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.

Which point on this PPF graph indicates an inefficient use of the country's resources?
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  • A. V
  • B. X
  • C. Y
  • D. Z
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Point A on the PPF graph indicates an inefficient use of the country's resources because it lies inside the production possibilities frontier (PPF). This suggests that the economy is not utilizing all available resources effectively, resulting in lower production levels than possible. Point B (X), C (Y), and D (Z) all lie on the PPF, indicating efficient resource use where maximum production is achieved. These points represent combinations of goods that utilize resources fully, reflecting optimal economic performance. Thus, only point A signifies inefficiency.

Other Related Questions

In Grand Coast, what is the opportunity cost of one unit of fish?
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  • A. ½ unit of timber
  • B. 5 units of timber
  • C. 2 units of fish
  • D. 8 units of fish
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Opportunity cost refers to the value of the next best alternative that is forgone when making a choice. In Grand Coast, if one unit of fish is produced, the opportunity cost is the amount of timber that could have been produced instead. Option A, ½ unit of timber, accurately reflects this trade-off, indicating that for each unit of fish, only half a unit of timber is sacrificed. Option B, 5 units of timber, overestimates the sacrifice, suggesting a much higher cost than what is actually incurred. Option C, 2 units of fish, misinterprets the concept, as it implies a cost in the same product rather than in timber. Option D, 8 units of fish, also incorrectly suggests a loss of the same good, failing to recognize the opportunity cost in terms of timber.
After the Revolutionary War, the western border of the United States was the
  • A. Mississippi River.
  • B. Gulf of Mexico.
  • C. Rocky Mountains.
  • D. Great Lakes.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The western border of the United States after the Revolutionary War was defined by the Mississippi River, which served as a natural boundary facilitating westward expansion. Option B, the Gulf of Mexico, is incorrect as it is located to the south, not marking the western border. Option C, the Rocky Mountains, is also inaccurate; while they are a significant geographical feature, they were not recognized as a border at that time. Option D, the Great Lakes, pertains to the northern boundary and does not represent the western limit. Thus, the Mississippi River accurately reflects the western boundary post-war.
What is this labor market's equilibrium wage rate?
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  • A. $4 per hour
  • B. $8 per hour
  • C. $12 per hour
  • D. $16 per hour
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

In a labor market, the equilibrium wage rate occurs where the quantity of labor supplied equals the quantity of labor demanded. Option C, $12 per hour, represents this balance, reflecting conditions where employers are willing to hire the same number of workers that job seekers are willing to accept. Option A, $4 per hour, is too low, leading to a surplus of labor as more workers seek jobs than employers are willing to hire. Option B, $8 per hour, may still create an imbalance, as it might not attract enough skilled workers. Option D, $16 per hour, is likely too high, resulting in a labor shortage as fewer employers can afford to pay that rate. Thus, $12 per hour is the optimal equilibrium wage.
The purpose of antitrust legislation is to
  • A. remove obstacles creating a trade imbalance.
  • B. ensure fair competition in an open-market economy.
  • C. prevent a nation's currency from losing too much value.
  • D. improve consumer access to corporate financial information
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Antitrust legislation is designed to promote fair competition within an open-market economy, preventing monopolistic practices that can harm consumers and stifle innovation. Option A focuses on trade imbalances, which relate more to trade policies than to antitrust laws. Option C addresses currency valuation, a topic more relevant to monetary policy than competition laws. Option D concerns financial transparency, which, while important, is not the primary aim of antitrust regulations. Thus, ensuring fair competition is the central goal of antitrust legislation, safeguarding consumer interests and promoting a healthy market environment.