1.
Who were the American colonists?
Correct Answer
B. People who came to North America
Explanation
B. In the 1600s and 1700s, many British people moved to North America to build new lives. These people, called colonists, settled parts of North America for England and remained under the rule of King George III, the king of England. See Lesson: Types of Governments.
2.
What is one reason the colonists were angry with British rulers?
Correct Answer
A. The colonists disliked housing British troops.
Explanation
A. One thing that angered was that colonists were responsible for paying to house and feed British troops in the colonies. See Lesson: Types of Governments.
3.
The first document the colonists created to outline their system of government was the _______.
Correct Answer
B. Articles of Confederation
Explanation
B. The colonists were fighting in the American Revolution while they crafted their first constitution, called the Articles of Confederation. See Lesson: Types of Governments.
4.
Which branch of the government makes laws?
Correct Answer
D. Legislative
Explanation
D. The legislative branch makes laws. The executive branch enforces the laws. The judicial branch interprets the laws. See Lesson: Principles of American Constitutional Democracy.
5.
Splitting authority among multiple branches of government is known as ______.
Correct Answer
D. Separation of powers
Explanation
D. The central government is made up of three branches to divide government power. This approach is known as the separation of powers. The legislative branch makes laws. The executive branch enforces the laws. The judicial branch interprets the laws. See Lesson: Principles of American Constitutional Democracy.
6.
Which branch of the government enforces laws?
Correct Answer
C. Executive
Explanation
C. The central government is made up of three branches. The legislative branch makes laws. The executive branch enforces the laws. The judicial branch interprets the laws. See Lesson: Principles of American Constitutional Democracy.
7.
How long does a justice serve on the Supreme Court?
Correct Answer
A. A life term
Explanation
A. The Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, is made up judges called justices who are appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate, and serve for life. See Lesson: The Structure of the United States Government.
8.
What is the name of the constitutional provision that allows Congress additional powers if necessary?
Correct Answer
A. Elastic clause
Explanation
A. Congress holds a power defined in the elastic clause of the Constitution that grants it additional powers if necessary. See Lesson: The Structure of the United States Government.
9.
What is the title of the spokesperson of the Supreme Court?
Correct Answer
A. Chief Justice
Explanation
A. The Chief Justice is the leader of and spokesperson for the Supreme Court justices. See Lesson: The Structure of the United States Government.
10.
Which amendment gives citizens the right to bear arms?
Correct Answer
B. Second Amendment
Explanation
B. The Second Amendment gives citizens the right to bear arms. See Lesson: Individual Rights and Civic Responsibilities.
11.
Performing jury duty is a(n) ______.
Correct Answer
D. Civic responsibility
Explanation
D. Performing jury duty is a civic responsibility. See Lesson: Individual Rights and Civic Responsibilities.
12.
Which of the following is a civic responsibility?
Correct Answer
A. Voting
Explanation
A. Voting is one of the civic responsibilities citizens should do to make the democratic system work well. See Lesson: Individual Rights and Civic Responsibilities.
13.
Which of the following is a requirement for voting?
Correct Answer
A. Registering
Explanation
A. American citizens must register to vote in elections. See Lesson: Political Parties, Campaigns, and Elections in American Politics.
14.
Which BEST defines contemporary public policy?
Correct Answer
C. The choices a government makes regarding current issues
Explanation
C. The choices a government makes regarding current issues are known as its contemporary public policy. See Lesson: Political Parties, Campaigns, and Elections in American Politics.
15.
Which of the following is a function of a political party?
Correct Answer
B. To plan and run fair national elections
Explanation
B. Political parties organize people with similar ideas to get like-minded candidates elected. See Lesson: Political Parties, Campaigns, and Elections in American Politics.
16.
The next question can be answered from the following passage, which is the Mayflower Compact. The Mayflower Compact was a document signed by passengers on the Mayflower.
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience. IN WITNESS whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape-Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, Anno Domini; 1620.
Question: Why did the signers refer to settling in the northern parts of Virginia?
Correct Answer
A. Virginia was still unsettled in 1620.
Explanation
A. The Mayflower colonists wanted to base their settlement on English law, so they chose to settle in northern Virginia. See Lesson: The Earliest Americans and the Age of Exploration.
17.
The next question can be answered from the following passage, which is the Mayflower Compact. The Mayflower Compact was a document signed by passengers on the Mayflower.
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience. IN WITNESS whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape-Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, Anno Domini; 1620.
Question: What was the function of the Mayflower Compact for the colonists?
Correct Answer
D. It established a government that would be loyal to England.
Explanation
D. The Mayflower colonists wanted to establish local government that would not be seen as treasonous. See Lesson: The Earliest Americans and the Age of Exploration.
18.
The next question can be answered with the following passage.
The following excerpt is from William Penn’s Charter of Privileges. Written in 1701 when Penn was the governor of Pennsylvania, it offered a list of rights that were guaranteed to residents.
BECAUSE no People can be truly happy, though under the greatest Enjoyment of Civil Liberties, if abridged of the Freedom of their Consciences, as to their Religious Profession and Worship...I do hereby grant and declare, That no Person or Persons, inhabiting in this Province or Territories...shall be in any Case molested or prejudiced, in his or their Person or Estate, because of his or their conscientious Persuasion or Practice…
…
FOR the well governing of this Province and Territories, there shall be an Assembly yearly chosen, by the Freemen thereof, to consist of Four Persons out of each County, of most Note for Virtue, Wisdom and Ability, (or of a greater number at any Time. as the Governor and Assembly shall agree) upon the First Day of October for ever…
…
THAT all Criminals shall have the same Privileges of Witnesses and Council as their Prosecutors.
Question: What kind of government did the Charter of Privileges establish?
Correct Answer
D. Representative democracy
Explanation
D. Penn allowed the freemen to elect representatives to help govern. This is a characteristic of a representative democracy. See Lesson: The Earliest Americans and the Age of Exploration.
19.
The next question can be answered with the following passage.
The following excerpt is from William Penn’s Charter of Privileges. Written in 1701 when Penn was the governor of Pennsylvania, it offered a list of rights that were guaranteed to residents.
BECAUSE no People can be truly happy, though under the greatest Enjoyment of Civil Liberties, if abridged of the Freedom of their Consciences, as to their Religious Profession and Worship...I do hereby grant and declare, That no Person or Persons, inhabiting in this Province or Territories...shall be in any Case molested or prejudiced, in his or their Person or Estate, because of his or their conscientious Persuasion or Practice…
…
FOR the well governing of this Province and Territories, there shall be an Assembly yearly chosen, by the Freemen thereof, to consist of Four Persons out of each County, of most Note for Virtue, Wisdom and Ability, (or of a greater number at any Time. as the Governor and Assembly shall agree) upon the First Day of October for ever…
…
THAT all Criminals shall have the same Privileges of Witnesses and Council as their Prosecutors.
Question: Which of the following is MOST LIKELY to have been influenced by the Charter of Privileges?
Correct Answer
A. The Bill of Rights
Explanation
A. The guarantees of legal equality and freedom of religion are also found in the Bill of Rights. See Lesson: The Earliest Americans and the Age of Exploration.
20.
The following question is based on the passage below. The passage is from George Washington’s farewell address, given in 1797.
For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes…While, then, every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in union, all the parts combined cannot fail to find in the united mass of means and efforts greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations…In contemplating the causes which may disturb our Union, it occurs as matter of serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations, Northern and Southern, Atlantic and Western; whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within particular districts is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations...
…
Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none; or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people under an efficient government. the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation?
Question: Why does Washington feel that union is the path to greater safety for the United States?
Correct Answer
B. The individual states are stronger as a collective unit.
Explanation
B. In his address, Washington makes a plea for unity of the states as a source of strength. See Lesson: The American Revolution and the Growth of a Nation.
21.
The following question is based on the passage below. The passage is from George Washington’s farewell address, given in 1797.
For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes…While, then, every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in union, all the parts combined cannot fail to find in the united mass of means and efforts greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations…In contemplating the causes which may disturb our Union, it occurs as matter of serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations, Northern and Southern, Atlantic and Western; whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within particular districts is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations...
…
Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none; or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people under an efficient government. the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation?
Question: In referring to regional disputes, what is Washington most likely referring to?
Correct Answer
B. Slavery
Explanation
B. The dispute between North and South over slavery was significant, even under Washington. See Lesson: The American Revolution and the Growth of a Nation.
22.
The following question is based on the passage below. The passage is from George Washington’s farewell address, given in 1797.
For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes…While, then, every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in union, all the parts combined cannot fail to find in the united mass of means and efforts greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations…In contemplating the causes which may disturb our Union, it occurs as matter of serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations, Northern and Southern, Atlantic and Western; whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within particular districts is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations...
…
Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none; or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people under an efficient government. the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation?
Question: Which of the following statements BEST describes the foreign policy that Washington is recommending?
Correct Answer
A. Remaining friendly with but neutral against other nations
Explanation
A. In his address, Washington recommends a friendly isolation in foreign relations. See Lesson: The American Revolution and the Growth of a Nation.
23.
Which of the following explains why Southerners consistently blocked a transcontinental railroad act and a homestead act?
Correct Answer
C. They tried to find ways of blocking new states from joining the Union.
Explanation
C. Railroads and a homestead act would bring more settlers to the West, which would create more western states, the majority of which were free. Southern representatives and senators were concerned with maintaining their position in Congress. See Lesson: Civil War Times.
24.
The passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed states and territories to vote on whether to allow slavery. Why would this have angered Northerners?
Correct Answer
D. It could allow slaveholders to increase their representation in Congress.
Explanation
D. By allowing new slaveholding states in Congress, slaveholders would have more representation. See Lesson: Civil War Times.
25.
The next question is based on the following passage, which is an excerpt of the Declaration of Sentiments from the Seneca Falls Convention.
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of those who suffer from it to refuse allegiance to it, and to insist upon the institution of a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness…
The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has never permitted her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise.
He has compelled her to submit to laws, in the formation of which she had no voice.
He has withheld from her rights which are given to the most ignorant and degraded men—both natives and foreigners.
Having deprived her of this first right of a citizen, the elective franchise, thereby leaving her without representation in the halls of legislation, he has oppressed her on all sides.
He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civilly dead.
He has taken from her all right in property, even to the wages she earns.
Question: Elizabeth Cady Stanton modeled this document on which other famous document in U.S. history?
Correct Answer
D. The Declaration of Independence
Explanation
D. Stanton used language from the Declaration of Independence in her declaration. See Lesson: Civil War Times.
26.
The following question is based on the passage below. It is an excerpt from a speech given by Franklin Roosevelt as his annual message to Congress in 1941.
“Armed defense of democratic existence is now being gallantly waged in four continents. If that defense fails, all the population and all the resources of Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia will be dominated by the conquerors. Let us remember that the total of those populations and their resources in those four continents greatly exceeds the sum total of the population and the resources of the whole of the Western Hemisphere-many times over.
…
There is much loose talk of our immunity from immediate and direct invasion from across the seas. Obviously, as long as the British Navy retains its power, no such danger exists. Even if there were no British Navy, it is not probable that any enemy would be stupid enough to attack us by landing troops in the United States from across thousands of miles of ocean, until it had acquired strategic bases from which to operate.
The first phase of the invasion of this Hemisphere would not be the landing of regular troops. The necessary strategic points would be occupied by secret agents and their dupes- and great numbers of them are already here, and in Latin America.
…
Our national policy is this:
First, by an impressive expression of the public will and without regard to partisanship, we are committed to all-inclusive national defense.
Second, by an impressive expression of the public will and without regard to partisanship, we are committed to full support of all those resolute peoples, everywhere, who are resisting aggression and are thereby keeping war away from our Hemisphere. By this support, we express our determination that the democratic cause shall prevail; and we strengthen the defense and the security of our own nation.
Third, by an impressive expression of the public will and without regard to partisanship, we are committed to the proposition that principles of morality and considerations for our own security will never permit us to acquiesce in a peace dictated by aggressors and sponsored by appeasers. We know that enduring peace cannot be bought at the cost of other people's freedom.”
Question: When Roosevelt suggests that the U.S. policy should be supporting those who are resisting aggression, what policy will this lead to?
Correct Answer
A. Lend-Lease
Explanation
A. Roosevelt is trying to create support for what will become the Lend-Lease policy. See Lesson: Becoming a World Power.
27.
The following question is based on the passage below. It is an excerpt from a speech given by Franklin Roosevelt as his annual message to Congress in 1941.
“Armed defense of democratic existence is now being gallantly waged in four continents. If that defense fails, all the population and all the resources of Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia will be dominated by the conquerors. Let us remember that the total of those populations and their resources in those four continents greatly exceeds the sum total of the population and the resources of the whole of the Western Hemisphere-many times over.
…
There is much loose talk of our immunity from immediate and direct invasion from across the seas. Obviously, as long as the British Navy retains its power, no such danger exists. Even if there were no British Navy, it is not probable that any enemy would be stupid enough to attack us by landing troops in the United States from across thousands of miles of ocean, until it had acquired strategic bases from which to operate.
The first phase of the invasion of this Hemisphere would not be the landing of regular troops. The necessary strategic points would be occupied by secret agents and their dupes- and great numbers of them are already here, and in Latin America.
…
Our national policy is this:
First, by an impressive expression of the public will and without regard to partisanship, we are committed to all-inclusive national defense.
Second, by an impressive expression of the public will and without regard to partisanship, we are committed to full support of all those resolute peoples, everywhere, who are resisting aggression and are thereby keeping war away from our Hemisphere. By this support, we express our determination that the democratic cause shall prevail; and we strengthen the defense and the security of our own nation.
Third, by an impressive expression of the public will and without regard to partisanship, we are committed to the proposition that principles of morality and considerations for our own security will never permit us to acquiesce in a peace dictated by aggressors and sponsored by appeasers. We know that enduring peace cannot be bought at the cost of other people's freedom.”
Question: Why does Roosevelt feel that the Axis powers pose a long-term danger to the United States?
Correct Answer
A. They sought domination of other continents.
Explanation
A. Roosevelt felt that Axis domination of other continents would allow them to challenge the United States. See Lesson: Becoming a World Power.
28.
The following question is based on the passage below. It is an excerpt from a speech given by Franklin Roosevelt as his annual message to Congress in 1941.
“Armed defense of democratic existence is now being gallantly waged in four continents. If that defense fails, all the population and all the resources of Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia will be dominated by the conquerors. Let us remember that the total of those populations and their resources in those four continents greatly exceeds the sum total of the population and the resources of the whole of the Western Hemisphere-many times over.
…
There is much loose talk of our immunity from immediate and direct invasion from across the seas. Obviously, as long as the British Navy retains its power, no such danger exists. Even if there were no British Navy, it is not probable that any enemy would be stupid enough to attack us by landing troops in the United States from across thousands of miles of ocean, until it had acquired strategic bases from which to operate.
The first phase of the invasion of this Hemisphere would not be the landing of regular troops. The necessary strategic points would be occupied by secret agents and their dupes- and great numbers of them are already here, and in Latin America.
…
Our national policy is this:
First, by an impressive expression of the public will and without regard to partisanship, we are committed to all-inclusive national defense.
Second, by an impressive expression of the public will and without regard to partisanship, we are committed to full support of all those resolute peoples, everywhere, who are resisting aggression and are thereby keeping war away from our Hemisphere. By this support, we express our determination that the democratic cause shall prevail; and we strengthen the defense and the security of our own nation.
Third, by an impressive expression of the public will and without regard to partisanship, we are committed to the proposition that principles of morality and considerations for our own security will never permit us to acquiesce in a peace dictated by aggressors and sponsored by appeasers. We know that enduring peace cannot be bought at the cost of other people's freedom.”
Question: How does Roosevelt believe that Axis threats against the United States will begin?
Correct Answer
D. The establishment of hostile bases in Latin America
Explanation
D. Roosevelt believes that Nazi subversion in Latin America would undermine U.S. security. See Lesson: Becoming a World Power.
29.
The following question is based on the passage below. It is an excerpt of a communication sent by a State Department employee, George Kennan, to Washington, DC in 1946.
“At bottom of Kremlin’s neurotic view of world affairs is traditional and instinctive Russian sense of insecurity. Originally, this was insecurity of a peaceful agricultural people trying to live on vast exposed plain in neighborhood of fierce nomadic peoples. To this was added, as Russia came into contact with economically advanced West, fear of more competent, more powerful, more highly organized societies in that area. But this latter type of insecurity was one which afflicted rather Russian rulers than Russian people; for Russian rulers have invariably sensed that their rule was relatively archaic in form fragile and artificial in its psychological foundation, unable to stand comparison or contact with political systems of Western countries…
…
(1) Soviet power, unlike that of Hitlerite Germany, is neither schematic nor adventuristic. It does not work by fixed plans. It does not take unnecessary risks. Impervious to logic of reason, and it is highly sensitive to logic of force. For this reason it can easily withdraw—and usually does when strong resistance is encountered at any point. Thus, if the adversary has sufficient force and makes clear his readiness to use it, he rarely has to do so. If situations are properly handled there need be no prestige-engaging showdowns.
…
3) Much depends on health and vigor of our own society. World communism is like malignant parasite which feeds only on diseased tissue. This is point at which domestic and foreign policies meets. Every courageous and incisive measure to solve internal problems of our own society, to improve self-confidence, discipline, morale and community spirit of our own people, is a diplomatic victory over Moscow worth a thousand diplomatic notes and joint communiqués. If we cannot abandon fatalism and indifference in face of deficiencies of our own society, Moscow will profit—Moscow cannot help profiting by them in its foreign policies.”
Question: To what does Kennan attribute the Soviet Union’s foreign policy decisions?
Correct Answer
C. A fear of its internal weakness and of outsiders
Explanation
C. Kennan argues that the Soviet Union’s foreign policy was best explained by its insecurity. See Lesson: The Twentieth Century and Beyond.
30.
The following question is based on the passage below. It is an excerpt of a communication sent by a State Department employee, George Kennan, to Washington, DC in 1946.
“At bottom of Kremlin’s neurotic view of world affairs is traditional and instinctive Russian sense of insecurity. Originally, this was insecurity of a peaceful agricultural people trying to live on vast exposed plain in neighborhood of fierce nomadic peoples. To this was added, as Russia came into contact with economically advanced West, fear of more competent, more powerful, more highly organized societies in that area. But this latter type of insecurity was one which afflicted rather Russian rulers than Russian people; for Russian rulers have invariably sensed that their rule was relatively archaic in form fragile and artificial in its psychological foundation, unable to stand comparison or contact with political systems of Western countries…
…
(1) Soviet power, unlike that of Hitlerite Germany, is neither schematic nor adventuristic. It does not work by fixed plans. It does not take unnecessary risks. Impervious to logic of reason, and it is highly sensitive to logic of force. For this reason it can easily withdraw—and usually does when strong resistance is encountered at any point. Thus, if the adversary has sufficient force and makes clear his readiness to use it, he rarely has to do so. If situations are properly handled there need be no prestige-engaging showdowns.
…
3) Much depends on health and vigor of our own society. World communism is like malignant parasite which feeds only on diseased tissue. This is point at which domestic and foreign policies meets. Every courageous and incisive measure to solve internal problems of our own society, to improve self-confidence, discipline, morale and community spirit of our own people, is a diplomatic victory over Moscow worth a thousand diplomatic notes and joint communiqués. If we cannot abandon fatalism and indifference in face of deficiencies of our own society, Moscow will profit—Moscow cannot help profiting by them in its foreign policies.”
Question: Which of the following describes Kennan’s views about the Soviet Union?
Correct Answer
C. The Soviet Union would retreat if matched firmly.
Explanation
C. Kennan argued that the Soviet Union would back away from possible conflicts if it felt it could not succeed. See Lesson: The Twentieth Century and Beyond.
31.
The following question is based on the passage below. It is an excerpt of a communication sent by a State Department employee, George Kennan, to Washington, DC in 1946.
“At bottom of Kremlin’s neurotic view of world affairs is traditional and instinctive Russian sense of insecurity. Originally, this was insecurity of a peaceful agricultural people trying to live on vast exposed plain in neighborhood of fierce nomadic peoples. To this was added, as Russia came into contact with economically advanced West, fear of more competent, more powerful, more highly organized societies in that area. But this latter type of insecurity was one which afflicted rather Russian rulers than Russian people; for Russian rulers have invariably sensed that their rule was relatively archaic in form fragile and artificial in its psychological foundation, unable to stand comparison or contact with political systems of Western countries…
…
(1) Soviet power, unlike that of Hitlerite Germany, is neither schematic nor adventuristic. It does not work by fixed plans. It does not take unnecessary risks. Impervious to logic of reason, and it is highly sensitive to logic of force. For this reason it can easily withdraw—and usually does when strong resistance is encountered at any point. Thus, if the adversary has sufficient force and makes clear his readiness to use it, he rarely has to do so. If situations are properly handled there need be no prestige-engaging showdowns.
…
3) Much depends on health and vigor of our own society. World communism is like malignant parasite which feeds only on diseased tissue. This is point at which domestic and foreign policies meets. Every courageous and incisive measure to solve internal problems of our own society, to improve self-confidence, discipline, morale and community spirit of our own people, is a diplomatic victory over Moscow worth a thousand diplomatic notes and joint communiqués. If we cannot abandon fatalism and indifference in face of deficiencies of our own society, Moscow will profit—Moscow cannot help profiting by them in its foreign policies.”
Question: Which of the following policies would Kennan have been MOST LIKELY to endorse?
Correct Answer
B. Containment
Explanation
B. Kennan was the architect for containment. He believed that it would eventually lead to a peaceful Soviet collapse. See Lesson: The Twentieth Century and Beyond.
32.
A nation’s living standard increases when ______
Correct Answer
D. There is an increase in goods and services that people value.
Explanation
D. In a free market, when consumers want certain products, companies produce those products. Competition dictates price, efficiency, and quality. Society’s needs are met, and the standard of living increases. See Lesson: The Fundamentals of Economics.
33.
A country should specialize in trade when it has ______
Correct Answer
B. comparative advantage.
Explanation
B. A country should specialize in trade when it has comparative advantage, or the lowest opportunity cost. See Lesson: The Fundamentals of Economics.
34.
The invisible hand principle is at work in which instance?
Correct Answer
C. Entrepreneurs take self-interested actions to produce in-demand goods.
Explanation
C. The invisible hand recognizes that a society will meet its goals as individuals take self-interested actions. There are unintended social benefits when individuals in a society better themselves. See Lesson: The Fundamentals of Economics.
35.
Minimum wage for labor ______
Correct Answer
A. Is a price control.
Explanation
A. The government uses price floors, a type of price control, to prevent prices from being too low. The most common price floor is the minimum wage. See Lesson: Microeconomics.
36.
APR is found ______
Correct Answer
B. On a credit card.
Explanation
B. The annual percentage rate (APR) is interest on a credit card, stated as a yearly rate. If a consumer makes purchases and pays off the ending balance each month by the due date, there is no interest owed. If a balance is carried on the card, interest is paid on the outstanding balance. See Lesson: Microeconomics.
37.
Which is an example of injection in the circular flow model?
Correct Answer
C. Government spending
Explanation
C. Injection means introduction of income into the circular flow. Taxes and savings remove income from the circular flow. See Lesson: Microeconomics.
38.
Why are workers laid off during periods of recession?
Correct Answer
D. Demand for workers decreases when consumers buy fewer goods.
Explanation
D. Demand for goods and services falls as economic growth falls. See Lesson: Macroeconomics.
39.
Why aren’t financial transactions included in GDP?
Correct Answer
A. Nothing is produced.
Explanation
A. Stocks, bonds, and real estate are non-production transactions, so they are not included in GDP. See Lesson: Macroeconomics.
40.
Which of the following is a goal in a good economy?
Correct Answer
B. Increased wages
Explanation
B. Economic growth, or the production of more goods and services, is a feature of good economies. See Lesson: Macroeconomics.
41.
Which of the following was MOST important in the transition from an agricultural-based society to an industrialized society?
Correct Answer
D. Factors of production
Explanation
D. Without the factors of production, land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship, there could be no industrialization. See Lesson: Economics Through History.
42.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of economic globalization?
Correct Answer
D. Inflation in less-developed countries
Explanation
D. With economic globalization, countries come together as one big global economy, making international trade easier. See Lesson: Economics Through History.
43.
What happened during the Agricultural Revolution?
Correct Answer
C. Machinery was used to make farming more efficient.
Explanation
C. During the Agricultural Revolution, new technology increased crop and livestock productivity. See Lesson: Economics Through History.
44.
Recycling is an example of ______.
Correct Answer
B. Going “green”
Explanation
B. Going “green” means making decisions to protect the environment and sustain resources. See Lesson: World Geography: Human/Environment Interaction.
45.
Carpooling is an example of going “green” because it ______.
Correct Answer
D. Decreases air pollution
Explanation
D. Advantages of carpooling for Earth and resources include saving fuel and decreasing air pollution. See Lesson: World Geography: Human/Environment Interaction.
46.
Which of the following is a direct result of deforestation?
Correct Answer
D. More carbon dioxide in the air
Explanation
D. Deforestation puts more carbon dioxide into the air. This leads to climate change. See Lesson: World Geography: Human/Environment Interaction.
47.
Which geographic tool would be BEST to show mountain ranges and valleys?
Correct Answer
A. Chart
Explanation
A. A globe shows surface features, such as mountain ranges. See Lesson: Global Connections: Cultures & Society.
48.
What geographic tool would BEST show changes in rainfall over a decade?
Correct Answer
B. GrapH
Explanation
B. A graph can show each year’s rainfall to show comparisons. See Lesson: Global Connections: Cultures & Society.
49.
A diagram would be BEST used to show ______.
Correct Answer
C. How to assemble a weathervane
Explanation
C. A diagram shows how something is done or assembled. Assembling a weathervane can be shown by a diagram. See Lesson: Global Connections: Cultures & Society.
50.
If engineers needed to know the best location to build a road across a mountain range, what would be the BEST geographic tool for them to use?
Correct Answer
D. Remote image from space
Explanation
D. A remote image from space can show the entire mountain range, enabling the engineers to analyze possible areas for the road. See Lesson: Global Connections: Cultures & Society.