Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What was the Stamp Act primarily a tax on?

1. The purchase of land

2. Goods imported from Britain

3. Documents and printed materials

4. Products manufactured in the colonies

The correct answer is: Documents and printed materials

The Stamp Act was primarily a tax on documents and printed materials, making the correct choice C. Enacted by the British Parliament in 1765, the Stamp Act required colonists to purchase special stamped paper for various legal documents, licenses, newspapers, and other printed materials. This act was significant because it marked the first direct tax imposed by Britain on the American colonies rather than a tax on goods imported from Britain or products manufactured in the colonies. The act incited widespread anger and resistance among colonists, who argued that it violated their rights as Englishmen since they had no representation in Parliament, leading to various forms of protest, including the formation of the Stamp Act Congress. The opposition to the Stamp Act ultimately contributed to the growing spirit of unity against British rule, setting the stage for future revolutionary actions.