Question

What happened to some Native Americans during the Jackson presidency?

A. They were forced to leave their homeland and move westward.
B. They allied themselves with slaves to seek equality under the law.
C. They were given large land grants on their native soil.
D. They filed a large number of lawsuits to protect their rights.

President Andrew Jackson is said to have responded to the Supreme Court's ruling in Worcester v. Georgia with the words, "[Chief Justice] John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it!" Which of the following best explains the meaning of this statement?

A. The Supreme Court favored Georgia over the Cherokee people, so its decision was not valid.
B. The Supreme Court does not have the power to enforce its decision, so President Jackson could ignore it.
C. According to the Constitution, the president has the power to deal with Native Americans, not the Supreme Court.
D. The president is responsible for enforcing the law, including decisions made by the Supreme Court.

How did the Seminole react differently from the Cherokee and Choctaw when the United States government wanted them to move west?

A. They held out for a higher payment for their land before agreeing to move.
B. They suffered sickness and death along the "Trail of Tears."
C. They agreed to become citizens of Mississippi and were allowed to remain.
D. They resisted and fought three wars against the United States Government.

Answer 1

1) A — They were forced to leave their homeland and move westward. (Indian Removal under Jackson; e.g., the Trail of Tears.)

2) B — The Supreme Court does not have the power to enforce its decision, so President Jackson could ignore it. (Jackson implied the executive would not carry out Marshall’s ruling.)

3) D — They resisted and fought three wars against the United States Government. (The Seminole fought the Seminole Wars rather than acquiescing to removal.)