Whigs and Democrats - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test Paper with Answer Key

Preparing for the TOEFL iBT^® exam becomes significantly easier when you utilize resources like practice tests, a highly beneficial strategy for thorough preparation.

Engaging in simulated assessments for the TOEFL Reading section not only allows you to become well-versed with the exam's format and structure but also helps you refine essential skills necessary for achieving your desired score. So, let's delve into the TOEFL Reading Practice Test Paper on the topic- ‘Whigs and Democrats’ and aim for a clearer understanding of areas requiring improvement!

Reading Instructions

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 10 questions related to it.
• Most questions are worth 1 point, but the last question is worth more. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question. 
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference. 

Whigs and Democrats

The inception of Modern presidency in the United States commenced with Andrew Jackson's ascension to power in 1829 as the leader of the Democratic Party, a tenure that lasted until 1837. Throughout his administration, Jackson significantly expanded the authority of the presidency. In addressing the Senate's opposition, he emphasized, "The president serves as the direct voice of the American populace. Chosen by the people, he is answerable to them." This proclamation by Jackson led to a redefinition of the presidential office's nature and its connection to the citizenry.

During Jackson's second term, his adversaries gradually united to establish the Whig Party. Whigs and Democrats had contrasting perspectives on the transformations instigated by the market, banks, and commerce. Democrats tended to perceive society as an ongoing conflict between "the people" - farmers, planters, and laborers - and a group of greedy elites. According to Democrats, this "paper money aristocracy" of bankers and investors exploited the banking system for personal gain, leading to the decay of the nation's moral strength by promoting speculation and a craving for sudden wealth without effort. Democrats desired to reap the benefits of the market while preserving the simplicity of an agrarian republic, avoiding the complexities, urban dominance, and loss of autonomy associated with a competitive and evolving society.

The Whigs, conversely, found the market more congenial. They considered commerce and economic progress as catalysts for civilization. Furthermore, the Whigs did not foresee any societal discord between farmers and laborers on one side and entrepreneurs and financiers on the other. They believed that economic advancement would be advantageous for everyone, leading to increased national income and broader opportunities. The government's duty, in their view, was to ensure a well-regulated economy that offered equal opportunities for individuals based on their capabilities.

Whigs and Democrats held contrasting views not just on their approach to the market but also on the extent of involvement the federal government should have in citizens' lives. Despite Andrew Jackson's inclination toward assertive presidential leadership, Democrats typically advocated for limited government. They saw the government's economic role as fostering competition by dismantling monopolies and special privileges. Consistent with this limited government philosophy, Democrats also opposed the notion of government intervention in moral beliefs, advocating for a clear separation between religion and politics. They generally stood against humanitarian legislation as well.

The Whigs had a positive outlook on government power, believing it should be utilized to safeguard individual rights and public liberty. They also saw it as having a specific role in situations where individual efforts were inadequate. Through economic and competition regulation, the Whigs believed the government could ensure equal opportunities. Furthermore, they believed that the government's responsibility to promote general welfare extended beyond just the economy. Specifically, Whigs in the northern parts of the United States advocated for using government power to enhance the moral well-being of the nation. They were inclined towards supporting social-reform laws and providing assistance for education.

Both the Whigs and Democrats needed substantial support from farmers and workers to remain competitive in elections, as these groups constituted the largest segments of society. Relying solely on either the wealthy or the impoverished for votes was not a winning strategy for either party. However, the Whigs had a notable advantage in garnering support from business and commercial sectors. They appealed to various groups such as planters seeking credit for international trade, farmers looking to sell excess produce, and workers aiming for self-improvement. In contrast, Democrats attracted farmers disconnected from or uncomfortable with the market, workers marginalized by the industrial shift, and aspiring entrepreneurs advocating for economic openness and competition. The Whigs thrived in urban and well-integrated rural areas, while Democrats held sway in economically struggling regions with semi-subsistence farming practices.

Directions: Now answer the questions. 

Paragraph 1

The inception of Modern presidency in the United States commenced with Andrew Jackson's ascension to power in 1829 as the leader of the Democratic Party, a tenure that lasted until 1837. Throughout his administration, Jackson significantly expanded the authority of the presidency. In addressing the Senate's opposition, he emphasized, "The president serves as the direct voice of the American populace. Chosen by the people, he is answerable to them." This proclamation by Jackson led to a redefinition of the presidential office's nature and its connection to the citizenry.

1. As per paragraph 1, why was Andrew Jackson's presidency particularly noteworthy?
   1. The president ceded some of his authority to the Senate.
   2. The president initiated regular addresses to the Senate.
   3. It marked the inception of the contemporary presidency in the United States.
   4. It marked the Senate's first known opposition to a president.

Paragraph 2

During Jackson's second term, his adversaries gradually united to establish the Whig Party. Whigs and Democrats had contrasting perspectives on the transformations instigated by the market, banks, and commerce. Democrats tended to perceive society as an ongoing conflict between "the people" - farmers, planters, and laborers - and a group of greedy elites. According to Democrats, this "paper money aristocracy" of bankers and investors exploited the banking system for personal gain, leading to the decay of the nation's moral strength by promoting speculation and a craving for sudden wealth without effort. Democrats desired to reap the benefits of the market while preserving the simplicity of an agrarian republic, avoiding the complexities, urban dominance, and loss of autonomy associated with a competitive and evolving society.

1. The author cites "bankers and investors" in the passage as an illustration of which of the following?
   1. The principal source of support for the Democratic Party
   2. The individuals whom Democrats asserted were unjustly growing wealthy
   3. The individuals most inclined toward a resurgence of a basic agrarian republic
   4. One of the factions endorsing Andrew Jackson's presidency

Paragraph 3

The Whigs, conversely, found the market more congenial. They considered commerce and economic progress as catalysts for civilization. Furthermore, the Whigs did not foresee any societal discord between farmers and laborers on one side and entrepreneurs and financiers on the other. They believed that economic advancement would be advantageous for everyone, leading to increased national income and broader opportunities. The government's duty, in their view, was to ensure a well-regulated economy that offered equal opportunities for individuals based on their capabilities.

1. As per paragraph 3, Whigs held the belief that commerce and economic development would lead to which of the following outcomes in society?
   1. A. They would facilitate the progress of society as a whole.
   2. B. They would result in conflicts between Whigs and Democrats.
   3. C. They would create new roles for members of the Whig Party.
   4. D. They would avert conflicts between farmers and workers.

1. According to paragraph 3, which of the following characterizes the Whig Party's perspective on the government's role?
   1. To oversee the ongoing dispute between farmers and business figures
   2. To limit the alterations caused by the market
   3. To uphold an economy that permits all competent citizens to prosper
   4. To lessen the focus on economic progress

Paragraph 4

Whigs and Democrats held contrasting views not just on their approach to the market but also on the extent of involvement the federal government should have in citizens' lives. Despite Andrew Jackson's inclination toward assertive presidential leadership, Democrats typically advocated for limited government. They saw the government's economic role as fostering competition by dismantling monopolies and special privileges. Consistent with this limited government philosophy, Democrats also opposed the notion of government intervention in moral beliefs, advocating for a clear separation between religion and politics. They generally stood against humanitarian legislation as well.

1. As stated in paragraph 4, a Democrat would be inclined to endorse government intervention in which of the following domains?
   1. Establishing a state religion
   2. Backing humanitarian legislation
   3. Eliminating monopolies
   4. Advocating specific moral convictions

Paragraph 5

The Whigs had a positive outlook on government power, believing it should be utilized to safeguard individual rights and public liberty. They also saw it as having a specific role in situations where individual efforts were inadequate. Through economic and competition regulation, the Whigs believed the government could ensure equal opportunities. Furthermore, they believed that the concept of government promoting general welfare extended beyond just the economy. Specifically, Whigs in the northern parts of the United States advocated for using government power to enhance the moral well-being of the nation. They were inclined towards supporting social-reform laws and providing assistance for education.

1. The term "concept" in the passage is most similar in meaning to:
   1. A. power
   2. B. reality
   3. C. difficulty
   4. D. idea

1. What inference can be drawn from paragraph 5 regarding differences in political ideologies within the Whig Party?
   1. A. Their attention was directed towards matters concerning public freedom.
   2. B. They prompted certain individuals to depart from the Whig Party.
   3. C. They held little significance for the majority of Whigs.
   4. D. They mirrored regional concerns.

Paragraph 6

Both the Whigs and Democrats needed substantial support from farmers and workers to remain competitive in elections, as these groups constituted the largest segments of society. Relying solely on either the wealthy or the impoverished for votes was not a winning strategy for either party. However, the Whigs had a notable advantage in garnering support from business and commercial sectors. They appealed to various groups such as planters seeking credit for international trade, farmers looking to sell excess produce, and workers aiming for self-improvement. In contrast, Democrats attracted farmers disconnected from or uncomfortable with the market, workers marginalized by the industrial shift, and aspiring entrepreneurs advocating for economic openness and competition. The Whigs thrived in urban and well-integrated rural areas, while Democrats held sway in economically struggling regions with semi-subsistence farming practices.

1. Which of the options below accurately conveys the key information presented in the highlighted sentence in the passage? Incorrect choices either alter the meaning significantly or omit essential details.
   1. A. Whigs attracted support primarily in affluent economic regions due to Democrats' predominance elsewhere.
   2. B. Urban and rural areas naturally divided between Whig and Democratic spheres of influence, respectively.
   3. C. Democrats' control over semi subsistence farming regions led to their isolation as Whigs dominated the market economy.
   4. D. Democratic influence was highest in poorer regions, contrasting with Whig strength in fully operational market areas.

Paragraph 2

During Jackson's second term, his adversaries gradually united to establish the Whig Party. (A)Whigs and Democrats had contrasting perspectives on the transformations instigated by the market, banks, and commerce. (B)Democrats tended to perceive society as an ongoing conflict between "the people" - farmers, planters, and laborers - and a group of greedy elites. (C)According to Democrats, this "paper money aristocracy" of bankers and investors exploited the banking system for personal gain, leading to the decay of the nation's moral strength by promoting speculation and a craving for sudden wealth without effort. (D)Democrats desired to reap the benefits of the market while preserving the simplicity of an agrarian republic, avoiding the complexities, urban dominance, and loss of autonomy associated with a competitive and evolving society.

1. Directions: Look at the part of the passage that is displayed above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) indicate where the following sentence could be added.
   
   This new party argued against the policies of Jackson and his party in a number of important areas, beginning with the economy.
   
   Where would the sentence best fit?
   1. A. Choice A
   2. B. Choice B
   3. C. Choice C
   4. D. Choice D

1. Directions: Below is an introductory sentence for summarizing the passage. You need to choose three answer choices that represent the most significant ideas in the passage to complete the summary. Some answer choices are irrelevant or minor ideas not discussed in the passage. This question carries a weight of 2 points.
   
   The political system of the United States in the mid-nineteenth century was strongly influenced by the social and economic circumstances of the time.
   
   
   •  
   •  
   •  
   Answer Choices
   1. A. The emergence of the Democratic and Whig Parties was a response to the requirements of competing economic and political groups.
   2. B. Throughout Andrew Jackson's two presidential terms, he led both the Democratic and Whig Parties.
   3. C. The primary focus of the Democratic Party was on representing the interests of the market, banks, and commerce.
   4. D. Unlike the Democrats, the Whigs supported government assistance for education.
   5. E. A key disparity between Whigs and Democrats centered on the significance of the market in societal affairs.
   6. F. The political divergence between the two parties was notably evident in their views on the government's role in people's lives.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Whigs and Democrats

1. Answer: C

Explanation: This is a factual information question. Option C is correct because the initial sentence of the paragraph explicitly indicates that this marked the onset of the development of the contemporary presidency. The subsequent part of the paragraph is dedicated to elucidating the significant governmental transformations associated with this development. The outcome, as mentioned in sentence 5, was a redefinition of the presidency itself. Option A is contradicted by the paragraph; Jackson did not diminish presidential authority but instead augmented it. Option B is not referenced in the paragraph; while it states that Jackson spoke to the Senate, it does not suggest that this was the commencement of regular addresses. Option D, proposing that this was the first instance of Senate opposition to the president, is not supported by the passage.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: Rhetorical Purpose Question. The question is inquiring about the reason behind the author's mention of "bankers and investors" in the passage. The highlighted phrase is being assessed in the passage. The correct response is option B. The author utilizes bankers and investors as illustrations of individuals whom the Democrats asserted "exploited" the banking system for personal gain, indicating that they were unjustly amassing wealth. Choices A, C, and D are deemed incorrect according to the passage's context, making them unlikely to be accurate. Hence, the author would not employ them as examples.

3. Answer: A

Explanation: This is a factual information question. The correct answer is Choice A. The paragraph indicates that Whigs were of the belief that commerce and economic development would be “advantageous for everyone”. This aligns closely with Choice A, which states that Whigs believed economic growth would contribute to the progress of society overall. The phrase "society as a whole" is essentially synonymous with "everyone"

Choices B and C are not referenced in the paragraph. Choice D, regarding conflicts between groups, is mentioned but in a different context, so it does not reflect a belief held by Whigs as described in the paragraph.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: This is a factual information question. The Whigs believed that the government had a responsibility to uphold an economy that provided opportunities for all capable individuals to prosper. This aligns with paragraph 3, sentence 5, which states that the Whigs did not foresee ongoing conflict between farmers and businesspersons. Therefore, option A is incorrect. The Whigs supported the transformations brought about by the market, making option B incorrect. Additionally, the Whigs advocated for a greater emphasis on economic growth, refuting option D.

5. Answer: C

Explanation: This is a factual information question. The accurate response is option C, as explicitly mentioned in sentence 3 of the passage. Sentences 4 and 5 directly contradict the remaining options.

6. Answer: D

Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question. The term under examination is "concept," as emphasized in the text. The text explains, "they believed that the concept of government..." which can be restated as "the way Whigs perceived government..." This cognitive process reflects ideas, making choice D the appropriate answer in this context.

7. Answer: D

Explanation: This is an inference question. Choice D, which asserts that differences in Whigs' political ideologies were influenced by regional distinctions, is corroborated by sentence 5 of the paragraph. This sentence specifies that particular beliefs were representative of northern Whigs, indicating that Whigs in different regions held contrasting views. This suggests that the differences in beliefs were regionally influenced. The passage does not mention the other three options in relation to "variations" in Whig beliefs, thus there is no evidence to support any of them.

8. Answer: D

Explanation: This is a sentence Simplification question. As with all of these questions,a single sentence in the passage is highlighted:

The Whigs thrived in urban and well-integrated rural areas, while Democrats held sway in economically struggling regions with semi-subsistence farming practices.The correct response is option D. Option D includes all the essential information from the sentence being tested, but it reverses the order of presentation. The sentence being discussed highlights Whig strongholds first and then areas where Democrats were influential. Option D, the correct choice, presents Democrat strongholds initially and then Whig areas. This reordering does not alter the meaning or omit any information. Option A is incorrect because it suggests that Whigs attracted support solely from affluent regions, which is not stated in the highlighted sentence; it indicates that their support came from areas integrated into the market, encompassing various economic levels. Option B is incorrect as it implies that the parties were divided based on rural versus urban areas. However, the highlighted sentence specifies that Whigs were robust in rural areas integrated into the market economy. Thus, the party split depended on the extent of integration into the market, not urban or rural distinctions. Option C is incorrect as the highlighted sentence does not discuss the impact of Whigs' market economy control on areas dominated by Democrats, if at all. 

9. Answer: A

Explanation: This is an insert text question. You can see the four possible answer choices in paragraph 2.

During Jackson's second term, his adversaries gradually united to establish the Whig Party. (A)Whigs and Democrats had contrasting perspectives on the transformations instigated by the market, banks, and commerce. (B)Democrats tended to perceive society as an ongoing conflict between "the people" - farmers, planters, and laborers - and a group of greedy elites. (C)According to Democrats, this "paper money aristocracy" of bankers and investors exploited the banking system for personal gain, leading to the decay of the nation's moral strength by promoting speculation and a craving for sudden wealth without effort. (D)Democrats desired to reap the benefits of the market while preserving the simplicity of an agrarian republic, avoiding the complexities, urban dominance, and loss of autonomy associated with a competitive and evolving society.

The sentence "This new party argued against the policies of Jackson and his party in a number of important areas, beginning with the economy," is most appropriately placed at option (A).

Option (A) is accurate because "This new party" specifically refers to the Whigs, who are initially mentioned as a recently formed party in the first sentence of this paragraph.

Option (B) is incorrect because the preceding sentence does not solely focus on the new Whig Party but discusses both Whigs and Democrats.

Options (C) and (D) are both incorrect because the preceding sentences refer to the Democrats (the old party), not the Whigs.

10. Answer: A, E, F

Explanation: This is a prose summary question. It is completed correctly below.

The political system of the United States in the mid-nineteenth century was

strongly influenced by the social and economic circumstances of the time.

Correct Choices

Choice A, "The emergence of the Democratic and Whig Parties was a response to the requirements of competing economic and political groups" is accurate because it reflects a recurring theme throughout the entire passage. It serves as a broad observation regarding how the Whigs and Democrats evolved. Paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 collectively reinforce this statement by offering examples of the contrasting constituencies in the United States during that era and how these parties addressed them.

Choice E, "Throughout Andrew Jackson's two presidential terms, he led both the Democratic and Whig Parties" is correct as it captures a fundamental distinction between the Whigs and Democrats. Paragraphs 2, 3, 4, and 6 provide evidence supporting this assertion by illustrating the disparities in how the two parties perceived the role of the market within society.

Choice F, "The political divergence between the two parties was notably evident in their views on the government's role in people's lives" is supported by its reflection of a broader differentiation between the Whigs and Democrats. This distinction is thoroughly examined in paragraphs 2, 3, 4, and 5, providing explicit insights into their contrasting perspectives on governmental involvement in societal matters.

Incorrect Choices

Choice B, which states that "Throughout Andrew Jackson's two presidential terms, he led both the Democratic and Whig Parties" is inaccurate because it contradicts the information provided in the passage. Jackson was specifically identified as the leader of the Democratic Party.

Choice C, which claims that "The primary focus of the Democratic Party was on representing the interests of the market, banks, and commerce" is inaccurate because this statement is not supported by the passage. It is the Whigs who primarily represented these groups, as explicitly mentioned in paragraphs 3 and 6.

Choice D, which asserts that "Unlike the Democrats, the Whigs supported government assistance for education" is inaccurate because the passage only indicates that Whigs in the North were more likely to support education aid. The passage does not clearly state the positions of other Whigs or Democrats on this issue.

Now that you’ve mastered the Reading Section, check out some of our Practice tests to help you prepare for other TOEFL tasks and achieve the score of your dreams! 

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