Social Studies Elementary Education Content Area Exam 305

Which of the following is the first step in the social science research process?

a

Gather evidence

b

Define the problem

c

Select a research design

d

Formulate a hypothesis

b. Define the problem

A third-grade teacher is discussing cultural differences with her students. Which of the following instructional activities demonstrates an effective use of technology within this unit?

a

having students work in groups using collaborative software to create their own country, complete with a flag, holidays, and traditions

b

asking students to read about different cultures online and present their findings to the class

c

having students watch a video in which a teacher discusses some cultural differences

d

conducting a virtual call in which students can ask questions to a third-grade class in another country

d. conducting a virtual call in which students can ask questions to a third-grade class in another country

When a student is beginning a research project, which of the following is the most appropriate first step?

a

Perform an initial background check on the research subject

b

Identify potential websites to use during the research process

c

Write an introduction to the research project to guide the research process

d

Form an initial question about a research topic

d. Form an initial question about a research topic

A social studies teacher wants to address the social studies theme of time, continuity, and change. Which of the following questions for a sixth-grade elementary class would be most appropriate to address this theme?

a

Why did the demand for oil increase with the mass production of the automobile?

b

What are the geographic characteristics of the majority of oil fields within the United States?

c

Why is oil expensive?

d

What two states have the largest production of oil?

a. Why did the demand for oil increase with the mass production of the automobile?

When a student has formed an initial question for a research topic, which of the following would be the most appropriate next step?

a

Begin writing a paper or creating a presentation

b

Present any conclusions drawn in a presentation or paper

c

Research what others have found and written about the initial question

d

Draw conclusions about the best answer to the initial question

c. Research what others have found and written about the initial question

Which of the following is NOT considered a benefit of cash?

a

ease of use

b

accessibility

c

security

d

acceptability

c. security

Land, labor, capital, and technology are types of economic

a

services.

b

scarcity.

c

resources.

d

bartering.

c. resources

Which of the following is a benefit of globalization?

a

equal opportunity for all countries

b

improved national sovereignty

c

increased comparative advantages

d

eliminating national debt

c. increased national sovereignty

Subprime lending, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and housing demands are all related to which of the following?

a

the Great Depression

b

the Great Recession

c

the Progressive Era

d

supply-side economics

b. Great Recession

Which of the following factors do consumers typically consider highest priority when making purchasing decisions?

a

social factors

b

marketing factors

c

economic factors

d

personal factors

c

economic factors

Which of the following actions would the US government be most likely to take when facing a scarcity of a specific resource?

a

raising the price on an item

b

seizing control of the supply

c

limiting who can access the resource

d

enforcing rationing

d. enforcing rationing

A producer's profits are equal to _______ minus ______.

a

cost; tax

b

revenue; cost

c

cost; revenue

d

revenue; tax

b. revenue; cost

Mr. Scott begins a project among his fourth-grade class. He gives the class $20 to purchase pencils and has his students sell them to students who have forgotten their pencils at home. Which of the following economic principles can Mr. Scott's students learn from this project?

a

opportunity cost

b

comparative advantage

c

impact of imports and tariffs

d

supply and demand

d. supply and demand

Which of the following is a concern associated with globalization?

a

exploitation of workers

b

decreased comparative advantages

c

financial markets

d

decreased specialization of labor

a. exploitation of workers

Subsidies are designed to have which of the following effects?

a

to encourage companies to produce otherwise cost-prohibitive goods

b

to encourage consumers to purchase an overproduced good

c

to stimulate growth of publicly-owned industries

d

to stimulate competition in monopolistic markets

a. to encourage companies to produce otherwise cost-prohibitive goods

Price controls are most likely to be instituted in which of the following situations?

a

when a basic good such as wheat is affected by natural disaster to the point of scarcity

b

as consumer tastes change

c

during times of economic depression in the national economy

d

as imports of a basic good from abroad increase competition

a

when a basic good such as wheat is affected by natural disaster to the point of scarcity

Which of the following was an effect of World War II?

a

decreased technological innovation

b

increased economic instability in the US

c

decreased international trade

d

increased globalism

d. increased globalism

Students are separating costs of running a concession stand into expenses that depend on sales volume and those that do not. What concept does the teacher want students to understand through this activity?

a

supply and demand

b

sales tax

c

fixed and variable income

d

fixed and variable expenses

d. fixed and variable expenses

Capital refers to what type of economic resource?

a

resources used to produce something else

b

resources which exist in the natural environment

c

financial resources used to conduct economic activity

d

resources which are naturally renewable

a. resources used to produce something else

Which of the following is the best example of competitive free-market economy?

a

the Soviet Union

b

China

c

Sweden

d

the United States

d. the United States

In a mixed economy, price is set by

a

supply and demand.

b

suppliers.

c

the market, with government input.

d

central planners.

c. the market, with government input

Trade agreements between countries, like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), are created primarily to accomplish which of the following?

a

protect domestic industries from foreign competition

b

reduce barriers to trade between countries

c

reduce illegal importation and exportation between countries

d

increase trade regulations between countries

b. reduce barriers to trade between countries

Which of the following is the best example of a tariff?

a

a 15% tax on year-end investment income

b

a $50,000 subsidy to corn farmers in Iowa

c

a $5,000 tax credit for firms researching solar battery cells

d

a 20% tax on imported cane sugar

d. a 20% tax on imported cane sugar

If the market price of cabbage drops, you can infer that what has happened to cause this change?

a

Consumers have been buying more cabbage.

b

Consumers have been buying less cabbage.

c

Taxes have increased.

d

Production of cabbage has been reduced.

b. Consumers have been buying less cabbage.

Interest is best defined as:

a

the cost associated with borrowing from the bank which issues a credit card.

b

the minimum a borrower must pay each month on their credit card bill.

c

the discount provided by using a credit card.

d

the amount of money someone can spend on a credit card.

a.

the cost associated with borrowing from the bank which issues a credit card.

Based on the economic principles of supply and demand, a surplus in the availability of corn will most likely have which of the following effects?

a

decreased demand from consumers

b

increased demand from consumers

c

decreased corn prices for consumers

d

increased prices for consumers

c. decreased corn prices for consumers

Which of the following is an aspect of the the American political system that best exemplifies the concept of the consent of the governed?

a

voting

b

direct lawmaking

c

running for office

d

petitioning political leaders

a. voting

In which of the following economic systems is the means of production most directly owned by the public as a whole?

a

capitalism

b

communism

c

mercantilism

d

democratic socialism

b. communism

Of the following systems, which is least likely to promote the welfare and respect the opinion of its citizens?

a

dictatorship

b

republic

c

monarchy

d

direct democracy

a. dictatorship

Which of the following correctly describes the difference between communism and socialism?

a

In socialism, the means of production are privately owned and operated, but in communism, the government owns the means of production.

b

In socialism, the people collectively own the means of production, but in communism, the means of production are privately owned and operated.

c

In socialism, the people collectively own the means of production, but in communism, the government owns the means of production.

d

In socialism, the government owns the means of production, but in communism, the people collectively own the means of production.

c.

In socialism, the people collectively own the means of production, but in communism, the government owns the means of production.

In what types of economy are the means of production primarily owned by individuals rather than government entities?

a

communism and feudalism

b

capitalism and socialism

c

socialism and communism

d

feudalism and communism

b. capitalism and socialism

Which of the following most accurately describes the structure of the United States government?

a

a direct democracy

b

an autocracy

c

a representative democracy

d

a monarchy

c. a representative democracy

Which of the following accurately describes state electors?

a

The state elector process is dependent on the two-party system.

b

Electors no longer play a role in modern politics.

c

Electors are chosen by the governor of each state.

d

The number of electors per state depends on its number of congressional representatives.

d

The number of electors per state depends on its number of congressional representatives.

Political parties emerged early on in the United States. Despite significant shifting and changes over the years, what has remained most consistent?

a

two parties divided on the idea of the power of the federal government

b

the Republican party's support of states' rights

c

the Democratic Party's support of a strong federal government

d

the Democratic Party's focus on socially-liberal ideas

a. tow parties divided on the idea of the power of the federal government

Which of the following is an effect of the "winner take all" system that most states use to allocate votes in the electoral college?

a

It makes it possible for a candidate to win the national popular vote but lose the election.

b

It makes primaries less important to the electoral process.

c

It ensures that each individual person's vote has an equal influence on the election.

d

It encourages candidates to campaign in all states.

a.

It makes it possible for a candidate to win the national popular vote but lose the election.

In which of the following economic systems is the means of production most directly owned by the public as a whole?

a

mercantilism

b

democratic socialism

c

communism

d

capitalism

c. communism

A group of teachers and students meets with their elected officials to ask for their support for new legislation affecting schools. This is an example of:

a

Super PACs.

b

Citizens United.

c

lobbying.

d

freedom of the press.

c. lobbying

special interest groups are allowed to attempt to persuade lawmakers to pass laws favorable to their interests.

lobbying

In North Korea, the government determines which goods should be produced and at what quantities. This is an example of a:

a

mixed economy.

b

command economy.

c

traditional economy.

d

market economy.

b. command economy

A student is preparing a presentation on the benefits of democracy as a form of government in the United States. In order to support the learning goal, which of the following resources would be most beneficial for the student to include in the presentation?

a

a chart comparing the military strengths of the U.S. and Soviet Union during the Cold War

b

a graph showing the top five wealthiest nations in the world, with the U.S. at the top

c

a table comparing economic and political freedom between the U.S. and China

d

a timeline of American inventions from the past one hundred years

c. a table comparing economic and political freedom between the U.S. and China

Which of the following is the chronological first step in a presidential election?

a

primaries and caucuses

b

electoral college vote

c

general election

d

national conventions

a. primaries and caucuses

Which of the following U.S. documents states that the purpose of government includes the establishing of justice and securing the blessings of liberty?

a

Declaration of Independence

b

Magna Carta

c

Constitution of the United States

d

Articles of Confederation

c. Constitution of the United States

A civics teacher is designing an end-of-unit activity on checks and balances among the branches of government. Which of the following concepts will students need to master before completing the activity?

a

federalism

b

popular sovereignty

c

separation of powers

d

republicanism

c. separation of powers

Which of the following is an obligation of citizens of the United States?

a

serving as a juror if called

b

voting in elections

c

protesting injustices

d

paying state income taxes

a. serving as a juror if called

A United States citizen writes to her Senator complaining about the potential effects of a new law on her family. This is an example of exercising her right to

a

freedom of assembly.

b

freedom of religion.

c

freedom of press.

d

freedom of petition.

d. freedom of petition.

Which of the following documents did not influence the writing of the US Constitution?

a

the Articles of Confederation

b

the Bill of Rights

c

the Declaration of Independence

d

the original colonies' charters

b. the Bill of Rights

Which of the following is a major responsibility of local governments?

a

maintaining city and county transportation infrastructure

b

collecting income taxes

c

providing for collective defense

d

monitoring natural resources

a. maintaining city and county transportation infrastructure

 Under what circumstances can a citizen's right to protest be limited?

a

if the protest is during wartime

b

if the protest directly criticizes the current government

c

if the protest is deemed offensive to others

d

if the protest location might cause harm or significant disorder

d. if the protest location might cause harm or significant disorder

The process by which one branch of government is able to limit the power of another branch is known as:

a

executive privilege.

b

habeas corpus.

c

bicameralism.

d

checks and balances.

d. checks and balances.

Which of the following describes the views of anti-federalists such as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry?

a

A large federal government would infringe on the rights of states and individuals.

b

An independent United States would allow for more free trade because Americans would not be limited by British restrictions under the mercantile system.

c

An independent United States would inhibit trade and limit the benefits granted to Americans under the British mercantile system.

d

A central government must be strong enough to function properly but limited enough to prevent tyranny.

a. a large federal government would infringe on the rights of states and individuals

Which of the following are best defined as rights that are possessed by all individuals, regardless of place, time, or government jurisdiction?

a

divine rights

b

Miranda rights

c

property rights

d

natural rights

d. natural rights

Civic-minded citizens are encouraged but not required to do which of the following?

a

pay state tax

b

pursue a post-secondary education

c

participate in a jury

d

participate in the voting process

d. participate in the voting process

The United States Supreme Court decision in the case of Miranda v. Arizona (1966) dealt with civil liberties related to which of the following?

a

school segregation

b

eminent domain

c

voting rights

d

rights of the accused

d. rights of the accused

Which founding document contains the quote below?

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

a

the Mayflower Compact

b

the Bill of Rights

c

the United States Constitution

d

the Declaration of Independence

d. the Declaration of Independence

Which of the following documents outlines that all men are created equal and have the right to life?

a

the Articles of Confederation

b

the Magna Carta

c

the Declaration of Independence

d

the Constitution of the United States

c. the Declaration of Independence

The Constitution includes a list of actions Congress may not do (Prohibited Powers). What motivated the framers of the Constitution to include this list on the document?

a

fear that Congress would be more powerful than the other branches of the government

b

fear of tyranny by the government

c

fear that Congress would be ineffective without straightforward guidelines as to their role

d

fear that citizens would rebel

b. fear of tyranny by the government

In a lesson about different interpretations of the Constitution, a teacher presents students with the following quote and asks them to identify a founding father who might have said it and explain why they chose that historical figure.

"Our Constitution has accordingly fixed the limits to which, and no further, our confidence may go; and let the honest advocate of confidence read the Alien and Sedition acts, and say if the Constitution has not been wise in fixing limits to the government it created, and whether we should be wise in destroying those limits."

Which student response is the most accurate?

a

John Adams might have said it because, as a Federalist, he feared having a strong federal government.

b

Alexander Hamilton might have said it because, as a Federalist, he favored a limited federal government to protect states' rights.

c

James Madison might have said it because he had very little confidence in the Constitution when it was being ratified.

d

Thomas Jefferson might have said it because he interpreted the Constitution strictly and, as an Anti-federalist, did not want the federal government to expand its power.

d. Thomas Jefferson might have said it because he interpreted the Constitution strictly and, as an Anti-federalist, did not want the federal government to expand its power.

Which of the following parts of government is directly elected?

a

The Supreme Court

b

The cabinet

c

The House of Representatives

d

The president

c. The House of Representatives

The Erie Canal was built in order to:

a

decrease the dependence of railroads.

b

decrease flooding from the Great Lakes.

c

provide farmers with a reliable source of water for irrigation.

d

increase trade between the Midwest and New England.

d. increase trade between the Midwest and New England.

The New Deal was most influenced by which political ideology?

a

Republicanism

b

Isolationism

c

Anti-Federalism

d

Progressivism

d. Progressivism

An important feature of the Renaissance was its emphasis on

a

alchemy and magic.

b

chivalry and military skills.

c

the literature of Greece and Rome.

d

the teachings of the Catholic Church.

c. the literature of Greece and Rome.

Which of the following best describes the impact of the Himalayan Mountain Range and the Gobi Desert on Ancient China?

a

They caused the Ancient Chinese to have little success in farming.

b

They caused relative isolation of the civilization from the rest of the world.

c

The terrain required all Ancient Chinese to be nomadic people.

d

They prevented the ability to trade with other civilizations.

b. They caused relative isolation of the civilization from the rest of the world.

The Columbian Exchange refers to which of the following?

a

the exchange of plants, animals, crops, culture, people, and ideas between the Old and New Worlds following Columbus' expeditions

b

a rapid change in earth's climate in the 16th Century

c

the transfer of political control from Native Americans to Europeans in the New World

d

the growth of European wealth due to an influx of gold from the New World

a. the exchange of plants, animals, crops, culture, people, and ideas between the Old and New Worlds following Columbus' expeditions

Which of the following best captures the purpose of the Mission system in California?

a

to establish trade networks with Native American tribes

b

to spread Spanish culture and religion among the Native Americans in California

c

to protect Spanish settlements from British and Russian aggression

d

to train Native Americans in Spanish agricultural techniques

b. to spread Spanish culture and religion among the Native Americans in California

World War I ended with unresolved issues that are believed to have eventually led to WWII. Which TWO of the following are included in this list?

Select all answers that apply.

a

Germany believed the Treaty of Versailles treated them unfairly.

b

The League of Nations was disbanded after the Treaty of Versailles was signed.

c

Many countries remained bitter and untrusting of each other after the war.

d

There was massive death and destruction from the fighting in WWI.

a and c

Which of the following best describes Ancient Rome's relationship with Christianity?

a

In 380 CE, Christianity became the official religion of Rome and established the Catholic Church as a powerful governing body.

b

Ancient Rome saw the shift away from monotheism to widespread polytheism in the practice of Christianity.

c

The Catholic Church introduced Latin, which eventually spread to common use throughout Rome.

d

Despite never being officially recognized by the government, Christianity eventually became the religion practiced by the majority of Romans.

a. In 380 CE, Christianity became the official religion of Rome and established the Catholic Church as a powerful governing body.

Ancient Egyptians mass-produced which of the following goods for use in the wider Mediterranean world?

a

agricultural tools

b

cotton

c

spices

d

paper

d. paper

Ferdinand Magellan is best known for which endeavor?

a

the discovery of the New World by Europeans

b

the circumnavigation of the earth

c

the establishment of Jamestown

d

the settlement of Australia by Europeans

b. the circumnavigation of the earth

Which of the following was the initial goal of French exploration of North America?

a

preventing Britishand Spanish control of the continent

b

discovering a water passageway to the Pacific

c

establishing trade with European settlers

d

extract of gold and silver

b. discovering a water passageway to the Pacific

The Cold War Era was marked by all the following EXCEPT

a

an American policy of containment

b

the use of nuclear weapons in small wars

c

the formation of military alliances

d

the use of espionage and subversion

b. the use of nuclear weapons in small wars

Why was the Chicago Board of Trade created?

a

to monitor the prices of goods and services originating in Chicago

b

to facilitate the growth of Chicago's financial sector

c

to help farmers and merchants minimize agricultural risks

d

to encourage and financially support entrepreneurship

c. to help farmers and merchants minimize agricultural risks

A major effect of the 18^th Amendment in Chicago was:

a

a dramatic increase in organized crime.

b

the near elimination of the consumption of alcohol within the city.

c

an increased moralism throughout the city.

d

a decrease in political corruption.

a. a dramatic increase in organized crime

The settlers of Jamestown Colony came to the New World seeking ______, while those who came later and settled at Plymouth were in search of ______.

a

economic prosperity; religious freedom

b

slaves; religious freedom

c

religious freedom; economic prosperity

d

democratic government; slaves

a. economic prosperity; religious freedom

Ferdinand Magellan is best known for which endeavor?

the circumnavigation of the earth

With the deaths of seven police officers and four civilians, which of the following conflicts occurred in Chicago and was one of the most violent labor rallies of the time period?

a

Coxey's Army

b

Selma to Montgomery March

c

Haymarket Square

d

The Solidarity Day March

c. Haymarket Square

Which of the following is a description of movement as defined in the five themes of geography?

a

South and Central Americans immigrate to the U.S in search of safety and stability.

b

The Nile flows north into the Mediterranean Sea.

c

The Arctic Ocean is north of Canada.

d

Pangaea separated into the continents we know today.

a. South and Central Americans immigrate to the U.S in search of safety and stability.

Which of the following types of maps shows a detailed and accurate graphic representation of natural features of the ground?

a

thematic

b

meteorological

c

political

d

topographic

d. topographic

A map that primarily shows the area of and borders between each country, national capitals, and major cities is which type of map?

a

political

b

topographic

c

thematic

d

physical

a. political

Which type of map is most likely to show and label mountain ranges as well as bodies of water?

a

physical

b

political

c

thematic

d

topographic

a. physical

Which of the following best describes a sea?

a

a sea is another name for an ocean

b

a part of the ocean surrounded partially by land

c

a body of salt-water surrounded entirely by land

d

a large body of freshwater surrounded entirely by land

b. a part of the ocean surrounded partially by land

By providing the coordinates of a location, you are providing its

a

physical characteristics.

b

relative location.

c

region.

d

absolute location.

d. absolute location.

makes laws

legislative

carries out laws

executive

evaluates laws

judicial