On October 20, 1803, the Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase Treaty by a vote of twenty-four to seven. The agreement, which provided for the purchase of the western half of the Mississippi River basin from France at a price of $15 million, or approximately four cents per acre, doubled the size of the country and paved the way for westward expansion beyond the Mississippi.

Question

Based on the excerpt, which of the following statements can be inferred about the effect the Louisiana Purchase would have on the United States?

(1 point)
Responses

Because of the treaty, the French could no longer pose a threat against the United States.
Because of the treaty, the French could no longer pose a threat against the United States.

Because of the purchase of the territory, Americans could now legally start settling regions in the West.
Because of the purchase of the territory, Americans could now legally start settling regions in the West.

Because of its ratification of the treaty, Congress confirmed that presidents had the power to purchase land.
Because of its ratification of the treaty, Congress confirmed that presidents had the power to purchase land.

Because of the high cost of the purchase, the United States would struggle even more with the public debt
Because of the high cost of the purchase, the United States would struggle even more with the public debt
Question 2
Use the excerpt to answer the question.

"The subject to be regulated is commerce, and . . . it becomes necessary to settle the meaning of the word. The counsel for the appellee [party appealing to a higher court] would limit it to traffic, to buying and selling, or the interchange of commodities, and do not admit that it comprehends [includes] navigation. . . . All America understands, and has uniformly understood, the word "commerce" to comprehend navigation. It was so understood, and must have been so understood, when the Constitution was framed. . . .

The word ‘among’ means intermingled with. A thing which is among others is intermingled with them. Commerce among the States cannot stop at the external boundary line of each State, but may be introduced into the interior.” —Chief Justice John Marshall, opinion of the court, Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Which of the following best summarizes this excerpt from John Marshall’s opinion?

(1 point)
Responses

The most important area involving commerce is in securing the national economy.
The most important area involving commerce is in securing the national economy.

The buying and selling of goods across state borders ought to fall under stricter laws.
The buying and selling of goods across state borders ought to fall under stricter laws.

The definition of commerce is differently interpreted by each state.
The definition of commerce is differently interpreted by each state.

The transportation and navigation of goods is part of the constitutional definition of commerce.
The transportation and navigation of goods is part of the constitutional definition of commerce.
Question 3
Of the following choices, which ones influenced the emergence of opposing political parties? Select all that apply(1 point)
Responses

looming threat of war with France
looming threat of war with France

differences in opinion on how much power federal government should have
differences in opinion on how much power federal government should have

mounting pressure from Britain to further establish government
mounting pressure from Britain to further establish government

increase in the distribution of newspapers
increase in the distribution of newspapers
Question 4
What was the purpose of Washington’s Neutrality Proclamation?(1 point)
Responses

He wanted to remain neutral as his newly elected cabinet developed an economic plan.
He wanted to remain neutral as his newly elected cabinet developed an economic plan.

He wanted to spell out his policy for imposing taxes on imports and exports.
He wanted to spell out his policy for imposing taxes on imports and exports.

He wanted to make it clear that the U.S. supported neither France nor Britain in their war.
He wanted to make it clear that the U.S. supported neither France nor Britain in their war.

He wanted to remain neutral when defining his policy toward trade with Spain.

Answer 1

Here are the responses based on the questions provided:

Question 1: Based on the excerpt, which of the following statements can be inferred about the effect the Louisiana Purchase would have on the United States?

• Because of the purchase of the territory, Americans could now legally start settling regions in the West.

Question 2: Which of the following best summarizes this excerpt from John Marshall’s opinion?

• The transportation and navigation of goods is part of the constitutional definition of commerce.

Question 3: Of the following choices, which ones influenced the emergence of opposing political parties? Select all that apply.

• looming threat of war with France
• differences in opinion on how much power the federal government should have
• increase in the distribution of newspapers

Question 4: What was the purpose of Washington’s Neutrality Proclamation?

• He wanted to make it clear that the U.S. supported neither France nor Britain in their war.