hiset social studies practice test

A widely recognized high school equivalency exam, similar to the GED, designed for individuals who didn’t complete high school but want to earn a diploma-equivalent credential.

United States Territorial Expansion This information describes the history of territorial expansion of the United States. 1 An 1845 magazine article claimed that other nations have undertaken to intrude themselves into it [U.S, territorial expansion], ... for the avowed object of thwarting our policy and hampering our power, limiting our greatness and, checking the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions." The concept of the United States having a manifest destiny promoted the idea that territorial expansion was necessary and inevitable. 2. Past territorial acquisitions contributed to this belief. The 1783 Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War and moved the nation's western border to the Mississippi River. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the country. The Treaty of 1818 established the 49th parallel as the border between the U.S. and Canada. Che year later, Spanish cessions gave the nation territory on the Gulf of Mexico and 3 One year after the magazine article, a treaty with Great Britain divided the disputed Oregon Territory and extended the U.S. Canadian border along the 49th parallel. The signing of an 1848 treaty ended a war and added territory that would eventually make up all or part of seven western states. With the purchase of a nearly 30,000 square mile portion of Mexico in 1853, the borders of the continental United States were set.
As used in the highlighted text, 'continental United States' means the area comprising the nation's
  • A. entire territory.
  • B. Western region.
  • C. first 48 states.
  • D. 50 states.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The term 'continental United States' specifically refers to the contiguous landmass of the nation, which includes the first 48 states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Option A is incorrect as it suggests the entire territory, including non-contiguous states and territories. Option B is wrong because it only addresses a specific region, neglecting the rest of the country. Option D is misleading since it includes Alaska and Hawaii, which are not part of the continental landmass. Thus, the phrase accurately describes the first 48 states, making it the most precise choice.

Other Related Questions

Based on the obituary, what type of jobs were the focus of Taylor's writings and lectures?
  • A. Engineering
  • B. Accounting
  • C. Sales
  • D. Manufacturing
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Taylor's writings and lectures primarily emphasized the principles of scientific management, which were focused on improving efficiency and productivity in manufacturing processes. His work aimed to optimize labor and streamline operations in factories, making manufacturing the central theme of his contributions. Option A (Engineering) is incorrect as Taylor's focus was not on engineering principles but rather on management practices within manufacturing. Option B (Accounting) does not align with Taylor's emphasis on operational efficiency, as his work did not primarily address financial management. Option C (Sales) is also wrong, as Taylor's theories were not directed toward sales strategies but rather on enhancing production methods in manufacturing settings.
Which amendment has been interpreted to prohibit a state from collecting taxes to pay the salary of a leader of a religious group?
  • A. Amendment 1
  • B. Amendment 4
  • C. Amendment 6
  • D. Amendment 10
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Amendment 1 of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion and prohibits the government from establishing a religion. This has been interpreted to mean that states cannot use tax revenues to fund religious leaders, ensuring a separation of church and state. Amendment 4 protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, which does not pertain to taxation or religious funding. Amendment 6 guarantees the right to a fair trial, unrelated to taxation issues. Amendment 10 reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states, but it does not address the specific prohibition against state funding of religious salaries.
The purpose of the U.S. imposing immigration quotas was to
  • A. better control who was admitted to the country.
  • B. help keep the country neutral during World War II.
  • C. increase the number of eligible Germans and Austrians.
  • D. put pressure on Germany to stop using concentration camps.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Imposing immigration quotas aimed to better control who was admitted to the U.S., ensuring that specific nationalities were favored or restricted based on political and social considerations. This approach allowed the government to manage demographic changes and maintain national security. Option B is incorrect as immigration quotas were established long before World War II and were not directly related to maintaining neutrality during the conflict. Option C misrepresents the quotas' purpose, as they were not designed to increase the number of Germans and Austrians but rather to limit immigration from certain countries. Option D is also inaccurate; the quotas were not a mechanism to pressure Germany regarding its policies, including concentration camps.
Based on the obituary, what was one result business owners could expect if they put into place Taylor's doctrines?
  • A. Loyal employees
  • B. Increased outputs
  • C. Managers doing more work
  • D. Laborers becoming company presidents
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Implementing Taylor's doctrines, which emphasize scientific management and efficiency, would likely lead to increased outputs. These principles focus on optimizing work processes and enhancing productivity, resulting in higher production levels. Option A, loyal employees, is not a direct outcome of Taylorism; while efficiency may improve morale, loyalty is not guaranteed. Option C, managers doing more work, contradicts Taylor's aim of defining roles clearly to enhance efficiency. Option D, laborers becoming company presidents, is unrealistic within the framework of Taylor's doctrines, which prioritize specialization rather than promoting laborers to managerial positions.