American History by Decade: The 1800s Quiz

Answer: Democratic Republican

Jefferson's Democratic Republican party would dominate American politics until the 1820s. In contrast to Adams's Federalists, the Democratic Republicans wanted a weak Federal government and close ties with France.

Answer: Tripoli

The First Barbary War lasted from 1801-1805. When the Marines captured the Tripolitan city of Derna, it was the first U.S. victory on foreign soil, and was commemorated in the "Marine's Hymn" (" ... to the shores of Tripoli").

Answer: Louisiana Purchase

Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million (about 3 cents an acre). The land forming the modern states of Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska (and parts of several others) was acquired in the Louisiana Purchase.

Answer: Marbury v. Madison

Chief Justice John Marshall argued in his decision that it was the role of the Judicial branch to decide whether or not a government act was constitutional. President Jefferson strongly disagreed as he felt such a doctrine gave too much power to the judiciary.

Answer: Hamilton was killed

Burr and Hamilton were feuding over insults levied against one another during Burr's 1804 campaign for the Governorship of New York. Hamilton died the day after the duel, and Burr was charged with murder, but the case never reached trial.

Answer: Sacagawea

Sacagawea served as an interpreter and guide for the expedition. She appears on the United States $1 coin, and has mountains (in Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho), a river (in Montana), and a lake (in North Dakota) named after her.

Answer: South Carolina

Pinckney had been a commander during the Revolutionary War, and he represented South Carolina at the Constitutional Convention. It was Pinckney who argued at the Constitutional Convention that slaves should be included when determining the population of a state for purposes of representation in Congress.

Answer: Zebulon Pike

Army Captain Zebulon Pike led an expedition to explore the Rockies and find the headwaters of the Red River. Pike's Peak (near Colorado Springs) is named in his honor, and his written account of the expedition became an international best seller.

Answer: Furs

Astor incorporated the American Fur Company in 1808. He eventually became active in the opium trade as well.

Answer: James Madison

Madison served in the Virginia legislature and in the U.S. House of Representatives prior to becoming Secretary of State. He is known as the "Father of the Constitution" because he wrote the Virginia Plan (an outline for a potential constitution) that served as the primary basis for debate during the Constitutional Convention.