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 passage describes some activities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency oversees the Commodity Insurance program. This program offers farmers a variety of forms of insurance. One form is known as the Revenue Protection Plan. This plan protects farmers against losing income due to falling prices or crop failures. Under this plan, a farmer may choose to purchase insurance to guarantee revenue of at least 75% of the Actual Production History of the farm. The insurance on some crops, such as corn, is subsidized by the federal government at a much higher rate than most other crops. The insurance rates vary depending on the type of crop grown. The USDA also has several agencies devoted to research. The Economic Research Service complies data about the total profits earned by U.S. farms. It measures the total income earned by farms and the total costs of production. Generally, both figures have increased over the past 10 years. This graph contains data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
What impact do the varying insurance rates of the Revenue Protection Plan have on farming?
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  • A. They maintain stable prices for certain crops.
  • B. They give farmers an incentive to promote crop diversity.
  • C. They ensure the steady increase of crop production levels.
  • D. They give farmers an incentive to grow crops that have higher subsidies.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The varying insurance rates of the Revenue Protection Plan incentivize farmers to cultivate crops that receive higher subsidies, as these crops can mitigate financial risks associated with farming. This option aligns with economic behavior, where farmers are likely to prioritize profitability. Option A is incorrect because insurance rates do not directly stabilize prices; they primarily provide financial protection. Option B misrepresents the incentive structure; while crop diversity is beneficial, the plan does not specifically encourage it through varying rates. Option C is misleading, as the plan does not guarantee increased production levels; it merely provides a safety net against revenue loss.

Other Related Questions

Which statement is supported by the diagrams?
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  • A. Only the vice president and the president pro tempore of the Senate serve in two branches.
  • B. Only officials from the executive and legislative branches are in the line of presidential succession.
  • C. The order of presidential succession is determined by the members of the executive branch.
  • D. The leaders of Congress are accountable to the members of the executive branch.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B accurately reflects the structure of presidential succession, which includes officials from both the executive and legislative branches, specifically the vice president and the leaders of Congress. Option A is misleading; while the vice president and president pro tempore serve in both branches, other officials in the line of succession also include members from the cabinet, which is part of the executive branch. Option C is incorrect as the order of succession is established by law, not determined solely by the executive branch members. Option D misrepresents accountability; Congress leaders are accountable to their constituents, not the executive branch.
Which statement from the excerpts provides evidence for the Inference that minority rights were not protected by the U.S. government as originally founded?
  • A. "To the contrary, the government they devised was defective from the start, requiring several amendments, a civil war, and momentous social transformation to attain the system of constitutional government, and its respect for the individual freedoms and human rights, we hold as fundamental today."
  • B. "In a very real sense, it was then, in 1787, that the Revolution truly began."
  • C. "I do not believe that the meaning of the Constitution was forever 'fixed' at the Philadelphia Convention."
  • D. "For it was with the writing of our Constitution, setting down the architecture of democratic government, that the noble sentiments and brave rhetoric of 1776 took on substance......"
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A highlights the inherent flaws in the original government structure, indicating that it required significant amendments and a civil war to address fundamental issues, including the protection of minority rights. This suggests that, from its inception, the government did not adequately safeguard these rights. Options B, C, and D, while relevant to the historical context, do not specifically address the inadequacies of minority rights protection. B focuses on the ongoing nature of the Revolution, C discusses the evolving interpretation of the Constitution, and D emphasizes the establishment of democratic principles without mentioning the lack of protections for minority rights.
Which conclusion is best supported by information in the table and article?
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  • A. Individuals contributed a total amount of money equal to the total of all other sources of donations.
  • B. Individuals contributing the smallest quantity of money insignificantly impact presidential campaigns.
  • C. Individuals donated the greatest total amount although many contributions were relatively small.
  • D. Individuals have more influence on the proposed policies of presidential candidates than groups do.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C is supported by the data, indicating that while many individual contributions were small, they collectively formed the largest portion of total donations to presidential campaigns. This highlights the significant role individuals play despite the size of their contributions. Option A is incorrect as it suggests individuals’ contributions equaled all other sources, which is not supported by the data. Option B misrepresents the impact of smaller donations; even small contributions can collectively influence campaign funding significantly. Option D overstates individuals' influence on policy compared to groups, which often have more resources and organized lobbying power.
How did Chief Justice Marshall contribute to the U.S. government system of checks and balances?
  • A. by establishing the Supreme Court's power to check Congress
  • B. by creating the power to remove the president from office
  • C. by expanding the president's power to check Congress
  • D. by giving the Supreme Court the power to control itself
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Chief Justice Marshall played a pivotal role in defining the Supreme Court's authority, notably through the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review. This empowered the Court to invalidate laws passed by Congress that it deemed unconstitutional, effectively allowing it to check legislative power. Option B is incorrect as the power to remove a president lies with Congress through impeachment, not the Supreme Court. Option C misrepresents Marshall's contributions, as he did not expand presidential power but rather clarified judicial authority. Option D is also inaccurate; the Supreme Court does not have self-regulating powers but operates within the framework of checks and balances.