CONTENT TEST HISTORY

Which of the following strategies is most likely to help a household increase its rate of saving? a. arranging for automatic deductions from paychecks into retirement accounts b. using a credit union instead of a commercial bank for most financial transactions c. paying for routine purchases with a credit card instead of a bank debit card d. pursuing training and education to secure higher-paid employment

A

The effects of acid precipitation or "acid rain" are most likely to be experienced in which of the following areas? a. downwind of areas with high concentrations of power plants and factories b. near rivers and coastal areas where significant agricultural runoff takes place c. in areas subject to increased desertification due to overgrazing d. on the windward side of mountain ranges where prevailing winds are common

A

The three maps of the US Midwest best support which of the following statements about the geographic concept of region? a. the names of perceptual regions reflect peoples feelings and their informal sense of place rather than objective data b. the midwestern region has been shrinking as a cultural region, even while it expands as an economic region c. the core area of a functional region, where its characterizing feature is most clearly defined, is surrounded by a periphery d. the midwestern region is an example of a formal region because it displays a measurable and visible uniformity (look at pic)

A

An elementary school teacher guides students through the preamble to the U.S. Constitution. This activity would be most effective for enhancing students understanding of the: a. purpose of government b. early history of the United States c. way power is divided in the U.S. government d. reasons the United States fought for independence

A

Historians and political scientists have used the term "The American Century" to describe a period during which the US rose to a position of worldwide leadership. Which of the following events played the greatest role in bringing about this development? a. the destruction suffered by European powers in two successive world wars during the twentieth century b. U.S. territorial conquests in separate wars against Mexico and Spain during the nineteenth century c. the decline of Japan and Russia following a mutually self-destructive war at the beginning of the twentieth century d. the US experience of reconstructing and industrial growth during the second half of the nineteenth century

A

From 1865 to 1924, the influx of new immagrents from diverse nations contributed most to the economic growth and vitality of which of the following parts of the US? a. agricultural settlements in the Missouri river valley b. industries cities near the great lakes c. transportation centers in the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains d. new urban complexes in Florida and southern California

B

In the early twenty-first century, the outcomes of several presidential elections in the US promoted public debate about: a. increasing the role of political parties in the nominating process b. moving toward a system of national elections by direct popular vote c. revising the procedure for selecting vice-presidential nominees d. opening presidential primaries to voters of all political parties

B

Read the excerpt below from Twenty Years and Hull-House by Jane Addams (1901); then answer the question that follows Our very first Christmas at Hull-House, when we as yet knew nothing of child labor, a number of little girls refused the candy which was offered them as part of the Christmas good cheer, saying simply that they "worked in a candy factory and could not bear the sight of it." We discovered that for six weeks they had worked from seven in the morning until nine at night, and they were exhausted as well as satiated. The sharp consciousness of stern economic conditions was this thrust upon us in the midst of the season of good will. A teacher in an upper-elementary school classroom could best use this excerpt to help students explore the: a. ambiguity inherent in addressing essential questions in history b. role in personal testimony in advancing Progressive social reforms c. interdependent in the workings of the national and global economy d. mixed motivations of policymakers during the Industrial Revolution

B

Use the graph below to answer the question that follows A teacher could best explain the development depicted on the graph by providing instruction about: a. successes in efforts to stop and reverse the rise in world population b. increases in food production associated with the Green Revolution c. the benefits resulting from urbanization in much of the developing world d. improved international cooperation distributing food following the Cold War

B

Use the map below to answer the question that follows. An upper elementary school class finds the map shown when investigating the concept of the "digital divide" around the world. The teacher could best help students from a valid hypothesis about the digital divide by noting which of the following limitations to the information in the map? a. the information is potentially misleading because of incomplete data from eastern Europe and Central Asia b. The information is of limited usefulness because the data are not adjusted for the size of each country's population c. The projection used in the map significantly distorts the areas and shapes of landmasses in some parts of the world d. the accuracy of the data is suspect because of the wide range of internet use shown for adjacent countries in South Africa

B

A public policy analyst who favors market-based solutions to a range of economic problems is most likely to agree with which of the following statements? a. the interests of investment banks and traders on Wall Street deserve special attention. b. the equitable distribution of capital, goods, and services is fundamental to prosperity c. consumers and producers interacting with minimal regulation to tend to reach efficient outcomes d. retail outlets play a more crucial role in economy than do wholesalers and manufacturers

C

Arguments in the United States about whether to impose tariffs and other barriers on international trade center most often on which of the following trade offs? a. benefits for some regions versus costs to other regions b, diplomatic versus economic costs c. benefits for producers versus costs to consume d. long-term benefits versus short-term costs

C

Use the map below to answer the question that follows. The landforms and climate of the ares highlighted on the map have primarily influenced the regions historical pattern of development in which of the following ways? a. the tundra made human habitation almost impossible before modern times b. the series of mountain ranges tended to divide people into insular communities c. the steppes encourages an economy and lifestyle based of pastoral nomadism d. the temperature and fertile lowlands facilitated the growth of large urban centers

C

Which of the following factors best explains the rising population and importance of New Orleans during the 1800s? a. proximity of fertile farmland and highly biodiverse bayous b. the convergence of different ethnic, religious, and cultural traditions c. an oceanside location bear the mouth of a large river system d. manufacturing industries of national strategies importance

C

Which of the following situations could a teacher best use to illustrate the concept of freedom of conscience? a. Congress passes a law requiring that states provide lunches to public school students but allows local officials to determine administrative details b. an individual seeks out information from local news media and from personal acquaintances before voting in an election for the school board c. the supreme court rules that schools may not compel students to salute the American flag nor to recite the Pledge of Allegiance d. a group of citizens gathers signatures on a petition to influence the local governments decisions about the location of a new school building

C

In a democratic system, active participation by informed citizens is generally most effective in helping achieve which of the following goals? a. holding elected representatives accountable to their constituents b. developing a comprehensive policy proposal for party platforms c. facilitating consensus building among politically diverse groups d. minimizing the effects of social and economic inequalities

Correct Response A Objective 0016. By using their fundamental right to vote, citizens in a democratic system hold elected officials accountable through their ability to replace representatives who fail to support constituents' interests. Active citizens may also directly contact representatives and influence their actions through meetings, petitions, letter-writing campaigns, letters to the editor, and organized rallies.

When an individual who is seeking a job agrees to sell his or her labor to an employer who is willing to pay the individual for his or her work, a voluntary exchange has taken place. Activity in which of the following areas contributes most to the Illinois economy? a. manufacturing b. tourism c. energy d. agriculture

Correct Response A Objective 0017. The manufacturing industry is a major contributor to the economy in Illinois, second only to the state's service industries. The sector includes the construction of machinery, tools, and equipment, food-processing industries; and chemical manufacturing.

Which of the following situations best illustrate the concept of voluntary exchange in a market economy? a. a company offers a job seeker an hourly rate that the potential employee accepts in return for his labor b. a store owner pays taxes to the local government in return for protection by local law enforcement and other benefits c. an individual accepts financial support offered by family members in order to pursue a professional degree d. a manufacturer decides to produce less of a particular product after the price of the product declines due to oversupply

Correct Response A Objective 0017. Voluntary exchange is the free and willing exchange of goods and services between buyers and sellers. These transactions occur in a way that leaves both buyer and seller better off after the exchange than before.

Which of the following research questions most clearly focuses on the geographic concept of place? a. What physical characteristics distinguish the Andes Mountains from the Rocky Mountains? b. What are the primary causes and effects of desertification in the Sahel region of Africa? c. What is the most efficient way to transport oranges that are grown in Florida to other parts of the United States? d. In what ways have Eastern and Western Europe become more similar since the fall of the Soviet Union?

Correct Response A Objective 0018. In geography, the term place refers to the physical and human characteristics of a location. All places have physical and cultural attributes that distinguish then from other places. The physical characteristics of a place are its natural environment, including for example bodies of water, landforms, climate, soils, natural vegetation, and animal life.*Use the map below to answer the question that follows. (look at paper)

*The substantial diversity observed in the behavioral norms, values, beliefs, interests, and tastes of individuals and groups can best be understood as a result of differences in: a. socialization b. economic status c. cognition d. social control

Correct Response A Objective 0018. The lifelong process of learning and teaching the norms, customs, and beliefs of a cultural group is called socialization. This process, which takes place in families, schools, and other social institutions and settings, perpetuates particular beliefs and practices within a group over time and perpetuates differences among groups. Similarly, individuals within a large group can be socialized to different norms and practices characteristics of their family, class, religion, or other subgroup.

It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus for so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth. In this excerpt, "the great task remaining before us" refers to the struggle to preserve the Union and: a. maintain a government based on laws b. fulfill the promise of equality c. expand the cope of individual liberties d. affirm states' rights

Correct Response B Objective 0016. In the "Gettysburg Address", Abraham Lincoln reminded listeners that the nation was created based on the proposition that all men are created equal. He proclaimed that the Civil War was a struggle to preserve the national union and along with it a commitment to the principle of human equality.

*Political systems grounded in communist ideology are most often characterized by: a. minimal focus of economic goals b. low levels of individual freedom c. a decentralized approach to governing d. limited and weak bureaucracies

Correct Response B Objective 0017. A primary characteristic of communist political ideology is that capital and the means of production are owned and operated by society rather than private individuals and business. In practice, this has placed governments in control of most or all aspects of economic life, as well as other elements if society. Maintaining this level of control has contributed to loss of individual freedoms in varying degrees in countries that have implemented communist ideology.

Increased economic prosperity in China would be expected to benefit the United States mainly because a more prosperous China would: a. facilitate the removal of trade barriers that dampen the U.S. economic growth b. offer U.S. firms greater opportunities to expand their markets c. reduce the frequency and severity of domestic business cycle fluctuations d. promote increased specialized and efficiency of the U.S. labor force

Correct Response B Objective 0017. China and the United States have the world's two largest economies and are important trading partners. China is the third largest market for U.S. exports and the most populous country in the world. Increased prosperity in China would be expected to increase consumer demand in that country, providing opportunities for the expansion of U.S. exports to and business interests in China.

In the U.S. political process, an important role of political parties is to: a. promote consistency in state and national decision making b. clarify the philosophical and policy choices available to voters c. ensure that free and fair exchange procedures are followed d. help ensure smooth and peaceful transitions of power

Correct Response B Objective 0017. Political parties in the United States draw together people who have similar points of view about government and social issues. By competing in elections and mobilizing citizens behind particular visions of government and society, parties offer voters clear and meaningful choices in governance.

*The worldwide expansion of Internet availability and access that has occurred in recent decades in most strongly associated with which of the following changes? a. reduced disparities in standards of living for individuals and families in different parts of the world b. increased access to diverse information, ideas, and perspectives for people across the globe c. reduce political, educational, and religious differences among populations in different world regions d. increased regional and global cooperation to address common economic and security issues

Correct Response B Objective 0018. The internet and communications satellites have made worldwide personal and mass communication immediate and relatively easily accessible. The internet makes information from all areas of the world available instantaneously in other areas of the world and provides a means to access diverse information, ideas, and perspectives that was not available before the advent of the internet.

During a unit on pollution, a teacher in an upper elementary school classroom leads a students discussion about an article in the local newspaper on a decision to ban swimming and other recreational activities in a local pond that was found to contain a high level of pollutants. The class shows great interest, and the teacher engages students in research projects related to the problem of the polluted pond. The class will be divided into small groups, with each group responsible for researching a relevant topic. The teacher can best promote students' social science inquiry skills by taking which of the following actions first? a. leading the class in brainstorming ideas about possible causes and effects of the pollution found in the pond b. helping students in each group define one or more essential questions they would like to answer about the pond c. having students with prior personal experience of the pong talk to the rest of the class about their experiences d. assigning students specific roles in their group's research of the pond that reflect their current academic strengths

Correct Response B Objective 0018. To focus students' research activities in ant project, it is important that they first determine the questions they wish to answer. With specific questions, students will be better able to select appropriate resources and organize and analyze the information they collect in meaningful ways.

*An elementary school teacher wants to use a set of student-developed classroom rules to illustrate how laws can help protect individual freedoms. Which of the following classroom rules would best serve this purpose? a. raise your hand if you have a question b. work and play safely c. listen respectfully while others are speaking d. always do your best

Correct Response C Objective 0016. Encouraging students to create and abide by a rule to listen respectfully while others are speaking provides with with an understanding of the right of all individuals to freedom of speech. Following this classroom rule can encourage students to understand that freedom of speech protects not only their own right to express themselves but also the right of others to speak and be heard.

*The system of checks and balances as described in Articles I, II, and III of the U.S. Constitution was developed as a means to: a. limit the federal government's ability to impose its will on the states b. ensure all individuals and groups equal protection of the laws c. prevent political power from consolidating in any one branch of government d. clarify the relationship between majority rule and individual rights

Correct Response C Objective 0016. In Article I, II, and III of the U.S. Constitution, powers are divided among three branches of government: the congress, the president, and the courts, with each branch given different powers (to create, administer, or enforce laws). Within this system, the framers identified various ways for each branch to check or stop the actions of the other branches and thus prevent and single branch from becoming too powerful.

*An individual decides to develop a personal budget. After determining monthly income from all sources, the individual's next step in budget development process should be to: a. establish priorities for nonessential purchases (e.g. movies, eating out). b. calculate current credit debt c. identify fixed monthly expenses (e.g., rent, automobile payments) d. define a monthly goal for saving

Correct Response C Objective 0017. Creating a budget is a process for managing expenses to stay within the limits of one's income. After calculating total monthly income, an individual first needs to determine how much of that income must be used to meet all fixed, or required, monthly expenses. Only then can the individual determine how much money is available for other spending or for saving.

In the contemporary debate in the United States regarding the environment, controversy most often arises as a result of diverse perspectives of the: a. roles and responsibilities of local and state agencies versus federal agencies b. human costs associated with high levels of air, water, and land pollution c. scope of the governments power to regulate business and the economy d. culpability of individuals versus industries for creating environmental problems

Correct Response C Objective 0017. Environmental regulations often increase the cost to industries of doing business and can complicate construction, production, and other aspects of business. Supporters of environmental regulation argue that the benefits are worth the costs of increased government interference in private business. Opponents argue that environmental regulations is beyond the scope of government and inhibits the free and innovative development of private enterprise.

*Information about the location and environment of a particular cultural group in premodern Europe would most likely provide a researcher with the greatest insight into the group's: a. demographic characteristics b. social organization c. economic activities d. family structure

Correct Response C Objective 0018. Knowledge of the location and environment of a premodern cultural group would provide information about the natural resources that were available to the group for subsistence and trade. This in turn would offer a researcher insights into the kinds of activities carried out by the group to secure food, provide clothing and shelter, and meet other needs.

*A researcher would fine a physical map most useful for identifying: a. major climate zones in Southeast Asia b. the location of oil and gas reserves in Eastern Europe c. the location of major rivers and lakes in Africa d. annual rainfall totals in South Africa

Correct Response C Objective 0018. Physical maps can contain much of the same data shown on political maps, but the main purpose of a physical map is it show landforms (e.g., deserts, mountains), elevation, and bodies of water. Of the response options provided, a physical map would be most useful for locating the major rivers and lakes in Africa.

*A teacher could best use which of the following examples to illustrate the role of government in resolving conflicts? a. defining requirements and procedures for citizenship b. using tax revenues to provide public services c. participating in international organizations d. maintaining a court system that citizens can access

Correct Response D Objective 0016. An essential function of any government is to resolve conflicts between individual citizens and interest groups. Governments create and enforce laws in part to prevent conflict. In addition, court systems provide a process by which citizens and groups can seek to resolve conflicts that do arise. Read the excerpt below from Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" (1863); then answer the question that follows.

As part of a unit of consumer economics, a fifth-grade teacher plans to have groups of students conduct online research into a new electronic toy. Upon completing their work, each group will make a decision about whether the toy is worth the cost and explain their reasoning. The teacher can best use this activity to enhance students' skills as consumers by promoting the groups to emphasize which of the following strategies? a. investigating the history of the company that manufactures the toy and its previous success with similar products b. searching online for the best price for the toy and comparing that price to the prices of older electronic toys c. examining the approaches used to market the toy and discussing their effectiveness and appropriateness d. comparing descriptions of the toy on the manufacturer's Web site with reviews by objective reviewers on other sites

Correct Response D Objective 0017. An important part of consumer awareness is developing the ability to evaluate advertising claims about a product. Carefully reading manufacturers' claims and comparing that information to the experiences of actual product users and other objective reviewers provides insight into the accuracy and completeness of the manufacturers' information. Objective reviews can provide many types of information about a product, such as durability, quality of components, and how well the product serves its intended purposes. This kinds of information helps consumers make good choices about purchases.

*Use the map below to answer the question that follows. (look at paper) Which numbered area in the map is an isthmus? a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

Correct Response D Objective 0018. An isthmus is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger land masses and separates two bodies of water. In the map, only the option label "4" exhibits these characteristics.

A social studies teacher asks students to engage in free association and state what comes to mind when they hear the term partisanship. As students offer their associations, the teacher writes the responses on the board. This activity best serves the purpose of: a. gauging students' level of engagement with a complex topic b. allowing students to demonstrate mastery of the subject c. measuring students familiarity with the terms historical context d. activating students existing knowledge of the concept

D

In the US, which of the following civic responsibilities applies only to citizens? a. registering with selecting service b. paying taxes c. staying informed on issues d. serving on a jury

D

Use the excerpt below from the Declaration fo Independence to answer the question that follows The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.. He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers. He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. This excerpt most clearly reflects a belief among the delegates to the Second Continental Congress in which of the following principles? a. federalism b. judicial review c. popular sovereignty d. checks and balances

D

Which of the following excerpts from the U.S. Constitution could a teacher best use to explain the small number of amendments added to the original document since it was written in 1787? a. in all cases affecting ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases.., the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction b. the United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Applications of the Legislature, or of the Executive..., against domestic violence c. No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts;.. or grant any title of Nobility d. The congress shall have Power .. To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this constitution in the Government of the United States

D

Which of the following functions describes one of the major constitutional powers of the presidency on the US a. declaring war b. appropriating money c. admitting new states d. negotiating treaties

D