practice test for TExES History 7-12

Political parties in the United States have undergone which contentious shift in the last thirty years? The Republican Party has grown to encompass the majority of moderate independents. Both major political parties have become more ideologically extreme. The Democratic Party has moved further to the center from its previous position as the party of the progressive left. The Libertarian Party has emerged as a major political force.

Both major political parties have become more ideologically extreme. Both major parties have moved further to their respective ideological sides, leaving many independent voters uncomfortable fully identifying with either party.

Which of the following best identifies the core influence of the Mayflower Compact on later conceptions of government in the United States? All people should be treated equally before the law. Government exists through a social contract of its citizens. All allegiance should be given to the monarch appointed by God The same individuals who legislate laws are responsible for their enforcement.

Government exists through a social contract of its citizens. The Mayflower Compact was an example of a civil social contract, in which the citizens of a government unified and agreed to follow its laws.

Which of the following are examples of competitive free-market economies? Select all answers that apply. Great Britain China the United States Sweden

Great Britain The US

Mexico's General Colonization Law had what lasting impact on Texas? The law allowed ranching in Texas for the first time. It ceded Texas to the United States. It allowed foreigners to migrate to Texas and increase the population. The law increased the number of Mexicans living in Texas.

It allowed foreigners to migrate to Texas and increase the population. The General Colonization Law allowed foreigners to migrate and settle in Texas, increasing the number of non-Mexican Texans and swaying popular opinion toward the United States.

A social studies teacher assigns students to one of two groups representing Federalists and Anti-Federalists in the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and hosts a series of debates between the two sides. Reenacting historical debates as a teaching strategy accomplishes which of the following? It allows the teacher to measure each student's individual understanding of the curriculum. It allows students to explore the evolution of public opinion over time. It allows students of all abilities to participate. It allows students to explore both sides of a conflicting issue.

It allows students to explore both sides of a conflicting issue. A debate is helpful for students to research and explore both sides of a contentious issue or conflict.

Which of the following best describes the long term impact of prohibition on Texas? Texas never officially ratified the federal amendment to end prohibition. Local statutes vary and temperance is still a conflict in local governments across the state. State law regarding alcohol is less strict than most states in the U.S. The laws restricting alcohol sales returned to what they were before Prohibition.

Local statutes vary and temperance is still a conflict in local governments across the state. Temperance continues to be a conflict with local statutes controlling the sale of alcohol.

Fulton's invention of the steamboat helped to increase river commerce across the United States. Which of the following reflects another impact of Fulton's steamboat? The use of slave labor decreased on the frontier. The process of statehood was accelerated for frontier states. Migration within the United States increased. Migration within the United States decreased.

Migration within the United States increased. As transportation became faster and easier, migration also increased

Which of the following best explains why Congressional political candidates disproportionately tend to be high-income individuals? There are high fees associated with filing a candidate for office. Most Congressional candidates have to travel across large areas to reach constituents. The United States requires losing candidates to reimburse public funds spent on their campaign. Modern campaigns for Congress are extremely expensive due to the large media presence needed to be competitive.

Modern campaigns for Congress are extremely expensive due to the large media presence needed to be competitive. Due to the high cost of modern campaigns, most candidates tend to be high-income individuals who can help fund their own candidacy.

Which of the following describes a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo? Most of the Mexico's northern lands became part of the United States. The rancho system was created. The U.S. Congress declared war on Mexico. There was an increase in the number of Native Americans dying from European diseases.

Most of the Mexico's northern lands became part of the United States. The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo officially ended the Mexican-American War. Part of the treaty gave the United States control over most of Mexico's northern lands.

Which of the following best describes the economic justification given by Southerners for their support of secession? Slaves had begun refusing to work, causing a massive labor shortage in the South. Northern workers could not provide adequate labor on Southern farms. Northern industry began to depend more on Southern agriculture, leading to unfair labor practices in order to keep prices low. Northern producers paid an artificially low price for Southern cotton. Southern planters feared the growing power of the industrial Northern economy and feared losing economic profit and influence as the country industrialized.

Southern planters feared the growing power of the industrial Northern economy and feared losing economic profit and influence as the country industrialized. Northern industry began to dominate the economic life of the United States, which caused variants of sectionalism to arise as Southern farmers feared losing their economic power and position.

The constitutional monarchy model operating in Great Britain is most similar to the government of which of the following? the United States the Soviet Union Spain China

Spain Spain also operates under a constitutional monarchy, with a sovereign holding power as the head of state and a parliamentary system that elects the head of government.

Which of the following best describes why Spain did not begin to colonize Texas until the late 17th century? Texas was occupied by French forces who kept the Spanish out. Native American tribes restricted the advance of Spanish forces. Spanish troops were previously occupied settling Florida. Spanish troops had not yet acclimated to the climate in Texas.

Spanish troops were previously occupied settling Florida. The Spanish were focused on colonizing Florida and only became aware of the French colony in Texas in the late 1680s.

Which of the following best describes what happened after the defeat of the Texan forces at the Battle of the Alamo? Indigenous peoples began to fight alongside the Mexican military. Mexico was able to quell the rebellion. Texans and American colonists were inspired to join the fight against the Mexican Army. Santa Anna was removed from command for his cruelty during the battle.

Texans and American colonists were inspired to join the fight against the Mexican Army. Following the defeat at the Alamo, the battle became an inspiration for many more Texans and Americans to join the revolution and eventually defeat the Mexican army.

The rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are defended by which American document? The Constitution The Declaration of Independence The Bill of Rights The Articles of Confederation

The Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence begins with the defense of these rights as inalienable and establishes them as the basis of the American Revolution.

Which of the following best identifies a major outcome of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo? America was granted independence from Great Britain. The United States gained territory previously held by Mexico. The Confederacy surrendered to the Union Army in the American Civil War. The War of 1812 was ended.

The United States gained territory previously held by Mexico. Signed in 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War.

Of the following, which best summarizes the core beliefs at the center of social contract theory? Kings have a right, given to them by God, to rule their people. Social class stratifications inevitably lead to some people ruling over others in an exploitative manner. The people of a nation should have a direct hand in proposing, debating, and passing legislation. The authority of a government exists only as it is supported by the people it governs.

The authority of a government exists only as it is supported by the people it governs. The idea of a government based on a social contract between it and the people it ruled is fundamental to the development of modern democratic government.

The Great Recession of 2008 most affected Texas in which of the following ways? The Texas agriculture industry experienced a shortage of workers. Automobile manufacturing began to move out of Texas. There was a significant drop in housing prices in many regions of Texas. Prices for crude oil spiked to all-time highs.

There was a significant drop in housing prices in many regions of Texas. The Great Recession led to the collapse of the national housing market and resulted in reduced values for many homes in Texas and nationally.

The Articles of Confederation lacked which of the following major provisions, which led to their eventual replacement? a recognition of states' rights a process for collecting taxes a central government that held supremacy over the states a designation of who would conduct international diplomacy

a central government that held supremacy over the states The Articles of Confederation instituted a weak central government beholden to the states, while the US Constitution established a strong central government with supremacy over the states.

A watershed describes which of the following areas? the area between two mountain ranges a large flat region located at high altitude the boundary created when two opposing ocean currents intersect a land area where water runoff accumulates and flows into rivers and streams

a land area where water runoff accumulates and flows into rivers and streams In North American geography, a watershed is an area on land where water collects and drains.

Which of the following was NOT a challenge faced by leaders of the early American Republic? a new population of freed slaves British occupation of the Northwest high levels of debt division among the states

a new population of freed slaves Slavery continued to be practiced in the new United States as it had in the colonies. A sudden increase in the population of freed slaves would not become a national issue until after the Civil War.

The use of gasoline, a fossil fuel, in automobiles gave rise to the development of the American suburbs, but also led to which TWO of the following? Select all answers that apply. a decrease in global temperature a rise in global temperature an increase in the production of natural gas a decrease in global oil output

a rise in global temperature an increase in the production of natural gas Fossil fuels have contributed to the greenhouse effect and led to an increase in global temperatures. The use of gasoline requires the extraction of oil. Natural gas is a byproduct of oil production.

The discovery of petroleum in Texas led to all of the following EXCEPT: a rise in American influence abroad. a rapid increase in the state's population. annexation by the United States. economic growth.

annexation by the United States. Texas was annexed by the United States in the 19th century; the Texas oilboom occured in the early 20th century.

Which of the following investment instruments serve as loans to a city, state, or federal government in order to accomplish a particular policy project or to help pay down debt? bonds stocks certificates of deposit mutual funds

bonds Bonds serve as a long-term loan to a government, with the promise to pay the owner back with interest.

The free-enterprise system as it operates in the United State is characterized by all of the following features EXCEPT: competitive prices. market competition. low barriers to entry. centralized output goals.

centralized output goals. Only in planned economies, not free-market economies, does the government set predetermined output goals.

The phenomenon of cold temperatures in San Francisco during the summer months is caused by which of the following? irregular wind patterns moving in from the Pacific Northwest cold oceanic waters meeting warm air patterns from inland California the mediterranean climate of California maintaining year-round cold temperatures equatorial currents moving away hot air

cold oceanic waters meeting warm air patterns from inland California As warm summer air from inland meets cold Pacific waters, a cold fog envelopes the city and causes a drop in temperatures.

The production of any good or service requires land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurs. These collectively are known as: factors of production. finished goods. supply and demand. factor markets.

factors of production. Factors of production are those things used to make a good or service, and all fall into one of the four listed categories.

Which of the following principles best describes the relationship between the national and state governments of the United States of America? separation of powers federalism devolution checks and balances

federalism Federalism is the principle that the national government is supreme over state governments, but state governments hold some autonomy and reserved rights and powers.

During a recession, a desire to stimulate growth in the economy by funding major public infrastructure projects will lead to an increase in: consumer spending. government spending. consumer confidence. investment spending.

government spending. Government spending increases when publicly-funded infrastructure projects are carried out.

Jim Crow laws enforced segregation and discrimination against African Americans in which of the following areas? Select all answers that apply. housing public transportation voting professional sports

housing, public transportation, and voting Housing discrimination was rampant during the Jim Crow era and resulted in highly segregated cities and towns. Public transportation was one of the major points of conflict during the Jim Crow era and led to many of the most public Civil Rights demonstrations. Voting was a major area of discrimination from Reconstruction through the end of the Jim Crow era.

The use of annual statistics on the origin of immigrants to the United States would be most helpful in answering which of the following? where job creation is likely to occur which cities are likely to experience growth in the next decade which political party is likely to come into power in the next presidential election how the demographics of the United States is likely to change in the next decade

how the demographics of the United States is likely to change in the next decade Statistics on immigrants' origins serve as a likely indicator of what changes will occur in the demographic makeup of the United States.

An early winter frost destroys a large portion of the American tomato crop, drastically reducing supply, resulting in an _______ in price and a __________ in quantity demanded. increase; decrease decrease; decrease decrease; increase increase; increase

increase; decrease Prices will increase as supply is reduced, but this will also likely reduce quantity demanded.

The United States Congress is often criticized for which of the following? not allowing members of the minority party to hold positions of influence lacking term limits being too easily controlled by the president having too many members

lacking term limits With no term limits, members of Congress are often criticized as professional politicians who are focused on securing power rather than representing the people.

Technology is best utilized in the classroom when it can accomplish which of the following? decreases the cost to the school district decreases the time the teacher must spend on instruction makes the lesson to more accessible to students of all abilities allows students to complete their homework more quickly

makes the lesson to more accessible to students of all abilities Technology is best used as part of a differentiated curriculum, which makes the material more accessible to a wider range of students.

The Constitution of the United States addressed which of the following weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation? tax policy individual rights powers of the central government international diplomacy

powers of the central government The Articles of Confederation instituted a weak central government beholden to the states, while the US Constitution established a strong central government with supremacy over the states.

In a free market, a producer's profits are equal to _______ minus ______. revenue; tax cost; revenue cost; tax revenue; cost

revenue; cost Revenue is equal to total income. Profit is what is left after costs have been removed.

Which of the following societal institutions can best prepare American citizens to carry out their civic responsibilities? volunteer groups schools businesses sports leagues

schools Schools provide citizens with a civic education, including the responsibilities of a citizen in our American democratic system

The Federal Reserve is responsible for all of the following actions EXCEPT: overseeing monetary policy. regulating banks. managing interest rates. setting tax rates.

setting tax rates. Tax rates are set by Federal and state legislators, not the Federal Reserve.

Prior to European contact, Native Americans along the eastern seaboard lived in what type of settlement? as individual families large urban cities with surrounding villages migrating clan groups composed of a few families settled tribal communities

settled tribal communities Most tribes along the eastern seaboard lived in settled tribal communities where they constructed permanent dwellings and engaged in agriculture.

The majority of immigrants to America in the early years of the Republic were composed of whom? Africans fleeing slavery in Europe women searching for equal rights in the United States single men seeking economic opportunities whole families seeking religious freedom

single men seeking economic opportunities Most immigrants were young, single men seeking economic opportunities.

Earth's separate continents were formed through which of the following processes? subduction tectonic shift obduction atmospheric thinning

tectonic shift Tectonic shift, the movement of earth's continental plates, led to the formation of separate continents.

The California Gold Rush resulted in all of the following EXCEPT: the American economy experiencing rapid inflation due to the influx of gold. Congress accelerating the process to admit the state of California to the Union. Native Americans in California losing much of the land on which they lived and hunted. San Francisco growing from a small outpost to a major center of American commerce.

the American economy experiencing rapid inflation due to the influx of gold. The amount of gold overall was not enough in itself to cause a major change in the national economy. It helped feed the money supply at a time of overall rapid growth and was just one of many factors that allowed America to become an industrial powerhouse.

A student works for the local newspaper delivering papers. He uses money from his paycheck to buy a pair of shoes at a local store, which uses that money to pay their property tax. Which of the following is best illustrated by this scenario? the AD-AS model the circular flow of money the supply curve the demand curve

the circular flow of money The circular flow of money represents the flow of money through various parts of the economy, from a firm (the newspaper), to an employer who uses the money to purchase goods from another firm (the shoe store), who then pays taxes.

The Second Amendment guarantees which of the following rights? the right to assemble the right to free speech the right to worship freely the right to bear arms

the right to bear arms The Second Amendment guarantees the right of individuals to bear arms.

Constitutional government in the United States is aimed at protecting which of the following? the powers of the president the rule of the aristocracy the rights of the individual the stability of the American economy

the rights of the individual The provisions in the United States Constitution limit the powers of federal and state governments so that the rights and freedoms of the individual are protected.

In the eastern United States, the Appalachian Mountains do not cause a significant rainshadow due to which of the following? the presence of the Gulf Stream their high elevation their low elevation the extreme length of the mountain range

their low elevation The Appalachians are a low-lying mountain range and do not cause a significant rainshadow.

The lowest election turnout among voters in the United States occurs among which group? voters who have served in the military voters with a college degree voters between 18-25 years old voters over the age of 65

voters between 18-25 years old Voting is lowest among young people, who tend to express disengagement or lack of relevance with many political issues of their daily lives.