The Dred Scott Decision Worksheet
An in-depth worksheet for Grade 12 Social Studies students covering the historical context, legal arguments, and lasting impact of the Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court case.
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The Dred Scott Decision
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your knowledge. Use complete sentences for short answer questions.
1. Which Chief Justice presided over the Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court case?
John Marshall
Roger B. Taney
Earl Warren
Salmon P. Chase
2. The Supreme Court ruled that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, were not considered citizens and therefore could not .
Own property
Vote in elections
Sue in federal court
Testify in court
1. The Dred Scott decision upheld the principle of popular sovereignty in determining the status of slavery in new territories.
True
False
2. The decision declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional.
True
False
1. Dred Scott sued for his freedom on the grounds that he had resided in free territories, making him a .
2. The Supreme Court's ruling in Dred Scott v. Sandford further intensified sectional tensions leading up to the .
Match each term with its correct description.
1. Missouri Compromise
a. The idea that states should decide their own laws regarding slavery
2. Popular Sovereignty
b. Legislation that prohibited slavery north of the 36°30′ parallel
3. Fifth Amendment
c. Used by the Court to argue that slaves were property and could not be taken without due process
1. Explain the primary legal arguments made by Dred Scott's lawyers in his pursuit of freedom.
2. Discuss the long-term impact of the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision on American society and politics.
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