AP US History Sample Final Exam!
All the work you’ve been doing has led you to this, folks, as we’re about to look at an AP US History Sample Final Exam. Have you got what it takes to pass your finals, or do you have a long way to go before you’re ready to sit the big one?
- 1.
The assumptions underlying both the weakness of the Confederation government and opposition to a stronger government was that...
- A.
Only the gentry could govern well
- B.
Only the common folk could govern well
- C.
State merchants were worried about federal taxes
- D.
Any concentration of power was dangerous
- E.
Only affected officials could be trusted with power
Correct Answer
D. Any concentration of power was dangerousExplanation
The correct answer is "any concentration of power was dangerous". This assumption suggests that people were wary of giving too much power to a central government because they believed that it could potentially lead to abuse and tyranny. They believed in a system of checks and balances, where power was dispersed among different branches or levels of government to prevent any one entity from becoming too powerful. This belief stemmed from their experience with the weaknesses of the Confederation government, which lacked a strong central authority and struggled to effectively govern the states.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 did all of the following EXCEPT...
- A.
Create a government that would be satisfactory to both free and slave states
- B.
Determine the provisions to be included in the Bill of Rights
- C.
Create a strong central government that would not threaten the sovereignty of the states
- D.
Establish a balance of power between the three branches of the national government
- E.
Create a government that would be satisfactory to both large and small states
Correct Answer
B. Determine the provisions to be included in the Bill of RightsExplanation
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 did not determine the provisions to be included in the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution after the Convention in 1791. The Convention focused on creating a government that would be satisfactory to both free and slave states, establishing a strong central government that would not threaten the sovereignty of the states, and creating a balance of power between the three branches of the national government. The Bill of Rights was later added to address concerns about individual liberties and to further protect the rights of citizens.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The Articles government's greatest achievement was its...
- A.
Success against the British and Spanish in the West
- B.
A successful division of powers
- C.
Management of the postwar prosperity
- D.
Establishment of sound public finance
- E.
Legislation of a system for orderly settlement of the west
Correct Answer
E. Legislation of a system for orderly settlement of the westExplanation
The Articles government's greatest achievement was the legislation of a system for orderly settlement of the west. This accomplishment allowed for the organized expansion and development of the western territories, ensuring that land was distributed and settled in a fair and controlled manner. This legislation played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States and laid the foundation for the future growth and development of the country.Rate this question:
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- 4.
John Jay's treaty with Spain (1785) outraged Southern delegates to the Articles of Confederation government because it...
- A.
Gave up use of the Mississippi for twenty-five years
- B.
Lost all trade privileges with Spain
- C.
Failed to remove Spanish forts from the West
- D.
Lost Georgia's boundary dispute with Spanish Florida
- E.
Showed Southern delegates what the true priorities of the Northern delegates were
Correct Answer
A. Gave up use of the Mississippi for twenty-five yearsExplanation
The correct answer is "gave up use of the Mississippi for twenty-five years." This treaty with Spain was seen as a betrayal by Southern delegates because it restricted their access to the Mississippi River for a significant period of time. This was a major blow to the Southern states, as the Mississippi River was a crucial trade route for them. It limited their ability to transport goods and hindered their economic development.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Jefferson maintained that the economic well-being of the United States require a(n)...
- A.
Emphasis of agriculture productivity
- B.
Development of manufacturing
- C.
Strong trade with Europe
- D.
Dependence of the monied classes
- E.
Reduced reliance of international market
Correct Answer
A. EmpHasis of agriculture productivityExplanation
Jefferson believed that the economic well-being of the United States depended on focusing on agriculture productivity. He argued that agriculture was the foundation of the nation's economy and that it should be prioritized over other industries. Jefferson believed that a strong agricultural sector would not only provide for the nation's needs but also generate wealth and stability. He emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on international markets, as well as promoting the development of manufacturing industries to support and complement the agricultural sector.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Alexander Hamilton's financial plan for the United States included..
- A.
Funding of the national debt
- B.
Repudiation of the states' debts
- C.
Establishment of state banks
- D.
All of the above
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Funding of the national debtExplanation
Alexander Hamilton's financial plan for the United States included the funding of the national debt. This means that Hamilton proposed a plan to pay off the debts accumulated by the United States during the Revolutionary War. He believed that by doing so, the government would gain credibility and establish a strong financial foundation for the country. This plan was aimed at strengthening the economy and ensuring the stability of the newly formed nation.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The Democratic Republicans tended to favor
- A.
A strong federal court system
- B.
Central economic planning particularly the establishment of a national bank
- C.
An affiliation with the British in foreign affairs
- D.
Strict interpretation of the Constitution to defend individual rights
- E.
Maintenance of the public order, even if that meant calling out federal troops
Correct Answer
D. Strict interpretation of the Constitution to defend individual rightsExplanation
The Democratic Republicans believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution in order to protect individual rights. They believed that the federal government should have limited powers and that the states should have more authority. By adhering strictly to the Constitution, they aimed to prevent the federal government from overstepping its boundaries and infringing upon the rights of individuals. This philosophy aligned with their overall goal of limited government intervention and protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The Alien and Sedition Acts were deigned to...
- A.
Promote freedom of speech and of the press
- B.
Harass and suppress Republican spokesmen
- C.
Encourage foreign immigration
- D.
Limit the power of the national government
- E.
Encourage the assimilation of the French in America
Correct Answer
B. Harass and suppress Republican spokesmenExplanation
The Alien and Sedition Acts were a series of laws passed in the late 18th century by the Federalist Party in the United States. These acts were designed to harass and suppress Republican spokesmen, who were political opponents of the Federalists. The Sedition Act, in particular, made it a crime to criticize the government, which was seen as a direct attack on Republicans and their ability to speak out against Federalist policies. These acts were highly controversial and were seen as a violation of freedom of speech and of the press.Rate this question:
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- 9.
According to Charles Beard, the Constitution was an economic document written by an economic elite who stood to benefit from its ratification. Their property interests would be protected by...
- A.
The Bill of Rights
- B.
The delegated powers granted to Congress
- C.
The process of amendments
- D.
Non democratic elements in the document
- E.
The lack of federal judiciary
Correct Answer
D. Non democratic elements in the documentExplanation
According to Charles Beard, the Constitution was written by an economic elite who would benefit from its ratification. The correct answer, non-democratic elements in the document, suggests that the Constitution was designed in a way that limited the influence of the general public and favored the economic interests of the elite. These non-democratic elements could include the indirect election of senators, the Electoral College system for electing the president, and the limited voting rights of certain groups. These elements would ensure that the economic elite maintained control and protected their property interests.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following most accurately describes the attitude of the Founding Fathers toward political parties...
- A.
In a large republic, parties are the best means of creating effective coalitions of interest groups
- B.
Parties are the engines of democracy that provide citizens with a voice in government
- C.
Parties are positive goods in any republic
- D.
Parties are vehicles of ambition and selfish interest that threaten the existence of republican government
- E.
A two party system is essential to a stable government
Correct Answer
D. Parties are vehicles of ambition and selfish interest that threaten the existence of republican governmentExplanation
The Founding Fathers believed that political parties are vehicles of ambition and selfish interest that threaten the existence of republican government. They were concerned that parties would prioritize their own interests over the well-being of the nation and could potentially lead to corruption and the erosion of democratic values. They believed that parties would create divisions and hinder effective governance, leading to a decline in the stability and integrity of the republic.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The French and Indian War was a pivotal point in America's relationship to Great Britain because it let Great Britain to...
- A.
Enact taxes to be paid by colonials
- B.
Restrict emigration from England
- C.
encourage colonial manufactures
- D.
Ignore the colonies
- E.
Grant colonial representation in Parliament
Correct Answer
A. Enact taxes to be paid by colonialsExplanation
The French and Indian War was a pivotal point in America's relationship to Great Britain because it let Great Britain enact taxes to be paid by colonials. This war resulted in a massive debt for Great Britain, and they believed that the American colonists should help pay for it. As a result, they passed various acts, such as the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act, which imposed taxes on the colonists. This led to widespread protests and eventually played a significant role in sparking the American Revolution.Rate this question:
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- 12.
"Reaganomics," or "supply side" economics, supported which of the following?
- A.
Increased spending by the government
- B.
Decreasing demand in the economy
- C.
Lowering the taxes for the wealthy
- D.
Increased government aid to the poor
- E.
Supported all of the above
Correct Answer
C. Lowering the taxes for the wealthyExplanation
Reaganomics, also known as supply-side economics, advocated for lowering taxes for the wealthy. This approach believed that by reducing tax rates for the wealthy, they would have more disposable income, which would incentivize them to invest, spend, and create jobs. The theory was that this would stimulate economic growth and benefit the entire economy.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The "Stonewall Riot" in New York city was significant because it marked the beginning of the gay liberation movement. It was but one movement in the U.S. that sought to gain recognition for marginalized Americans. In which decade did most of the efforts occur?
- A.
1940s
- B.
1950s
- C.
1960s
- D.
1980s
- E.
1990s
Correct Answer
C. 1960sExplanation
In the 1960s, most of the efforts to gain recognition for marginalized Americans, including the gay liberation movement, occurred. The Stonewall Riot in New York City, which took place in 1969, is considered a significant event that marked the beginning of the gay liberation movement. This movement aimed to fight for the rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for equality and an end to discrimination. The 1960s saw a surge in civil rights activism and social movements, making it a pivotal decade for marginalized communities in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following represented a change in the immigration patterns of the 1970s and 1980s?
- A.
The increase in the numbers of Hispanics immigrants
- B.
The declining presence of white European immigrants
- C.
The increasing number of undocumented immigrants
- D.
The rapid increase in the number of Asian immigrants
- E.
All of the above were changes
Correct Answer
E. All of the above were changesExplanation
The correct answer is "all of the above were changes." This is because all four options mentioned represent changes in the immigration patterns of the 1970s and 1980s. The increase in the numbers of Hispanic immigrants, the declining presence of white European immigrants, the increasing number of undocumented immigrants, and the rapid increase in the number of Asian immigrants all demonstrate shifts in the demographics and origins of immigrants during that time period.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Supreme Court decision in the 1973 case Roe v. Wade ruled that all state laws prohibiting abortion during the "first trimester" of pregnancy were invalid based upon the idea that the Ninth Amendment protected...
- A.
A woman's right to privacy
- B.
A woman's right to free expression
- C.
A woman's right to sexual equality
- D.
A woman's right to adequate health care
- E.
A woman's right to protection against illegal searches and seizures
Correct Answer
A. A woman's right to privacyExplanation
The Supreme Court decision in the 1973 case Roe v. Wade ruled that all state laws prohibiting abortion during the "first trimester" of pregnancy were invalid based upon the idea that the Ninth Amendment protected a woman's right to privacy. This decision recognized that a woman's decision to have an abortion is a private matter that should be protected from government interference. By asserting a woman's right to privacy, the Court established a constitutional basis for reproductive rights.Rate this question:
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- 16.
A large increase in the price of oil in the 1970s resulted in
- A.
Soaring inflation
- B.
A rejection of laissez faire economic policy
- C.
Strengthening the government's commitment to Keynesian economic policy
- D.
A series of budgetary surpluses
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
A. Soaring inflationExplanation
The large increase in the price of oil in the 1970s led to soaring inflation. This is because oil is a crucial input in many industries, and a spike in its price increases the cost of production. This increase in production costs is often passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services, resulting in inflation. Therefore, the correct answer is soaring inflation.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The philosophy of the counterculture is best expressed by the statement that...
- A.
Adherence to non-conventional values is the road to personal fulfillment
- B.
Life must be in tune with nature and dedicated to the free expression of the self
- C.
The first responsibility of the individual is to self
- D.
Peace and community are the only proper reactions to youth
- E.
All of the above express the sentiment of the counterculture
Correct Answer
E. All of the above express the sentiment of the countercultureExplanation
The philosophy of the counterculture is best expressed by the idea that adherence to non-conventional values is the road to personal fulfillment, life must be in tune with nature and dedicated to the free expression of the self, the first responsibility of the individual is to self, and peace and community are the only proper reactions to youth. All of these statements capture the sentiment of the counterculture movement, which emphasized individualism, freedom of expression, connection with nature, and a rejection of mainstream societal norms.Rate this question:
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- 18.
By the 1970s, a major force behind the environmental movement was...
- A.
Activists within the Republican party
- B.
Former members of the New Left who turned their activism to environmental issues
- C.
President Johnson's aggressive war on industrial polluters
- D.
The cooperation of big business in passing meaningful protection laws
- E.
Isolationists who believed we needed to focus on matters at home
Correct Answer
B. Former members of the New Left who turned their activism to environmental issuesExplanation
In the 1970s, former members of the New Left who had previously been involved in various social and political movements shifted their focus towards environmental issues. These individuals, having already experienced activism and being familiar with the strategies and tactics used in social movements, brought their passion and energy to the environmental movement. Their involvement and dedication played a significant role in making the environmental movement a major force during that time.Rate this question:
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- 19.
American policy toward Grenada and Nicaragua in the 1980s best reflected which of the following foreign policy initiatives?
- A.
A Bush Doctrine
- B.
The Truman Doctrine
- C.
The Alliance for Progress
- D.
The Reagan Doctrine
- E.
Containment
Correct Answer
D. The Reagan DoctrineExplanation
The correct answer is the Reagan Doctrine. The Reagan Doctrine was a foreign policy initiative implemented by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. It aimed to provide support to anti-communist movements and governments around the world, particularly in countries such as Grenada and Nicaragua. This policy reflected a more aggressive and interventionist approach towards combating communism, in contrast to the more defensive containment strategy of the Truman Doctrine. The Reagan Doctrine sought to actively confront and roll back communist influence, making it the best fit for the American policy towards Grenada and Nicaragua in the 1980s.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The evidence at Watergate case, based on testimony and on the White House tapes, concluded Nixon...
- A.
Was innocent
- B.
Ordered the break-in
- C.
Planned the break-in
- D.
Covered up evidence of the crimes of others
- E.
Ordered all evidence to be turned over to prosecutors
Correct Answer
D. Covered up evidence of the crimes of othersExplanation
The correct answer is "covered up evidence of the crimes of others." This is supported by the evidence at the Watergate case, including testimony and the White House tapes, which revealed that Nixon was involved in a cover-up to conceal the crimes committed by others.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was significant because it provided federal legislation designed to attack...
- A.
Discrimination based on age
- B.
Discrimination based on gender
- C.
Discrimination based on race
- D.
Discrimination on account of disability
- E.
Discrimination on account of economic status
Correct Answer
B. Discrimination based on genderExplanation
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was significant because it provided federal legislation designed to attack discrimination based on gender. This means that the Act aimed to address and combat unfair treatment or prejudice against individuals based on their gender. It prohibited employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants on the basis of their gender, ensuring equal opportunities and protections for both men and women in the workplace. This was a crucial step towards promoting gender equality and eliminating gender-based discrimination in various aspects of employment.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The Iran-contra scandal seriously damaged the Reagan administration's reputation when it revealed that the United States...
- A.
Sent funds to Iranian terrorists to finance their attacks on the Muslim government
- B.
Sent funds to Iraq to support the country in its war with Iran
- C.
Used the money from the sale of arms to Iran to aid the contras in Nicaragua
- D.
Used government funs to purchase arms for the rebels in Iran
- E.
Was involved in supporting the communist revolution in Nicaragua
Correct Answer
C. Used the money from the sale of arms to Iran to aid the contras in NicaraguaExplanation
The correct answer is "used the money from the sale of arms to Iran to aid the contras in Nicaragua." This answer accurately describes the Iran-contra scandal, which involved the Reagan administration secretly selling arms to Iran and using the proceeds to fund the Contras, who were rebels fighting against the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. This scandal damaged the Reagan administration's reputation because it violated U.S. laws and policies, including the prohibition on selling arms to Iran and the prohibition on providing military assistance to the Contras.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Which of the following is true regarding the economic prosperity of the 1990s?
- A.
It generally benefited those with higher levels of education
- B.
It allowed for a significant increase in the minimum wage
- C.
It greatly lessened the impact of poverty on such racial groups as African Americans and Hispanics
- D.
It allowed the federal government to substantially reduce the deficit
- E.
All of the above are true regarding the prosperity of the 1990s
Correct Answer
A. It generally benefited those with higher levels of educationExplanation
The correct answer is that the economic prosperity of the 1990s generally benefited those with higher levels of education. This means that individuals who had higher education levels were more likely to experience economic success during this time period.Rate this question:
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- 24.
President Carter's diplomatic efforts in relieving the tensions between Egypt and Israel resulted in...
- A.
The return of the West Bank to Palestinian Arabs
- B.
An initial movement toward peace but an inability to formulate a final peace treaty
- C.
The Egyptian occupations of the Golan Heights
- D.
An agreement to reduce tensions by placing U.S. troops on the West Bank
- E.
A formal peace treaty between Egypt and Israel
Correct Answer
E. A formal peace treaty between Egypt and IsraelExplanation
President Carter's diplomatic efforts in relieving the tensions between Egypt and Israel resulted in a formal peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.Rate this question:
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- 25.
In a series of cases such as Miranda v. Arizona and Gideon v. Wainwright that all involved the rights of the accused, the decisions of Warren court seemed to a substantial number of Americans to demonstrate an interest in...
- A.
Enforcing a conservative political ideology
- B.
Prohibiting capital punishment
- C.
Enlarging powers of police
- D.
Giving states new tools to fight crime
- E.
Protecting the accused from suspected abuses of judicial and police power
Correct Answer
E. Protecting the accused from suspected abuses of judicial and police powerExplanation
The correct answer, "protecting the accused from suspected abuses of judicial and police power," is supported by the mention of cases like Miranda v. Arizona and Gideon v. Wainwright, which both involved the rights of the accused. These cases demonstrated the Warren court's interest in ensuring that individuals accused of crimes were protected from potential abuses of power by the judicial system and law enforcement. This interpretation is further reinforced by the phrase "rights of the accused" and the mention of "suspected abuses of judicial and police power."Rate this question:
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- 26.
The port Huron Statement expressed which concern about U.S. society?
- A.
It sought material comfort over human progress
- B.
It used nuclear power for destruction rather than human good
- C.
It practiced racist policies
- D.
It lacked true participatory democracy
- E.
The statement included all of the above concerns
Correct Answer
E. The statement included all of the above concernsExplanation
The correct answer is that the Port Huron Statement included all of the above concerns. The statement expressed concerns about U.S. society seeking material comfort over human progress, using nuclear power for destruction rather than human good, practicing racist policies, and lacking true participatory democracy.Rate this question:
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- 27.
The presidential scandal surrounding President Clinton showed that...
- A.
Most Americans supported his impeachment
- B.
Partisan politics was no longer a major factor in American politics
- C.
The Republican party would win midterm elections in the years to come
- D.
Personal lives were now seen by the media as political stories
- E.
The role of the independent counsel was weak and ineffective
Correct Answer
D. Personal lives were now seen by the media as political storiesExplanation
The presidential scandal surrounding President Clinton showed that personal lives were now seen by the media as political stories. This is evident from the extensive media coverage and public scrutiny of President Clinton's extramarital affair with Monica Lewinsky. The scandal brought to light the changing dynamics of media coverage, where personal indiscretions of public figures were no longer considered purely private matters but had significant political implications. The scandal also highlighted the increasing influence of the media in shaping public opinion and the blurred lines between personal and political spheres.Rate this question:
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- 28.
In the presidential election of 2000, the cote count in Florida was ultimately decided by
- A.
A new round of voting by the citizens of Florida
- B.
A handshake deal that was struck between supporters of Gore and Bush
- C.
Katherine Harris's personal supervision of a thorough recount
- D.
The U.S. Supreme Court in a very close decision
- E.
A vote by the members of the Florida state legislature
Correct Answer
D. The U.S. Supreme Court in a very close decisionExplanation
In the presidential election of 2000, the vote count in Florida was ultimately decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in a very close decision. This means that the Supreme Court had the final say in determining the outcome of the election in Florida. The decision made by the Supreme Court had a significant impact on the overall result of the election.Rate this question:
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- 29.
A new demographic profile of the American population emerged during the 1970s and early 1980s opposed which of the following political concepts...
- A.
Death rate increased
- B.
Amount of immigrants from central Europe reached an all-time high
- C.
Proportion of elderly citizens grew markedly
- D.
Total population declined
- E.
Population less than age 21 increased substantially
Correct Answer
C. Proportion of elderly citizens grew markedlyExplanation
During the 1970s and early 1980s, a new demographic profile of the American population emerged. This can be inferred from the given options, as the death rate increased, the amount of immigrants from central Europe reached an all-time high, the total population declined, and the population less than age 21 increased substantially. However, the only option that aligns with the notion of a new demographic profile is that the proportion of elderly citizens grew markedly. This suggests that there was a significant increase in the number of elderly individuals in the American population during this time period.Rate this question:
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- 30.
The conservative populists of the Southeast and Southwest that rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s opposed which of the following political concepts...
- A.
The limitations on the power of the federal government
- B.
The commitment to the protection of minority rights
- C.
The resentment of the proliferating environmental regulations
- D.
The sale or lease of the government lands in the West
- E.
The decrease of taxes used to support social welfare programs
Correct Answer
B. The commitment to the protection of minority rightsExplanation
The conservative populists of the Southeast and Southwest that rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s opposed the commitment to the protection of minority rights. These populists were known for their conservative ideologies and resistance to government intervention. They believed in limited government power and were skeptical of policies that aimed to protect the rights of minority groups. Instead, they prioritized individual liberties and limited government interference in social and political matters.Rate this question:
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- 31.
The "Christian right" of the late 1970s and early 1980s supported all of the following ideas EXCEPT...
- A.
The teaching of alternatives to evolution
- B.
The growth of feminism
- C.
The prayer in the public schools
- D.
The limitations on the right to abortion
- E.
The expansion of the free enterprise system
Correct Answer
B. The growth of feminismExplanation
The "Christian right" of the late 1970s and early 1980s supported the teaching of alternatives to evolution, the prayer in public schools, the limitations on the right to abortion, and the expansion of the free enterprise system. However, they did not support the growth of feminism.Rate this question:
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