Chapter 12

Quiz for Document 12-3: John C. Calhoun, Speech on the Slavery Question (1850)

Reader Quiz

Chapter 12c

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Question 1

In his 1850 speech on the question of slavery, John C. Calhoun asks whether it is possible to reach an agreement that will terminate agitation and save the Union. Answering his own question, he says, “Yes, easily; not by the weaker party, for it can of itself do nothing—not even protect itself—but by the stronger.” The stronger party that Calhoun refers to in this passage was which of the following?A. The Free Soil Party
B. The South as a Slave Power
C. The Constitutional Union Party
D. The North

Question 2

According to Calhoun, what development in American government had inspired “fanatical” abolitionists to take action against the South’s “social organization?”A. Abolitionist leaders being elected to state legislatures
B. Increased power being relegated to the federal government
C. Pressure from foreign governments on the U.S. president
D. Religious leaders taking control of Congress

Question 3

Which of the following statements best describes the consequences to the Southern states that Calhoun foresees if relations between the races are altered?A. Africans Americans would enslave Southern whites.
B. Enslaved people would be harmed most of all.
C. Races would mix causing cultural and moral collapse in the South.
D. The Southern economy would be destroyed and both races would suffer.