Social Studies 7A Semester Exam Review

Which of the following was an innovation of the Scientific Revolution?

• Printing press

• Steam engine

• Telegraph

• Airplane

Answer explanation

The printing press, developed in the 15th century, revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge, making it a key innovation of the Scientific Revolution. The other options were developed later.

Which Enlightenment thinker is associated with the idea of 'natural rights'?

• Montesquieu

• Rousseau

• Locke

• Voltaire

Answer explanation

John Locke is the Enlightenment thinker known for the concept of 'natural rights', which includes life, liberty, and property. His ideas significantly influenced modern political thought and the development of democratic principles.

Which colonial system forced Indigenous labor in Latin American Colonies?

• Feudalism

• Encomienda

• Caste

• Republic

Answer explanation

The Encomienda system was established by Spanish colonizers to regulate Indigenous labor in Latin America, granting colonists the right to extract labor and tribute from Indigenous people, making it the correct answer.

Which major conflict was caused by militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism, and was triggered by the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, leading to global conflict through the alliance system?

• World War I

• World War II

• The Cold War

• The Vietnam War

Answer explanation

World War I was caused by militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism. The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand triggered the conflict, leading to a global war through the existing alliance system.

One law that resulted from the Civil Rights Movement is:

• Civil Rights Act of 1964

• Homestead Act of 1862

• Social Security Act of 1935

• Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890

Answer explanation

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark law that emerged from the Civil Rights Movement, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, thus promoting equality.

The encomienda system was:

• a system where Spanish colonists were granted the right to demand labor or tribute from indigenous people.

• a method of trading goods between Europe and the Americas.

• a religious mission to convert indigenous people to Christianity.

• a form of self-government established by Spanish settlers.

Answer explanation

The encomienda system allowed Spanish colonists to demand labor or tribute from indigenous people, effectively exploiting them for economic gain. This choice accurately describes the system's purpose and function.

Name one law that resulted from the Civil Rights Movement.

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which banned segregation in public places.

• The Homestead Act of 1862, which gave land to settlers.

• The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, which regulated monopolies.

• The Social Security Act of 1935, which established a pension system.

Answer explanation

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark law that prohibited segregation in public places, directly resulting from the Civil Rights Movement's efforts to end racial discrimination and promote equality.

How did the Himalayas affect the spread of religions in South Asia?

• The Himalayas formed a high barrier that slowed the spread of religious ideas.

• The Himalayas encouraged the rapid spread of religions by providing easy travel routes.

• The Himalayas had no impact on the movement of religious ideas.

• The Himalayas helped spread religions by connecting South Asia with Europe.

Answer explanation

The Himalayas acted as a significant geographical barrier, making it difficult for religious ideas to spread quickly across regions. This isolation contributed to the slower dissemination of religions in South Asia.

Why are rivers important for cultural and economic development?

• Rivers provide water, transportation, fertile soil, and trade routes that help cities grow.

• Rivers are only used for recreational activities and have no impact on cities.

• Rivers prevent any kind of trade or transportation from happening.

• Rivers are important only for their scenic beauty and not for economic reasons.

Answer explanation

Rivers are vital for cultural and economic development as they provide essential resources like water, fertile soil for agriculture, and transportation routes, facilitating trade and the growth of cities.

What is the scientific method and why was it important?

• A structured way to test ideas through observation and experiments, leading to more reliable scientific discoveries.

• A set of rules for memorizing scientific facts without testing them.

• A method for creating fictional stories about science.

• A way to guess answers without any evidence or testing.

Answer explanation

The scientific method is a structured way to test ideas through observation and experiments. This approach is crucial as it leads to more reliable scientific discoveries, distinguishing it from mere guessing or memorization.