TExES Core Subjects - Social Studies (391)
Which of the following is the best example of a tariff? a $50,000 subsidy to corn farmers in Iowa a 15% tax on year-end investment income a 20% tax on imported cane sugar a $5,000 tax credit for firms researching solar battery cells
A 20% tax on imported cane sugar A tariff is a tax on products imported or exported from a country. This is a good example of a tariff.
The United States is classified as which form of government? a democratic republic an autocracy a monarchy a direct democracy
A democratic republic The United States is a democratic republic, which means citizens from cities and states elect officials to represent them at the state and federal level.
California experienced a significant drought from 2012-2015. Many almond farmers began planting crops that required less water to grow. This action is an example of: adapting to environmental changes. the benefits of reliance on renewable resources. market pressures on farming. settlement patterns impacting the environment.
Adapting to environmental changes. The change in crop choice is an example of farmers adapting to the change in the environment.
Who was the first European to explore the land of Texas and establish a relationship with Native American tribes in Texas? Cabeza de Vaca Francisco Vasquez de Coronado Marcos de Niza Alonso Alvarez de Pineda
Cabeza de Vaca Cabeza de Vaca was the first European explorer to explore more than just the coast of Texas. He was a member of the Narvaez expedition, which was shipwrecked in the Gulf and all but four members died. Cabeza explored Texas for many years and became well-known among the tribes as a healer.
The following is an excerpt from a speech delivered by Frederick Douglass to the International Council of Women in Washington, D.C., April 1888 on the topic of Women's Suffrage. All good causes are mutually helpful. The benefits accruing from this movement for the equal rights of woman are not confined or limited to woman only. They will be shared by every effort to promote the progress and welfare of mankind everywhere and in all ages. It was an example and a prophecy of what can be accomplished against strongly opposing forces, against time—hallowed abuses, against deeply entrenched error, against worldwide usage, and against the settled judgment of mankind, by a few earnest women, clad only in the panoply of truth, and determined to live and die in what they considered a righteous cause. Based on the opinions expressed in this excerpt, which of the following would Frederick Douglass likely have supported? vetoing the Voting Rights Act closing the gender wage gap banning interracial marriages internment of Japanese Americans during WWII
Closing the gender wage gap Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and prominent supporter of women's rights. This passage is about equal rights and how "progress" for one group of people means progress for all people. We can assume Douglass would believe that everyone should be paid the same amount, no matter their gender or race and ethnicity.
A second-grade teacher is planning a unit and wants to address the state standard that "the student understands multiple points of view and how they shaped historical research." Which of the following would best address this standard? Assign students to research the history of an important local landmark Identify various cultures within the community and what makes those particular cultures distinct Compare various primary and secondary sources about a single notable event Take a field trip to a local museum
Compare various primary and secondary sources about a single notable event Comparing various primary and secondary sources will give the student multiple points of view, across a wide range of time periods, for a particular event. This is a great strategy to introduce students to multiple points of view.
Which of the following would be the most effective assignment to assess a student's ability to analyze the digging of the Erie Canal on the development of the Midwest and New York? Participate in a play about the life on a ship in the 19th century Create a cause-and-effect flow chart about the Erie Canal Trace a map and label the waterways that the Erie Canal joined Prepare a report on the first European exploration of New York and the Great Lakes
Create a cause-and-effect flow chart about the Erie Canal This is the best answer because the student must assess the causes of the Erie Canal and the effect, or impact, of the Erie Canal. Because the Erie Canal connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, the impact of the Erie Canal on the Midwest is substantial.
The first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and enabling people and goods to move quickly across the continent. This is best described as an example of innovation's impact on: distance. politics. the economy. geography.
Distance. The transcontinental railroad enabled goods and people to move across the country more quickly and for lower costs, shrinking the impact of distance.
Looking at the image above, it can be reasoned that the Lewis and Clark Expedition was launched in order to: lay claim to midwest territories. explore the Mississippi River system. explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. identify the value of Spanish-possessed lands.
Explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. This is the best answer option because the graph above indicates the expedition explored a large portion of the newly-purchased Louisiana Territory.
Data as of 1997 from the World Almanac Based on the information in the table, which of the following conclusions is best supported? Population density is directly correlated to per capita income. Agricultural jobs result in higher per capita income for a country. Command economies produce a better social-safety net than free-enterprise economies. Free-enterprise economies allow populations to create a higher per capita income.
Free-enterprise economies allow populations to create a higher per capita income. The information in the graph outlines various economic information about countries in East Asia. Those with free-enterprise economies have a higher per capita income.
Which of the following was not a result of Spain's early exploration of the Americas? the spread of Christianity the domination and subjugation of Mesoamerican empires increased wealth for the Spanish monarchy and Spanish explorers identification of more efficient trade routes to Asia
Identification of more efficient trade routes to Asia Early Spanish explorers did hope to find a better route to Asia for the purposes of trade, but they did not find one despite Christopher Columbus thinking he had arrived in Asia when he had actually found the Caribbean.
From the network shown in the map, you can conclude that railroads in India: decreased agriculture production in India. increased the variety of crops grown in India. made shipping agriculture to the ports in the Arabian Sea easier. decreased the variety of crops grown in India.
Made shipping agriculture to the ports in the Arabian Sea easier. The railroad network in India connected many agricultural areas to ports along the Arabian Sea, making it easier to transport crops to the ports.
How did the U.S. annexation of Texas lead to the Mexican-American War? Santa Anna invaded Texas in hopes of taking land from the U.S. The U.S. used Texas as a launching pad for an invasion of Mexico. Mexico did not recognize Texas as an independent state. Texas invaded Mexico and asked for U.S. assistance.
Mexico did not recognize Texas as an independent state. Mexico interpreted the United States' annexation of Texas as an insult towards Mexico's sovereignty. Mexico felt the U.S. was stealing its property. This sentiment led Mexico to invade Texas, thus starting the Mexican-American War.
According to the map, in which region is North Dakota located? Southeast Northeast Midwest Northwest
Midwest North Dakota is a state in the Midwest region.
Which of the following are best defined as rights that are possessed by all individuals, regardless of place, time, or government jurisdiction? natural rights property rights Miranda rights divine rights
Natural rights Natural rights are seen as belonging to an individual with no requirement. They are traditionally seen as life, liberty, and property (or the pursuit of happiness). Natural rights, like natural law, extend beyond culture, society, or time period.
Which of the following is thought to be the first Mesoamerican civilization? Teotihuacán Toltec Mayan Olmec
Olmec The Olmec civilization was the first Mesoamerican civilization.
Japan and Germany, although being badly damaged in World War II, have since grown to be among the strongest economies in the world. All of the following have attributed to their growth, except: strong corporations in the automotive and technology industries. receiving military and financial support from other countries. decreasing unemployment rates matched with increased wages. oversupply of exports from decreased consumerism.
Oversupply of exports from decreased consumerism. Consumerism actually increased due to the promise of post-war economic stability.
Which canal creates a water route from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean? Erie Canal Panama Canal Suez Canal Kiel Canal
Panama Canal The Panama Canal is in Central America. It connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, greatly reducing travel time.
In a sixth-grade classroom, two students argue over the use of a single glue stick. Which economic principle does this best provide a teachable moment for? free trade mercantilism scarcity opportunity cost
Scarcity Scarcity refers to the limitation of resources in a given scenario. In this case, the glue stick is a limited resource.
Billy is saving to buy a new phone. Billy's friends invite him to go to dinner and a movie. He wants to go, but decides that saving his money for a new phone is more important. Billy's choice best demonstrates which of the following? scarcity of resources comparative advantage supply and demand opportunity cost
Scarcity of resources Scarcity refers to the limitation of resources in a given scenario. Opportunity cost Opportunity cost is the concept that the cost of an activity is not the monetary loss a person receives, but rather what their time and efforts could otherwise have been dedicated to.
Which of the following was the primary cause of prehistoric human migration? search for better socio-economic opportunity search for suitable water sources desire for military advantages need to escape persecution
Search for suitable water sources The need for suitable water and food resources was the primary driver of prehistoric human migration.
Which of the following political theories does the chart illustrate? separation of powers due process popular sovereignty federalism
Separation of powers The chart depicts how the Constitution established three branches of government to carry out the three functions of government.
A sixth-grade student is researching the Civil War and has read two conflicting secondary sources about the motivations of Abraham Lincoln in issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. He asks the teacher how he can find which secondary source is most accurate in the matter. Which of the following responses by the teacher would be most appropriate? Identifying which book has a larger bibliography as a means of deciding which book is more accurate. The teacher should tell the student which book is more accurate. Suggesting to the student to read the primary sources quoted by the secondary sources so the student can draw an independent conclusion. Urging the student to look at online reviews of the book to find which one is more accurate.
Suggesting to the student to read the primary sources quoted by the secondary sources so the student can draw an independent conclusion This is the best answer. If a student has two conflicting reports and motivations, reading the primary sources of the secondary sources will provide detail and allow the student to deduce their own conclusions.
Which TWO of the following compose the legislative branch of the United States? Select all answers that apply. The House of Representatives The White House staff The Senate The Supreme Court
The House of Representatives and the Senate
Which of the following constitutional amendments allowed for women's suffrage? the Nineteenth Amendment the Seventeenth Amendment the First Amendment the Thirteenth Amendment
The Nineteenth Amendment The Nineteenth Amendment granted women the right to vote, known as women's suffrage.
Which of the following describes a significant shift in the Texas economy in the early 1900s that still impacts the state today? Wheat production dropped in other parts of the country increasing reliance on Texas production. Demand for seafood from the Gulf increased from northern states. The development of the railroad decreased the demand for Texas cattle. The Spindletop oil derrick attracted investors and speculators to Texas.
The Spindletop oil derrick attracted investors and speculators to Texas. The oil derrick Spindletop began producing over 100,000 barrels of oil a day, overnight becoming the most productive oil derrick in the world. Investors and speculators from across the country flocked to Texas, bringing money and jobs.
Which of the following is true of the Texas Constitution? The constitution does not include a Bill of Rights. The constitution gives only limited powers to the state government. The constitution has never been amended. The constitution bars the payment of federal income tax.
The constitution gives only limited powers to the state government. The powers of the Texas state government are highly limited by the constitution. This is a common practice among former confederate states.
The period between 5th century and 13th century CE in Europe is known as The Dark Ages. Which of the following best describes why this period is known as The Dark Ages? The culture experienced a deterioration. Disease was prevalent and there was a high infant mortality rate. The people spent most of their time in the work of the manor house. The nobles were always looking for a good cause to fight.
The culture experienced a deterioration. The Dark Ages refers to Medieval Europe from the 6th century to 13th century. The term refers to the cultural deterioration of Europe between the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the Renaissance. Characteristics of the Dark Ages include a lack of literature creation, written history, architectural innovation, and general cultural achievements.
Which of the following can be identified as a world-wide impact of World War II? the decolonization of Africa and Asia increased European control over colonies in Africa the strengthening of the German monarchy the founding of the League of Nations
The decolonization of Africa and Asia As the post-war global community became more nationalistic, one country after another began fighting for autonomy and representation in the United Nations through colonial revolts, resulting in a reduction of European colonies in Africa and Asia.
Based on the information illustrated, which of the following conclusions can be reached? The largest importer of African slaves was the Caribbean countries. A significant percentage of African slaves was sent to European countries. The largest importer of African slaves was the Southern American colonies. The slave trade increased in frequency in the 19th century.
The largest importer of African slaves was the Caribbean countries. According to the chart, the Caribbean Islands imported 40% of the slaves, the largest percentage of any area.
Which of the following geographic features most likely contributed to the lack of cultural consistency and political unity among the Greek city-states? competition among fisherman at seaports importance of kinship bonds in Greek culture diverse economic resources resulting in city-states specializing in one production area the mountainous terrain of Greece
The mountainous terrain of Greece The mountainous terrain encouraged each Greek city to be self-contained and isolated from other cities, because communication and trade with other city-states was so difficult, due to the mountains dividing the cities. The isolation of cities led to a diverging of cultures as each city developed its own politics and societal norms. Geographic areas tend to have similar cultures because trade and travel are so prevalent between areas, such as the common cultural characteristics in the United States. The lack of trade and travel in ancient Greece, caused by the mountainous terrain, resulted in each city-state having a unique political structure and varying societal norms.
The formal name of the United States of America denotes which type of region? political climate language religious
The name of the United States of America denotes a political region that is under the governing of the United States government. Within the United States of America there are many languages, religions, and climates.
In economics, the "opportunity cost" of a choice refers to the cost of: the sum of all forgone opportunities. monetary loss resulting from an action. utility lost by not pursuing another option. the next-best forgone activity.
The next-best forgone activity. Opportunity cost is the concept that the cost of an activity is not the monetary loss a person receives, but rather what could their time and efforts have otherwise been spent on.
What was the purpose and outcome of the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848? The purpose of this convention was to remind Americans of women's contributions in the struggle for independence. The outcome was a bill in congress that was passed to honor women for this purpose. The purpose of the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 was to call attention to the grievances of women. The outcome of the convention was the "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolution." The purpose of this convention was to provide women the right to run for public office. The outcome was including this clause in the Bill of Rights. The purpose of the Seneca Falls Convention was for women to gain the right to vote. The outcome was the right for all women to vote, which was passed in Congress.
The purpose of the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 was to call attention to the grievances of women. The outcome of the convention was the "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolution." The purpose of the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848, the first women's rights convention, was to call attention to women's grievances about being deprived of social, civil, and religious rights. The outcome of the convention was the "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolution" (sometimes called the "Declaration of Sentiments"), which demanded equal social status and legal rights for women, including the right to vote, and is considered to be the beginning of the Women's Suffrage Movement.
What political factor distinguished Egypt from other civilizations of the Fertile Crescent? They had a religious system in which the gods provided protection against nature. They had a strong central government led by a family of kings. They gave their women the right to own property. They learned how to organize workers to build temples.
They had a strong central government led by a family of kings. The rulers of ancient Egypt were pharaohs and were the leaders of a strong centralized government. The benefit of the dynastic rule of the pharaohs is that it provided political stability to the region and allowed resources to be devoted to arts and sciences, instead of war. The rule of the pharaohs was typically transferred from father to son.
Which of the following best describes the importance of a primary source? They provide objective views of events after the date under study. They help researchers gain first-hand accounts and insights into a situation and allow researchers to draw conclusions based on the account They provide students with concrete facts from which to draw logical conclusions They help students read about the event in common, everyday language
They help researchers gain first-hand accounts and insights into a situation and allow researchers to draw conclusions based on the account Primary sources provide valuable first-hand accounts and insights.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Bill of Rights? to correct errors in the original drafting of the Constitution to place limits on the rights of the states to guarantee women the right to vote to provide additional protections to individuals
To provide additional protections to individuals The Bill of Rights is made up of the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Of these, the first nine guarantee additional protections for individuals that are not stated elsewhere in the Constitution.
Which of the following types of maps shows a detailed and accurate graphic representation of natural features of the ground? thematic political meteorological topographic
Topographic A topographic map displays, in large detail, the natural features of the ground. In general, the purpose of topographic maps is to convey the relief, or elevation changes, in a particular area using contour lines.
Which of the following is least important to the development and shaping of cultures? the geography of the region traditions written and passed down through history types of accents interactions of people and ideals
Types of accents Accents can be an expression of culture, but have little impact on shaping it.
Which of the following best describes the effect of the Black Death on capitalism? With fewer serfs to support lords, serfs were able to demand more money, eventually buying their freedom and move into towns. With significant deaths among the upper class, their wealth was dispersed to the serfs. Port cities, mostly spared from the plague, flourished. Money was spent to improve sanitation, creating new trades for townspeople.
With fewer serfs to support lords, serfs were able to demand more money, eventually buying their freedom and move into towns. The serfs could buy their freedom and move off the manor into towns. Combined with the effects of exploration, the creation of the merchant class would soon follow.
