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.
To determine which of the following options describes the Sugar Act, let's examine each choice and identify the most accurate description based on historical facts.
1. "Smugglers supported the tax because it forced merchants to pay."
This choice does not accurately describe the Sugar Act. The Sugar Act was actually designed to combat smuggling and tax evasion, aiming to make sure that merchants and colonists paid taxes on imported goods such as sugar.
2. "It removed the tax on molasses."
This option is incorrect. The Sugar Act did not remove the tax on molasses; instead, it aimed to regulate and enforce the existing tax laws on imported molasses.
3. "It called for more customs officials."
This option accurately describes the Sugar Act. The act did indeed call for an increase in the number of customs officials in the American colonies to strengthen and enhance the enforcement of tax collection.
4. "It enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses."
This option is the most accurate description of the Sugar Act. The act aimed to strengthen the enforcement of existing tax laws, specifically those related to molasses, by increasing penalties and empowering customs officials to seize smuggled goods.
Therefore, the option that accurately describes the Sugar Act is: "It enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses."
The option that describes the Sugar Act is:
- It enforced existing laws regarding taxes on molasses.
The Sugar Act, also known as the Revenue Act of 1764, was a law passed by the British Parliament that aimed to enforce and strengthen existing laws regarding the collection of taxes on molasses. It increased the penalties for smuggling and established stricter regulations on the colonial trade in order to generate more revenue for the British government. Smugglers did not support the tax, as it made their illegal activities more risky and increased the chances of getting caught.