Which of the following describes the Sugar Act?
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 description of the Sugar Act is:
- It enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses.
To determine which of the options describes the Sugar Act, we need to understand what the Sugar Act was. The Sugar Act, also known as the Revenue Act of 1764, was a law passed by the British Parliament to increase the tax revenue from the American colonies.
Now let's analyze each option:
1. "Smugglers supported the tax because it forced merchants to pay." This statement does not accurately describe the Sugar Act. Smugglers were not in favor of paying taxes and often sought ways to avoid them. Therefore, this option can be eliminated.
2. "It removed the tax on molasses." This option is incorrect. The Sugar Act did not remove the tax on molasses; in fact, it increased the tax on molasses imported into the colonies.
3. "It called for more customs officials." This option accurately describes one aspect of the Sugar Act. The legislation did call for the appointment of more customs officials to enforce the tax collection and prevent smuggling.
4. "It enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses." This option accurately describes another aspect of the Sugar Act. The law reinforced the existing laws that already imposed taxes on molasses, aiming to strengthen tax collection and reduce smuggling.
Based on the analysis, options 3 and 4 both describe aspects of the Sugar Act. However, the most comprehensive description of the Sugar Act would be option 4, "It enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses."