Certification Test Social Studies

a. Amendment 1

"First. Because no people can be truly happy, though under the greatest enjoyment of civil liberrties, if abridged of the freedom of their consciences as to their religious profession and worship, and Almighty God being the only Lord of conscience, ... I do hereby grant and declare that no person or persons inhabiting in this province or territories, who shall confess and acknowledge one Almihty God, the creator, upholder, and ruler of the world, and profess him or themselves obliged to live quietly under the civil government, shall be in any case molested or prejudiced..." -Pennsylvanie Charter of Privileges, 1791 The concept expressed in this law is an integral part of which amendment in the Bill of Rights in our Constitution? a. Amendment 1 b. Amendment 2 c. Amendment 3 d. Amendment 4

a. contrived by one party

"The misunderstanding between the people and the troops in this place was contrived by one party, not only to wound their adversaries who had voted to supply the troops according to act of Parliament through the sides of the soldierrs, by making them and their measures odious [repulsive] to the people, but also to have a pretence to desire the removal of the troops; which I'm assured was mentioned, if not moved at the time in the Council." - Thomas Gage, 1770 In the excerpt above, General Gage gives his opinion about the causes of the 1770 Boston riots. Which phrase reveals bias against one of the groups involved in the conflict discussed above? a. contrived by one party b. voted to supply the troops c. according to the act of Parliament d. misunderstanding between the people and the troops

d. His position might lead him to favor the soldiers.

"The misunderstanding between the people and the troops in this place was contrived by one party, not only to wound their adversaries who had voted to supply the troops according to act of Parliament through the sides of the soldierrs, by making them and their measures odious [repulsive] to the people, but also to have a pretence to desire the removal of the troops; which I'm assured was mentioned, if not moved at the time in the Council." - Thomas Gage, 1770 In the excerpt above, General Gage gives his opinion about the causes of the 1770 Boston riots. Why should a historian suspect bias in Gage's statement? a. His report agrees with the colonists' accounts. b. He was an eyewitness to the events described. c. He recorded eyewitness accounts of the soldiers. d. His position might lead him to favor the soldiers.

a. Government and history

A fifth-grade teacher is creating a learning activity where students will work in groups to analyze the following documents: The Magna Carta, Common Sense, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights. Students will put the documents in chronological order, read the historical context of the documents, and conduct a close reading of the documents. This activity best supports which of the following two social studies disciplines? a. government and history b. history and geography c. geography and economics d. economics and government

a. voters choose to vote for candidates from different parties for various offices in an election.

A political scientist would most likely use the term ticket-splitting when discussing situations where - a. voters choose to vote for candidates from different parties for various offices in an election. b. delegates at a political party convention vote for different candidates to be named the nominee. c. electors vote for a presidential candidate other than the one chosen by the voters of a state. d. members of congress vote for legislation that was supported by the opposing party.

d. All students benefit from working in the heterogeneous groups where all students can practice speaking and reading aloud.

A second-grade teacher has a class with several English Language Learners (ELLs). In a lesson on the roles of the president, governor, and mayor, the teacher puts students into small groups, and each group includes at least one English Language Learner. The teacher than has each student choose a card that has a picture of the president,governor, or mayor on it and the duties of each. The teacher then asks each student to read the duties of each person and show his group the picture. Which of the following is a primary rationale for using this activity with this group of students? d. All students benefit from working in the heterogeneous groups where all students can practice speaking and reading aloud.

c. Is the bookshelf or piano closer to the aquarium?

A second-grade teacher plans the following activities to promote students' developent of map skills. Activity 1: The class creates a large, three dimensional model of the classroom using common materials (e.g., empty milk cartons, spools of thread) to represent desks and other objects in the room. The teacher uses the three-dimensional model to promote students' ability to apply various map-reading skills (e.g., locating places, understanding the concept of relative size and scale). Activity 2: The class creates a flat map of the classroom in which hand-drawn symbols (e.g., squares of different sizes, drawings of objects) represent objects in the room. The teacher uses the flat map to reinforce the skills addressed in activity 1. As the class creates the model in Activity 1, the teacher asks quesions designed to help students develop particular map skills and unnderstandings. Which of the following questions would best promote students' ability to apply the concept of relative location? a. Where in our model should we place the file cabinet? b. Can anyone trace a path from the sink to the door? c. Is the the bookshelf or the piano closer to the aquarium? d. Which is larger, the math center or the reading center?

d. Help students learn abstract map concepts through involvement in concrete experiences related to a familiar location.

A second-grade teacher plans the following activities to promote students' developent of map skills. Activity 1: The class creates a large, three dimensional model of the classroom using common materials (e.g., empty milk cartons, spools of thread) to represent desks and other objects in the room. The teacher uses the three-dimensional model to promote students' ability to apply various map-reading skills (e.g., locating places, understanding the concept of relative size and scale). Activity 2: The class creates a flat map of the classroom in which hand-drawn symbols (e.g., squares of different sizes, drawings of objects) represent objects in the room. The teacher uses the flat map to reinforce the skills addressed in activity 1. Based on the descriptions above, these activities will promote development of map skills to sescond graders mainly because they - a. enable students to progress from specific knowledge about maps to more general skills and understandings related to map use. b. help students distinguish essential from nonessential knowledge about maps and focus on the most important knowledge and skills. c. prompt students to use previously acquired skills and knowledge from other disciplines to facilitate their acquisition of new skills. d. help students learn abstract map concepts through involvement in concrete experiences related to a familiar location.

b. Congress decreases taxes and increases the funding for road and bridge repairs.

According to current fiscalpolicy theory, which of the following decisions would best help end a recession in the United States? a. Congress increases taxes and cuts funding for military supplies. b. Congress decreases taxes and increases the funding for road and bridge repairs. c. Congress increases subsidies for farmers while decreasing the amount of time people can draw unemployment. d. Congress decreases the amount of time people can draw unemployment while increasing taxes on businesses.

a. The Federal Reserve decreases the interest rate and buys government securities.

According to current monetary policy, which of the following decisions would best help end a recession in the United States? a. The Federal Reserve decreases the interest rate and buy government securities. b. The Federal Reserve increases the interest rate and sells government securities. c. The Federal reserve decreases the reserve requirement and increases the interest rate. d. The Federal Reserve increases the reserve requirement and decreases the interest rate.

c. Obtain information about a topic using a variety of oral sources.

According to the TEKS, fifth-grade students are expected to be able to differentiate between, locate, and use valid primary and secondary sources. Which of the following does the TEKS expect students to master as a prerequisite skill for this standard in an early grade? a. identify the historical context of an event b. express ideas orally based on knowledge and experiences c. obtain information about a topic using a variety of oral sources d. identify different points of view about an issue, topic, historical event, or current event

b. the number of other companies who produce a product similar to the new one.

An entrepeneur is considering hiring a marketing consultant to develop a mamrketing plan for a new product. Which of the following would be the most important factor in the decision of whether or not to spend the money to hire a marketing consultant? a. the amount of money budgeted for the building of a factory to produce the new product b. the number of other companies who produce a product similar to the new one. c. the interest rate paid on the loan used to produce the new product d. the number of workers who will be hired to promote the product

Ethnocentrism

Belief in the superiority of one's nation or ethnic group.

a. Civilizations adapting to geographic challenges.

Both the Incas and the Aztecs practices a form of agriculture called floating gardens. This is an example of - a. Civilizations adapting to geographic challenges b. Civilizations advancing through cultural diffusion c. civilizations creating strong colonial economies d. civilizations using slash and burn farming techniques

c. Steel

Development in which of the following led to the rise of the Second Industrial Revolution and the creation of skyscrapers and other massive buildings and structures? a. gasolinne powered machines b. hydroelectric power c. steel d. iron

a. a video ofstudents reciting patriotic poems and songs b. a display showing how students participated in a mock election e. a portfolio of letters that students have written to eected officials about preserving a historical monument

Each year, Happy Valley Elementary School holds a student exhibition night where students highlight their academic work. Ms. Miller is wokring on deciding which student work to have her studnets display. Which of the following would most likely convey to parents and other stakeholders the value of social sciences education? Select all that apply. a. a video ofstudents reciting patriotic poems and songs b. a display showing how students participated in a mock election c. a word wall depicting a different word of the week d. a collection of multiple choice assessments for a unit on the civil war e. a portfolio of letters that students have written to eected officials about preserving a historical monument

c. Flora's parents and extended family

Flora is an adult who belongs to the Methodist Church, volunteers to help homeless animals, spends most weekends with her nieces and nephews, and is active in The League of Women Voters. Which of the following most likely shaped the values and beliefs she apparently holds as an adult? a. Flora's childhood friends and teachers b. Flora's experiences in college c. Flora's parents and extended family d. Flora's network of adult friends and coworkers

d. decreased spending on alternative energy research.

Imagine that a new invention allows vehicles to run on natural gas instead of petroleum. The least likely result of this invention would be - a. reduced dependecy on petroleum. b. increased exploration for natural gas wells. c. more jobs for workers in the natural gas industry. d. decreased spending on alternative energy research.

b. ignoring petitions for redress; a representative assembly

In 1787, representatives from each of the newly formed states met to create a constitution for the nation. British government abuses in the colonies such as _________ made it clear to the Founding Fathers that they should include _______ in the U.S. Constitution. a. a lack of trial by jury; the First Amendment b. ignoring petitions for redress; a representative assembly c. taxation without representation; the Second Amendment d. the quartering of large bodies of troops; an executive branch

d. purchased the Louisiana Territory from France.

In 1803, Thomas Jefferson made one of his most important contributions as president when he - a. wrote the Declaration of Independence. b. became the leader of the Demomcratic-Republican party. c. founded the University of Virginia. d. purchased the Louisiana Territory from France.

d. demanded that the European powers not establish colonies in the Western Hemisphere.

In addition to declaring that the United States would remain neutral in European wars, the Monroe Doctrine - a. Invited the European powers to begin to develop new colonies in Africa and Asia. b. maintained that the United States had a duty to combat injustice in Asia. c. Ended the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States. d. demanded that the European powers not establish colonies in the Western Hemisphere.

a. Automobiles c. VA loans

In the 1950s, which of the following TWO most led to the development of suburbs? a. Automobiles b. Telephones c. VA loans d. Women working e. Segregation

c. The railroad in Kansas provided a more direct route to the meat packing industry in Chicago than any other way from Texas.

In the 19th century, the movement of cattle from Texas to Kansas along cattle trails significantly impacted the physical environment along the way. Which of the following best explains why cattlemen led cattle from Texas to Kansas in the 19th century? a. There was not a market for beef in Texas. b. The beef production methods in Kansas were more efficient than those in Texas. c. The railroad in Kansas provided a more direct route to the meat packing industry in Chicago than any other way from Texas. d. Kansas served as a central location for goods and services to be sent to the west.

d. cultural adaptation

In the United States, the government operated Indian schools where Native American children were taken to receive an "American" education. In Australia, Aboriginal children were sent to live with white "Australian" families. Which of the following terms applies to what these governments were trying to achieve? a. immigration b. integration c. cultural diffusion d. cultural adaptation

d. These types of assessments allow students to demonstrate their learning in multiple ways that are not limited by student's English language skills and allows for the teachers to note progress during the course.

Mr. Sutton teaches a sheltered (English Language Learners) Grade 6 social studies class. Mr. Sutton uses a variety of assessment methods in the course including project-based learning and a portfolio assessment. Why is Mr. Sutton's approach to assessment especially appropriate in his sheltered class? a. English language learners are not expected to learn as much social science as other students and these types of assessments do not require that students demonstrate as much content knowledge as other types of assessments. b. Unlike standard classes, sheltered classes have diverse learners who need opportunities to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways and these types of assessments are better than traditional assessments. c. English language learners do not have to take the same state assessments as other students, so they do not have to have the same assessment experiences as other students. d. These types of assessments allow students to demonstrate their learning in multiple ways that are not limited by student's English language skills and allows for the teachers to note progress during the course.

c. Students could work with maps and globes to find India on a map and then use latitude and longitude skills to properly identify the location of India.

Mrs. Garcia is planning an interdisciplinary reading and social science lesson for her 3rd graders. In reading, the students will read a story about an Indian family who grows rice. Which of the following would be an appropriate student learning activity that would integrate this story with the social sciences? a. Students could bring in common kitchen items, like rice, and explain to the class why they like them. b. Students could work in groups to count grains of rice and create graphs to demonstrate the number of grains of rice in each group. c. Students could work with maps and globes to find India on a map and then use latitude and longitude skills to properly identify the location of India. d. Students could read about other crops that are grown in India.

c. Nation's histories have impacted the degree of freedo of speech their citizens enjoy.

Read the information below; then answer the question that follows. "When it comes to hate crime and defamation laws, there is no homogenous approach in Europe. Britain, for example, has long had a more tolerant approach to free speech than countries like Germany, France, and Austria, where Holocaust denial is a crime. 'It's a mixed bag, a patchwork of practices and experiences in Europe,' says Agnes Callamard, director of Article 19, a global freedom-of-expression campaign group. 'It's very difficult to pretend there is a common position on hate speech.' But Europe is generally warier of free speech than in the US, with its First Amendment. Laws against inciting hatred and violence have sprung up in countries such as France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, resulting in criminal cases, convictions, and, in the case of foreigners, expulsions." Which of the following conclusions is supported by the text? a. Citizens in some western European countries are denied basic human rights. b. There are clear international agreements that define the level of freedom of speech that each country should give its citizens. c. Nation's histories have impacted the degree of freedo of speech their citizens enjoy. d. Holocaust denial has led to a loss of civil liberties that people in some European countries enjoy.

b. opportunity cost

Read the newspaper excerpt article below; then answer the question that follows. "Last night, the San Antonio City Council met to finalize next year's budget. During the public comments section of the meeting, two projects recieved the most attention - building a new park that would be designed specifically for children with physical disabilities and extending the library hours to accomodate evening activities including children's theater and adult literacy programs. Josie Esparza, the City Council representative from District 3, reminded the council that funding the new park would mean that the city would not be able to fund a planned extension of library hours throughout the city for the next fiscal year. After deliberation, the City Council chose to fund a new park this year and to return to the issue of extending library hours during the next fiscal year." Which economic principle is best demonstrated by the decision to fun the new park this year instead of extending library hours? a. supply and demand b. opportunity cost c. inflation d. scarcity

a. Two-thirds of both houses of congress must propose an amendment and then three-fourths of the state legislature must ratify. d. Two-thirds of the state legislatures must call on Congress to hold a Constitutional Convention where amendments are proposed and then three-fourths of the states must approve the amendment via ratifying convention.

The Constitution of the United States can be amended in several ways. Identify the ways it can be done. Select all that apply. a. Two-thirds of both houses of congress must propose an amendment and then three-fourths of the state legislature must ratify. b. Three-fourths of both houses of congress must propose an amendment and then two-thirds of the state legislature must ratify. c. Majority of both houses of congress must propose an amendment and then the president approves it and sends it to the voters to ratify the vote. d. Two-thirds of the state legislatures must call on Congress to hold a Constitutional Convention where amendments are proposed and then three-fourths of the states must approve the amendment via ratifying convention. e. Both houses of congress propose an amendment and then the majority of the voters must ratify the amendment during the next federal election.

b. I and III only

The President of the United States negotiates treaties with other countries. These treaties must then be ratified bby the senate. This is an example of - I. seperation of powers II. federalism III. checks and balances IV. judicial review a. I and II only b. I and III only c. II and III only d. III and IV only

a. As students develop historical thinking skills they can use the same analysis skills as adults to evaluate political, economic, and social arguments and perspectives and be well-informed citizens.

The TEKS reflect recent social science education research social science education research that focuses on developing students' historical thinking. Students are expected to analyze historical documents to determine its reliability, bias, and perspective. Why are these skills vital to a students' overall academic and citizenship development? a. As students develop historical thinking skills they can use the same analysis skills as adults to evaluate political, economic, and social arguments and perspectives and be well-informed citizens. b. As students develop historical thinking skills they can contribute to the academic literature about topics and issues. c. As students develop historical thinking skills they also build a sense of community responsibility and are more likely to volunteer as adults. d. As students develop historical thinking skills, they improve their ability to evaluate literature as well.

c. Commissioner of Education

The Texas Constitution sets up an Executive Department that includes specific powers fir the Governor and all of the following except - a. Attorney general b. Lieutenant Governor c. Commissioner of education d. Comptroller of public accounts

a. enforcing laws

Under the United States federal system the federal and state governments share some powers. Which of the following is a power that both federal and state governments have? a. enforcing laws b. conducting local elections c. establishing schools d. raising armies

d. finish collecting and analyzing the data and try to determine why the data does not confirm the hypothesis.

When collecting data for a research project, a social scientist realizes that the information collected so far does not support the hypothesis being investigated. In this situation, the most appropriate next step for the social scientist to take would be to - a. put aside for later analysis any data that does not fit the hypothesis and continue with the research. b. review the project's research design and revise it as necessary to ensure confirmation of the hypothesis. c. modify the hypothesis so that it is consistent with the data and then continue the research. d. finish collecting and analyzing the data and try to determine why the data does not confirm the hypothesis.

d. East Texas

Which of the following areas of Texas has an area known as the Pine Belt and historically was used for lumber production? a. West Texas b. South Texas c. North Texas d. East Texas

b. France and Spain

Which of the following countries uses a mountain range as both a natural boundary as well as a political boundary? a. United States and Canada b. France and Spain c. Chinaand Mongolia d. Somalia and Kenya

a. the domestication of maize

Which of the following had the most significant impact on the transformation of some native American groups from nomadic to sedentary peoples? a. the domestication of maize b. the introduction of the horse c. the spread of the desert d. the decline of the buffalo

d. James Madison

Which of the following individuals is most associated with the United States Constitution? a. Thomas Jefferson b. John Hancock c. Andrew Jackson d. James Madison

c. The president can refrain from signing the bill for ten days at which point it automatically becomes law.

Which of the following is a way for a bill to become law without the president's signature? a. Congress can pass the law while the president is on vacation. b. The vice president can sign the bill if the president can sign the bill if the president chooses not to. c. The president can refrain fromm signing the bill for ten days at which point it automatically becomes law. d. The president can wait until Congress goes into recess and then it becomes law.

d. Primary elections and caucuses are held in individual states.

Which of the following is usually the first step in the presidential election process? a. electors are chosen by state convention. b. National political conventions choose their party's candidate. c. General elections are held to vote for president and vice president. d. Primary elections and caucuses are held in individual states.

b. West Virginia

Which of the following regions is associated with coal mining? a. Oregon b. West Virginia c. Wyoming d. Nebraska

d. Nebraska

Which of the following regions is associated with farming? a. Oregon b. West Virginia c. Wyoming d. Nebraska

a. Oregon

Which of the following regions is associated with logging? a. Oregon b. West Virginia c. Wyoming d. Nebraska

c. Wyoming

Which of the following regions is associated with ranching? a. Oregon b. West Virginia c. Wyoming d. Nebraska

b. serving on a jury

Which of the following responsibilites is necessary to ensure that an individual right in the Bill of Rights is upheld? a. serving in the military b. serving on a jury c. voting in federal elections d. paying taxes

b. sectionalism

Which of the following terms best describes the regional conflicts related to slavery before the Civil War? a. Americanism b. sectionalism c. nationalism d. patriotism

a. savings account

Which of the following types of investment is the safest but normally has the lowest rate of return? a. savings account b. money market fund c. certificate of deposit d. stock ownership

a. A study of how age and religion has impacted voting behavior in the last four presidential elections.

Which of the following types of studies would most likely use quantitative research methods rather than qualitative research methods? a. A study of how age and religion has impacted voting behavior in the last four presidential elections. b. A study of the attitudes of new mothers to different health care options. c. A study comparing the approaches to childcare of those over the age of 50 and those under the age of 50. d. A study of how college freshmen adjust to campus life.

b. They all relied primarily on their own feet for their transportation.

Which of the following was common among all Native American groups in North America at the beginning of European colonization? a. They all were nomadic and traveled from place to place. b. They all relied primarily on their own feet for their transportation. c. They all had highly organized government and religious structures. d. They all practiced patriarchal social structures.

c. a venn diagram

Which of the following would be most useful for comparing and contrasting the natural resources of the United States and Mexico? a. a physical map b. a circle map c. a venn diagram d. a histogram

a. Both increase final costs to consumers d. both are used to support the nation's priorities e. both impact how much companies are willing to invest in certain businesses

Which three of the following are effects of government regulation and taxation? a. Both increase final costs to consumers b. both result in undue burdens on consumers c. both decrease the amount of money in circulation d. both are used to support the nation's priorities e. both impact how much companies are willing to invest in certain businesses

Assimilation

the social process of absorbing one cultural group into harmony with another

Flokways

the traditional behavior or way of life of a particular community or group of people