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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was the subject of the petitions to the House of Representatives that caused so much controversy on February 11, 1790?
(a) Ending the African slave trade in the USA.
(b) Declaring November 25 the official date to celebrate Thanksgiving.
(c) Revoking the women's right to vote.
(d) Declaring December 25 the official date of Christmas.

2. Who did some people think actually authored the letter without input from George Washington?
(a) Sally Hemings.
(b) Martha Washington.
(c) Alexander Hamilton.
(d) Thomas Jefferson.

3. What famous American endorsed this petition?
(a) Benjamin Franklin.
(b) Patrick Henry.
(c) Jesse Jackson.
(d) John Paul Jones.

4. Are the terms "slavery", "slaves", or "Negroes" used in the Constitution of the United States?
(a) No, these terms were not known at the time.
(b) Yes, but only at the end.
(c) Yes, but only in the Declaration of Independence.
(d) No, they were specifically excluded.

5. Who was America's first legend?
(a) Michael Jackson.
(b) George Washington.
(c) Benjamin Franklin.
(d) Thomas Jefferson.

Short Answer Questions

1. In his Farewell Address and subsequent speeches to Congress before his retirement, what was George Washington's statement on slavery?

2. Who was elected president in 1800?

3. Who worked behind the scenes to promote Jefferson's candidacy for President?

4. What instruction did John give his wife Abigail when he was sworn in as president?

5. How did John and Abigail Adams stay in touch while he was in Philadelphia?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think the framers of the Constitution placed a moratorium on laws regarding slavery until 1808?

2. Why did Washington turn away requests that he become a king of the new republic?

3. What was the main difference between the Jefferson/Adams friendship and the Jefferson/Madison friendship?

4. Why did Jefferson make an ineffective Vice President to Adams?

5. Why were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson at the top of everyone's list as possible replacements for Washington as President?

6. Describe the change in Jefferson's attitude towards Washington that began with the Whiskey Rebellion.

7. How did George Washington behave with regard to slavery?

8. Why did the Federalist party disappear and the Republican party remain?

9. How did Benjamin Franklin contribute to the debates over slavery?

10. How serious would it have been if South Carolina and Georgia seceded from the Union in 1790?

(see the answer keys)

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