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

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.
Which quotation from the excerpt reveals the author's bias about the relationship between the rule of the majority and the rights of the minority?
  • A. "The wishes of the smaller group will override the wishes of the larger group and this will create resentment."
  • B. "Requiring a unanimous vote or more than a majority vote is meant to provide a safeguard against oppression."
  • C. "In these circumstances, expect constant scheming, trickery, and tiresome delays, resulting in disgraceful deals that violate the public good."
  • D. "In times of national emergency, the goodness, badness, weakness, and strength of the government is supremely important."
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C highlights the author's bias by suggesting that the majority's decisions can lead to unethical behavior that undermines public welfare. This reveals a concern for minority rights, indicating that the author believes majority rule may result in negative consequences for those not in power. Option A misrepresents the author's view, as it suggests that the smaller group's wishes will always be overridden, which does not directly reflect bias against majority rule. Option B focuses on safeguards against oppression, which does not convey bias but rather a protective measure. Option D addresses the government's performance during emergencies but fails to connect to the relationship between majority rule and minority rights, missing the core issue of bias.
How does the message presented by Senator Paul differ from the message presented by President Obama?
  • A. Only Senator Paul promotes less government involvement in health care.
  • B. Only Senator Paul wants to secure more health care for U.S. citizens.
  • C. Only President Obama supports the Supreme Court's right to rule about health care.
  • D. Only President Obama discusses problems in the health care industry.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Senator Paul advocates for reduced government involvement in health care, emphasizing personal choice and market-driven solutions. This contrasts with President Obama's approach, which supports a more active role for the government in expanding access and regulating the industry. Option B is incorrect as both politicians aim to improve health care access, albeit through different methods. Option C misrepresents Obama's stance; he supports health care reforms that align with Supreme Court rulings but does not solely focus on this aspect. Option D is misleading; while Obama addresses health care issues, Senator Paul also discusses industry challenges, making this option inaccurate.
What basic assumption behind Marshall's remarks is not behind Reagan's remarks?
  • A. The framers of the U.S. Constitution have received more credit than they deserve for the governmental protections Americans enjoy.
  • B. The framers of the U.S. Constitution have been credited with creating a document that protects all free people around the world.
  • C. The U.S. Constitution created a government whose promises are yet to be realized by many around the world.
  • D. The U.S. Constitution created a government based on the principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Marshall's remarks imply a critical view of the framers' contributions, suggesting they may not deserve as much credit for governmental protections as commonly believed. This contrasts with Reagan's perspective, which typically emphasizes the positive legacy of the framers. Option B incorrectly assumes that both figures share the belief in the global impact of the Constitution, which Reagan often highlighted. Option C suggests an acknowledgment of unrealized promises, aligning with both perspectives, while option D reinforces a foundational agreement on principles that both figures would likely support. Thus, A stands out as the unique assumption absent in Reagan's remarks.