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AP®HistoryCollege BoardUS HistoryExam QuestionsPeriod 4: 1800-1848The Rise of Political Parties & the Era of Jefferson

The Rise of Political Parties & the Era of Jefferson (College Board AP® US History): Exam Questions

4 mins4 questions
11 mark

"The expedition of Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, for exploring the river Missouri, and the best communication from that to the Pacific Ocean, has had all the success which could have been expected... They have traced the Missouri nearly to its source, descended the Columbia to the Pacific Ocean, and ascertained, with greater accuracy than before known, the geography of that interesting communication across our continent."

President Thomas Jefferson, Message to Congress, February 19, 1806

The excerpt above best reflects which of the following successes of Thomas Jefferson’s presidency?

  • Promoting agrarian economy and the expansion of territorial growth

  • Reducing the influence of the federal government in domestic affairs

  • Establishing a closer alliance with France to promote economic development

  • Louisiana became the 18th state in the United States of America

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21 mark

"The expedition of Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, for exploring the river Missouri, and the best communication from that to the Pacific Ocean, has had all the success which could have been expected... They have traced the Missouri nearly to its source, descended the Columbia to the Pacific Ocean, and ascertained, with greater accuracy than before known, the geography of that interesting communication across our continent."

President Thomas Jefferson, Message to Congress, February 19, 1806

Which of the following was a significant consequence of the Louisiana Purchase?

  • It led to increased conflict between the U.S. and Indigenous tribes

  • It forced the United States to enter the Napoleonic Wars on the side of France

  • It established a precedent for future land acquisitions by treaty

  • It resulted in an immediate rush of settlers into the newly acquired territories

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31 mark

"The expedition of Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, for exploring the river Missouri, and the best communication from that to the Pacific Ocean, has had all the success which could have been expected... They have traced the Missouri nearly to its source, descended the Columbia to the Pacific Ocean, and ascertained, with greater accuracy than before known, the geography of that interesting communication across our continent."

President Thomas Jefferson, Message to Congress, February 19, 1806

Which of the following developments was most directly facilitated by the Louisiana Purchase?

  • The debate over the expansion of slavery into western territories

  • The formal acquisition of the Oregon Territory through a treaty with Britain

  • The strengthening of the Federalist Party in national politics

  • The immediate creation of several new states from the acquired territory

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41 mark

"The expedition of Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, for exploring the river Missouri, and the best communication from that to the Pacific Ocean, has had all the success which could have been expected... They have traced the Missouri nearly to its source, descended the Columbia to the Pacific Ocean, and ascertained, with greater accuracy than before known, the geography of that interesting communication across our continent."

President Thomas Jefferson, Message to Congress, February 19, 1806

Why was the Louisiana Purchase controversial at the time?

  • Many feared the expansion of slavery into new territories

  • It violated the Treaty of Fontainebleau with Spain

  • It provided potential industrial land which could undermine the agricultural economy

  • Constructionists questioned whether the Constitution allowed such a purchase 

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