STAAR Grade 8 Social Studies Practice Assessment

Front

Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?

Back

Marbury v. Madison

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8.3.18.A

Front

Which examples list unalienable rights? Options: Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, Public trial by a fair and impartial jury, Freedom of religion, speech, and the press, Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Back

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

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8.3.19.A

Front

Which action led the United States into the War of 1812? American warships were captured at sea and forced to fight for Britain. American merchant sailors smuggling goods to Europe were imprisoned in Britain. American merchant sailors were impressed into naval service to fight for Britain. American warships sailing from European ports were boarded and impounded in Britain.

Back

American merchant sailors were impressed into naval service to fight for Britain.

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8.1.5.D

Front

Based on the time line, which claim is supported by advancements in communication?
Options:
Developing new technologies requires replacement of existing innovations.
New innovations build on previous technologies to improve daily life.
New technologies are widely accepted by the public.
Development of new technologies is rarely aided by government action.

Back

New innovations build on previous technologies to improve daily life.

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8.4.28.A

Front

Which year on the time line provides evidence that supports the answer to Part A?
Options: 1838, 1843, 1844, 1873

Back

1873

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8.4.28.A

Front

Why is Dorothea Dix a significant figure in U.S. history?

Back

She led a reform effort to improve care for the mentally ill.

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8.2.23.C

Front

Which statement describes a reason for the development of the transatlantic slave trade? Options: Colonial governments wanted to use enslaved labor to build needed canals., Plantation owners in southern colonial states were increasing profits by using enslaved labor., Many colonists relied on enslaved labor to do the difficult work on their ranches., Textile production in northern colonial factories was increasingly dependent on enslaved labor.

Back

Plantation owners in southern colonial states were increasing profits by using enslaved labor.

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8.4.12.B

Front

Based on the excerpt from the song "I Will Go West!" by J. P. Barrett, which aspect of American life during this time is indicated?

Back

Difficult conditions in industrial cities encouraged people to seek opportunities elsewhere.

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8.2.26.B

Front

How was the grievance of imposing taxes without consent addressed in the U.S. Constitution? Options: Only states have the power to tax citizens. Only the courts can decide the legality of taxation. Only Congress can pass laws on taxation. Only the president can determine to tax citizens.

Back

Only Congress can pass laws on taxation.

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8.3.15.C

Front

In 1828, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to approve the Tariff of Abominations by a vote of 105 to 94. Why did this tariff create division within the United States?

Back

The tariff hurt Southern plantation owners but helped Western farmers.

Tags

8.1.5.B