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 excerpt is from a message delivered by President Richard Nixon to the U.S. Congress in 1970. [W]e in this century have too casually and too long abused our natural environment. The fight against pollution is not a search for villains. For the most part, the damage done to our environment has not been the work of evil men, nor has it been the inevitable by-product either of advancing technology or of growing population. It results not so much from choices made, as from choices neglected; not from [evil] intention, but from failure to take into account the full consequences of our actions. The tasks that need doing... call for fundamentally new philosophies of land, air and water use, for stricter regulation, for expanded government action, for greater citizen involvement, and for new programs to ensure that government, industry and individuals all are called on to do their share of the job and to pay their share of the cost.
Which statement identifies the purpose of President Nixon's message?
  • A. to convince Congress that technological advancement and population growth must be slowed to protect the environment
  • B. to convince Congress that industrial polluters of the air and water should not pay for cleaning the environment
  • C. to convince Congress that it must take part in action to address human damage to the environment
  • D. to convince Congress that there should be no benefits for businesses that pollute the environment
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

President Nixon's message aimed to mobilize Congress to actively engage in addressing environmental degradation caused by human activities. This focus on collective action underscores the urgency of legislative involvement in environmental protection. Option A misinterprets the goal, as Nixon did not advocate for slowing technological advancement but rather for responsible management. Option B inaccurately suggests that he supported industrial polluters avoiding responsibility, which contradicts his environmental stance. Option D implies a complete lack of support for businesses, neglecting the balanced approach Nixon promoted towards regulatory measures and economic growth.

Other Related Questions

The newspaper writer's opinion that
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  • A. slavery should have been preserved
  • B. Jim Crow laws should have been stopped
  • C. Jim Crow laws benefited the south
  • D. Jim Crow laws had benefited the South constitutional changes were successful
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The opinion that Jim Crow laws benefited the South reflects a perspective that views these discriminatory laws as advantageous for maintaining social order and economic benefits for white populations, despite their oppressive nature. Option A suggests a support for slavery, which is widely condemned and not a mainstream opinion. Option B advocates for the cessation of Jim Crow laws, opposing the notion that they were beneficial. Option D incorrectly implies that constitutional changes related to Jim Crow were successful, overlooking the ongoing struggles for civil rights and equality. Thus, option C captures a historically inaccurate yet prevalent viewpoint of the time.
The United States fought in World War II from 1941 to 1945. Which statement explains the peak annual inflation rate during the 1940s?
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  • A. Consumer demand increased due to the end of rationing.
  • B. Manufacturing decreased because of less demand for weapons.
  • C. Government spending increased due to national defense.
  • D. Wages decreased because of competition for scarce jobs.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The peak annual inflation rate during the 1940s can be attributed to increased government spending due to national defense efforts. This surge in spending stimulated the economy and raised prices as the demand for goods and services outpaced supply. Option A is incorrect; while consumer demand did rise post-rationing, it was not the primary driver of inflation during the war years. Option B is also wrong, as manufacturing actually increased during the war to meet military needs. Option D misrepresents the labor market; wages generally rose due to high demand for workers, not decreased. Thus, government spending for defense was the key factor in driving inflation during this period.
Which statement best describes the action of the people in the photograph?
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  • A. They are utilizing an 8th Amendment right to secure the release of a colleague who was jailed unfairly.
  • B. They are utilizing a 6th Amendment right to secure a fair trial for a jailed associate.
  • C. They are utilizing a 1st Amendment right to secure equality under the law.
  • D. They are utilizing a 14th Amendment right to secure the opportunity to vote in federal elections.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The action depicted in the photograph aligns with the 1st Amendment, which guarantees freedoms concerning speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government. The individuals are likely advocating for equality under the law, a fundamental principle of democratic society. Option A incorrectly references the 8th Amendment, which focuses on protection against excessive bail and cruel punishment, not the right to protest for a colleague's release. Option B misapplies the 6th Amendment, which ensures the right to a fair trial, rather than addressing broader issues of equality. Option D inaccurately connects the situation to the 14th Amendment, which deals with citizenship rights and equal protection, not specifically voting rights.
Which statement identifies a purpose of Roosevelt's speech?
  • A. to convince his audience that preserving the environment is as important as national security
  • B. to convince his audience that preserving the environment is the responsibility of ordinary citizens
  • C. to gain support for using public lands to obtain vital productive resources
  • D. to gain support for a candidate who wants to preserve the environment
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively captures Roosevelt's emphasis on the interconnectedness of environmental preservation and national security. He aimed to highlight that a healthy environment is crucial for the nation's well-being and stability. Option B is incorrect as Roosevelt’s speech focuses more on broader national priorities rather than individual responsibilities. Option C misinterprets the message; while resource management is important, the speech primarily advocates for environmental preservation rather than exploitation. Option D is misleading; Roosevelt's speech is not about promoting a candidate but rather advocating for a national commitment to environmental stewardship.