US history final 11,12
"And now the Soviets themselves may, in a limited way, be coming to understand the importance of freedom... Are these the beginnings of profound changes in the Soviet state? Or are they token gestures, intended to raise false hopes in the West, or to strengthen the Soviet system without changing it? We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"—Ronald Reagan, June 12, 1987 In which city did Ronald Reagan gave this speech? A. Berlin B. Moscow C. Paris D. Warsaw
Berlin
What viewpoint did Ronald Reagan assume regarding the Brady Bill? A. He believed no one except for the police and military should be allowed to own guns. B. He believed some moderate gun control measures should be implemented. C. He thought gun owners should be carefully evaluated before being allowed to buy guns. D. He thought trying to enforce laws restricting gun ownership violates basic rights.
He believed some moderate gun control measures should be implemented.
How did the government respond to conditions like this in Love Canal, New York? A. It designated toxic waste areas as superfund sites to address public health concerns. B. It passed the Clean Water Act to prevent the dumping of chemicals in rivers and lakes. C. It founded the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate and prosecute severe polluters. D. It temporarily suspended the building of new nuclear power plants for nearly a quarter century.
It designated toxic waste areas as superfund sites to address public health concerns.
The Brady Bill, signed by Bill Clinton in 1993, did which of the following? A. It raised taxes for the very wealthy. B. It kept known criminals from buying guns. C. It expanded tax credits for higher education. D. It provided for a national health care system.
It kept known criminals from buying guns.
During the Reagan administration, Muammar al-Qaddafi threatened security in A. southern Europe. B. the Middle East. C. Central Asia. D. North Africa.
North Africa
What explains the American public's reaction to President Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon? A. People were fearful that Nixon was still pulling the strings behind the scenes. B. People were relieved that the country would be spared a prolonged investigation and trial. C. People were angry because some suspected that Ford had made a secret deal with Nixon to gain the vice-presidency. D. People were impressed by their new president's ability to rise above the petty and vindictive sentiments surrounding the scandal.
People were angry because some suspected that Ford had made a secret deal with Nixon to gain the vice-presidency.
Which republics in the former Yugoslavia were the first to declare independence? A. Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia B. Kosovo, Montegnegro, and Serbia C. Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo D. Slovenia, Kosovo, Croatia, and Serbia
Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia
In which year did the trade deficit between the United States and Japan first reach approximately 60 billion dollars?. A. 1982 B. 1984 C. 1986 D. 1988
1986
American intervention in Lebanon ended after A. order was restored in the nation. B. a brutal attack against American forces. C. it was determined that war was imminent. D. the Lebanese government asked the U.S. military to leave.
A brutal attack against american forces
What did rock acts like the Beatles (pictured), Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead represent to members of the baby boom generation? A. a rejection of the status quo B. a return to traditional values C. a society that had lost its way D. a manifestation of their worst fears
A rejection of the status quo
According to the information in this graph, in which year did President Bill Clinton succeed in balancing the budget? A. 1993 B. 1995 C. 1997 D. 1999
1997
Which person was most responsible for beginning the modern conservative movement? A. Jerry Falwell B. Milton Friedman C. Barry Goldwater D. Ronald Reagan
Barry Goldwater
From the data in these pie charts, which statement can be assumed to be true? A. Fewer Republicans voted in 1980 than in 1984. B. There was a larger turnout of eligible voters in 1980 than 1984. C. The Republican Party won more large states in 1984 than in 1980. D. Small, densely populated states had more influence in 1980 than in 1984.
Fewer Republicans voted in 1980 than in 1984
The people who supported Ronald Reagan's bid for the presidency most likely also supported A. new federal programs. B. liberal social values. C. fiscal responsibility. D. increased spending.
Fiscal responsibility
Why did Nixon publicly criticize the practice of court-ordered busing of children to schools outside their neighborhoods? A. He believed it promoted inequality in education. B. He wanted to gain the support of the teacher's unions. C. He wanted to win over Southern white voters and blue-collar voters. D. He felt African American students would perform better closer to home.
He wanted to win over Southern white voters and blue-collar voters.
One of the outcomes of the Camp David Accords was that A. Egypt agreed to withdraw its troops from the Sinai Peninsula. B. Israel agreed to restore Palestinian lands to their pre-1948 levels. C. Israel agreed to restore its borders with Egypt to their pre-1967 levels. D. Egypt agreed to withdraw its troops from the Palestinian-controlled West Bank.
Israel agreed to restore its borders with Egypt to their pre-1967 levels.
What best describes the impact of Title IX on women's opportunities since it was put into law in 1972? A. The average salary of women in management positions is virtually equal to that of men. B. The average salary of women in sales positions is greater than that of men in sales positions. C. It banned discrimination in education. D. The number of women in the workforce with college degrees is greater than the number of women without degrees
It banned discrimination in education.
How did the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 affect Mexican immigrants in the U.S.? A. It required that all illegal immigrants register for temporary worker visas or risk deportation. B. It tightened immigration restrictions and reduced the number of immigrants coming into the U.S. dramatically. C. It eliminated national quotas for immigrants and led to a surge in immigration from Mexico in the 1960s and 1970s. D. It led to the deportation of thousands of Mexican immigrants who had come to the U.S. under the bracero program in the 1940s and 1950s.
It eliminated national quotas for immigrants and led to a surge in immigration from Mexico in the 1960s and 1970s.
What effect did the post-World War II baby boom have in the United States? A. It led to ongoing economic instability in the 1960s. B. It resulted in a massive student population in the 1960s. C. It put a huge strain on government programs such as welfare. D. It led to widespread unemployment among the older generation.
It resulted in a massive student population in the 1960s.
What is this political cartoon, published in October 1973, most likely referring to? A. the OPEC oil embargo on the United States under Nixon B. Nixon removing U.S. currency from the gold standard C. the expansion of social programs such as Medicare under Nixon D. Nixon's attempts to obstruct justice during the Watergate scandal
Nixon's attempts to obstruct justice during the Watergate scandal
Each state has a certain number of electoral votes that correspond to its population. These votes are generally given to the candidate who wins the popular vote in the state. Based on the number of electoral votes in 1968 and 1980, what significant historical trend is shown in the map? A. Population growth in the Sun Belt increased the political influence of states in the Southeast and Southwest. B. Traditional population centers on the East Coast gradually lost ground to cities on the West Coast. C. The Rust Belt states of the Midwest gradually lost population and political influence to states in the Northeast. D. There was a significant shift in political influence from the Southeast to the Southwest
Population growth in the Sun Belt increased the political influence of states in the Southeast and Southwest.
It's morning again in America. In a town not too far from where you live, a young family has just moved into a new home. . . . Right down the street one of the neighbors has just bought himself a new car, with all the options. The factory down the river is working again. . . . Life is better, America is back. And people have a sense of pride they never felt they'd feel again." This text appeared in a political commercial for A. Ronald Reagan's first presidential campaign. B. George H. W. Bush's first presidential campaign. C. Bill Clinton's first presidential campaign. D. Ronald Reagan's reelection campaign.
Ronald Reagan's reelection campaign.
What were some of the negative consequences of the hippies' free, uninhibited lifestyle? A. The international community began to take the American government less seriously. B. Some drug abuse and crime were associated with large hippie populations. C. So many people living in communes meant American industrial production dropped significantly. D. So much media attention was given to the hippie movement that the civil rights movement was largely ignored.
Some drug abuse and crime were associated with large hippie populations.
In this 1995 political cartoon, the artist is suggesting that A. the Democrats are more capable than the Republicans. B. the Republicans are clearly in control of Congress. C. the Republicans are incapable of working with Democrats. D. the Democrats are out of touch with the public interest.
The Republicans are clearly in control of Congress
What did the oil embargo of 1973 reveal about the U.S. economy? A. The United States was heavily dependent on foreign oil. B. The economy was stronger than anyone had realized. C. The economy was trapped in "stagflation." D. The United States was producing more oil than it needed.
The United States was heavily dependent on foreign oil.
What did Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers accomplish through their workers' strike and demands for a nationwide boycott of California grapes? A. They increased demand for grapes grown outside of California and crippled the industry. B. They induced California to pass the nation's very first minimum wage laws for farmworkers. C. They compelled California to pass legislation requiring collective bargaining between growers and unions. D. They caused a new wave of illegal immigrants into California who were willing to break the strike.
They compelled California to pass legislation requiring collective bargaining between growers and unions.
How are Pop Art works like Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup can paintings and Roy Lichtenstein's comic book paintings representative of 1960s counterculture? A. They represent American superiority. B. They reject traditional ideas about art. C. They embrace American consumer culture. D. They celebrate a utopian free-love attitude.
They reject traditional ideas about art.
How was the American public first made aware of the dangers of pesticides like DDT? A. a groundbreaking article in Time magazine B. a book by Rachel Carson entitled Silent Spring C. a consumer advocacy group formed by Ralph Nader D. a report by the Environmental Protection Agency
a book by Rachel Carson entitled Silent Spring
In the text, you read this about the 1980s: Despite Reagan's vision of "morning in America" and Bush's "thousand points of light," in truth a great cultural and economic divide existed in 1980s society—a division only partially defined by race, ethnicity, and gender. The economic recovery of the mid-1980s did not affect all segments of society equally. As the number of poor increased, so did violence and drug use in the nation's inner cities. At the same time, a culture of acquisition intensified among Americans. According to this quote, in the 1980s there was A. conflict between the affluent and the poor. B. a contradiction between optimistic political rhetoric and reality. C. rising tensions between the educated and the uneducated. D. rising violence and drug use among all levels of society.
a contradiction between optimistic political rhetoric and reality.
Study the chart and then choose which cause a liberal would be most likely to support. A. private ownership of oil wells and mines B. sending troops to other countries to stop violence C. lowering taxes for all citizens regardless of income D. a national healthcare system for all citizens
a national healthcare system for all citizens
For the counterculture movement, the word "freedom" signified A photograph features happy young people gathered on a lawn, wearing brightly patterned clothing, some in face paint. A. the right to live free from from communist control. B. a state of cultural independence. C. a rejection of conformity and social restraints. D. the right to vote.
a rejection of conformity and social restraints.
This chart is most likely aimed at disproving the arguments of A. environmentalists who feel that government regulations do not go nearly far enough. B. corporations that claim that environmental regulations have a negative effect on the economy. C. politicians who want to devote more government funds to renewable energy production. D. lobbyists from the energy companies who insist that energy consumption has no effect on air quality
corporations that claim that environmental regulations have a negative effect on the economy.
Which Bush Administration policy goal is best reflected in the arrest of Manuel Noriega in Panama? A. increasing the amount of imported goods from Latin America B. increasing democratic elections in Central American nations C. decreasing the supply of illegal drugs in the United States D. decreasing the number of illegal immigrants from Latin America
decreasing the supply of illegal drugs in the United States
The conservative climate of Cold War 1950s American society was slowly rocked, first by the beginning of the African American civil rights movement, then through a firestorm of multiple social revolutions. Within these tumultuous decades, Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans, politicized as Chicanos and Boricuans, drew from early developments in the World War II era to spark their own form of protest... Among the most famous civil rights activities were the 1968 Los Angeles high school walkouts (also referred to as "blowouts"). During the spring of 1968, Chicano students at four East Los Angeles high schools staged massive walkouts, demanding better guidance counselors for college, Latino teachers, Mexican American history classes, smaller classes, bilingual classes for those who needed them, and parental advisory boards. Although the walkouts elicited a negative response from the Anglo community, resulting in arrests and crackdowns, the city of Los Angeles eventually gave in to some of the demands and parents formed their own Mexican American educational committee to monitor reforms. —The National Park Service The 1968 East L.A. high school walkouts were indicative of the Chicano movement as a whole in that they A. used non-violent means to protest laws which discriminated against Latinos. B. were aimed at ending the segregation of Latinos from whites in California public schools. C. wanted Latino students to have the opportunity to take the same courses as white students. D. demanded a curriculum that better reflected the culture and history of the Latino student body.
demanded a curriculum that better reflected the culture and history of the Latino student body.
"The [leaders] refused even to discuss key elements of the peace agreement. . . . Now they've started moving from village to village, shelling civilians and torching their houses. We've seen innocent people taken from their homes, forced to kneel in the dirt, and sprayed with bullets . . . men dragged from their families, fathers and sons together, lined up and shot in cold blood. This is not war in the traditional sense. It is an attack by tanks and artillery on a largely defenseless people whose leaders already have agreed to peace. Ending this tragedy is a moral imperative. It is also important to America's national interest. . . . All the ingredients for a major war are there: ancient grievances, struggling democracies, and [a dictator] who has done nothing since the cold war ended but start new wars and pour gasoline on the flames of ethnic and religious division."—Bill Clinton, March 24, 1999 In this statement, President Clinton is describing A. conflict in Haiti. B. ethnic cleansing in the Balkans. C. Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. D. civil war and famine in Somalia.
ethnic cleansing in the Balkans
As his presidency progressed, Nixon grappled with an increasingly troublesome economy. After decades of strong growth and low inflation, the U.S. economy experienced both recession and inflation at the same time. These symptoms began during the Johnson administration, but they grew stronger during the Nixon years. The combination of recession and inflation baffled economists and led them to coin a new term, stagflation, to describe the dual conditions of a stagnating economy and inflationary pressures. What cause was at the root of the rising inflation the country experienced in the 1970s? A. OPEC's oil embargo on countries allied to Israel B. Nixon's removing the U.S. dollar from the gold standard C. decreased consumer confidence after the Watergate scandal D. federal budget deficits from increased defense spending
federal budget deficits from increased defense spending
"Last Friday, Noriega declared his military dictatorship to be in a state of war with the United States and publicly threatened the lives of Americans. . . The very next day, forces under his command shot and killed an unarmed American serviceman; wounded another; arrested and brutally beat a third American serviceman; and then brutally interrogated his wife, threatening her with sexual abuse. That was enough. General Noriega's reckless threats and attacks upon Americans . . . created an imminent danger to the 35,000 American citizens. . . . As President, I have no higher obligation than to safeguard the lives of American citizens. And that is why I directed our Armed Forces to protect the lives of American citizens . . . and to bring General Noriega to justice in the United States."—George H.W. Bush, December 20, 1989 In this address, President Bush is A. explaining why Panama has declared war on the United States. B. promising to arrest General Noriega. C. describing the problems of drug-trafficking. D. justifying the U.S. invasion of Panama.
justifying the U.S. invasion of Panama.
Which position best explains why many were against healthcare reform in the 1990s? A. opposition to the Brady Bill B. opposition to the Family Medical Leave Act C. reluctance to expand the federal bureaucracy D. disagreement with increasing the political autonomy of states
reluctance to expand the federal bureaucracy
The idea that federal government programs should address social problems is best seen in A. the Clinton administration's Taxpayer Relief Act. B. the Clinton administration's efforts to reform healthcare. C. the Bush administration's "Thousand Points of Light". D. the Bush administration's efforts to end apartheid in South Africa.
the Clinton administration's efforts to reform healthcare.
Congressional legislation that reduces government regulation of automobile production in the United States stems from A. the conservative belief that limiting regulation will promote economic growth. B. the conservative belief that regulation will increase consumer confidence in automobiles. C. the liberal belief that regulation will decrease tax revenue over time. D. the liberal belief that limiting regulation will increase consumer spending.
the conservative belief that limiting regulation will promote economic growth.
Which event suggests that there was growing public support for people with disabilities during the 1960s? A. the publication of Ralph Nader's Unsafe at Any Speed B. the establishment of the Special Olympics C. public awareness of President Franklin Roosevelt's disability D. public debate over the passage of an Equal Rights Amendment
the establishment of the Special Olympics
What is the most likely cause of the long-term surge in immigration beginning in the 1970s? A. the immigration of millions of Southeast Asian refugees displaced by the war in Vietnam in the 1970s B. the immigration of millions of Latin American refugees displaced by civil war in Nicaragua and El Salvador in the 1980s C. the passage of laws in 1975 requiring collective bargaining between growers and farmworkers in California D. the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act in 1965 that eliminated national immigration quotas
the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act in 1965 that eliminated national immigration quotas
The decision to intervene in the Balkans and Haiti were two examples of a larger debate over A. the ability of the President as commander-in-chief to authorize use of force. B. the role of the American military in a post-Cold War world. C. funding for the Defense Department after the fall of the Soviet Union. D. respecting the political autonomy of other nations.
the role of the American military in a post-Cold War world.
The kind of new living arrangement this photo represents was a reaction against A. the labor movement. B. the suburban nuclear family ideal of the 1950s. C. McCarthyism and the Red Scare. D. agricultural changes in the 1950s.
the suburban nuclear family ideal of the 1950s.
The National Organization for Women (NOW) was originally formed in order to achieve what goal? A. to elect a woman President by the end of the decade B. to bring about passage of the Equal Rights Amendment C. to establish a Congressional committee focusing on women's rights D. to help pass a Constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights
to bring about passage of the Equal Rights Amendment
What were the main aims of the Chicano Mural Movement? A. to give young at-risk Latinos an alternative to graffiti B. to train and employ young Chicanos in art-related fields C. to compel museums to feature more work by Chicano artists D. to increase awareness of Mexican American culture and history
to increase awareness of Mexican American culture and history
As is clear from this map, during the Persian Gulf War, Iraq was at a military disadvantage because it A. was not on the Mediterranean Sea. B. bordered Saudi Arabia. C. used SCUD missiles. D. was attacked on several fronts.
D. was attacked on several fronts
As more environmental regulations were passed, opposition to them grew. Based on an understanding of the Fifth Amendment, which holds that citizens shall not be deprived of property without due process of law, many complained that environmental regulations stripped individuals of their property rights by restricting what they could or could not do with their land. What argument can be raised against invoking the Fifth Amendment to restrict environmental regulations? A. The Fifth Amendment contains no provision for private property ownership. B. Environmental regulations deal with corporations rather than the property rights of individuals. C. The regulations enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency were established through "due process of law." D. Air and water pollution have negative effects that spread far beyond the boundaries of what could be considered anyone's "private property."
Air and water pollution have negative effects that spread far beyond the boundaries of what could be considered anyone's "private property."
In the text, you read this about Nixon's campaign strategy: During the campaign for President, Nixon cast himself as the spokesperson for those he called Middle Americans, or the silent majority. As Nixon put it at the 1968 Republican convention, he sought to speak for the "non-shouters, the non-demonstrators," the men and women who "work in America's factories . . . run America's businesses . . . serve in the Government . . . provide most of the soldiers . . . [and] give life to the American dream." What did Nixon hope to achieve by reaching out to this "silent majority" in the 1968 presidential election? A. He wanted to distance himself from the Republican "hawks" in Congress. B. He hoped to attract moderate Democratic voters, particularly in the South. C. He needed to gain support from the increasingly powerful antiwar movement. D. He felt that aligning himself with the military-industrial complex was the key to victory.
He hoped to attract moderate Democratic voters, particularly in the South.
What can we infer about immigration trends in the United States since 1900 based on the data in the chart? A. Immigration seems to peak during World War I and World War II. B. Economic upturns coincide with downturns in immigration in the mid-twentieth century. C. Immigration rose dramatically in the late twentieth century. D. The rate of immigration has remained stable for most of the last century
Immigration rose dramatically in the late twentieth century.
How did the idea of realpolitik shape the United States' handling of the Cold War? A. It allowed President Nixon to use military force to end worldwide communist movements immediately. B. It gave President Nixon the option to engage any nation depending on U.S. commercial interests. C. It allowed President Nixon to discontinue alliances with nations the United States could no longer help economically. D. It justified President Nixon's establishing relations with nations that the United States opposed ideologically.
It justified President Nixon's establishing relations with nations that the United States opposed ideologically.
In opposing some Supreme Court rulings and what they believed were the negative effects of social change, evangelical ministers used the media to gain a broader following. Those who preached on television, such as Jerry Falwell, Oral Roberts, and Marion "Pat" Robertson, became known as televangelists. These preachers reached millions of television viewers. Falwell's weekly television show, for example, was broadcast to 1.5 million viewers. What major impact did the growing popularity of evangelical Christianity have on American politics? A. It pushed the Republican Party further to the right and alienated many voters over the next decade. B. It offered the first real alternative to the two-party system that had dominated American politics for decades. C. It brought about the reversal of many of the civil rights gains made by women and minorities over the past two decades. D. It led to a conservative coalition with Republicans that would dominate American politics in the next decade.
It led to a conservative coalition with Republicans that would dominate American politics in the next decade.
What major long-term effects did the Three Mile Island accident have on American energy policy? A. It led to the creation of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to oversee the nuclear power industry. B. It forced the government to reconsider its energy policy and invest billions of dollars in renewable forms of energy. C. It compelled Congress to pass a bill ordering the shutdown of all nuclear power plants near heavily populated areas. D. It negatively affected public opinion about nuclear energy and few new plants were ordered for nearly a quarter century.
It negatively affected public opinion about nuclear energy and few new plants were ordered for nearly a quarter century.
Carson wrote that pesticides should be called "biocides" because they killed many living things, both bad and good. Although she was alarmed by acute pesticide poisoning (like Huckins' dead birds), she was even more concerned about the slow poisoning of plants, animals, and people from pesticides. To make her point, she wrote the first chapter of Silent Spring as a fable about a town. The town is a wonderful place until everything and everyone--the animals, plants, insects and people--slowly starts to get sick and then die. She ends the fable by saying that although the town is not real, the fable is based on a collection of true stories. Each of the tragedies had already happened somewhere because of pesticides.Carson wrote Silent Spring to educate ordinary people about the dangers of pesticides. She asked, "How could intelligent beings seek to control a few unwanted species by a method that contaminated the entire environment and brought the threat of disease and death even to their own kind?" She hoped that by bringing together scientific facts and presenting them in understandable language, she could stop the fable from becoming a reality. —Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," from America's Story, the Library of Congress Which statement best describes how Rachel Carson's book was crucial to the early environmental movement? A. It was a pioneering work in the genre of environmental disaster novels. B. Publishing the book made her an instant celebrity and gave her credibility in the eyes of the public. C. It took information previously only understood by specialists and made it accessible to the average citizen. D. The book popularized the use of the term "biocide" to describe pesticides which were dangerous to humans and pests alike.
It took information previously only understood by specialists and made it accessible to the average citizen.
In the text you read this about President Reagan's military buildup: Reagan supported this massive military buildup, in part, because he did not believe that the Soviet Union could afford to spend as much on defense as the United States could. Reagan felt this applied particularly to the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), a proposed program in which land and space-based lasers would destroy any missiles aimed at the United States before they could reach their targets. Some dubbed the missile program "Star Wars," after the popular science-fiction movie trilogy, and claimed that it was unrealistic. What did President Reagan believe would be a result of the Strategic Defense Initiative? A. It would lead to a concession on behalf of the Soviet Union. B. It would lead to the Soviet Union invading fewer countries. C. It would lead to democracy being adopted in the Soviet Union. D. It would lead to the Soviet Union being economically bankrupt.
It would lead to the Soviet Union being economically bankrupt.
During the Reagan administration, the United States experienced a trade imbalance with A. Germany. B. China. C. Japan. D. Mexico.
Japan
What was the most significant result of the 1972 presidential election? A. McGovern was the first Democrat to lose in California. B. McGovern was the first candidate to lose in his home state. C. Nixon was the first Republican to sweep the Southern states. D. Nixon was the first candidate to sweep the Midwestern states
Nixon was the first Republican to sweep the Southern states.
According to the data in the charts, which statement is most likely true about the 1984 election? A. Reagan won a larger number of conservative states than Mondale did. B. A larger percentage of Reagan supporters voted in the election than Mondale supporters. C. Many independent voters cast their votes for Reagan rather than third-party candidates. D. Reagan carried a majority of the states with high populations.
Reagan carried a majority of the states with high populations.
Martha Griffiths (D-MI) was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1955-1974. She was the first woman to serve on the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means and was instrumental in getting the prohibition of sex discrimination added to the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. Griffiths is also known for resurrecting the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The ERA was a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that guaranteed equal rights under the law for Americans regardless of their sex. From 1923 to 1970, some form of the ERA was introduced in every session of Congress. But, nearly every time that the ERA was introduced, it was held up in committee. In 1970, Griffiths filed a discharge petition to demand that the ERA be heard by the full House. A discharge petition, which requires the signatures of a majority of House members, forces proposed legislation out of committee so that it may be considered by the whole House of Representatives. Following the success of Griffiths's discharge petition, the ERA was passed by the House. However, the Senate attempted to add provisions exempting women from the draft, which effectively killed the chances of the ERA passing that session. —The National Archives What was Martha Griffiths's role in the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution? A. She drafted the original language of the amendment considered in committee. B. She was critical in getting the amendment passed in both houses of Congress. C. She forced the amendment from the committee stage to the floor of the House. D. She attempted to add provisions to the amendment that eventually killed the bill.
She forced the amendment from the committee stage to the floor of the House.
Last week in one of the most profound electoral routs in American history, Republicans won the right to occupy the Capitol and mount what their . . . commanders think of as a counter-revolution: a full-scale attack on the notion that a central government should play a central role in the life of the nation."—Newsweek magazine The event discussed in this article from Newsweek was inspired by A. the Family Medical Leave Act. B. the Brady bill. C. the Contract with America. D. healthcare reform.
The contract with America
Why did radical Iranian students storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran and take 66 Americans as hostages? A. They were protesting the United States' military involvement in Vietnam. B. They were protesting the United States' continued support of Iran's former dictator. C. They were protesting the United States' refusal to intervene during the genocide in Cambodia. D. They were protesting the United States' role in the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt.
They were protesting the United States' continued support of Iran's former dictator.
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's policy of perestroika, or reform, involved A. negotiating peace with enemy nations. B. reducing the Soviet Union's nuclear arsenal. C. adopting elements of a free-market economy. D. opening the Soviet Union to international diplomacy.
adopting elements of a free-market economy.
How might President Ford's WIN plan best be described? A. an ultimately unsuccessful economic initiative to battle inflation B. an ambitious plan to reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil C. an agreement with the Soviet Union to reduce the countries' nuclear stockpiles D. an affirmative action policy intended to get banks to reinvest in their communities
an ultimately unsuccessful economic initiative to battle inflation
President Reagan believed in fighting the spread of communism by A. building a larger and more powerful weapons arsenal. B. funding civil wars against communists in other nations. C. promoting the idea that democracy is the better form of government. D. negotiating with the leaders of communist nations throughout the world.
building a larger and more powerful weapons arsenal.
"Parents, we can stop the violence and the hate. In a culture rife with violence—where too many young people place too little value on a human life—we can rise up and say no more. We have seen enough violence in our schools. We must replace a culture of violence and mayhem with one of values and meaning. It is too easy for a young child to get a gun—and everywhere we look, there are too many lessons in how to use one. We can do something about that."—Vice President Al Gore, April 25, 1999 In this speech, Vice President Gore was calling for Americans to A. change their cultural values and gun laws. B. change guns laws only. C. make it easier for people to own guns. D. remove guns from private ownership.
change their cultural values and gun laws.
President Reagan's decision to fire federal air traffic controllers who were on strike is an example of A. his desire to increase the efficiency of federal programs. B. his desire to increase federal defense spending. C. his support of the rights of business over labor. D. his support of deregulating transportation industries
his support of the rights of business over labor
This cartoon suggests that Ronald Reagan A. is in excellent physical condition for a man his age. B. has placed the nation in danger for political reasons. C. has created more problems than he can solve by himself. D. is more capable of handling problems than his opponents
is more capable of handling problems than his opponents
The theory of supply-side economics involved A. deregulating major industries in order to promote economic growth. B. providing tax incentives to businesses who hire low-income workers. C. lowering taxes for all Americans as a means of collecting greater revenue. D. raising taxes for wealthy Americans and lowering them for the middle class.
lowering taxes for all Americans as a means of collecting greater revenue.
The conservative agenda included all of the following except A. social programs for the poor. B. emphasis on traditional values. C. a strong stance against communism. D. lower taxes and less regulation of business.
social programs for the poor.
Some Americans—both men and women—openly challenged the women's movement. Phyllis Schlafly, for example, is a conservative political activist who denounced women's liberation as "a total assault on the family, on marriage, and on children." She worked hard to defeat the ERA, arguing that the act would compel women to fight in the military, end sex-segregated bathrooms, and hurt the family. Her argument resonated with many conservatives. Due to conservative opposition, the ERA fell three states short of becoming a constitutional amendment. Phyllis Schlafly's message most likely resonated with the members of which group? A. the hippies in the Haight Ashbury B. the National Organization for Women C. the "silent majority" referred to by Nixon D. the so-called "second wave" of American feminists
the "silent majority" referred to by Nixon
"[I]t took 8 years and two vetoes to make this legislation the law of the land. Now millions of our people will no longer have to choose between their jobs and their families. The law guarantees the right of up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year when it's urgently needed at home to care for a newborn child or an ill family member. This bill will strengthen our families, and I believe it will strengthen our businesses and our economy as well."—Bill Clinton, February 5, 1993 President Clinton gave these remarks upon signing which act into law? A. the Welfare Reform Act B. the Healthcare Reform Act C. the Defense of Marriage Act D. the Family Medical Leave Act
the Family Medical Leave Act
This is the issue of this election, whether we believe in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the American Revolution and confess that a little intellectual elite in a far-distant capital can plan our lives for us better than we can plan them ourselves."— Ronald Reagan, "A Time for Choosing" Reagan made this statement A. to support the policies of the New Deal. B. to oppose the power of the federal government. C. to oppose local government. D. to call for more federal regulations.
to oppose the power of the federal government.
Intense rivalry between enemies during World War II brought about a life-and-death race to develop new technologies, such as the computer. The U.S. government funded research that led to the creation of the first modern computer in 1946. This huge machine occupied the entire basement of the research lab. It calculated artillery ranges and performed computations for the atomic bomb." In what way did the development of the computer represent a technological innovation for the military in the 1940s? A. Computers were used to conduct scientific research. B. Computers were used to make more efficient weapons. C. Computers were used to take the place of soldiers on the battlefield. D. Computers were used to maintain a rivalry with the Soviet Union.
Computers were used to make more efficient weapons.
The problem lay buried, unspoken, for many years in the minds of American women. It was a strange stirring, a sense of dissatisfaction. . . . Each suburban wife struggled with it alone. As she made the beds, shopped for groceries, matched slipcover material, ate peanut butter sandwiches with her children, chauffeured Cub Scouts and Brownies, lay beside her husband at night—she was afraid to ask even of herself the silent question—'Is this all?'" —Betty Friedan, The Feminine Mystique, 1963 What best describes the thesis Betty Friedan presents in The Feminine Mystique? A. Higher education has a negative effect on women's abilities to raise families. B. Women's rights have barely advanced in the decades since the 1920s and 30s. C. Women in the 1930s tended to be more financially well-off than those in the 50s. D. Strict gender roles have a negative effect on women's health and careers.
Strict gender roles have a negative effect on women's health and careers.
In the text you read this about the effects of the Watergate scandal: The Watergate scandal created a crisis in the relationship among the three branches of government. How far would Congress go to investigate the President? Would the courts demand that the President turn over information that might implicate him? And if the courts sided with Congress, would the President comply with its decisions? How did the Watergate scandal eventually play out amongst the three branches of government? A. The Supreme Court ruled that Nixon must turn over his tapes while Congress voted to impeach him. B. Congress voted to impeach Nixon while the Supreme Court decided whether it was on constitutional grounds. C. Nixon was able to exercise executive authority to avoid consequences from either the Supreme Court or Congress. D. Congress demanded Nixon's tapes while he claimed executive privilege and the Supreme Court ruled in his favor.
The Supreme Court ruled that Nixon must turn over his tapes while Congress voted to impeach him.
Since the end of World War II, American Presidents had tended to see the developing world—the less developed nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America—as another stage for the Cold War. Carter broke with that approach and insisted that foreign policy toward the developing world should revolve around the expansion of human rights. Carter believed that U.S. relations with foreign countries should be determined by how a country treated its citizens. Carter's view of developing nations led to what significant development during his time in office? A. The U.S. replaced all military installations in developing nations with humanitarian missions. B. The U.S. withdrew its support from many oppressive dictatorships it had once supported. C. The U.S. installed its own leaders in developing countries to ensure human rights were respected. D. The U.S. increased military spending to stop brutal communist regimes from gaining power in developing countries.
The U.S. withdrew its support from many oppressive dictatorships it had once supported.
From November, 1969 to June, 1971, a group called Indians of All Tribes, Inc., occupied Alcatraz Island. This group, made up of American Indians relocated to the Bay Area, was protesting against the United States government's policies that affected them. They were protesting federal laws that took aboriginal land away from American Indians and that aimed to destroy American Indian cultures. The Alcatraz occupation is recognized today as one of the most important events in contemporary Native American history. It was the first intertribal protest action to focus the nation's attention on the situation of native peoples in the United States. Because of the attention brought to the plight of the American Indian communities, as a result of the occupation, federal laws were created which demonstrated new respect for aboriginal land rights and for the freedom of American Indians to maintain their traditional cultures. —"Alcatraz Occupation," the National Park Service The American Indian civil rights movement differed most from the women's rights movement and the African American civil rights movement in that it A. sought to draw attention to historical inequalities. B. demanded land and mineral rights from the government. C. wanted equal access to education and other public services. D. focused on gaining increased representation in government.
demanded land and mineral rights from the government.
Today, Nixon's attitude toward big government appears contradictory because he A. decreased the power of the federal government and increased federal spending on social programs. B. opposed communism while opening up dialogue with communist China. C. funded state and municipal programs with federal grant blocks. D. proposed that the states receive money to fund social programs from the federal government.
funded state and municipal programs with federal grant blocks.
Elements in the Contract with America, such as tax cuts and welfare reform, were based on the premise that A. government should be smaller and more efficient. B. government should assist those in need when necessary. C. the values of government should reflect those of the people. D. the branches of government should check and balance each other.
government should be smaller and more efficient.
Distinct trends persisted from the pioneer generation of women in Congress. Second-generation women still made up only a small fraction of the total congressional membership. At their peak, 15 women served in the 83rd Congress (1953-1955)—about 2.8 percent. These numbers afforded women scant leverage to pursue a unified agenda, though few seemed inclined to champion what would later be called "women's issues." The widow-familial succession remained for women a primary route to political office.Subtle changes, however, slowly advanced women's status on Capitol Hill. By and large, women elected to Congress between 1935 and 1954 had more experience as politicians or as party officials than did their predecessors. In the postwar era, they were appointed more often to influential committees, including those with jurisdiction over military affairs, the judiciary, and agriculture. Also, several women emerged as national figures and were prominently featured as spokespersons by their parties; this was a significant break from tradition. —"Onto the National Stage: Congresswomen in an Age of Crisis, 1935-1954" History, Art, and Archives of the U.S. House of Representatives In the postwar period, women benefited from A. a more unified political agenda. B. inheriting political power from their husbands. C. greater familiarity with political processes and practices. D. numbers large enough to advance a women's rights agenda.
greater familiarity with political processes and practices.
Rising problems in the 1980s included all of the following except A. the threat of HIV and AIDS. B. health problems related to obesity. C. conflicts over gun-related violence. D. increased drug use among Americans.
health problems related to obesity.
If history teaches anything, it teaches self-delusion in the face of unpleasant facts is folly. We see around us today the marks of our terrible dilemma—predictions of doomsday, antinuclear demonstrations, an arms race in which the West must, for its own protection, be an unwilling participant. At the same time we see totalitarian forces in the world who seek subversion and conflict around the globe to further their barbarous assault on the human spirit. What, then, is our course? Must civilization perish in a hail of fiery atoms? Must freedom wither in a quiet, deadening accommodation with totalitarian evil?"—Ronald Reagan, June 8, 1982 The purpose of this excerpt from President Reagan's famous "Evil Empire" speech is to urge that A. the Cold War arms race must come to an end. B. the United States must work with the Soviet Union to find common ground. C. totalitarian regimes accept negotiations with the West. D. the United States must stand up to the brutal regime in the U.S.S.R.
the United States must stand up to the brutal regime in the U.S.S.R.
In the text you read this about the counterculture: The counterculture was rooted in the social and political events of the preceding decade. In the 1950s, the Beat movement had rejected materialism and emphasized the importance of personal experience. The civil rights movement introduced the idea of social and political protest, which intensified the Vietnam antiwar movement. Both movements prompted many people to challenge a range of traditional social behavior, from restrictions on rights to cultural norms in dress or hairstyles. The counterculture also heightened distrust of authority, leading some young people to warn their peers, "Don't trust anyone over 30." The maxim "Don't trust anyone over 30" may have been partly inspired by A. the civil rights movement's demand for equality. B. the credibility gap over the Vietnam War. C. the Beat movement's rejection of materialism. D. the Pop Art movement's criticism of consumerism.
the credibility gap over the Vietnam War.
Your generation is living in one of the most exciting times in [history]. It is a time when the first breath of freedom stirs the air and the heart beats to the accelerated rhythm of hope, when the accumulated spiritual energies of a long silence yearn to break free. . . . We do not know what the conclusion of this journey will be, but we're hopeful that the promise of reform will be fulfilled . . . leading to a new world of reconciliation, friendship, and peace."—Ronald Reagan, May 31, 1988 The language that Ronald Reagan used in this speech to students from the Soviet Union makes it clear that he's talking about A. the end of Soviet operations in Afghanistan. B. the successes of the Republican party in the United States. C. the end of totalitarian repression in the U.S.S.R. D. the intensification of the Cold War.
the end of totalitarian repression in the U.S.S.R.
"For the families of the seven, we cannot bear, as you do, the full impact of this tragedy. But we feel the loss, and we're thinking about you so very much. Your loved ones were daring and brave, and they had that special grace, that special spirit that says, 'give me a challenge and I'll meet it with joy.' They had a hunger to explore the universe and discover its truths. They wished to serve, and they did. They served all of us."—Ronald Reagan, January 28, 1986 In this speech, President Reagan was most likely speaking about which tragic event? A. the Columbine shooting B. the Oklahoma City bombing C. the shooting of James Brady D. the explosion of the Challenger
the explosion of the Challenger
Jerry Falwell, one of the leaders of the New Right, promotes A. the influence of evangelicals on conservative political thought. B. the influence of conservative economic ideas on the Republican party. C. the influence of evangelicals on national education reform. D. the influence of liberal social ideas on the Republican Party
the influence of evangelicals on conservative political thought.
Bill Clinton won the presidency in 1992 partly because of A. the recession, the rising deficit, and Bush's sinking popularity. B. Bush's campaign pledge not to raise taxes. C. the outcome of the Persian Gulf War. D. his attempt to steer the Democrats further to the left.
the outcome of the Persian Gulf War.
Which trend best explains the increasing popularity of the Moral Majority in the early 1980s? A. increased spending associated with Great Society programs B. increased opposition to U.S. military deployments after Vietnam C. the perceived decline of what many considered traditional family values D. the decline in the number of U.S. citizens who vote in federal elections
the perceived decline of what many considered traditional family values
Phyllis Schlafly's views are most likely shared with members of which group? A. the silent majority B. the Democratic Party C. the hippie movement D. the Weather Underground
the silent majority
In the text you read this about the Iran Hostage Crisis: Dying of cancer, the Shah fled Iran in January 1979. Fundamentalist Islamic clerics, led by the Ayatollah Khomeini (i yuh TOH luh koh MAYN ee), took power. Carter allowed the Shah to enter the United States to seek medical treatment. Enraged radical Iranian students invaded the U.S. Embassy and took 66 Americans as hostages. The Khomeini government took control of both the embassy and the hostages to defy the United States. Iranian students took Americans hostage probably because A. they opposed U.S. support of Israel. B. they wanted more U.S. aid. C. they wanted the Shah sent back to Iran. D. they were angry that the Shah was still alive.
they wanted the Shah sent back to Iran.
