Which of the following describes the Sugar Act?(1 point)%0D%0AResponses%0D%0A%0D%0ASmugglers supported the tax because it forced merchants to pay.%0D%0ASmugglers supported the tax because it forced merchants to pay.%0D%0A%0D%0AIt removed the tax on molasses.%0D%0AIt removed the tax on molasses.%0D%0A%0D%0AIt called for more customs officials.%0D%0AIt called for more customs officials.%0D%0A%0D%0AIt enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses.%0D%0AIt enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses.
The correct description of the Sugar Act is: "It enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses."
To identify which of the given responses correctly describes the Sugar Act, you can analyze the options one by one:
1. "Smugglers supported the tax because it forced merchants to pay."
This option suggests that the Sugar Act imposed a tax that benefited smugglers by pressuring merchants to pay. It is essential to note that the Sugar Act was actually disliked by colonists, including smugglers, as it increased taxes and strict enforcement. Therefore, this response is incorrect.
2. "It removed the tax on molasses."
Here, the response suggests that the Sugar Act eliminated the tax on molasses. However, this statement is inaccurate. Instead of eliminating the tax, the Sugar Act modified existing tax rates on molasses and attempted to effectively collect those taxes. Thus, this response is also incorrect.
3. "It called for more customs officials."
This option states that the Sugar Act required an increase in the number of customs officials. This response is accurate. The Sugar Act aimed to crack down on smuggling, and to achieve this, it authorized the appointment of additional customs officials in order to strengthen enforcement efforts, particularly related to trade regulations and revenue collection.
4. "It enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses."
The final response suggests that the Sugar Act reinforced the existing laws concerning taxes on molasses. This statement is true. While the Sugar Act introduced new provisions, it also reinforced previous laws related to molasses taxation and aimed to ensure that these taxes were collected more effectively.
Therefore, the correct response that describes the Sugar Act is "It called for more customs officials."