EOCEP USHC Sample Items - Fall 2024

Front

Based on the information in the table, which statement best explains the differences in goods produced in the northern and southern colonies?

Back

The southern colonies had more land suitable for agricultural development.

Answer explanation

The Southern colonies had large areas of fertile land that were good for farming, which is why they grew crops like rice and tobacco. The Northern colonies, on the other hand, focused on resources from the ocean and forests, like fish and lumber, because their land wasn’t as good for large-scale farming.

Done

Front

Which statement best describes the changing relationship between most individuals in the American colonies and their governments between 1763 and 1800?

Back

Individuals accepted a larger role for both their state government and the new federal government.

Answer explanation

Between 1763 and 1800, people in the colonies started seeing the government as a way to have their voices heard, especially after gaining independence. The new federal and state governments were set up to give more power and representation to the people, which led to individuals getting more involved in politics and the decisions being made.

Done

Front

What was the intent of the act regarding slavery in Nebraska? Options: By utilizing popular sovereignty to outlaw slavery when Nebraska became a state., By using the separation of powers to make slavery illegal when Nebraska became a state., By invoking the rule of law to make slavery illegal and to free the slaves when Nebraska became a state., By demanding respect for individual rights through the courts to free the slaves when Nebraska became a state.

Back

By utilizing popular sovereignty to outlaw slavery when Nebraska became a state.

Answer explanation

The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed settlers to decide whether they wanted slavery in their territory through a vote, a concept known as "popular sovereignty." Many abolitionists hoped to use this opportunity to rally settlers to vote against allowing slavery when Nebraska became a state, thereby advancing their cause.

Done

Front

What happened to Native Americans in relation to their lands and treaties with the United States?

Back

Native Americans were forced off their lands, and the United States violated treaties.

Answer explanation

Throughout the 1800s, there were repeated instances of Native Americans being forced off their lands despite treaties intended to protect them. The events listed, such as the discovery of gold in the Black Hills and the breaking of the Fort Laramie Treaty, show a pattern of broken promises and removal of Native Americans to smaller reservations. This reflects a continuation of U.S. policies of expansion at the expense of Native American land and rights.

Done

Front

The cartoon best supports which statement about the United States in the late nineteenth century? Options: The United States was changing its role in foreign policy. The United States was prioritizing protecting domestic interests. The United States was beginning to avoid involvement in global affairs. The United States was enjoying international support for expanding its influence abroad.

Back

The United States was changing its role in foreign policy.

Answer explanation

The cartoon shows Uncle Sam standing at a crossroads between the "Monroe Doctrine" (which traditionally focused on keeping European powers out of the Western Hemisphere) and the "Imperial Highway," suggesting that the United States was at a decision point about expanding its influence beyond its traditional policies. This reflects a shift in American foreign policy as the country debated whether to engage in imperialism and exert more power internationally.

Done

Front

Which aspect of the cartoon best supports the answer to Part A? Options: The depiction of the United States at a crossroads., The cane carried by Uncle Sam., The clothing Uncle Sam is wearing., The use of a symbol to represent the United States.

Back

The depiction of the United States at a crossroads.

Answer explanation

The cartoon visually presents Uncle Sam standing at a literal crossroads between the "Monroe Doctrine" and "Imperial Highway," symbolizing the United States being at a point of decision in its foreign policy. This visual metaphor supports the idea that the country was re-evaluating its traditional approach and considering a shift toward a more imperialist or interventionist policy. This depiction reinforces the notion of changing foreign policy roles.

Front

Which conclusion can best be made about the connection between Source 1 and Source 5?

Back

Demographic changes may have increased membership in racist organizations.

Answer explanation

The Great Migration led to a large movement of African Americans from the South to cities in the North and West in search of better opportunities and to escape racial discrimination. However, this demographic shift also created tensions, which likely contributed to the rise in membership of racist organizations like the Ku Klux Klan, as shown in Source 5. The fear and resistance to the growing Black population in cities, especially in states with high KKK membership like Indiana and Ohio, align with these demographic changes.

Front

Which statement best describes a reason for the change represented in Source 4?

Back

Women experienced increasing freedoms and challenged traditional roles.

Answer explanation

The cartoon in Source 4 contrasts the traditional woman of 1820 with the more modern woman of 1920, indicating the changes in fashion, behavior, and attitudes. By the 1920s, women were experiencing new freedoms, reflected in changing social norms and fashion, and challenging the traditional roles of the past. The book by Elinor Glyn, known for its romantic and somewhat scandalous content, further suggests a shift towards more liberal attitudes in society.

Done

Front

What did the payment methods described in the advertisement in Source 3 most directly lead to?

Back

the start of an economic boom cycle

Answer explanation

The advertisement in the image shows payment plans that make it easier for consumers to buy products, such as paying $5.00 down and $5.00 a month. This method of installment payments allowed more people to afford expensive goods like washing machines. During the 1920s, such payment options contributed to a rise in consumer spending, which in turn helped fuel an economic boom cycle.

Done

Front

Which statement best describes a reason for the change represented in Source 4?

Back

Women experienced increasing freedoms and challenged traditional roles.

Answer explanation

The cartoon in Source 4 contrasts the traditional woman of 1820 with the more modern woman of 1920, indicating the changes in fashion, behavior, and attitudes. By the 1920s, women were experiencing new freedoms, reflected in changing social norms and fashion, and challenging the traditional roles of the past. The book by Elinor Glyn, known for its romantic and somewhat scandalous content, further suggests a shift towards more liberal attitudes in society.

Done