Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What was the main proposal of Henry Clay's "American System"?

1. Establish a national bank

2. Implement a protective tariff and improve infrastructure

3. Promote agrarian reform

4. Encourage westward expansion

The correct answer is: Implement a protective tariff and improve infrastructure

Henry Clay's "American System" fundamentally aimed to strengthen the American economy and promote national unity by implementing key components that included a protective tariff and improvements to infrastructure. The protective tariff was designed to safeguard emerging American industries from foreign competition by making imported goods more expensive. This would encourage consumers to buy American-made products, thus promoting domestic manufacturing and economic independence. In addition to the tariff, the American System emphasized the need for significant investment in infrastructure improvements, including roads, canals, and later railroads. These advancements were crucial for facilitating trade and the movement of goods across the growing nation, helping to knit together economically isolated regions and stimulating commerce. This vision was a response to the economic challenges faced in the early 19th century, particularly after the War of 1812, when the United States recognized the necessity of being self-sufficient and less dependent on foreign powers. Therefore, the proposal effectively aimed not just at economic growth but also at creating a cohesive national identity by linking various parts of the country through improved transportation networks and fostering a balance between agriculture and industry. The other choices, while significant in their own contexts, do not encapsulate the comprehensive strategy that Clay proposed through the American System.