Social Studies: Core Subjects Study Material Part 1

Read the passage below and answer the following question. 

 

“Mortarmen do one thing in the infantry better than everybody else–they hump equipment. They carry heavy loads on their backs and go everywhere the riflemen go. The terrain [is] varied from the sand dunes along the coast to foothills inland, to rice paddies in the lush agricultural areas, to the mountains and jungles near the [Demilitarized Zone]. I was determined that I would not only hump as much as my men, but more. I carried the sight box on a packboard, as well as several mortar rounds.” - U.S. Marine, Tom Smith 

 

 

Based on the passage above, this first hand account best describes which war?

A. World War I

B. World War II

C. The Vietnam War

D. The Persian Gulf War

The correct answer is C. The Vietnam War because Smith describes a country that has a variety in terrain where rice paddies are grown, and mentions a demilitarized zone which are all consistent in describing the landscape of Vietnam.

Which of the following is an example of a resource allocation decision made by a business?

A. A consumer deciding to purchase a new smartphone

B. A government increasing the minimum wage

C. A firm deciding to expand production of a certain product

D. A student choosing a major in college

C is the correct answer because resource allocation refers to the process of allocating scarce resources among competing uses. In the context of a firm, resource allocation decisions involve deciding how to allocate the firm's resources among different activities or projects. The decision to expand production of a certain product is an example of a resource allocation decision.

Which of the following astronauts, a Texas native, was a part of the Apollo 7 mission?

A. Neil Armstrong

B. Buzz Aldrin

C. Walter Cunningham

D. Michael Collins

The correct answer is C. A Texas native and a member of the Apollo 7 mission, which was the first crewed Apollo flight, testing the Command Module in Earth orbit.

When teaching about the various conflicts in Afghanistan a teacher shows ways in which the mountainous terrain prevented invading armies from maintaining permanent bases. This leads to the invading army being unable to conquer the nation of Afghanistan, from the Persians to the Soviet Union. Which two disciplines is the teacher relying on to present this lesson?

A. Geography & Economics

B. Geography & History

C. Geography & Civics

D. History & Civics

Answer B is correct because the teacher is having students analyze many historic events in Afghanistan, while making sure that students understand the physical geography of the region, and how it impacted the invaders.

Economic institutions exist in all societies but are structured differently. Which of the following best exemplifies a primary way economic institutions differ globally?

A. In all societies, economic institutions only regulate private businesses.

B. Some societies have market-based economies, while others rely on planned economies controlled by the government.

C. Economic institutions everywhere distribute wealth equally among citizens.

D. Every society’s economy relies on a central bank to manage currency.

The correct answer is B. Economic institutions are diverse; some societies have market-driven economies, while others have planned economies where the government directs production and distribution. Wealth distribution and the reliance on central banks also vary widely.

Which element of a map communicates the relative size or distance?

A. legend

B. scale

C. figure

D. title

Answer B is correct because the scale of a map always communicates distance or size of elements on the map. Answer A is incorrect because the legend communicates various pieces of information on a map other than distance or size.

The folk song “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie is often seen as a commentary on:

A. The idealism of the American Dream and its accessibility to all Americans

B. The Civil Rights Movement and its goals of equality

C. Manifest Destiny and the importance of westward expansion

D. Urbanization and its impact on rural communities

The correct answer is A. The song celebrates America’s natural beauty and questions whether the “American Dream” is truly available to everyone. It does not relate directly to civil rights, Manifest Destiny, or urbanization.

A seventh-grade social studies teacher wants to have a Socratic Seminar about empire building in the ancient world. In order to have a successful seminar the teacher should do which of the following?

A. Select an appropriate text that provides students with enough information for them to form questions and think of talking points.

B. Require that students only work independently on their questions. 

C. Require that students create all of the questions that will be used in the seminar. 

D. Be sure to give a comprehensive summary of his/her own opinions on the topic. 

Answer A is correct because a teacher must select an appropriate text for students to gain background knowledge for a Socratic Seminar.

Based on the chart above, the 4th largest country in the world is...?

A. The United States of America

B. China

C. India

D. Indonesia

The correct answer is D. Indonesia. The largest section (40%) is made up a various other smaller countries. China has the largest population, followed by India, then the USA is 3rd, and Indonesia is the 4th largest country by population in the world. 

How might a teacher best show their elementary students how climate and physical geography affect societal practices?

A. Create a fictional collective class story on how the Caddo came to Texas and adapted to their region.

B. Collectively create a chart that compares the different Native American Tribes of Texas, including their region features and traditions.

C. Break students into groups and assign them each a Native American Tribe. Have each group write a fictional narrative about a peaceful  interaction that occurred between their tribe and another native tribe of Texas including trade.

D. Break the students into groups. Assign each group the same Native American tribe and a different season. Have each group create a visual sharing how they survive their season (food, clothing, and shelter) as well as the roles of each member of the tribe during the season.

D is the correct answer. While each class and group assignment has students focused on native aspect of a group, D incorporates the climate and geography into the activity.

Which Texas-born cardiac surgeon developed the first successful artificial heart pump in the U.S.?

A. Michael DeBakey

B. Denton Cooley

C. Walter Cunningham

D. Michael Dell

The correct answer is B. Denton Cooley performed the first successful human heart transplant using a heart pump in the U.S. in 1968, marking a milestone in cardiac surgery.

A is incorrect. A pioneering cardiovascular surgeon, but he did not perform the first U.S. heart transplant of an artificial heart.

C is incorrect. Walter Cunningham was an astronaut, not involved in heart surgery.

D is incorrect. Michael Dell  was the founder of Dell Computers, not related to medical advancements.

Which landmark Supreme Court case, under Chief Justice Earl Warren, declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional and played a pivotal role in advancing the civil rights movement?

A. Plessy v. Ferguson  

B. Brown v. Board of Education    

C. Roe v. Wade

D. Miranda v. Arizona

The correct answer is B. Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in 1954 that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The case challenged the "separate but equal" doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) and paved the way for desegregation in public education, playing a pivotal role in the civil rights movement's efforts to combat racial segregation and inequality. Chief Justice Warren presided. 

The Alamo in Texas is often used as a symbol of which broader historical theme within the United States

A. The importance of industrialization

B. Religious freedom and tolerance

C. Patriotism and the struggle for independence

D. The development of agricultural systems

The correct answer is C. The Alamo is a powerful symbol of the fight for independence and resistance against overwhelming odds, reflecting values of patriotism and sacrifice. It does not primarily represent industrialization, religious freedom, or agriculture.

The Federalists and Anti-Federalists debate over states’ rights was not the last time the United States struggled over this concept. What other event in American history had a central issue of states rights?

A. The War of 1812

B. The Spanish-American War

C. The Civil War

D. The Trail of Tears

 The correct answer is C. The Civil War. One of the reasons for the Civil War was the issue of Southern states’ rights to own slaves.

Which compromise from the Constitutional Convention of 1787 created the bi-cameral legislature which created the House of Representatives and the Senate?

A. The Great Compromise

B. The Three-Fifths Compromise

C. Electoral College Compromise

D. Constitutional Compromise

Answer A is correct because the issue of representation in the legislative branch was solved with the Great Compromise. Those who wanted representation based on population got the House of Representatives, while those who wanted the same number of representatives per state got the Senate.

The Liberty Bell is widely recognized as a symbol of which American value?

A. Freedom and independence

B. Innovation and progress

C. Equality and justice

D. Strength and military power

The correct answer is A. The Liberty Bell symbolizes freedom and independence, especially linked to the American Revolution.

When evaluating the reliability of a website as a historical source, which of the following factors should be considered?

A. The website's design and layout

B. The website's popularity on social media

C. The number of advertisements on the website

D. The author's qualifications and affiliations

The correct answer is D. The author's qualifications and affiliations can help determine the credibility of the information presented on a website. If the author is an expert in the field and is affiliated with a reputable institution, the information is more likely to be reliable.

Which Texas artist is known for works that highlight Hispanic and Native American heritage, often incorporating vibrant colors and symbolism?

A. Amado Peña

B. Georgia O’Keeffe

C. Jackson Pollock

D. Grant Wood

The correct answer is A. Peña is renowned for portraying Hispanic and Native American themes, especially through his use of color and symbolism. The other artists are notable but do not represent Hispanic or Native American society in their works.

The role of each of the three branches of government are:

A. The executive branch creates laws, the legislative enforces laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws

B. The executive branch enforces laws, the legislative branch creates laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws

C. The executive branch interprets laws, the legislative branch enforces laws, and the judicial branch writes laws

D. The executive branch creates laws, the legislative branch interprets the laws, and the judicial branch enforces laws

Answer B is correct because the executive branch enforces, the legislative branch creates, and the judicial branch interprets laws.

What document signed by King John of England established limits on monarchical powers?

A. Articles of the Confederation

B. Hammurabi’s Code of Laws

C. Justinian’s Code of Laws

D. Magna Carta

Answer D is correct, signed in 1215 the Magna Carta established the principle that everyone is subject to the law, even the king, and guarantees the rights of individuals, the right to justice and the right to a fair trial.

In the United States economy what is the role of the government?

A. Produce as many goods and services at the federal level, then let those trickle down to each state who will allocate the resources accordingly. Own half of the factors of production

B. Fill any unfulfilled wants/needs of the consumer, determine what will be produced, own half of the factors of production

C. Enforce rules and laws that protect the consumer, fulfill any wants/needs of the consumer, and regulate the free market

D. Enforce rules and laws that protect the consumer, provide funding from tax revenue for a variety of services, and regulate the free market.

Answer D is correct because the government's role in the U.S. includes: protecting the consumer, using tax revenue to provide services, and regulating the economy.

Students are being asked to analyze Westward expansion and its effects on pioneers, Native Americans, and the environment. Which social studies disciplines are being addressed in this task?

A. Geography & Economics

B. History & Economics

C. History & Geography

D. History & Civics

 Answer C is correct because Westward expansion is a required unit in United States history classes, and asking students to analyze the impact on the environment is an example of one of the five themes of geography.

An owner of a grocery store is part of which sector of the economy?

A. primary

B. secondary

C. tertiary

D. quaternary

The correct answer is C. The tertiary sector sells and trades processed goods. The primary sector extracts raw materials, the secondary sector processes raw materials and the quaternary sector creates and distributes information. 

Which of the following statements accurately compares the Civil Rights Movement in Texas to the broader Civil Rights Movement in the United States?

A. Both movements were primarily driven by legal battles, with figures like James Farmer in Texas paralleling the national efforts of Thurgood Marshall.

B. Unlike the national movement, the Texas Civil Rights Movement focused solely on school desegregation, as seen in the case of Sweatt v. Painter.

C. The Texas Civil Rights Movement uniquely emphasized labor rights for Mexican American workers, as exemplified by César Chávez, who only organized in Texas.

D. The national Civil Rights Movement and the Texas movement shared goals of voting rights, as seen in the work of Barbara Jordan in Texas and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The correct answer is D. The push for voting rights was a shared goal, with Barbara Jordan becoming a prominent Texas leader advocating for these rights, paralleling national efforts leading to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This comparison highlights common goals and significant figures in both movements.

Based on the map of religions across the world, North Africa predominantly adheres to which religion?

A. Christianity

B. Catholicism 

C. Traditional Tribal Religions

D. Islam

The correct answer is D. Islam. The majority of people living in North Africa practice Islam which can be seen by the green color on the map. The Southern part of Africa is a combination of Catholic and Protestant (Christian) faiths and mixed tribal religions as indicated by the purple, blue, and striped areas. 

Which of the following is an example of formative assessments?

A. Final project

B. Mid-term exam

C. Research paper

D. Exit ticket

Answer D is correct because an exit ticket seeks to identify if students understood the material from that day or that week, and would not count as a formal or summative assessment. Answers A, B, and C are all examples of summative assessments.

Which of the following historical source materials is most likely to provide personal insights and emotions of individuals from the past?

A. census data 

B. tax lists

C. oral histories

D. artifacts

The correct answer is C. Oral histories involve firsthand accounts from individuals who experienced historical events, providing valuable personal insights, emotions, and perspectives that may not be found in other source materials. 

Which of the following best defines a monopoly?

A. A market structure with many small firms competing against each other.

B. A market structure with only one seller controlling the supply of a good or service.

C. A market structure where the government sets prices and production levels.

D. A market structure with a few large firms dominating the industry.

The correct answer is B. In a monopoly, there is a single seller or producer that has exclusive control over the supply of a particular product or service, giving it significant market power.

Which of the following factors contribute to the credibility and reliability of a historical source?

Correct answer:

A. The presence of multiple corroborating primary sources supporting the information presented. 

B. The source's age, with older sources considered more credible.

C. The popularity of the source among historians, with widely cited sources being more reliable.

D. The source's use of emotional language to evoke a strong response from readers.

The correct answer is A. The credibility and reliability of a historical source are strengthened when multiple primary sources support the information it presents, as this indicates consistency and accuracy in the historical record.

Which of the following economic activities match with the corresponding sectors of an economy?

A. Drilling for oil & gas is a primary activity, refining the oil & gas is a secondary activity, transporting the refined product to market is a tertiary activity, while marketing the oil & gas is a quaternary activity.

B. Mining a diamond mine is both a primary and secondary activity as diamonds don’t need refining, while marketing the diamond is a tertiary activity, and transporting the diamonds is a quaternary activity

C. Managing a forest is both a primary and secondary activity, while transporting the lumber is a tertiary activity, and logging the forest in a quaternary activity

D. Managing drinking water from a reservoir is a primary activity while transporting it is a secondary activity, and treating the water is both a tertiary and quaternary activity

 Answer A is correct because it is the only example that correctly pairs the activity with the corresponding economic sector. Primary activities are the raw natural resources, secondary activities are the refining or transformation of the raw material, and tertiary activities are involved in the transport of the refined product. Quaternary activities rely on services to help the product get organized, sold etc.

What is the purpose of an economic indicator?

A. To measure the success and or growth of an economy

B. To indicate changes needed within the economic system

C. To measure the amount of gross wealth in an economy

D. To measure the amount of tertiary economic activities in a country. 

Answer A is correct because an economic indicator is a series of calculations that economists use to measure the success of an economy.

Answers B-D are incorrect because the purpose is not to calculate wealth, or identify changes needed in an economy.

Why was the Louisiana Purchase significant for the United States?

A. It gave France much needed money after their own revolution

B. It doubled the amount of land in the U.S. and allowed many citizens a chance at financial independence via westward expansion.

C. It doubled the amount of natural resources like gold that we would end up exploiting later on

D. It helped the U.S. double its population and expand our empire even further West

Answer B is correct because the Louisiana Purchase doubled the territory of the U.S. and encouraged westward expansion which offered a path to financial independence for citizens.

The latitude and longitude coordinates of a place are called?

A. relative location

B. functional region

C. transition zone

D. absolute location

The correct answer is D. Absolute location is the precise location of something on Earth. Relative location is the approximate location, and functional region and transition zones refer to large areas.

Which element of a map contains a list of symbols or colors to denote what’s being shown on the map?

A. Legend

B. Figure

C. Scale

D. Ground

 Answer A is correct because the legend focuses on the main information that is being communicated on a map. Answers B-D are incorrect because colors or symbols are not used in these sections of the map.

The movement of sediment from the weathered rock refers to what?

A. erosion

B. weathering

C. displacement

D. diffusion

A is the correct answer. Erosion is the process by which soil, rock, or sediment is transported from one place to another by wind, water, ice, or gravity. It can lead to changes in the landscape, such as the formation of valleys, canyons, and beaches.

B is incorrect. Weathering is the process by which rocks and soil are broken down into smaller particles by natural forces such as wind, water, and ice.

C is incorrect. Displacement is the movement of people or objects from one place to another, often due to factors such as economic hardship, conflict, or natural disasters.

D is incorrect. Diffusion is the spread of ideas, technologies, or cultural practices from one place to another.

Why are justices appointed for life?

A. to insulate them from political pressure

B. to prevent them from running for political office

C. to ensure continuity of decisions

D. to make the judicial branch the strongest branch of government

The correct answer is A. The framers were concerned that justices would make unfair decisions based on fears of job security or political allegiances. Justices are appointed for life but do not have to serve for life, they may resign and run for office. Stability of the court is a result from long-tenure but it was not a goal of the framers. No branch was to be more powerful than another.

Which of the following is an example of a strong summative assessment?

A. A Haiku poem

B. A postcard-style summary

C. Research paper

D. A 3 question quiz

Answer C is correct because a summative assessment should require students to analyze and critically think about multiple pieces of content. Answers A, B, and D are incorrect because they all describe formative assessments which do not allow for an in-depth examination of student knowledge. 

Which of the following best describes the purpose of government checks and balances?    

A. To ensure that one branch of government has complete control over the others

B. To prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful 

C. To allow the executive branch to make all decisions without interference

D. To give the legislative branch the power to veto any decision made by the other branches

Correct answer: B. To prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. The purpose of government checks and balances is to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful and to ensure that each branch has equal power and influence.

Which factor of production includes the physical and mental effort contributed by individuals to the production process?

A. Land

B. Labor

C. Capital

D. Entrepreneurship

The correct answer is B. Labor refers to the human effort, skills, and abilities applied to the production process, encompassing both physical and mental work.

When teaching about a current event or issue, best practices in social studies include:

A. presenting the material from multiple perspectives.

B. creating a pro-con list, forcing students to choose a side.

C. presenting material in a way that makes students support one perspective.

D. teacher sharing share their personal opinions.

Answer A is correct because best practices in social studies require that issues be looked at from multiple perspectives.

Look at the following supply and demand graph, what is the equilibrium price?

A. 10

B. 30

C. 40

D. 50

Answer B is correct because the equilibrium price is the point at which the supply curve meets with the demand curve. In this instance the price is 30, and the quantity is 10.

What characterizes a secondary source of historical information?

A. A source that offers direct accounts of historical events from individuals who experienced them. 

B. A source that was created during the time period being studied and provides first hand evidence of events.

C. A source that gathers information from various secondary sources and presents a comprehensive overview of historical events.

D. A source that interprets or analyzes primary sources and provides historical context and understanding.

The correct answer is D. Secondary sources are works that interpret or analyze primary sources and provide historical context and understanding. They are valuable for gaining insights and interpretations of historical events. A and B are incorrect because they are secondary sources. C is incorrect because it is a tertiary source. 

What is the significance of the Mayflower Compact?

A. It was the first time colonists created their own rules and laws in a form of self-governance.

B. It was the first time that Puritans were able to practice their faith without persecution.

C. It was the first republic that existed in the New World.

D. It was the first time that the Puritans were represented in British Parliament.

Answer A is correct because the Mayflower Compact represents the first time Anglo-Americans practiced self-governance.

Answer B is incorrect because the Mayflower Compact was not a religious document, nor did it impact their faith.

Answer C is incorrect because the Mayflower Compact did not result in a republic, nor would it have been the first republic in the world.

Answer D is incorrect because the Puritans were never represented in British Parliament.

In the United States' bi-cameral legislature, the House of Representatives has __ Representatives, while the Senate has __ number of Senators.

A. 100 & 435

B. 50 & 435

C. 435 & 50

D. 435 & 100

Answer D is correct because there are 435 Representatives in the House, and 100 Senators in the Senate.

How do historical interpretations change over time?

A. They remain constant and unaffected by new research. 

B. They adapt to new evidence and perspectives, leading to shifts in understanding. 

C. They become more rigid and resistant to change. 

D. They are most influenced by popular opinions.

The correct answer is B. They adapt to new evidence and perspectives, leading to shifts in understanding. Historical interpretations evolve as new research, perspectives, and evidence emerge, causing shifts in understanding as historians reassess events and contexts.

What is the opportunity cost of producing one unit of good A if the production of good B results in a loss of two units of good A?

A. Two units of good B

B. One unit of good B

C. Three units of good B

D. The opportunity cost nets out

B is the correct answer because opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative forgone when a decision is made. In this scenario, the opportunity cost of producing one unit of good A is the loss of two units of good A that would result from the production of one unit of good B. Therefore, the opportunity cost of producing one unit of good A is equivalent to one unit of good B.

Using the population pyramid below, which of the following statements is most accurate?

A. During the 1960s and 1990s, the United States was in an economic recession and so the population declined.

B. Population growth in the United States is increasing.

C. Between 1985 and 2000, more girls were born than boys.

D. During the 1960s and 1990s, the United States was experiencing substantial suburban growth and therefore, there was an increase in population growth.

The correct answer is D. During the 1960s and 1990s, the United States was experiencing substantial suburban growth and therefore, there was an increase in population growth.

When teaching about U.S. Federal spending one of the most effective ways to show how the U.S. spends tax dollars is to:

A. show students a pie chart from the Congressional Budget Office.

B. google a pie chart showing federal spending for the most current fiscal year.

C. show students the Congressional Budget Office 23 page report on federal spending.

D. have students google the information themselves and report back on what they’ve found.

Answer A is correct because the most accurate information about federal spending comes from the Congressional Budget Office, and a pie chart is more digestible than a long report.

A state law was passed that made burning the American flag illegal, and a man was arrested for burning the flag. The defendant thought that flag burning should fall under his first amendment (free speech) rights, and the case made its way to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court found that flag burning fell under the first amendment, so the state law was deemed unconstitutional and had to be changed. This is a real life example of what United States process?

A. Federalism: the state law was declared unconstitutional by the federal government. 

B. Checks & Balances: the legislative branch checked the judicial branch by creating a law that made flag burning illegal.

C. Separation of Powers: the state has the power to create laws and the federal government has the right to deem them unconstitutional. 

D. Popular Sovereignty: the people were given the choice to make flag burning legal under the first amendment.

The correct answer is A. This is an example of the federal government (Supreme Court) balancing the power of the states. The Supreme Court interpreted the law, and found that it violated the free speech clause found in the first amendment. States may not create laws that violate the U.S. Constitution. This is the principle of federalism.

This classroom activity organized by the teacher, in which students assume roles such as shop owner, shop employee, shop customer, and banker to engage in a market economy simulation, demonstrates which economic concept?

A. Supply and demand

B. Specialization

C. Interdependence

D. Division of labor

The correct answer is D. This particular activity demonstrates the division of labor and demonstrates how work is divided between different jobs/groups.