Chapter 12

Quiz for Document 12-5: Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

Reader Quiz

Chapter 12e

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Question 1

How would the southerners known as “fire-eaters” have responded to Chief Justice Roger B. Taney’s opinion in Dred Scott v. Sanford?A. They would have dismissed it angrily as the result of northern sectionalism.
B. They would have welcomed it but questioned its position on the Missouri Compromise.
C. As moderates, the they would have regarded the decision as far too radical.
D. They would have welcomed the decision as one that validated their positions.

Question 2

Taney’s opinion goes beyond declaring that Dred Scott had no standing in court based on his residence in a free state by further declaring thatA. all free African Americans had to be transported to Africa.
B. courts had no business deciding cases involving slavery.
C. no free person of African decent could ever be a citizen under the Constitution.
D. Scott had to remain in Missouri for the remainder of his life.

Question 3

Which of the following statements describes the status of the doctrine of popular sovereignty after the Dred Scott decision?A. Dred Scott made the doctrine of popular sovereignty unconstitutional.
B. Popular sovereignty was not affected by the Dred Scott decision.
C. Taney’s opinion in Dred Scott strengthened the doctrine of popular sovereignty.
D. Popular sovereignty was allowed in territories but not states.

Question 4

What Constitutional principle does Taney rely on in declaring that no state or territory could restrict slavery or interfere with a citizen’s right to property in slaves?A. All the rights of a citizen of one state had to be respected in all other states.
B. Federal laws were superior to any and all state laws.
C. Popular sovereignty is derived only from the Declaration of Independence.
D. Property is a natural right superior to all constitutional rights.