Hi, fellow teachers!
Unless your school pays for a test-generating software creating assessments is SO time-consuming! That’s why I started creating some done-for-you tests and quizzes available for FREE download!
This test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and 4 short-answer prompts.
Suggested grading: 4 points each for the multiple-choice and 5 points for each short answer.
For a PDF download scroll to the bottom of the exam. There’s also a Google Forms link as well. An answer key is included.
13 Colonies Exam
Directions: Use the documents and your knowledge of social studies to choose the best answer for each question.

1. According to the document, the Pilgrims traveled to America for all the following reasons EXCEPT.
1. to practice their Christian faith
3. to help and honor the King
4. to establish a colony in Virginia
2. The Mayflower Compact is an early example of
1. Immigration due to the potato famine
2. women’s suffrage
3. representative government
4. capitalism
2. for the opportunity to start a business

3. One civil liberty that William Penn stated inhabitants of Pennsylvania were to enjoy was
1. freedom of the press
2. freedom to petition
3. freedom to bear arms
4. freedom of religion
4. Based on a study of the 13 colonies one could conclude that
1. civils rights varied from colony to colony
2. geography had little impact on the colonies’ trade
3. religion was not a driving force in the establishment of colonies
4. the southern colonies had a more diverse economy


5. The Virginia House of Burgesses was formed as
1. a representative body to help govern Virginia
2. an entrepreneurial enterprise to combine assets
3. a meeting place for men and women to discuss issues
4. a judicial body to interpret laws
6. The Mayflower Compact and the Virginia House of Burgesses are similar in that they both
1. began at the same time
2. are seen as precursors to a national democratic government
3. followed the common laws of England in formulating laws
4. allowed for freedom of religion

7. Based on the information in this document the colony of Maryland can be compared to
1. Virginia
2. Massachusetts
3. England
4. Pennsylvania
8. Many English settlers came to America
1. for freedom of religion and the opportunity to own land
2. for freedom of speech and the right to vote
3. to escape religious persecution and the right to divorce
4. for women’s suffrage and the right to own land

9. Based on the information in these documents
1. Roger Williams held the majority opinion
2. John Winthrop was preferred by King George III
3. Settlers did not agree on all governing issues
4. Massachusetts was formed for freedom of religion
10. John Winthrop’s argument as to why the government should be based on religion was
1. God would be angry if Massachusetts laws were not based on religion
2. Both Catholics and Protestants were the majority and should prevail
3. God gave them the authority to do so
4. following the laws from the bible would lessen crime
11. One justification for religious freedom stated by Roger Williams was
1. the colonies had a diverse population of many religions
2. prayer should not take place on ships
3. it would lead to a cheerful submission of authority
4. God told him it was the right thing to do
12. The economies of the colonies were based on mercantilism, a system that resulted in
1. the Southern colonies relying on overseas trade
2. the colonies were free to make all economic decisions
3. England profiting from its colonies
4. the colonies profiting from the English

13. According to the chart above which of the following groups could not vote?
1. minorities and Christians
2. women and men with less than 60 acres of property
3. males without property and Christians
4. women and minorities
14. Based on the chart above, which of the following statements is true
1. English colonists established a direct democracy
2. Religious freedom was an important aspect of all colonies
3. the colonies governed using limited aspects of democracy
4. Voting qualifications have remained stagnant in the United States since colonial times

15. Which civil right did the Zenger trial address?
1. freedom of the press
2. freedom of religion
3. women’s suffrage
4. abolition of slavery
16. According to Alexander Hamilton, one effect of the liberties he discusses is
1. women can protest against abuses of their husbands
2. heaven will bless the colonies
3. those in authority can be called out for any abuses of power
4. the ability to sue your neighbors to protect property rights

17. What is the impact of the law described above?
1. married women gave up their right to own property
2. marriage was considered sacred and blessed by god
3. women could not marry a man of a different religion
4. men assumed responsibility to provide a home for their wife
18. What is the justification stated for the above law?
1. Colonists wanted to ensure the marriages lasted
2. property ownership should be handed down through the generations
3. when a man and woman marry they become one entity
4. women don’t exist

19. Based on both documents above which statement is accurate?
1. The Penobscot natives had a peaceful relationship with the Massachusetts colonists
2. The relationship between the Native Americans and colonists was based on geography
3. initially the Native Americans had more wealth than the English settlers
4. the relationship between Native Americans and the colonists varied greatly in time and place
20. Which statement about the documents above is an opinion rather than fact?
1. Massachusetts placed a price on the head of certain Native Americans
2. The Penobscot females were less frightening than the males
3. Killing a child yielded a smaller bounty than a male
4. Penobscot natives had reason to fear Massachusetts colonists
SHORT RESPONSE QUESTIONS:
21. Explain how the system of mercantilism worked
23. Describe the effect of geography on the New England, Middle and Southern colonies.
24. Identify 1 example of the colonies affording the settlers more freedom AND 1 example of a freedom that was denied.
OTHER AVAILABLE U.S. ASSESSMENTS:
Happy teaching!
Joan
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