APUSH SAQ U4

Briefly explain ONE political, social, or economic area targeted by reformers between 1820 and 1848.

Reformers like Frederick Douglass targeted the social issue of slavery through abolition movements; this mainly followed after the Second Great Awakening, claiming all were equal in God’s eyes. Abolitionists argued that slavery was a sin and that treating slaves was inhumane and unjust.

Briefly explain ONE specific success or failure of the reform efforts explained in Part A.

The founding of the American Anti-Slavery Society. Reformers performed speeches and created newspapers to change the views of slavery up north, where the demand for slavery was less than in the South, but still persistent. Though this media didn’t immediately impact legislation, it eventually led to the abolition of slavery through moral change.

Briefly explain ONE impact of the success or failure explained in Part B.

Abolition movements changed many perspectives on slavery, it led to growing tensions between the North and the South, eventually leading to the Civil War.

Identify and briefly explain why ONE group of Americans supported the expansion of federal power between 1800 and 1848.

Federalists were the main group of Americans who supported the expansion of federal power because they believed in a strong central government, creating national unity, economic growth, and stability.

Identify and briefly explain why ONE group of Americans opposed the expansion of federal power between 1800 and 1848.

The Democratic Republicans were the main group that opposed the expansion of federal power because they feared a powerful central government that would become tyrannical by threatening state rights and individual liberties.

Provide and briefly discuss ONE example of the expansion of federal power between 1800 and 1848 that was either supported by the group identified in Part A or opposed by the group identified in Part B

One expansion of federal power was the use of the supremacy clause during the court case McCullough v. Maryland; this was supported by the Federalist Party because it strengthened the central government by establishing federal supremacy over the states. 

OR

Established in the court case Marbury v. Madison, judicial review was widely supported by federalists because it granted the judicial branch powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution. They liked it because it aligned with their core ideology of a strong, balanced federal government and an independent judiciary. 

Briefly describe ONE specific historical difference between the ideas of republican motherhood and the ideas of the Seneca Falls Convention.

The ideals of republican motherhood put the responsibilities of future generations in the hands of mothers, labeling them as caretakers and making them stay at home, while ideals from the Seneca Falls Convention advocated for equal rights and the suffrage of women, allowing them to be independent and escape from traditional roles.

Briefly describe ONE specific historical similarity between the ideas of republican motherhood and the ideas of the Seneca Falls Convention.

Both ideas from republican motherhood and the Seneca Falls Convention relied on education, claiming it was essential for the success and development of women. 

Briefly explain ONE specific historical effect of either republican motherhood or the Seneca Falls Convention.

The Seneca Falls Convention started the women’s suffrage movement, allowing women to vote and have more influence in government. This later led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which formally allowed women to vote in elections.

Briefly describe one major difference between Wilentz’s and Bouton’s historical interpretations of early United States politics. 

Wilentz’s interpretation of early United States politics claimed democratic success; democracy expanded far beyond the reach of the elite. Bouton’s interpretation claims the early United States was ruled by the elite, who worked strongly against democracy and rather for themselves.

Briefly explain how one event or development from 1789 to 1820 not directly mentioned in the excerpts could be used to support Wilentz’s argument about early United States politics.

The expansion of suffrage (the right to vote) to more white men, even those without property, would support his argument. This shows a broadening of democracy, as more people gained the ability to vote and participate in the political process. Allowing for a wider scope of representation through voting meant the government would be able to be run more efficiently based on the needs and wants of the people.

Briefly explain how one event or development from 1789 to 1820 not directly mentioned in the excerpts could be used to support Bouton’s argument about early United States politics.

The establishment of the Bank of the United States could be used to support his argument. This institution, favored by the elites, concentrated financial power, could be seen as a way to maintain control and limit the influence of citizens.

Briefly describe ONE perspective about politics in the 1830s expressed in the image.

During the 1830s, Andrew Jackson was viewed as a king, not because he was in descent from the throne, but rather because he abused his presidential power and acted like a monarch. This view was mainly held by his opposing party supporters in members, who didn’t want the government to run as he did.

Briefly explain ONE specific event or development that led to the perspective expressed in the image.

One specific development leading to the perception of Andrew Jackson as king was the implementation of the spoils system, where Jackson rewarded supporters with positions in office regardless of their experience and competence. He effectively fired tons of workers previously in office and showed he valued political loyalty rather than competence.

OR

Jackson’s continuous use of the veto power could’ve led to this negative perspective of him. He abused it, using it on every piece of legislation he didn’t agree with. Many argued he was acting for himself instead of the people and was acting as a monarch.

Briefly explain ONE specific effect of the political developments referenced by the image.

Due to Jackson’s monarchical ways, the development of the Whig party started, opposing Andrew Jackson’s presidency. They criticized his behavior and advocated for a stronger legislative branch, along with a more limited executive branch; this was due to Jackson’s lack of limitations and overstepping of his presidential powers.