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 from President Polk's address is a fact rather than an opinion?
  • A. "Our title to… Oregon is 'clear and unquestionable,' and already are our people preparing to perfect that title by occupying it with their wives and children..."
  • B. "[O]ur people… have filled the eastern valley of the Mississippi,... ascended the Missouri to its headsprings..."
  • C. "Nor will it become in a less degree my duty to… maintain by all constitutional means the right of the United States to that portion of our territory which lies beyond the Rocky Mountains."
  • D. "The jurisdiction of our laws and the benefits of our republican institutions should be extended over them in the distant regions which they have selected for their homes."
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B presents a factual statement about the movement of people in the United States, specifically noting their migration patterns along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. This statement can be verified through historical records, making it a fact. In contrast, Option A expresses a subjective belief regarding the clarity of the title to Oregon, which is an opinion rather than an objective truth. Option C discusses the duty of the President in a way that implies a commitment but does not provide verifiable information. Lastly, Option D suggests a normative view on governance and territorial expansion, reflecting a belief in the benefits of U.S. institutions rather than stating a fact.
Which one statement identifies the main idea of President Johnson's speech?
  • A. The federal government has the responsibility to guarantee the rights of citizens.
  • B. The expansion of educational opportunities should be the next goal of the civil rights movement.
  • C. The expansion of voting rights can eliminate poverty.
  • D. The federal government has power over state governments.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A accurately captures the essence of President Johnson's speech, which emphasizes the government's duty to protect citizens' rights, particularly in the context of civil rights and social justice. Option B, while relevant to the civil rights movement, does not encapsulate the primary focus of the speech, which is broader than just education. Option C suggests a direct correlation between voting rights and poverty alleviation, which, though important, is not the main thrust of Johnson's address. Option D misrepresents the speech's intent, as it does not primarily discuss the federal government's authority over states but rather its role in ensuring citizen rights.
This flow chart traces development of democratic government in England. Which event completes this sequence?
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  • A. The English Bill of Rights gave the king power to appoint most members of Parliament.
  • B. The Magna Carta forced the nobles to give up their feudal lands.
  • C. The English Bill of Rights guaranteed suffrage to most male citizens.
  • D. The Magna Carta forced the king to share his political power.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The correct choice, D, highlights the Magna Carta's pivotal role in limiting the king's absolute power and initiating the concept of shared governance. This foundational document established that the monarch must consult nobles before making decisions, laying the groundwork for parliamentary democracy. Option A is incorrect as the English Bill of Rights actually limited the king's power over Parliament, not enhanced it. Option B misrepresents the Magna Carta's purpose; it did not force nobles to relinquish their lands, but rather addressed their grievances against the king. Option C is also inaccurate, as the English Bill of Rights did not guarantee suffrage but focused on limiting royal authority and protecting certain rights.
Which statement is correct about the change in racial and ethnic populations between 2000 and 2010?
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  • A. The Black or African American population had the greatest percentage of growth.
  • B. The Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander population grew by a greater proportion than the Asian population.
  • C. The White population experienced the slowest growth of all groups.
  • D. The American Indian and Alaska Native population experienced almost no change.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B accurately reflects demographic trends, as the Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander population indeed saw a higher percentage increase compared to the Asian population during this period. Option A is incorrect; while the Black or African American population grew, it was not the greatest percentage increase among all racial groups. Option C misrepresents the data; although the White population's growth was slower compared to previous decades, it was not the slowest overall. Option D is misleading as well; the American Indian and Alaska Native population did experience some growth, albeit modest, rather than remaining unchanged.