastly, Option D describes a perceived outcome of a decision, reflecting an opinion on its impact rather than presenting a fact. Thus, only Option B stands as an objective statement grounded in legislation.
How did Chief Justice Marshall contribute to the U.S. government system of checks and balances?
- A. by establishing the Supreme Court's power to check Congress
- B. by creating the power to remove the president from office
- C. by expanding the president's power to check Congress
- D. by giving the Supreme Court the power to control itself
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Chief Justice Marshall played a pivotal role in defining the Supreme Court's authority, notably through the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review. This empowered the Court to invalidate laws passed by Congress that it deemed unconstitutional, effectively allowing it to check legislative power. Option B is incorrect as the power to remove a president lies with Congress through impeachment, not the Supreme Court. Option C misrepresents Marshall's contributions, as he did not expand presidential power but rather clarified judicial authority. Option D is also inaccurate; the Supreme Court does not have self-regulating powers but operates within the framework of checks and balances.
Chief Justice Marshall played a pivotal role in defining the Supreme Court's authority, notably through the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review. This empowered the Court to invalidate laws passed by Congress that it deemed unconstitutional, effectively allowing it to check legislative power. Option B is incorrect as the power to remove a president lies with Congress through impeachment, not the Supreme Court. Option C misrepresents Marshall's contributions, as he did not expand presidential power but rather clarified judicial authority. Option D is also inaccurate; the Supreme Court does not have self-regulating powers but operates within the framework of checks and balances.
Which event occurred first?
- A. Michael moved to Ohio.
- B. Michael attained U.S. citizenship.
- C. The IRO was created.
- D. The UN was established.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
To determine the sequence of events, it’s essential to consider historical timelines. The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945, laying the groundwork for international cooperation. The International Refugee Organization (IRO) was created shortly after, in 1946, to address post-war refugee issues. Michael attaining U.S. citizenship likely occurred after these events, as it typically follows immigration processes. Lastly, Michael moving to Ohio would depend on his citizenship status and individual circumstances, making it the most recent event in this context.
To determine the sequence of events, it’s essential to consider historical timelines. The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945, laying the groundwork for international cooperation. The International Refugee Organization (IRO) was created shortly after, in 1946, to address post-war refugee issues. Michael attaining U.S. citizenship likely occurred after these events, as it typically follows immigration processes. Lastly, Michael moving to Ohio would depend on his citizenship status and individual circumstances, making it the most recent event in this context.
Which quotation from the excerpt reveals the author's bias about the relationship between the rule of the majority and the rights of the minority?
- A. "The wishes of the smaller group will override the wishes of the larger group and this will create resentment."
- B. "Requiring a unanimous vote or more than a majority vote is meant to provide a safeguard against oppression."
- C. "In these circumstances, expect constant scheming, trickery, and tiresome delays, resulting in disgraceful deals that violate the public good."
- D. "In times of national emergency, the goodness, badness, weakness, and strength of the government is supremely important."
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C highlights the author's bias by suggesting that the majority's decisions can lead to unethical behavior that undermines public welfare. This reveals a concern for minority rights, indicating that the author believes majority rule may result in negative consequences for those not in power. Option A misrepresents the author's view, as it suggests that the smaller group's wishes will always be overridden, which does not directly reflect bias against majority rule. Option B focuses on safeguards against oppression, which does not convey bias but rather a protective measure. Option D addresses the government's performance during emergencies but fails to connect to the relationship between majority rule and minority rights, missing the core issue of bias.
Option C highlights the author's bias by suggesting that the majority's decisions can lead to unethical behavior that undermines public welfare. This reveals a concern for minority rights, indicating that the author believes majority rule may result in negative consequences for those not in power. Option A misrepresents the author's view, as it suggests that the smaller group's wishes will always be overridden, which does not directly reflect bias against majority rule. Option B focuses on safeguards against oppression, which does not convey bias but rather a protective measure. Option D addresses the government's performance during emergencies but fails to connect to the relationship between majority rule and minority rights, missing the core issue of bias.