Which of the following is a characteristic of consolidated democracies?

• Single-party rule

• Fair elections and competing political parties

• No independent judiciary

• Government-enforced racial segregation

Answer explanation

Consolidated democracies are characterized by fair elections and the presence of competing political parties, ensuring political pluralism and representation, unlike single-party rule or lack of judicial independence.

What is a major feature of Islamic governments as described in the text?

• Complete separation of religion and state

• Legal system based strictly on the Quran

• Elected presidents with no religious influence

• Communist economic policies

Answer explanation

A major feature of Islamic governments is their legal system, which is based strictly on the Quran. This reflects the integration of religious principles into governance, unlike the other options that suggest separation or secularism.

How did South Africa’s government change after 1994?

• It became a communist state

• Apartheid laws were repealed and Nelson Mandela was elected president

• It adopted a monarchy

• It dissolved its parliament

Answer explanation

After 1994, South Africa repealed apartheid laws, marking the end of racial segregation. Nelson Mandela was elected president, symbolizing a new democratic era and the country's commitment to equality and human rights.

Which organization is composed of members of various national governments and aims to promote world peace and security?

• Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)

• Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)

• Private corporations

• Local governments

Answer explanation

Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) are formed by multiple national governments to collaborate on issues like world peace and security, distinguishing them from NGOs, private corporations, and local governments.

Why has the United States faced criticism regarding the Kyoto Protocol?

• For signing it too quickly

• For refusing to implement it and later withdrawing from it

• For enforcing it too strictly

• For not allowing other countries to join

Answer explanation

The United States faced criticism for refusing to implement the Kyoto Protocol and later withdrawing from it, which many viewed as a lack of commitment to addressing climate change.

Which of the following is considered a resource of production in an economic system?

• Money, land, labor, and machinery

• Land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship

• Labor, government, capital, and consumers

• Land, money, government, and sellers

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship', identifies the four main resources of production in economics. Money and government are not considered primary production resources.

Which of the following is a criticism of socialist policies in developing nations?

• They create a welfare state by making people dependent on the government.

• They encourage too much competition among sellers.

• They do not provide any public services.

• They eliminate all government involvement in the economy.

Answer explanation

A common criticism of socialist policies is that they create a welfare state, leading to dependency on government support. This can discourage self-sufficiency and initiative among individuals.

What was one major result of the Soviet Union’s controlled economy?

• Rapid economic growth

• Economic stagnation

• Increased foreign investment

• High levels of entrepreneurship

Answer explanation

The Soviet Union's controlled economy led to economic stagnation due to inefficiencies, lack of innovation, and central planning failures, which hindered growth and adaptability.

Which organization replaced GATT as the main regulatory body for international trade?

• United Nations

• World Trade Organization (WTO)

• European Union (EU)

• North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Answer explanation

The World Trade Organization (WTO) replaced GATT in 1995 as the main regulatory body for international trade, providing a more comprehensive framework for trade agreements and dispute resolution.

How has globalization affected the American consumer and worker?

• It has reduced the variety of products available.

• It has made American products more expensive.

• It has brought more varied products but increased competition for American workers.

• It has eliminated the need for trade policies.

Answer explanation

Globalization has increased product variety for American consumers, providing access to diverse goods. However, it has also intensified competition for American workers, leading to job challenges in certain sectors.