MD H.S.A. 2009 Test

A job advertisement includes the statement “We are an equal opportunity employer.” Which of these best explains what the employer wishes to accomplish? 

• help people who are trying to get their first jobs 
• provide on the job training for unskilled workers
• assist people who have been out of work
• treat applicants fairly

Maryland law requires that an individual must wear a helmet when riding on, or driving a motorcycle. What is the purpose of this law? 

• to decrease the sale of motorcycles
• to prevent crashes involving motor cycles
• to protect motorcycle riders from possible injuries
• to increase the sale of protective gear for motorcycle riders

In 2005, the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced a new version of its food guide. The chart contains recommendations for daily food choices and physical activity. 

Why would the government take the actions described above? 

• to protect the environment
• to promote better health
• to provide assistance to the elderly
• to encourage business competition

A treaty signed by the President of the United States must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate before it can go into effect.

Which principle of government does this reflect? 

• federalism
• judicial review
• checks and balances
• popular sovereignty

Which of these Maryland courts has authority most similar to the United States Supreme Court? 

• Circuit Court
• District Court
• Court of Appeals
• Court of Special Appeals

Which of these is most often a feature of countries with traditional economies? 

• The economy is dependent on continued technological advances
• The economy is controlled by a strong central authority
• The government ensures that wealth is evenly distributed among citizens
• The government values usual occupational roles over economic growth

A statewide poll of Marylanders showed wide differences in their reactions to issues such as crime, education, taxes, employment, and traffic.

Which of these most likely had the greatest impact on the results of this poll? 

• the number of registered voters in the state
• the results of similar polls from surrounding states
• the gender, age, and ethnicity of the people polled
• the political beliefs of government officials in the state

“In [creating] a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, [make it ] control itself.” The Federalist No. 51 

Which of these principles is best reflected in the excerpt? 

• majority rule
• popular sovereignty
• limited government
• representative democracy

Which of these statements about presidential executive orders is true? 

• they must be reviewed by the Supreme Court
• they must be in agreement with the Constitution
• they must represent the views of the majority party
• they must be approved by a majority of cabinet members

n Plessy v. Ferguson, the United States Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment 

• supported segregation
• protected the right of slave owners
• guaranteed the right to an attorney
• upheld freedom of expression