Innovation Assessments: Social Studies

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Would You Have Voted in 1860?

Answer based on your beliefs. Questions use plain language and focus on the big ideas of the time.

The scoring model compares your responses with the major ideas and coalitions active in that election year.

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Quick Format

12 plain-language questions tied to the major values and tensions of 1860.

Result Style

You will get an era-position score plus a likely party, region, and candidate match for that election.

Saving

Progress only saves when a logged-in student opens the survey through a teacher class link.

1. Should slavery be allowed to spread into western territories?

No, it should be stopped from spreading. Let each territory decide by local vote. Yes, it should be protected in all territories.

2. Which matters more: preserving the Union or state independence?

Preserving the Union comes first. Balance both as much as possible. State independence should come first.

3. How should the federal government handle slavery where it already exists?

Do not expand it, but avoid sudden national interference. Let local majorities in each place decide. Defend it strongly as a constitutional right.

4. What should happen if a state threatens to leave the Union?

Federal leaders should firmly keep the Union together. Try compromise first to avoid conflict. States should be able to leave if they choose.

5. What economy should the country support most?

Industry, railroads, and free labor growth. Balanced growth between regions. Agricultural export interests first.

6. Should Congress pass higher tariffs to protect U.S. factories?

Yes, higher tariffs help northern industry. Use moderate tariffs for compromise. No, lower tariffs help consumers and exporters.

7. How should new western states enter the Union?

Prefer free states to limit slavery's growth. Admit states based on local votes and compromise. Ensure slave states are protected and admitted fairly.

8. Which leadership style seems best in a tense national moment?

Clear principles, even if conflict rises. Middle-ground compromise to hold the country together. Strong defense of regional rights and traditions.

9. What should national courts do on slavery disputes in territories?

Allow Congress to limit slavery in territories. Let local territorial governments decide. Protect slavery rights across all territories.

10. In elections, should candidates focus more on principle or compromise?

Principle should lead. Compromise should lead. Principle should defend regional rights first.

11. Should the federal government fund more internal improvements (roads, rail)?

Yes, strongly. Yes, but only with broad regional agreement. Limit federal funding and leave more to states.

12. What seems like the best way to avoid national breakup?

Hold the Union and stop slavery expansion. Use constitutional compromise and calm rhetoric. Let regions govern themselves with little federal pressure.

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Your 1860 Profile

Era Left: Union first / limit slavery's spread Era Right: states' rights / protect slavery expansion

Era Position

Likely Party (1860)

Likely Region

Likely Candidate

Shared theme active. Election surveys now use the same PHP save/login framework as the newer social studies activities.