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15th United States Congress Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The 15th United States Congress: Legislative History and Key Events

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The 15th United States Congress: Legislative History and Key Events Study Guide

The 15th Congress: Term and Setting

The 15th United States Congress convened for a singular two-year term, commencing on March 4, 1817, and concluding on March 4, 1819.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 15th United States Congress convened for a singular two-year term, commencing on March 4, 1817, and concluding on March 4, 1819.

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During the 15th Congress, legislative sessions were held in the original U.S. Capitol building.

Answer: False

Explanation: Legislative sessions for the 15th Congress were conducted in the Old Brick Capitol, serving as a temporary venue while the primary U.S. Capitol was undergoing renovation.

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James Monroe's inauguration as President occurred on March 4, 1817, marking the start of the 15th Congress's term.

Answer: True

Explanation: The commencement of James Monroe's presidency via his inauguration on March 4, 1817, coincided precisely with the beginning of the 15th Congress's legislative term.

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The Old Brick Capitol was used because the White House had been damaged.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Old Brick Capitol served as the temporary meeting place for Congress because the main U.S. Capitol building was undergoing renovation after sustaining damage, not specifically because the White House was damaged.

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What were the specific dates for the convening and adjournment of the 15th United States Congress?

Answer: March 4, 1817, to March 4, 1819

Explanation: The 15th United States Congress convened on March 4, 1817, and adjourned on March 4, 1819, marking the completion of its designated two-year term.

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Which building served as the temporary meeting place for the 15th Congress?

Answer: The Old Brick Capitol

Explanation: The Old Brick Capitol served as the provisional venue for the legislative sessions of the 15th United States Congress during the renovation of the main U.S. Capitol building.

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Membership, Parties, and Leadership

Representation in the House of Representatives for the 15th Congress was determined by the 1820 United States census.

Answer: False

Explanation: The apportionment of representation in the House of Representatives for the 15th Congress was based upon the results of the 1810 United States census, not the 1820 census.

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The Democratic-Republican Party maintained a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives throughout the entire term of the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Democratic-Republican Party held a dominant majority in both legislative chambers of the United States Congress during the entirety of the 15th Congress.

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Daniel D. Tompkins, as Vice President, presided over the Senate during the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: Daniel D. Tompkins, serving as the Vice President of the United States, presided over the proceedings of the Senate during the 15th Congress.

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Henry Clay served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 15th United States Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: Henry Clay held the esteemed position of Speaker of the House of Representatives throughout the duration of the 15th United States Congress.

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At the start of the 15th Congress, the Federalist Party held a majority of Senate seats.

Answer: False

Explanation: At the commencement of the 15th Congress, the Democratic-Republican Party held a majority of Senate seats, with 25 seats compared to the Federalist Party's 13.

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By the end of the 15th Congress, the number of senators had increased to 40, with the Democratic-Republican party holding 28 seats.

Answer: True

Explanation: The total number of senators indeed increased to 40 by the conclusion of the 15th Congress, with the Democratic-Republican party holding 28 of those seats.

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Approximately 70% of senators belonged to the Federalist party by the conclusion of the 15th Congress.

Answer: False

Explanation: By the end of the 15th Congress, approximately 70.0% of senators were Democratic-Republicans, while the Federalist party constituted approximately 30.0%.

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There were 180 representatives seated in the House at the commencement of the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: At the beginning of the 15th Congress, the House of Representatives comprised 180 seated members.

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By the end of the 15th Congress, the House of Representatives had 184 members, with Federalists holding 40 seats.

Answer: True

Explanation: The House of Representatives expanded to 184 members by the conclusion of the 15th Congress, with the Federalist party holding 40 of those seats.

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John Gaillard served as President pro tempore of the Senate for the entirety of the 15th Congress.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Gaillard served as President pro tempore of the Senate from March 4, 1817, but James Barbour was later elected to this position on February 15, 1819, meaning Gaillard did not serve for the entire term.

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George Troup resigned from the Senate representing Georgia to become Secretary of State.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Troup resigned his Senate seat representing Georgia to pursue the governorship of that state, not to become Secretary of State.

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George W. Campbell resigned from the Senate representing Tennessee to accept a diplomatic post as Ambassador to Russia.

Answer: True

Explanation: George W. Campbell, a Senator from Tennessee, resigned his seat on April 20, 1818, to assume the diplomatic role of Ambassador to Russia.

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Eli P. Ashmun, a Senator from Massachusetts, resigned his seat in May 1818, and was succeeded by Prentiss Mellen.

Answer: True

Explanation: Eli P. Ashmun, a Federalist Senator from Massachusetts, resigned his seat on May 10, 1818, and Prentiss Mellen was subsequently elected to succeed him.

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William C. C. Claiborne, a Senator from Louisiana, died during the 15th Congress and was succeeded by Henry Johnson.

Answer: True

Explanation: William C. C. Claiborne, a Democratic-Republican Senator from Louisiana, passed away during the 15th Congress, and Henry Johnson was elected to fill the vacancy.

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Senate class numbers indicated the specific year a senator's term would expire.

Answer: False

Explanation: Senate class numbers indicated the rotation cycle of a senator's six-year term (Class 1, 2, or 3), determining when their term would next be up for re-election, rather than the specific expiration year itself.

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James Tallmadge Jr. was the only representative from New York to begin serving later in the 15th Congress.

Answer: False

Explanation: James Tallmadge Jr. began serving for New York's 4th congressional district on June 6, 1817, after the Congress convened. The statement implies he was the sole such representative, which may not be accurate without further data, but the flashcard only confirms his late seating.

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David Scott resigned before the 15th Congress convened, and John Murray was elected to fill his seat for Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district.

Answer: True

Explanation: David Scott, the representative-elect for Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district, resigned prior to the 15th Congress's convening, and John Murray was subsequently elected to fill the vacancy.

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Alexander McMillan, representative-elect for North Carolina's 7th district, died before the 15th Congress began, and James Stewart was elected to fill the vacancy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Alexander McMillan, who was elected to represent North Carolina's 7th district, died prior to the commencement of the 15th Congress, leading to the election of James Stewart to fill the vacancy.

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Eldred Simkins replaced John C. Calhoun in the House after Calhoun was appointed Secretary of State.

Answer: False

Explanation: Eldred Simkins replaced John C. Calhoun in the House of Representatives after Calhoun resigned to assume the position of Secretary of War, not Secretary of State.

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Uriel Holmes, a Federalist representative from Connecticut, resigned in 1818, and was succeeded by Sylvester Gilbert (DR).

Answer: True

Explanation: Uriel Holmes, a Federalist representative from Connecticut, resigned in 1818, and Sylvester Gilbert, a Democratic-Republican, was subsequently elected as his successor.

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John Ross resigned from the Pennsylvania House delegation in February 1818 to assume a judicial role.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Ross resigned his seat representing Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district in February 1818 to accept a position as President Judge of Pennsylvania's 7th Judicial Circuit.

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The 'Final voting share' indicates the percentage of seats held by each party at the beginning of the 15th Congress.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Final voting share' in the party summary tables denotes the percentage of seats held by each political party at the conclusion of the 15th Congress, not at its commencement.

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The colored 'party stripes' in the summary tables visually represent the party affiliation of members in Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: The colored 'party stripes' utilized in the summary tables serve as a visual indicator of the party affiliation of members within the Senate and the House of Representatives.

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The allocation of House seats for the 15th Congress was based on which census?

Answer: 1810 United States census

Explanation: The apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives for the 15th Congress was determined by the data from the 1810 United States census.

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Which political party held a dominant majority in both the Senate and the House during the 15th Congress?

Answer: Democratic-Republican Party

Explanation: The Democratic-Republican Party maintained a significant majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives throughout the entire term of the 15th Congress.

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Who served as the President of the Senate during the 15th Congress?

Answer: Daniel D. Tompkins

Explanation: Daniel D. Tompkins, the Vice President of the United States, presided over the Senate as its President during the 15th Congress.

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Which prominent political figure served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives during the 15th Congress?

Answer: Henry Clay

Explanation: Henry Clay occupied the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives throughout the tenure of the 15th United States Congress.

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How many senators were members of the 15th Congress at its commencement?

Answer: 38

Explanation: At the commencement of the 15th Congress, the United States Senate comprised 38 members.

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By the end of the 15th Congress, what was the total number of senators?

Answer: 40

Explanation: By the conclusion of the 15th Congress, the total number of senators had increased to 40.

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What was the approximate percentage of Democratic-Republican senators by the end of the 15th Congress?

Answer: 70.0%

Explanation: By the end of the 15th Congress, approximately 70.0% of the senators belonged to the Democratic-Republican party.

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How many representatives were seated in the House at the start of the 15th Congress?

Answer: 180

Explanation: At the commencement of the 15th Congress, there were 180 representatives seated in the House of Representatives.

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By the end of the 15th Congress, how many members were in the House of Representatives?

Answer: 184

Explanation: By the conclusion of the 15th Congress, the total membership of the House of Representatives had increased to 184.

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Which Senator from Tennessee resigned on April 20, 1818, to become Ambassador to Russia?

Answer: George W. Campbell

Explanation: George W. Campbell, the Democratic-Republican Senator representing Tennessee, resigned his seat on April 20, 1818, to accept the diplomatic appointment as Ambassador to Russia.

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Who replaced John C. Calhoun in the House of Representatives after Calhoun resigned to become Secretary of War?

Answer: Eldred Simkins

Explanation: Eldred Simkins succeeded John C. Calhoun as the representative for South Carolina's 6th congressional district following Calhoun's resignation to assume the role of Secretary of War.

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Key Treaties and Foreign Policy

The 15th Congress approved the Monroe Doctrine and the Treaty of Ghent.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided data indicates that the 15th Congress approved treaties concerning the U.S.-Canada border, such as the Rush-Bagot Treaty and the Treaty of 1818. There is no information within the source material to support the claim that the Monroe Doctrine or the Treaty of Ghent were approved by this Congress.

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The Rush-Bagot Treaty and the Treaty of 1818, both concerning the U.S.-Canada border, were negotiated under the leadership of President James Monroe and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams.

Answer: True

Explanation: President James Monroe and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams were instrumental in the negotiation of the Rush-Bagot Treaty and the Treaty of 1818, which significantly defined aspects of the U.S.-Canada border and relations.

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A letter sent by members of Congress to British officials in December 1818 expressed gratitude but contained no criticisms.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the letter expressed gratitude, it also contained criticisms directed at King Louis XVIII of France regarding his remarks about American diplomats and the United States, as well as his refusal to provide reparations.

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The Treaty of 1818 established the U.S.-Canada border primarily along the 54th parallel.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Treaty of 1818 established the boundary between the United States and Canada along the 49th parallel of latitude, extending from the Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains.

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Spain ceded Florida to the United States through the Adams-Onís Treaty signed in February 1819.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Adams-Onís Treaty, executed on February 22, 1819, formalized the cession of Florida from Spain to the United States, alongside the clarification of other territorial boundaries.

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The Rush-Bagot Treaty aimed to limit naval armaments on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain.

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary objective of the Rush-Bagot Treaty was to demilitarize the border between the United States and Canada by limiting naval armaments on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain.

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President James Monroe and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams were the key figures guiding U.S. foreign relations during the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: President James Monroe and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams were indeed the principal architects of U.S. foreign policy during the 15th Congress, overseeing significant diplomatic achievements.

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The 15th Congress approved two significant treaties with the United Kingdom concerning which aspect of the relationship?

Answer: The U.S.-Canada border

Explanation: The significant treaties approved by the 15th Congress with the United Kingdom, namely the Rush-Bagot Treaty and the Treaty of 1818, primarily addressed and defined aspects of the U.S.-Canada border.

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Who were the key U.S. officials credited with negotiating the Rush-Bagot Treaty and the Treaty of 1818?

Answer: President James Monroe and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams

Explanation: President James Monroe and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams were the principal U.S. officials credited with the successful negotiation of both the Rush-Bagot Treaty and the Treaty of 1818.

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What was the primary purpose of the Rush-Bagot Treaty, approved by the 15th Congress?

Answer: To limit naval armaments on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain

Explanation: The Rush-Bagot Treaty, approved by the 15th Congress, was primarily intended to limit naval armaments on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain, thereby demilitarizing the border.

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The Treaty of 1818 established the boundary between the U.S. and Canada along which parallel?

Answer: The 49th parallel

Explanation: The Treaty of 1818 delineated the boundary between the United States and Canada along the 49th parallel of latitude, extending westward from the Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains.

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What territory did Spain cede to the United States through the Adams-Onís Treaty signed in February 1819?

Answer: Florida

Explanation: Through the Adams-Onís Treaty, signed on February 22, 1819, Spain formally ceded the territory of Florida to the United States.

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Domestic Legislation and Statehood

The construction of the Erie Canal began during the legislative session of the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: The significant undertaking of constructing the Erie Canal commenced on July 4, 1817, which falls within the legislative period of the 15th Congress.

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The First Seminole War began in Florida on November 20, 1817, during the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: The military engagement known as the First Seminole War commenced in Florida on November 20, 1817, a date falling within the term of the 15th Congress.

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The Flag Act of 1818, establishing the official design of the U.S. flag, was enacted during the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flag Act of 1818, which codified the official design of the United States flag, was enacted on April 4, 1818, during the legislative session of the 15th Congress.

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Mississippi was admitted as the 20th state to the Union during the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mississippi achieved statehood as the 20th state in the Union on December 10, 1817, during the legislative term of the 15th Congress.

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Illinois was admitted as the 21st state to the Union during the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: Illinois was admitted to the Union as the 21st state on December 3, 1818, a date falling within the legislative period of the 15th Congress.

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The Arkansas Territory was created in March 1819 from a portion of the Louisiana Territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Arkansas Territory was established on March 2, 1819, from land previously belonging to the Missouri Territory, not the Louisiana Territory directly.

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Which state was admitted to the Union as the 20th state during the 15th Congress?

Answer: Mississippi

Explanation: Mississippi was admitted to the Union as the 20th state on December 10, 1817, during the legislative term of the 15th Congress.

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Which state was admitted as the 21st state to the Union on December 3, 1818?

Answer: Illinois

Explanation: Illinois was admitted to the Union as the 21st state on December 3, 1818, a date that falls within the legislative period of the 15th Congress.

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What new territory was created on March 2, 1819, from a portion of the Missouri Territory?

Answer: Arkansas Territory

Explanation: The Arkansas Territory was established on March 2, 1819, through the division of land previously constituting the Missouri Territory.

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Economic and Judicial Milestones

The Panic of 1819, the first major U.S. financial crisis, began in January 1819, during the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: The economic downturn known as the Panic of 1819, recognized as the first significant financial crisis in the United States, commenced in January 1819, during the legislative tenure of the 15th Congress.

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The Supreme Court's decision in Dartmouth College v. Woodward was rendered after the 15th Congress concluded its term.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Supreme Court's landmark decision in Dartmouth College v. Woodward was rendered on February 2, 1819, which occurred prior to the conclusion of the 15th Congress's term on March 4, 1819.

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The Supreme Court's ruling in Dartmouth College v. Woodward protected the college's charter and affirmed its private status.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Supreme Court's decision in Dartmouth College v. Woodward upheld the college's charter and affirmed its status as a private institution, thereby reinforcing principles of contract law and property rights.

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Which of the following events occurred during the term of the 15th Congress?

Answer: The Panic of 1819 began

Explanation: The Panic of 1819, the first major financial crisis in the United States, commenced in January 1819, which falls within the legislative term of the 15th Congress.

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The Supreme Court's decision in Dartmouth College v. Woodward, rendered during the 15th Congress, had significant implications for:

Answer: Contract law and the protection of private property rights

Explanation: The Supreme Court's ruling in Dartmouth College v. Woodward significantly impacted contract law and affirmed the protection of private property rights by upholding the college's charter.

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Congressional Roles and Procedures

All representatives from Connecticut were elected statewide on a general ticket during the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the 15th Congress, the representatives from Connecticut were indeed elected statewide via a general ticket system, rather than through district-specific elections.

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Nathaniel Pope served as the non-voting delegate representing the Illinois Territory during the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nathaniel Pope served as the non-voting delegate representing the Illinois Territory at-large during the 15th Congress until November 30, 1818.

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George Watterston served as the Librarian of Congress throughout the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: George Watterston held the office of Librarian of Congress for the entire duration of the 15th United States Congress.

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Charles Bulfinch succeeded Benjamin H. Latrobe as Architect of the Capitol during the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: Charles Bulfinch was appointed Architect of the Capitol on January 8, 1818, succeeding Benjamin H. Latrobe, during the term of the 15th Congress.

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Mountjoy Bayly served as the Doorkeeper for the House of Representatives during the 15th Congress.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mountjoy Bayly served as the Sergeant at Arms for the United States Senate during the 15th Congress. Thomas Claxton held the position of Doorkeeper for the House of Representatives.

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The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations primarily handled matters of international diplomacy and treaties.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations was principally responsible for addressing issues pertaining to international diplomacy and the ratification of treaties during the 15th Congress.

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William Lowndes chaired the House Committee on Ways and Means at the start of the 15th Congress.

Answer: True

Explanation: William Lowndes initially chaired the House Committee on Ways and Means at the commencement of the 15th Congress, overseeing matters of national finance and revenue legislation.

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The 'Committee of the Whole' allows only committee chairs to debate legislation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Committee of the Whole' is a procedural mechanism that permits all members of the chamber to participate in debate and amendment of legislation, not exclusively committee chairs.

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Non-voting members from territories could vote on final legislation but not participate in debates.

Answer: False

Explanation: Non-voting members from territories were permitted to engage in congressional debates and committee work but were explicitly prohibited from voting on final legislative measures.

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The 'Statutes at Large' external link provides access to federal legislation passed between 1789 and 1875.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Statutes at Large' serves as the official compilation of federal legislation enacted by the U.S. Congress, encompassing the period from 1789 through 1875.

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Who was the non-voting delegate representing the Illinois Territory during the 15th Congress?

Answer: Nathaniel Pope

Explanation: Nathaniel Pope served as the non-voting delegate representing the Illinois Territory at-large during the 15th Congress.

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Who held the position of Librarian of Congress throughout the 15th Congress?

Answer: George Watterston

Explanation: George Watterston maintained the position of Librarian of Congress for the entire duration of the 15th United States Congress.

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Who succeeded Benjamin H. Latrobe as the Architect of the Capitol during the 15th Congress?

Answer: Charles Bulfinch

Explanation: Charles Bulfinch assumed the role of Architect of the Capitol on January 8, 1818, succeeding Benjamin H. Latrobe during the term of the 15th Congress.

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What was the primary function of the House Committee on Ways and Means during the 15th Congress?

Answer: Managing national finances and revenue legislation

Explanation: The House Committee on Ways and Means was primarily responsible for legislation concerning national finances and revenue generation during the 15th Congress.

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