Latin America Review

What is the main idea of this Brazilian cartoon?

• Relations between Latin America and the United States are mutually beneficial.

• The United States wants to cut off political and economic relations with Latin America.

• Latin American nations are self-sufficient and need not rely on the United States.

• The United States wants to control its relationships with Latin America.

This 2001 cartoon implies that nations in Central America are

• defeating enemies and overcoming all obstacles

• requesting assistance in the battle against drought

• facing several serious problems at the same time

• waiting patiently until the economic crisis is over

A lasting result of colonial rule in many Latin American nations has been the

• elimination of national debts

• control of power by wealthy landowners

• decrease in the power of the Catholic Church

• creation of industrial economics

In recent years, companies from industrialized nations have been building production facilities in Latin American nations. This economic change is mostly due to the region's

• favorable climate

• supply of inexpensive labor

• capital resources

• political stability

During the 20th century, a major cause of political problems in Latin America has been

• a decrease in population

• the declining importance of international trade

• widespread poverty

• increasing social mobility

Speaker A: This agreement would help both of our nations. We would increase trade by eliminating tariffs, and thus business and job opportunities would increase, both north and south of the border.

Speaker B: You, like other supporters of this agreement, are just trying to exploit our workers, who work for much lower wages, and our environment, which has much less protective legislation than your own. Your businesses would make more money, but the health of our people and the quality of our air and water would suffer.

Speaker C: As people and goods move more freely across our common border, so too would illegal immigrants and illegal substances. The costs would outweigh the benefits of this agreement.

Speaker D: In the long run, conditions would become more equal if this agreement were approved. The inefficient enterprises in our country would be forced to improve their operations. In time, the increased opportunities would benefit us all.

Which two speakers are expressing a similar point of view?

• A and C

• B and D

• A and B

• B and C

Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution of 1917 declares: "Ownership of all minerals belongs to the nation."

This phrase was included in the Constitution because

• Mexicans were importing large quantities of minerals

• foreign companies were dominating the mining industry

• Indian peoples controlled most of the land where mineral resources were located

• large reserves of coal and iron ore had recently been discovered

For many Latin American nations, the reliance on single cash-crop economies has led to

• unstable economies as world market prices rise and fall

• long-term economic progress as exports continue to increase

• an increased standard of living for the majority of farmers

• increased agricultural surpluses as production of food exceeds demand

"North Americans are always among us, even when they ignore us or turn their back on us. Their shadow covers the whole hemisphere. It is the shadow of a giant."

—Octavio Paz

Which attitude is being summarized by this Latin American writer?

• admiration for United States technology and wealth

• desire for American cultural values and traditions

• resentment of United States economic and political influence

• envy of American democratic institutions

Since 1989, why has Cuban influence in Latin America declined?

• The transition from Marxism to Capitalism has preoccupied Cuba's political leadership.

• A series of severe droughts has crippled Cuba's sugar industry.

• Improved relation with the United States have allowed Cuba to focus on internal problems.

• The collapse of the Soviet Union has intensified Cuba's economic problems.