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.

When is a government most likely to establish a wage floor?
Question image
  • A. When wages have consistently increased over a long period of time
  • B. When wages have remained constant over a long period of time
  • C. When it determines wages are too low
  • D. When it determines wages are too high
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

A wage floor, often implemented through minimum wage laws, is typically established when the government identifies that wages are too low, leading to insufficient income for workers. Option A is incorrect because a consistent increase in wages does not necessitate a wage floor; it may indicate a healthy economy. Option B is also wrong, as constant wages may not reflect a need for intervention unless they are deemed inadequate. Option D misinterprets the purpose of a wage floor; it is not set when wages are high, but rather to protect workers from unlivable pay levels. Thus, the rationale for a wage floor centers on addressing low wages.

Other Related Questions

Which of these statements best describes the difference between Commonwealth v. Hunt and Muller v. Oregon?
  • A. Commonwealth v. Hunt is relevant only to education cases, while Muller v. Oregon is relevant only to issues of labor relations.
  • B. Commonwealth v. Hunt is relevant only to labor issues, while Muller v. Oregon is relevant only to free speech issues.
  • C. Both cases deal with labor issues; Commonwealth v. Hunt allows the existence of labor unions, while Muller v. Oregon gives businesses the right to challenge unions' demands.
  • D. Both cases deal with labor cases; Commonwealth v. Hunt allows the existence of labor unions, while Muller v. Oregon supports state regulation of working hours for women.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Both cases address labor issues but focus on different aspects. Commonwealth v. Hunt established that labor unions are legal and can organize, promoting workers' rights. In contrast, Muller v. Oregon upheld state regulations on women's working hours, emphasizing the government's role in protecting workers' welfare. Option A incorrectly limits Commonwealth v. Hunt to education cases, while B misrepresents both cases by suggesting they only concern labor and free speech issues. Option C inaccurately implies that Muller v. Oregon allows businesses to challenge unions, which is not its focus.
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.
The government permits a group of people to protest in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Which amendment protects this action?
  • A. Amendment 1
  • B. Amendment 4
  • C. Amendment 5
  • D. Amendment 10
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The First Amendment protects the right to free speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government, which includes the act of protesting. This foundational freedom allows individuals to express their views publicly, especially in front of significant government buildings like the U.S. Capitol. Amendment 4 focuses on protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, which does not pertain to protest rights. Amendment 5 addresses rights related to legal proceedings, such as self-incrimination and due process, while Amendment 10 reserves powers to the states and the people, neither of which directly relates to the act of protesting.
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.