Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 90%

The excerpt below is from the 1831 U.S. Supreme Court case Cherokee Nation v. Georgia.
The Indian territory is admitted to compose a part of the United States. They acknowledge themselves in their treaties to be under the protection of the United States; they admit that the United States shall have the sole and exclusive right of regulating the trade with them, and managing all their affairs as they think proper... Treaties were made with some tribes... by which they ceded all their lands... [and] they admit their dependence.
They look to our government for protection; rely upon its kindness and its power... and address the president as their great father.
... [T]he Cherokee nation. retains its usages and customs and self government, greatly improved by the civilization which it has been the policy of the United States to encourage and foster among them.
This excerpt is taken from the public domain.

What is the main point of view expressed in this excerpt?

Rationale

The Cherokee Nation is dependent on the United States for guidance and protection.

This viewpoint highlights the reliance of the Cherokee Nation on the United States for both support and security, suggesting a relationship characterized by dependency rather than equality or full sovereignty.

A (The Cherokee Nation is equal to the United States in terms of trade and government.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice implies a level of parity that does not reflect the historical context or the current dynamics between the Cherokee Nation and the United States. The Cherokee Nation has often been subject to U.S. laws and policies, indicating that it does not operate on an equal footing with the federal government.

B (The Cherokee Nation is dependent on the United States for basic necessities and survival.) YOUR ANSWER

While this choice touches on the dependence aspect, it narrows the perspective to basic necessities rather than encompassing the broader concept of guidance and protection. The relationship involves more than just survival; it also includes aspects of governance and cultural preservation.

D (The Cherokee Nation is a separate state that deals with the United States as a foreign country.) YOUR ANSWER

This option misrepresents the legal status of the Cherokee Nation. Although it has a degree of autonomy, it is not recognized as a separate state in the same way foreign nations are. This choice overlooks the complexities of the nation-to-nation relationship that exists, where the Cherokee Nation relies on the U.S. for protection and guidance.

Conclusion

The excerpt conveys that the Cherokee Nation's relationship with the United States is one of dependency, particularly in terms of guidance and protection. This perspective reflects the historical and ongoing complexities of their interactions, emphasizing that while the Cherokee Nation has autonomy, it still significantly relies on the federal government for various forms of support.

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