ged social studies practice test

A a high school equivalency exam designed for individuals who did not graduate from high school but want to demonstrate they have the same knowledge and skills as a high school graduate

This is an excerpt from a 2001 speech by U.S. Representative Ron Paul, introducing the Education Improvement Tax Cut Act. I need not remind my colleagues that education is one of, if not the, top priority of the American people.... Many proposals that claim to increase local control over education actually extend federal power by holding schools "accountable" to federal bureaucrats and politicians. Of course, schools should be held accountable for their results, but under the United States Constitution, they should be held accountable to parents and school boards not to federal officials. This excerpt is taken from the public domain. This is an excerpt from a 2009 speech by President George W. Bush, discussing the No Child Left Behind Act. We believe that it is important to have a high quality education if one is going to succeed in the 21st century.... The philosophy behind the law is pretty straightforward... In exchange for federal dollars... we expect results. We're spending money on schools, and shouldn't we determine whether or not the money we're spending is yielding the results society expects? This excerpt is taken from the public domain.
Based on the excerpts, which speaker would agree with each statement below? Drag each statement into the box labeled with that speaker's name. If neither would agree with a statement, drag it to the box labeled "Neither."
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  • A. Congress should spend money public education.
  • B. Schools should meet federal education guidelines.
  • C. Parents should hold public schools accountable.
  • D. Local districts should set school guidelines.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer:

Speaker A likely supports the idea that Congress should spend money on public education, as this aligns with a belief in federal investment in education for equitable access. Speaker B would agree that schools should meet federal education guidelines, as this emphasizes the importance of uniform standards for educational quality and accountability. Speaker C advocates for parental accountability in public schools, reflecting the belief that parents play a vital role in monitoring and improving educational outcomes. Speaker D likely supports the idea that local districts should set school guidelines, as this allows for tailored approaches that reflect community needs and values. If neither speaker aligns with a statement, it belongs in the "Neither" category.

Other Related Questions

What is the main point of view expressed in this excerpt?
  • A. The Cherokee Nation is equal to the United States in terms of trade and government.
  • B. The Cherokee Nation is dependent on the United States for basic necessities and survival.
  • C. The Cherokee Nation is dependent on the United States for guidance and protection.
  • D. The Cherokee Nation is a separate state that deals with the United States as a foreign country.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The excerpt emphasizes the Cherokee Nation's reliance on the United States for guidance and protection, reflecting a relationship where the Cherokee seek support in navigating external challenges. Option A misrepresents the dynamics by suggesting equality in trade and government, which overlooks the power imbalance. Option B, while hinting at dependence, fails to capture the broader context of guidance and protection that the Cherokee sought. Option D incorrectly frames the relationship as one of complete separation, ignoring the interdependence that characterized their interactions with the United States.
How did the position expressed by President Johnson differ from the position expressed by Senator Russell?
  • A. Only Senator Russell said that state governments were sufficiently protecting the rights of citizens.
  • B. Only Senator Russell supported the federal government's intervention.
  • C. Only President Johnson supported the state governments' rights to manage their own affairs.
  • D. Only President Johnson believed that the federal government was authorized to intervene.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

President Johnson emphasized the need for federal intervention to protect citizens' rights, believing that state governments were often inadequate. In contrast, Senator Russell argued that state governments were effectively safeguarding those rights, reflecting a stance of local governance. Option B is incorrect because Senator Russell did not support federal intervention. Option C misrepresents Johnson’s position; he favored federal oversight rather than state autonomy. Option D inaccurately attributes the belief in federal authority solely to Johnson, as Russell did not share this view. Thus, the distinction lies in Russell's confidence in state governments versus Johnson's call for federal action.
According to Justice Marshall, what historical factor has contradicted the ideas expressed in the U.S. Constitution?
  • A. slavery
  • B. free enterprise
  • C. religion
  • D. class war
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Justice Marshall highlighted slavery as a significant historical contradiction to the principles of freedom and equality enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Slavery directly undermined the Constitution's assertion that all men are created equal, creating a profound moral and ethical conflict. In contrast, free enterprise (B) aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on individual rights and economic freedom. Religion (C) is protected under the First Amendment, promoting freedom rather than contradiction. Class war (D) is a socio-economic conflict that, while relevant, does not directly challenge the foundational ideals of the Constitution in the same way slavery does.
Complete the U.S. System of Federalism chart based on information from the passage. Click on the title below you want to select and drag it into the top of each column in the chart.
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Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer:

**Correct answer:** Federal Government **Rationale:** The Federal Government is responsible for national issues such as defense, immigration, and foreign policy, which distinguishes it from state governments. State Governments handle local matters like education and transportation, focusing on regional needs. The option "Local Government" refers to municipal or county levels, which operate under the authority of the state and do not encompass federal responsibilities. Therefore, the Federal Government is accurately placed at the top of the federalism chart, while the other options misrepresent the hierarchy and scope of governance in the U.S. system.