Which of the following statements is the best description of federal land policy from 1790 to 1820?
A) Federalists encouraged sales of large blocks of land to speculators, whereas Republicans favored selling federal land in smaller tracts to less wealthy buyers.
B) A political consensus kept land policy above partisan or sectional politics.
C) Federal land policy was consistent throughout the period.
D) Federal land was sold off to the highest bidder, usually railroad and canal interests.
E) The federal government allowed the states total control over the distribution of public lands.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the period from 1790 to 1820, there was a clear distinction in federal land policy between Federalists and Republicans. Federalists preferred selling large blocks of land to speculators who could afford them, while Republicans advocated for selling land in smaller parcels to make it accessible to individual settlers and less wealthy buyers. This approach was part of the broader ideological difference between the two groups, with Republicans supporting policies that favored the common man and Federalists supporting the interests of the more established and wealthier classes.

Which of the Following Statements Is the Best Description of Federal