The Affordable Care Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2010, but faced numerous legal challenges after it took effect. In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the law was constitutional.
Excerpts from Senator Rand Paul's article against the Affordable Care Act, March 25, 2011
1 Excerpt 1: "For the first time in U.S. history, the federal government will force you to purchase health insurance."
2 Excerpt 2: "Like other areas of the economy where the federal government wields its heavy hand, health care is overregulated and in need of serious market reforms. But many see bigger government as the solution to this problem...."
3 Excerpt 3: "When people blame the current crisis on the free market, they are making a grave intellectual error. We have not even remotely tried a free market in health care. We put layer upon layer of rules and mandates on companies. We limit the choices available to consumers."
4 Excerpt 4: "The solutions we seek to our health care problems should therefore offer more freedom, not less."
Excerpts from President Obama's speech about the Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act, June 28, 2012
5 Excerpt 1: "... Earlier today, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act... [T]oday's decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it."
6 Excerpt 2: "Each state will take the lead in designing [its] own menu of [health care] options, and if states can come up with even better ways of covering more people at the same quality and cost, this law allows them to do that, too."
7 Excerpt 3: "That's why... we ultimately included a provision in the Affordable Care Act that people who can afford to buy health insurance should take the responsibility to do so."
Which statement from the excerpts is a fact?
- A. "When people blame the current crisis on the free market, they are making a grave intellectual error." (paragraph 3)
- B. "... we ultimately included a provision in the Affordable Care Act that people who can afford to buy health insurance should take the responsibility to do so." (paragraph 7)
- C. "Like other areas of the economy where the federal government wields its heavy hand, health care is overregulated and in need of serious market reforms." (paragraph 2)
- D. "... [T]oday's decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it." (paragraph 5)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B presents a factual statement regarding the Affordable Care Act, specifically mentioning a provision that mandates individuals who can afford health insurance to take responsibility for purchasing it. This is a verifiable aspect of the legislation. In contrast, Option A expresses an opinion about blaming the free market, which is subjective and open to interpretation. Option C also conveys a viewpoint on government regulation and reform needs, lacking objective verification. Lastly, Option D describes a perceived outcome of a decision, reflecting an opinion on its impact rather than presenting a fact. Thus, only Option B stands as an objective statement grounded in legislation.
Option B presents a factual statement regarding the Affordable Care Act, specifically mentioning a provision that mandates individuals who can afford health insurance to take responsibility for purchasing it. This is a verifiable aspect of the legislation. In contrast, Option A expresses an opinion about blaming the free market, which is subjective and open to interpretation. Option C also conveys a viewpoint on government regulation and reform needs, lacking objective verification. Lastly, Option D describes a perceived outcome of a decision, reflecting an opinion on its impact rather than presenting a fact. Thus, only Option B stands as an objective statement grounded in legislation.
Other Related Questions
Based on the excerpt, which conclusion can be drawn about the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights?
- A. Ratification of the Bill of Rights was completed before the Constitution was drafted.
- B. Ratification of the Constitution was dependent on the passage of the Bill of Rights.
- C. Most leaders were worried that the Bill of Rights would weaken the ruling class protected by the Constitution.
- D. Many leaders were concerned that the Bill of Rights would upset the balance of powers outlined in the Constitution.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The conclusion that ratification of the Constitution was dependent on the passage of the Bill of Rights is supported by historical context, as many states required assurance of individual rights to approve the Constitution. Option A is incorrect because the Bill of Rights was introduced after the Constitution was drafted. Option C misrepresents the intent of the Bill of Rights; leaders were primarily concerned with protecting individual liberties rather than preserving the ruling class. Option D is also inaccurate, as the Bill of Rights aimed to safeguard citizens' rights without disrupting the balance of powers established by the Constitution.
The conclusion that ratification of the Constitution was dependent on the passage of the Bill of Rights is supported by historical context, as many states required assurance of individual rights to approve the Constitution. Option A is incorrect because the Bill of Rights was introduced after the Constitution was drafted. Option C misrepresents the intent of the Bill of Rights; leaders were primarily concerned with protecting individual liberties rather than preserving the ruling class. Option D is also inaccurate, as the Bill of Rights aimed to safeguard citizens' rights without disrupting the balance of powers established by the Constitution.
Based on the excerpts, which speaker would agree with each statement below? Drag each statement into the box labeled with that speaker's name. If neither would agree with a statement, drag it to the box labeled "Neither."
- A. Congress should spend money public education.
- B. Schools should meet federal education guidelines.
- C. Parents should hold public schools accountable.
- D. Local districts should set school guidelines.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer:
Speaker A likely supports the idea that Congress should spend money on public education, as this aligns with a belief in federal investment in education for equitable access. Speaker B would agree that schools should meet federal education guidelines, as this emphasizes the importance of uniform standards for educational quality and accountability. Speaker C advocates for parental accountability in public schools, reflecting the belief that parents play a vital role in monitoring and improving educational outcomes. Speaker D likely supports the idea that local districts should set school guidelines, as this allows for tailored approaches that reflect community needs and values. If neither speaker aligns with a statement, it belongs in the "Neither" category.
Speaker A likely supports the idea that Congress should spend money on public education, as this aligns with a belief in federal investment in education for equitable access. Speaker B would agree that schools should meet federal education guidelines, as this emphasizes the importance of uniform standards for educational quality and accountability. Speaker C advocates for parental accountability in public schools, reflecting the belief that parents play a vital role in monitoring and improving educational outcomes. Speaker D likely supports the idea that local districts should set school guidelines, as this allows for tailored approaches that reflect community needs and values. If neither speaker aligns with a statement, it belongs in the "Neither" category.
Which statement from the passage is an opinion?
- A. "The ill-advised rush to extract new discoveries of shale oil and natural gas is a case in point."
- B. "...if the result is polluted water and ghost towns, it is not a sustainable model."
- C. “‘Sustainability' means using natural resources responsibly so that they are available to future generations."
- D. "... to achieve sustainability a business will not view profit only in terms of dollars."
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A expresses a subjective viewpoint about the extraction of shale oil and natural gas, labeling it as "ill-advised." This indicates a personal judgment rather than an objective fact. In contrast, Option B presents a consequence of unsustainable practices, framing it as a logical outcome rather than an opinion. Option C defines "sustainability" in a factual manner, outlining its meaning without personal bias. Lastly, Option D describes a business approach towards sustainability, focusing on a principle rather than expressing a personal belief. Thus, A stands out as the only statement rooted in opinion.
Option A expresses a subjective viewpoint about the extraction of shale oil and natural gas, labeling it as "ill-advised." This indicates a personal judgment rather than an objective fact. In contrast, Option B presents a consequence of unsustainable practices, framing it as a logical outcome rather than an opinion. Option C defines "sustainability" in a factual manner, outlining its meaning without personal bias. Lastly, Option D describes a business approach towards sustainability, focusing on a principle rather than expressing a personal belief. Thus, A stands out as the only statement rooted in opinion.
Based on the timeline and the map, what was one way African Americans dealt with Jim Crow laws?
- A. by taking service jobs in southern cities
- B. by seeking factory jobs in urban areas of the North
- C. by becoming tenant farmers in other parts of the South
- D. by gaining technical skills in northern schools
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
African Americans responded to Jim Crow laws by seeking factory jobs in urban areas of the North, as this migration offered better economic opportunities and a chance to escape oppressive conditions in the South. Option A, taking service jobs in southern cities, often perpetuated the same discriminatory practices found under Jim Crow. Option C, becoming tenant farmers in other parts of the South, did not provide significant relief from the systemic racism and economic hardship prevalent in that region. Option D, gaining technical skills in northern schools, while beneficial, was not a widespread or immediate solution compared to the mass migration to northern factories.
African Americans responded to Jim Crow laws by seeking factory jobs in urban areas of the North, as this migration offered better economic opportunities and a chance to escape oppressive conditions in the South. Option A, taking service jobs in southern cities, often perpetuated the same discriminatory practices found under Jim Crow. Option C, becoming tenant farmers in other parts of the South, did not provide significant relief from the systemic racism and economic hardship prevalent in that region. Option D, gaining technical skills in northern schools, while beneficial, was not a widespread or immediate solution compared to the mass migration to northern factories.