Which of the following describes the Sugar Act? (1 point)
• Smugglers supported the tax because it forced merchants to pay.
• It removed the tax on molasses.
• It called for more customs officials.
• It enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses.
It enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses.
The correct answer is: It enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses.
To determine which option accurately describes the Sugar Act, we can examine each statement and evaluate its validity.
1. "Smugglers supported the tax because it forced merchants to pay."
This statement is not accurate when describing the Sugar Act. In fact, the Sugar Act was generally opposed by both smugglers and merchants. It aimed to crack down on smuggling and increase the enforcement of tax collection.
2. "It removed the tax on molasses."
This statement is incorrect. The Sugar Act, passed in 1764 by the British Parliament, did not eliminate the tax on molasses. Instead, it actually reduced the tax rate on molasses but sought stricter enforcement to combat widespread smuggling.
3. "It called for more customs officials."
This statement accurately describes one of the provisions of the Sugar Act. The act mandated the appointment of additional customs officials to prevent smuggling and ensure the collection of import duties.
4. "It enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses."
This statement is partially correct. The Sugar Act did enforce existing laws related to taxes on molasses, but it also introduced new measures to strengthen enforcement and curb smuggling.
Given the analysis above, the option that accurately describes the Sugar Act is: "It called for more customs officials."