Quiz for Sectional Politics and the Rise of the Republican Party

Choose the best answer to each question.

Question

1. What is the core difference between wage work and slavery, in Abraham Lincoln’s mind (see Document 12.12)?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct: The answer is c. Lincoln’s statement centers not on the living conditions or increased freedom but on the power of hope of a better life. Wage work, according to Lincoln, can be a stage in life, whereas slavery is forever.
Incorrect: The answer is c. Lincoln’s statement centers not on the living conditions or increased freedom but on the power of hope of a better life. Wage work, according to Lincoln, can be a stage in life, whereas slavery is forever.

Question

2. The third plank in the 1856 Republican Party Platform (Document 12.13) discussed the stripping of constitutional rights. Who, according to the plank, was deprived of their constitutional rights?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct: The answer is c. Because of the invasions of proslavery forces into Kansas, the citizens living in Kansas have been deprived of their rights and have fallen victim to a society where “might makes right,” according to the platform.
Incorrect: The answer is c. Because of the invasions of proslavery forces into Kansas, the citizens living in Kansas have been deprived of their rights and have fallen victim to a society where “might makes right,” according to the platform.

Question

3. In his dramatic speech to Congress (Document 12.14), Charles Sumner accused South Carolina Senator Andrew Butler of possessing a mistress. Who was Butler’s alleged mistress?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct: The answer is a. Sumner argued that slavery was Butler’s mistress to “whom he has made his vows . . . .” Sumner was attacking Butler’s manhood and his claim to chivalry.
Incorrect: The answer is a. Sumner argued that slavery was Butler’s mistress to “whom he has made his vows . . . .” Sumner was attacking Butler’s manhood and his claim to chivalry.

Question

4. Which of the following statements is consistent with William H. Seward’s position stated in “The Irrepressible Conflict” (see Document 12.15)?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct: The answer is b. In the beginning of his speech, Seward argued that slavery hurt the laborer but also limits the abilities and corrupts the culture of those who take part in the institution.
Incorrect: The answer is b. In the beginning of his speech, Seward argued that slavery hurt the laborer but also limits the abilities and corrupts the culture of those who take part in the institution.

Question

5. Examine the excerpt from the Lincoln-Douglas Debate (Document 12.16). Whereas Lincoln made no mention of Douglas in his speech, Douglas mentioned Lincoln. What did Douglas attempt to insinuate about his opponent?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct: The answer is d. Douglas tried to tie Lincoln to the idea of racial equality and used the example of Frederick Douglass’s social status and support of Lincoln to make the audience think that Lincoln’s political philosophy was radical.
Incorrect: The answer is d. Douglas tried to tie Lincoln to the idea of racial equality and used the example of Frederick Douglass’s social status and support of Lincoln to make the audience think that Lincoln’s political philosophy was radical.