MCAS Review (Practice)

Based on the political cartoon, which of the following best explains why freedom of the press is necessary in the United States?

• It helps develop effective courts.

• It helps support democratic ideals.

• It helps establish local newspapers.

• It helps construct government buildings.

Which of the following steps best completes the diagram?

• A The Senate votes to confirm the candidate’s appointment.

• B The attorney general votes on the candidate’s appointment.

• C The candidate files a petition in the House of Representatives.

• D The name of the candidate appears on a public election ballot.

Part A - Which of the following is best supported by the information in the graphs?

• In 1994, each opposing political party had more members than in 2017.

• In 1994, each political party raised less money for its election campaign than

  in 2017.

• In 2017, it was more difficult for political parties to find candidates to run for

  elected office than it was in 1994.

• In 2017, it was harder for members of opposing political parties to work together to pass legislation than it was in 1994.

Part B - Which of the following questions could the graphs best help answer?

• How similar are the goals of political parties over time?

• Why do political parties campaign in states with small populations?

• Why does it cost so much money to operate political parties over time?

• How do political parties select which cities will host the national conventions?

The text describes an event known as Shays’ Rebellion.

In 1786, more than one thousand Massachusetts citizens, many of them farmers, protested against unfair economic policies. The farmers could not pay the high taxes imposed on them by the state. Citizens marched to courthouses and demanded that the government stop taking farms away from farmers. Since there was no national military, the uprising was eventually stopped by a state militia that was privately funded.

A student made the following claim: The Articles of Confederation created a weak government, and a new U.S. Constitution was needed. Which of the following statements from the text best supports the claim?

• “In 1786, more than one thousand Massachusetts citizens, many of them farmers, protested against unfair economic policies.”

• “The farmers could not pay the high taxes imposed on them by the state.

• “Citizens marched to courthouses and demanded that the government stop taking farms away from farmers.”

• “Since there was no national military, the uprising was eventually stopped by a state militia that was privately funded.”

Use the picture to answer the question:

Part A - Select three additional services the town (local) government should also provide.

• educating students

• passing federal laws

• hiring military officers

• providing fire protection

• maintaining public safety

Part B - How do local governments primarily fund the various services that they provide?

• by taxing residents

• by receiving donations

• by printing new currency

• by selling private property

The three branches of government have many federal employees. Many of these employees hold important positions, including the chief justice of the Supreme Court, the Speaker of the House, and the secretary of education.

Which branch of government includes the chief justice of the Supreme Court?

• A judicial

• B executive

• C legislative

Which branch of government includes the Speaker of the House?

• judicial

• executive

• legislative

Which branch of government includes the secretary of education?

• Judicial

• Executive

• Legislative