1. Passage of the Homestead Act in 1862 encouraged settlement of the Great Plains by
A. providing free land to farmers
B. removing barriers to Asian immigration
C. supplying land to build transcontinental railroad
D. placing Native American Indians on reservations

D. placing Native American Indians on reservations

Explanation:

The 1862 Homestead Act accelerated settlement of U.S. western territory by allowing any American, including freed slaves, to put in a claim for up to 160 free acres of federal land.

A providing free lands to all farmers.

Explanation:

Unless you are talking about the Great Plains Indians, but that has to do with the Dawes Act.

hello! : )

i think a judge or jury, as they preside over the court and is the central figure in a trial.

hope this and i hope i answered in time!

good luck!

~ destiny ^_^