OPEN-NOTE POP QUIZ: Compromise of 1850
EXPLAINED
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The Compromise of 1850 was sparked most immediately because of
A. Disagreements between North and South over slavery
B. The presidential ambitions of Henry Clay
C. The efforts to bring California and New Mexico into the Union as free states
D. Disagreements over policy between Henry Clay and Daniel Webster
Answer (A) was a common mistake, but the key to this answer is to note the phrase “most immediately.” Always
read all multiple choice STEMS very carefully.
2. Which of the following statements about the Compromise is NOT true?
A. It passed Congress in spite of the opposition of Webster and Calhoun.
B. It called forth the talents and abilities of the greatest politicians of the early nineteenth century.
C. It failed to pass Congress in its first form
D. Some of its provisions were opposed by the sitting president
This question is asking you to pick the one statement that is NOT true. Calhoun did not ultimately oppose the
Compromise and Webster was in fact INSTRUMENTAL in drumming up support for it in the North.
3. Which of the following was NOT a part of the “Great Debate?”
A. Whether to retain slavery in the District of Columbia
B. Whether to allow California to enter the Union as a free state
C. Whether to restrict Texas’ claims to much of New Mexican territory
D. Whether to allow the South to form its own government
Again, this question is asking you to pick the one statement that is NOT true. Letting the South form its own
government was never part of the “Great Debate.”
SAT-Style QUESTIONS
Questions 4 and 5
“Mr. President, - I wish to speak to-day, not as a Massachusetts man, nor as a Northern man, but as an American, and a
member of the Senate of the United States. . . .. It is not to be denied that we live in the midst of strong agitations, and
are surrounded by very considerable dangers to our institutions and our government. The imprisoned winds are let
loose. The East, the North, and the stormy South combine to throw the whole sea into commotion, to toss its billows to
the skies, and disclose its profoundest depths. . . . I hear with distress and anguish the word "secession," especially
when it falls from the lips of those who are patriotic, and known to the country, and known all over the world, for their
political services. Secession! Peaceable secession! Sir, your eyes and mine are never destined to see that miracle. The
dismemberment of this vast country without convulsion! The breaking up of the fountains of the great deep without
ruffing the surface! Who is so foolish…as to expect to see any such thing? . . . There can be no such thing as peaceable
secession. Peaceable secession is an utter impossibility. . . . And now, Mr. President, instead of speaking of the
possibility or utility of secession, instead of dwelling in those caverns of darkness, instead of groping with those ideas
so full of all that is horrid and horrible, let us come out into the light of day; let us enjoy the fresh air of Liberty and
Union; let us cherish those hopes which belong to us; let us devote ourselves to those great objects that are fit for our
consideration and action; let us raise our conceptions to the magnitude and the importance of the duties that devolve
upon us; let our comprehension be as broad as the country for which we act, our aspirations as high as its certain
destiny; let us not be pigmies in a case that calls for men. Never did there devolve on any generation of men higher
trusts than now devolve upon us, for the preservation of this Constitution and the harmony and peace of all who are
destined to live under it.”
--From a famous speech delivered to Congress in March, 1850
4. Which of the following statements is NOT true about the passage above
A. The speaker is determined to convince his section to secede from the Union
B. The speaker believes secession from the Union cannot happen without violence.
C. The speaker feels that there is still room for compromise on both sides.
D. The speaker understands that the period of crisis through which they are passing is very momentous.
After carefully reading the selection, it should be clear to you that the speaker is trying to AVOID secession, not
make it happen.
5. Which of the famous below politicians gave this speech during the “Great Debate?” (There are several internal
clues, your notes should help).
A. Henry Clay
B. John C. Calhoun
C. Daniel Webster
D. Stephen A. Douglas
The internal clues are that this is a man from the North, from Massachusetts. Only Webster fits that bill. Also
many of you noted the phrase “Peaceable secession is an utter impossibility” when taking notes on Webster’s
speech.
SHORT ANSWER: Answer in complete sentences IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
6. Name the final provisions of the Compromise of 1850.
1. California admitted as a free state
2. Utah and New Mexico admitted as states that can vote whether to be slave or free
3. Texas forced to take a smaller boundary that she originally claimed and in return the federal government
agrees to pay her debts incurred during her independence struggle with Mexio.
4. The District of Columbia (Washington, DC) can no longer participate in the slave TRADE, though slavery
itself is not outlawed there.
5. There is a stricter Fugitive Slave law passed that raises the responsibility for returning the slaves from state
to federal jurisdiction.
7. Who do you think was most influential in getting this controversial piece of legislation through Congress, and
why?
Stephen A. Douglas is the correct answer here, though you get partial credit if you have good reasons for choosing
Henry Clay..
8. Which section (North or South) do you believe the Compromise favored, and why?
You can argue either section as long as you back it up with a significant paragraph full of historical details (for full
credit). You can also receive partial credit for a short or incomplete answer.