Impact of Government Policies and Historical Events

What were the basic problems facing the Western Roman Empire, according to these authors?

• The basic problems were the exclusion of the majority from political responsibilities, inability to protect themselves, economic hopelessness, and decline of cities.

• The basic problems were the expansion of trade routes, increased agricultural productivity, and rise of new cities.

• The basic problems were the unification of the empire, establishment of a strong navy, and flourishing of the arts.

• The basic problems were the spread of democracy, improvement in public health, and growth of educational institutions.

According to this excerpt from Gibbon, what were two causes for the fall of Rome? Explain both.

• Two causes were the empire's large size (immoderate greatness) and the influence of Christianity, which discouraged active virtues and military spirit.

• Two causes were the rise of democracy and the spread of scientific knowledge.

• Two causes were the discovery of new trade routes and the invention of gunpowder.

• Two causes were the unification of the Roman provinces and the increase in agricultural production.

What economic factors contributed to the fall of the Western Roman Empire, according to this document?

• Economic factors included the end of expansion and plunder, reliance on slave labor, growth of large estates (latifundia), and the ruin of free farmers (coloni).

• The rise of powerful city-states and increased trade with Asia.

• The discovery of new gold mines and a surplus of agricultural production.

• A strong central government and the abolition of slavery.

Muller identified which of the following as economic issues causing decline?

• High inflation and unemployment

• Technological advancement

• Population growth

• Political stability

Slavery was a cause for the decline of the Roman Empire in which of the following ways?

• It led to economic stagnation and reduced innovation.

• It increased the power of the Senate.

• It promoted rapid industrialization.

• It strengthened the Roman military.

The Roman government had large expenses because:

• they built roads and aqueducts

• they paid for a large army

• they funded public entertainment

• All of the above

What was the effect of high taxation on the people?

• It made people wealthier.

• It caused hardship and discontent among the people.

• It led to lower government revenue.

• It improved living standards.

What effect did the establishment of a governmental welfare system have on the people?

• It improved the standard of living for many people.

• It led to a decrease in government spending.

• It caused widespread unemployment.

• It eliminated the need for any taxes.

Paul of Tarsus presents which of the following to people to compel them to accept/convert to Christianity?

• Miracles and teachings about Jesus Christ

• Political power and wealth

• Promises of earthly kingdoms

• Scientific explanations

According to the passage, what were some of the methods used for executing the convicted multitude?

• They were covered with skins of wild beasts and torn to pieces by dogs, fastened to crosses, or wrapped with inflammable materials and burned to serve as torches.

• They were sent into exile on remote islands far from civilization.

• They were forced to work in mines for the rest of their lives.

• They were given a chance to escape through a maze filled with traps.