Question

henry clay speech to the senate 1834
i myself, have been one of his favorites, and i do not know but that i have recently recommended myself to his special regard. during his administration this has been his constant course. the indians and indian policy, internal improvements, the colonial trade, the supreme court, congress, the banks, have successively experienced the attacks of his haughty and imperious spirit. and if he tramples the bank in the dust, my word for it, we shall see him quickly in chase of some new subject of his vengeance.
this is the genuine spirit of conquerors and of conquest. it is said by the biographer of alexander the great that, after he had completed his asiatic conquests, he seemed to sigh because there were no more worlds for him to subdue; and, finding himself without further employment for his valor or his arms, he turned within himself to search the means to gratify his insatiable thirst of glory. what sort of conquest he achieved of himself, the same biographer tragically records.
clay, henry. speech to the senate on the poindexter resolution. april 30, 1834. in the worlds famous orations. america ii. (1818 - 1865) by david josiah brewer, 1906.
which of the following events would best support clays argument in the first paragraph?
elimination tool
select one answer
a jackson vetoed the maysville road project in kentucky.
b jackson fired his cabinet due to disagreements over social issues.
c jackson paid off of the national debt.
d jackson forced south carolina to collect tariff duties.

Explanation:

Clay's argument in the first paragraph is about President Jackson's "haughty and imperious spirit" attacking various institutions and projects. The Maysville Road veto (Option A) shows Jackson using his power against an internal improvement (a project), which aligns with Clay's description of Jackson's behavior towards such initiatives. Option B (firing cabinet over social issues) is more about internal administration conflict not directly related to attacking institutions as described. Option C (paying debt) is a financial action not showing the "attacking" spirit. Option D (forcing South Carolina on tariffs) is about federal - state relations on tariffs, not the same as attacking internal improvements etc. as in Clay's argument.

Answer:

A. Jackson vetoed the Maysville road project in Kentucky.