1.
The Bracero program, which was in place in the 1950s and early 1960s, concerned which minority group and which issue?
Correct Answer
D. Mexican Americans and employment
Explanation
The Bracero program was a guest worker program that allowed Mexican nationals to temporarily work in the United States during the 1950s and early 1960s. This program was specifically aimed at addressing the issue of employment for Mexican Americans. It provided a legal framework for Mexican workers to be employed in various industries, such as agriculture, in the United States. The program was a response to labor shortages in the US and aimed to regulate and control the employment of Mexican workers.
2.
Which of the following actions by President Truman demonstrates his support of organized labor in the United States?
Correct Answer
B. His vetoing of the Taft-Hartley Act
Explanation
President Truman's vetoing of the Taft-Hartley Act demonstrates his support of organized labor in the United States. The Taft-Hartley Act was a piece of legislation that restricted the power of labor unions and gave more power to employers. By vetoing this act, Truman showed his opposition to measures that would weaken labor unions and their ability to negotiate for better working conditions and wages. This action aligns with his support for organized labor and his belief in the importance of protecting workers' rights.
3.
The passage of the Federal Highway Act in 1956 had a huge and lasting effect on the United States. The passage of this act was an example of which of the following?
Correct Answer
A. Federal spending and public works
Explanation
The passage of the Federal Highway Act in 1956 refers to a federal law that allocated funds for the construction of highways across the United States. This act demonstrates federal spending, as the government allocated funds for the project, and public works, as it involved the construction of public infrastructure. The act aimed to create an interstate highway system, but the answer does not explicitly mention this goal.
4.
The scientist Jonas Salk was involved in which of the following important post-World War II technological developments?
Correct Answer
C. Polio vaccine
Explanation
Jonas Salk was involved in the development of the polio vaccine. Polio was a major public health concern during the post-World War II era, causing widespread outbreaks and paralysis. Salk's work on the polio vaccine was a significant technological development that had a profound impact on public health. The vaccine helped to prevent the spread of the disease and ultimately led to the eradication of polio in many parts of the world.
5.
Which of the following best describes the aim of the historic Camp David peace treaty signed in 1978 during the Carter administration?
Correct Answer
B. It sought to ease tensions between Israel and Egypt.
Explanation
The correct answer is "It sought to ease tensions between Israel and Egypt." The Camp David peace treaty, signed in 1978 during the Carter administration, aimed to resolve the long-standing conflict between Israel and Egypt. The treaty led to the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Sinai Peninsula, and the establishment of a framework for peaceful coexistence and cooperation. This agreement was a significant step towards stability and peace in the region.
6.
Which of the following social problems became a matter of federal policy-making for the first time in the 1980s?
Correct Answer
D. AIDS
Explanation
In the 1980s, AIDS became a matter of federal policy-making for the first time. The outbreak of this disease raised significant concerns and required a coordinated response from the government. As a result, federal policies were developed to address the spread of AIDS, provide funding for research, and support those affected by the disease. This marked a significant shift in the approach to addressing social problems, as the federal government took a more active role in addressing public health issues on a national scale.
7.
The Immigration Reform Act of 1965 had a great impact on American society because it resulted in which of the following?
Correct Answer
A. It put limits on immigration yet increased immigration from places other than Northern Europe.
Explanation
The Immigration Reform Act of 1965 had a great impact on American society because it put limits on immigration yet increased immigration from places other than Northern Europe. This act abolished the national origins quota system, which had favored immigrants from Northern European countries. Instead, it established a new system based on family reunification and skills, which allowed for increased immigration from other regions such as Asia, Latin America, and Africa. This change in immigration policy had a significant impact on the demographic composition and cultural diversity of the United States.
8.
“The Great Society rests on abundance and liberty for all. It demands an end to poverty and racial injustice.” This excerpt from an important domestic policy speech was delivered by which of the following U.S. presidents?
Correct Answer
C. Lyndon B. Johnson
Explanation
The correct answer is Lyndon B. Johnson. This excerpt is referring to the Great Society, a set of domestic programs and policies aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice. Lyndon B. Johnson was the president who introduced and implemented the Great Society agenda during his presidency from 1963 to 1969.
9.
In the wake of the Watergate crisis, Congress passed a series of laws designed to accomplish which of the following?
Correct Answer
B. Create a greater balance of power in government by limiting the powers of executive branch
Explanation
In the wake of the Watergate crisis, Congress passed a series of laws to create a greater balance of power in government by limiting the powers of the executive branch. This was a response to the abuse of power and corruption that was uncovered during the Watergate scandal, which involved the executive branch. By placing limits on the powers of the executive branch, Congress aimed to prevent future abuses and ensure a system of checks and balances within the government.
10.
Rachel Carson and other environmental activists were concerned with reforming laws and defending the Earth from the harmful effects of industry. Which of the following industries is often associated with environmental damage?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
All of the above industries - chemical, timber, and mining - are often associated with environmental damage. Chemical industry can release pollutants and toxins into the air, water, and soil, causing harm to ecosystems and human health. Timber industry involves deforestation, leading to loss of biodiversity and disruption of habitats. Mining industry can result in soil erosion, water pollution, and destruction of landscapes. Rachel Carson and other environmental activists sought to reform laws and defend the Earth from the detrimental effects of these industries.
11.
Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society Programs were primarily aimed at combating which of the following persistent domestic issues?
Correct Answer
B. Poverty
Explanation
Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society Programs were primarily aimed at combating poverty. These programs were a set of social reforms and initiatives that aimed to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and racial injustice in the United States. The programs included measures like the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid, the creation of the Office of Economic Opportunity, and the implementation of various education and housing initiatives. By focusing on poverty, Johnson sought to uplift disadvantaged communities and provide them with greater opportunities for social and economic mobility.
12.
The massive public works project, begun in 1956, that rebuilt the national interstate highway system was a response to which of the following needs?
Correct Answer
B. The need to move troops efficiently around the country and the rapid increase of private automobile ownership
Explanation
The correct answer is the need to move troops efficiently around the country and the rapid increase of private automobile ownership. The massive public works project of rebuilding the national interstate highway system was initiated in 1956 to address the need for efficient transportation of troops and the growing demand for private automobile travel. The project aimed to create a network of highways that would facilitate the movement of military personnel and equipment in case of national emergencies, while also accommodating the increasing number of private cars on the road due to the rise in automobile ownership.