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.

Most governmental power under the Articles of Confederation belonged to
  • A. the states.
  • B. the king.
  • C. the president.
  • D. the judiciary.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Under the Articles of Confederation, most governmental power resided with the states, reflecting the desire for local governance and autonomy after independence. This decentralization limited the federal government's authority, making option A the most accurate choice. Option B, the king, is incorrect as the Articles were established to break away from monarchical rule. Option C, the president, is misleading since the Articles did not create a strong executive branch; the role of president was largely ceremonial. Option D, the judiciary, is also wrong as the Articles provided minimal judicial power, leaving most authority with state courts.

Other Related Questions

Which basic principle of governance in the U.S. maintains that legislatures write the laws, executives carry out the laws, and courts interpret the laws?
  • A. Federalism
  • B. Limited government
  • C. Separation of powers
  • D. Popular sovereignty
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The principle of governance that ensures legislatures write laws, executives enforce them, and courts interpret them is known as the Separation of Powers. This framework prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful, promoting a system of checks and balances essential for democracy. Option A, Federalism, refers to the division of power between national and state governments, not the roles of branches. Option B, Limited Government, emphasizes restrictions on government power but does not specifically address the functions of branches. Option D, Popular Sovereignty, focuses on the authority of the people in governance, rather than the separation of government functions.
The following is a list of events in Taylor's life. I. President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers II. Employed by Midvale Steel Company III. Published 'The Principles of Scientific Management' IV. Received a gold medal from the Paris Exposition Place these events in chronological order, from earliest to latest.
  • A. I, II, III, IV
  • B. II, IV, I, III
  • C. III, I, IV, II
  • D. IV, III, II, I
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The sequence begins with Taylor’s employment at Midvale Steel Company (II), where he developed his principles of efficiency. Next, he received a gold medal from the Paris Exposition (IV), recognizing his contributions to management. Following this, he became the President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (I), highlighting his leadership in the field. Lastly, he published 'The Principles of Scientific Management' (III), which solidified his theories and their impact on management practices. Option A misplaces the publication of his influential work. Option C incorrectly orders the events, placing the publication before his leadership role. Option D also disrupts the correct sequence by placing the gold medal before his employment.
What does it mean if a bank's advertisement for a certificate of deposit (CD) indicates a 4% APY?
  • A. The CD matures at the rate of 4% each year.
  • B. Only 4% of the CD's value can be withdrawn in any given year.
  • C. You will pay 4% of the CD's value each year in service fees.
  • D. The CD will earn 4% interest each year that is then added to the CD's balance.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

An advertisement indicating a 4% APY (Annual Percentage Yield) signifies that the CD will earn 4% interest annually, which is compounded and added to the CD's balance. Option A misinterprets APY; it does not refer to maturity but to interest earnings. Option B incorrectly suggests a withdrawal limit based on a percentage, which is not how CDs function. Option C mistakenly implies that there are service fees amounting to 4%, which is unrelated to APY. Understanding APY is crucial for evaluating the growth potential of a CD investment.
As president, what power did Woodrow Wilson have to prevent Congress from raising tariffs?
  • A. The power to appoint officials
  • B. The power to enforce the law
  • C. The power to make treaties
  • D. The power to veto bills
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Woodrow Wilson's ability to prevent Congress from raising tariffs stemmed from his power to veto bills. This authority allowed him to reject legislation that he deemed unfavorable, including tariff increases. Option A, the power to appoint officials, does not directly influence tariff legislation. Option B, the power to enforce the law, pertains to executing laws rather than preventing their passage. Option C, the power to make treaties, relates to international agreements and has no bearing on domestic tariff policies. Thus, the veto power was the key tool Wilson could use to block tariff increases.