Question 1. Which Native American society was known for building
large earthen mounds for ceremonial and burial purposes?
A) Ancestral Puebloans
B) Mississippian Culture
C) Iroquois Confederacy
D) Inuit
Answer: B
Explanation: The Mississippian Culture is famous for constructing
large earthen mounds, such as those at Cahokia, used for religious and
ceremonial purposes.
Question 2. What was a primary motivation for European exploration
in the 15th and 16th centuries?
A) Seeking religious freedom
B) Finding a direct route to Asia
C) Establishing colonies in Africa
D) Spreading Christianity in the Americas
Answer: B
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Explanation: European explorers aimed to find a westward route to
Asia for trade, which was a key motivation for expeditions like
Columbus's.
Question 3. The Columbian Exchange resulted in all of the following
EXCEPT:
A) Introduction of new crops to Europe
B) Spread of smallpox to Native Americans
C) The abolition of slavery in the Americas
D) Transfer of livestock to the New World
Answer: C
Explanation: The Columbian Exchange increased the transfer of
crops, animals, and diseases but did not lead to the abolition of
slavery; slavery expanded in the Americas.
Question 4. Which colony was founded primarily for religious reasons
by Puritans seeking religious freedom?
A) Virginia
B) Massachusetts Bay
C) Maryland
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D) Rhode Island
Answer: B
Explanation: Massachusetts Bay Colony was established by Puritans
seeking religious freedom from Anglican persecution.
Question 5. The Mayflower Compact is significant because it:
A) Established the first representative government in America
B) Served as an early form of self-government and social contract
C) Declared independence from Britain
D) Ended native resistance in Plymouth
Answer: B
Explanation: The Mayflower Compact was a social contract that
established a framework for self-governance among the Pilgrims.
Question 6. Which event marked the first major armed conflict
between colonists and Native Americans in New England?
A) King Philip's War
B) Pequot War
C) Bacon's Rebellion
D) Powhatan War
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Answer: B
Explanation: The Pequot War (1636-1638) was an early conflict
between English settlers and the Pequot tribe.
Question 7. The primary purpose of the Stamp Act of 1765 was to:
A) Tax imported goods
B) Raise revenue from colonists directly
C) Regulate colonial trade
D) Organize colonial militias
Answer: B
Explanation: The Stamp Act taxed printed materials directly from
colonists, aiming to raise revenue.
Question 8. Which Enlightenment idea significantly influenced the
Declaration of Independence?
A) The divine right of kings
B) The social contract and natural rights
C) The separation of church and state
D) The divine authority of the monarchy
Answer: B