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MD H.S.A. 2009 Test

Total questions: 82

Worksheet time: 41mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
A job advertisement includes the statement “We are an equal opportunity employer.” Which of these best explains what the employer wishes to accomplish? 
a)
help people who are trying to get their first jobs 
b)
provide on the job training for unskilled workers
c)
assist people who have been out of work
d)
treat applicants fairly
2.
Maryland law requires that an individual must wear a helmet when riding on, or driving a motorcycle. What is the purpose of this law? 
a)
to decrease the sale of motorcycles
b)
to prevent crashes involving motor cycles
c)
to protect motorcycle riders from possible injuries
d)
to increase the sale of protective gear for motorcycle riders
3.
In 2005, the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced a new version of its food guide. The chart contains recommendations for daily food choices and physical activity. 

Why would the government take the actions described above? 
a)
to protect the environment
b)
to promote better health
c)
to provide assistance to the elderly
d)
to encourage business competition
4.
A treaty signed by the President of the United States must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate before it can go into effect.

Which principle of government does this reflect? 
a)
federalism
b)
judicial review
c)
checks and balances
d)
popular sovereignty
5.
Which of these Maryland courts has authority most similar to the United States Supreme Court? 
a)
Circuit Court
b)
District Court
c)
Court of Appeals
d)
Court of Special Appeals
6.
Which of these is most often a feature of countries with traditional economies? 
a)
The economy is dependent on continued technological advances
b)
The economy is controlled by a strong central authority
c)
The government ensures that wealth is evenly distributed among citizens
d)
The government values usual occupational roles over economic growth
7.
A statewide poll of Marylanders showed wide differences in their reactions to issues such as crime, education, taxes, employment, and traffic.

Which of these most likely had the greatest impact on the results of this poll? 
a)
the number of registered voters in the state
b)
the results of similar polls from surrounding states
c)
the gender, age, and ethnicity of the people polled
d)
the political beliefs of government officials in the state
8.
“In [creating] a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, [make it ] control itself.” The Federalist No. 51 

Which of these principles is best reflected in the excerpt? 
a)
majority rule
b)
popular sovereignty
c)
limited government
d)
representative democracy
9.
Which of these statements about presidential executive orders is true? 
a)
they must be reviewed by the Supreme Court
b)
they must be in agreement with the Constitution
c)
they must represent the views of the majority party
d)
they must be approved by a majority of cabinet members
10.
n Plessy v. Ferguson, the United States Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment 
a)
supported segregation
b)
protected the right of slave owners
c)
guaranteed the right to an attorney
d)
upheld freedom of expression
11.
County implements new residential zoning laws.   Which of these issues is most likely being addressed by the headline? 
a)
pollution
b)
redistricting
c)
urban sprawl
d)
reapportionment
12.
Discrimination occurs when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of his or her membership in a particular group or class.

Which of these demonstrates an action that would fight discrimination? 
a)
eliminating the national income tax
b)
discouraging women's voting rights
c)
supporting immigration restructions
d)
increasing opportunities for the disabled
13.
Why are the seats of the House of Representatives reapportioned every 10 years? 
a)
to give interest groups more influence
b)
to modify political party alliances
c)
to account for changing populations
d)
to create new committees
14.
Older workers can sue over pay or benefits plans that favor younger employees, . . . the Supreme Court ruled.” USA Today, 2005 

What was the purpose of the Supreme Court ruling described above? 
a)
to maintain public order
b)
to expand productivity
c)
to provide job training
d)
to promote equity
15.
Which of the following is an example of the United States government providing foreign aid? 
a)
placing an embargo on foreign sugar
b)
signing a nuclear arms control treaty
c)
sending medical supplies to foreign doctors
d)
increasing immigration restrictions
16.
If government statistics show rising unemployment and a falling Consumer Price Index, which of these actions should the Federal Reserve take to help the economy? 
a)
increase government spending
b)
decrease interest rates
c)
increase the reserve requirements for banks
d)
decrease tariffs placed on imported products
17.
In 1958, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the state of Alabama violated the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by requiring the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to hand over the names and addresses of its members. 
Which of these best describes the decision in this case? 
a)
State actions are limited by the United States Constitution
b)
The Supreme Court lacks the power to review state laws
c)
Political organizations are reuiqred to maintain accurate membership records
d)
Citizens must report their memberships in organizations to the government
18.
The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland helps local businesses export their products overseas.

What is a purpose of this program? 
a)
to assist businesses in relocating
b)
to encourage competition from foreign companies
c)
to increase opportunities for businesses in the region
d)
to regulate trade between businesses and foreign countries
19.
The United States signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in order to 
a)
decrease trade with European and Asian countries
b)
decrease American investment in overseas markets
c)
increase tariffs placed on products made in Mexico
d)
increase trade opportunities for domestic businesses
20.
In the 1930s, the federal government formed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), an insurance system to protect bank deposits.

Why would the government create this corporation? 
a)
to increase public confidence in banks
b)
to encourage commercial trade between member banks
c)
to stop funding to participating banks
d)
to prohibit the state governments from regulating banks
21.
The Republicans control the House of Representatives while the Democrats control the Senate.  Which of these statements is MOST accurate?
a)
The Democratic Party has enough votes to amend the Constitution
b)
The Republican Party has enough votes to override a Presidential veto
c)
The Democratic and Republican Parties must work together to pass legislation
d)
The Democratic and Republican Parties have enough votes to appoint a Supreme Court Justice
22.
In which situation would the Tinker v. Des Moines Supreme Court decision apply? 
a)
a man is refused an attorney in his criminal case
b)
a woman is arrested without being informed of her rights
c)
a teacher searches a boy's locker without his permission due to reasonable suspision
d)
a girl is suspended from school for passing out fliers about a presidential candidate
23.
Some gas station operators were told by a regulatory agency that their underground gasoline tanks had to be removed and new ones installed. The order was given because the tanks were old and leaking fuel into the ground.

Which of these regulatory agencies has the authority to issue the replacement order? 
a)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
b)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
c)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
d)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
24.
Which of these statements describes due process under the Fourteenth Amendment? 
a)
states must protect the right to a lawyer
b)
basic rights are protected by executive order
c)
states must obtain congressional approval to limit rights
d)
basic rights are limited to those stated in the Constitution
25.
Which of these statements is true about third parties in the United States? 
a)
they are encouraged by the Constitution
b)
they are prohibited in many states
c)
they win most congressional elections
d)
they introduce alternative political ideas
26.
The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that the evidence stemmed directly from the Miranda violation and therefore was inadmissable.” Chicago Tribune, December 2000

The court’s decision most likely protects the rights of
 
a)
the police
b)
the accused
c)
journalists
d)
victims of crime
27.
A group of people disagrees with a law supported by the Maryland General Assembly. 

In attempting to overturn this law, which process would the group most likely use? 
a)
initiative
b)
inquiry
c)
recall
d)
referendum
28.
Which of these describes a breach of contract? 
a)
a business awards work to a company with the lowest bid
b)
a homeowner refuses to pay a carpenter for completed work
c)
a worker is laid off from a  company experiencing financial problems
d)
a computer store gives a customer a refund on a broken computer
29.
Which of these is the best example of due process? 
a)
a speedy trial is guaranteed to a defendant
b)
a plea bargain is offered by a prosecutor
c)
a newspaper reports charges against a suspect
d)
a visitor is allowed to see a suspect in jail
30.
"It shall be an unlawful employment practice for any employer [or] labor organization . . . to discriminate against any individual because of race, color, religion, sex or national
origin . . .”
The Civil Rights Act of 1964

Based on the excerpt, what is one way the Civil Rights Act of 1964 helps minority groups?
 
a)
it increased the minority membership in private golf clubs
b)
it promotes equal economic opportunities for minorities
c)
it guarantees full-time work for minorities
d)
it allows minorities freedom of religion
31.
In a market economy, who decides how resources are used and distributed? 
a)
a board of trustees
b)
a central planning board
c)
consumers and producers
d)
state and national governments
32.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is a federal agency that enforces safety standards for consumer products. The agency was most likely created because 
a)
companies are not concerned with worker safety
b)
information is not available to make safe products
c)
interest groups cannot influence business practices
d)
competition among producers is not enough to protect citizens
33.
Agriculture is a major part of the Midwest’s economy.

Which of these would provide the most immediate improvement to the region’s economy? 
a)
providing government relief to struggling farmers
b)
funding research on farming techniques
c)
offering vocational training to farmers
d)
giving loans to establish new farms
34.
Maryland sees a 20% increase in population.  Baltimore City sees a -9% drop.
Baltimore County sees a +7% increase
Calvert County sees a +87% increase
Frederick County sees a +62% increase.
Which of these predictions can be made from this data about redistricting after the 2010 census?
a)
the delegate district lines may be changed
b)
representation for Baltimore City will increase
c)
the number of legislative districts may be changed
d)
representation for Calvert County will decrease
35.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reports on price changes for over 90,000 items.

Which of these is most likely the reason the federal government uses the CPI? 
a)
to hep measure inflation
b)
to determine the unemployment rate
c)
to analyze worker productivity
d)
to measure the national average income
36.
Which of these statements about a unitary form of government is correct? 
a)
the central government is created by the local governments
b)
the central government has no judicial authority over local governments
c)
local governments can veto legislation proposed by the central government 
d)
local governments have only those powers given to them by the central government
37.
Which of these media reports would the federal government most likely have the authority to censor? 
a)
a private study that goes against official unemployment figures
b)
a news article that tells the location of troops in combat
c)
a statement from business leaders about unfair campaign financing
d)
an interview with an author of a book who criticized the President
38.
Executive Order 9981 (1948)
“There shall be equality of treatment . . . for all persons in the armed forces. . . .”
 
Executive Order 11141 (1964) “[The government shall] assure that older people are not discriminated against because of their age. . . .”

Executive Order 11246 (1965) “The government . . . [will] provide equal opportunity in Federal employment for all qualified persons. . . .” 
What is the intent of each of these executive orders? 
a)
to guarantee the safety of the people
b)
to maintain public order
c)
to protect the rights of individuals and groups
d)
to respect the constitutional rights of states
39.
Executive Order 9981 (1948)
“There shall be equality of treatment . . . for all persons in the armed forces. . . .”
 
Executive Order 11141 (1964) “[The government shall] assure that older people are not discriminated against because of their age. . . .”

Executive Order 11246 (1965) “The government . . . [will] provide equal opportunity in Federal employment for all qualified persons. . . .” 

Which of these executive orders is most similar to the executive orders listed above? 
a)
Executive Order 13007 (1996) “Accommodate [Indian] access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites. . . .” 
b)
Executive Order 12612 (1987) “Restore the division of Governmental responsibilities between the national government and the states. . . .” 
c)
Executive Order 9066 (1942) “Prescribe military areas . . . from which any or all persons can be excluded. . . .” 
d)
Executive Order 10924 (1961) “Establish an agency . . . which shall be known as the Peace Corps.” 
40.
House of Representatives proposes amendment to ban flag burning.

Which principle of government would be affected by the proposed amendment?
 
a)
individual rights
b)
popular sovereignty
c)
separation of powers
d)
checks and balances
41.
Which part of the United States Constitution was a basis for the decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)? 
a)
the due process clause
b)
the establishment clause
c)
the equal protection clause
d)
the necessary and proper clause
42.
Which of these is a violation of a defendant’s rights in a criminal proceeding? 
a)
the judge orders the defendant to testify at trial
b)
the prosecution refuses to plea bargain with the efendant
c)
the defendant requests to be tried by a jury instead of the judge
d)
the judge admits a voluntary confession by the defendant into evidence
43.
INTERNATIONAL GROUPS MEET TO DISCUSS RAIN FOREST MANAGEMENT 

WARNINGS THAT SOUTHERN KENYA FACES MORE DROUGHT 


PRAISE FOR START OF HUMAN RIGHTS TRIALS IN INDONESIA

Which of these organizations would take an active role in all of the events described in the headlines above?
 
a)
World Bank
b)
United Nations
c)
International Red Cross
d)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
44.
In Mexico, the national and state governments share certain responsibilities.

Which of these terms describes this form of government? 
a)
dictatorship
b)
federal
c)
monarchy
d)
unitary
45.
Which of the following federal government positions is not appointed by the President? 
a)
Speaker of the House
b)
Attorney General
c)
Secretary of State
d)
Supreme Court Justice
46.
Which of these excerpts from the Constitution describes federalism? 
a)
he judicial Power shall extend to all Cases . . . arising under this Constitution. .  
b)
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution . . . are reserved to the States.  
c)
The right of citizens . . . who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied . . . on account of age. 
d)
The right of the people to be secure in their persons . . . against unreasonable searches . . . shall not be violated. . 
47.
In which of these government systems are government leaders most accountable to citizens? 
a)
oligarchy
b)
dictatorship
c)
absolute monarchy
d)
representative democracy
48.
Which of these possible actions by the Baltimore City government would probably attract the largest number of new residents to the city? 
a)
zoning for industrial expansion
b)
raising property taxes on apartment buildings
c)
protecting historic landmarks
d)
funding the construction of single-family homes
49.
“The right of citizens . . . to vote shall not be denied . . . on account of race, color or previous condition of servitude.” —U.S. Constitution, Amendment 15 

Which of these principles of government is reflected in this amendment? 
a)
judicial review
b)
federalism
c)
separation of powers
d)
popular sovereignty
50.
Which of these benefits does Social Security provide to senior citizens? 
a)
free meals
b)
prescription drugs
c)
job placement
d)
retirement income
51.
“. . . government of the people, by the people, for the people . . .” —Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, 1863 

Which type of government does Abraham Lincoln describe? 
a)
democracy
b)
dictatorship
c)
monarchy
d)
oligarchy
52.
Supreme Court declares restrictions on election ads unconstitutional 

The Supreme Court’s ruling in this situation is an example of 
a)
judicial review
b)
rule of law
c)
representative democracy
d)
majority rule
53.
The U.S. Constitution corrected a weakness of the Articles of Confederation by 
a)
establishing a national legislature
b)
allowing state governments to have power
c)
requiring that amendments be approved by the states
d)
giving the national government the power to collect taxes
54.
Counties in the Baltimore region signed an agreement to stop algae growth in area reservoirs. Algae growth can cause problems with the taste and odor of drinking water. 

This agreement is an example of 
a)
the actions by a local government to implement state policy
b)
the establishment of federal guidelines to address local issues
c)
regulations from the state government to improve public services
d)
cooperation among local governments to address a common issue
55.
“North Korea will come under intense diplomatic pressure to [end] its nuclear weapons program . . . as the United States, North Korea, and its four neighbors begin . . . negotiations . . .” New York Times, August 

This is an example of the United States working with other nations to
2003 
a)
promote human rights
b)
improve regional trade
c)
protect national security
d)
strengthen democratic reform
56.
In Kelo v. New London (2005), the Supreme Court ruled that local governments could take private property to be used for commercial economic development.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in this case impacted the principle of 
a)
equal protection
b)
rule of law
c)
eminent domain
d)
popular sovereignty
57.
For which of these situations could a writ of habeas corpus be issued? 
a)
a defendant plea-bargains in exchange for a lighter sentence
b)
a police officer searches an apartment without a search warrant
c)
a suspect is kept in jail without being charged with a crime
d)
a judge rules that certain evidence cannot be used in a trial
58.
Which of these is a function of the Federal Reserve? 
a)
to set the level of income tax
b)
to establish export laws
c)
to regulate the money supply
d)
to pass spending legislation
59.
Plan to increase Alaskan oil drilling. 

What is an economic cost most directly associated with the headline? 
a)
less undeveloped land
b)
increased fuel prices
c)
decreased tax revenues
d)
greater job opportunities
60.
According to the U.S. Constitution, which of these actions is a power of the states? 
a)
coining money
b)
establishing post offices
c)
conducting elections
d)
raising an army
61.
The United States creates a fence along the Mexico-United States border that says "Welcome to America...a gated community".  Which of these foreign policy concerns is MOST likely addressed by such actions
a)
supporting democratic reforms in other countries
b)
promoting environmental protection in developing nations
c)
providing humanitarian aid during crisis situations
d)
protecting residents from possible security threats
62.
As a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United States would most likely be involved in 
a)
developing a common currency for member nations
b)
participating in an international military operation
c)
regulating international fair labor standards
d)
providing technological aid to developing countries
63.
Which headline describes an action most likely to have a positive effect on a presidential candidate’s campaign? 
a)
Campaign opinion polls fall for presidential candidate 
b)
Presidential candidate raises record amount of campaign funds
c)
Presidential debate schedule announced for upcoming campaign
d)
Interest group criticizes presidential candidate's record
64.
Calvert County grew 45% between 1990 and 2000. Which of these events
most likely occurred as the
population grew? 
a)
city land was converted to farmland
b)
the tax revenue for the county declined
c)
construction of new houses and apartments stopped
d)
the county increased funding for government services
65.
Which of these does the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulate? 
a)
the number of union pilots
b)
the pricing of new airplanes
c)
the safety of passenger airlines
d)
the cost of jet fuel
66.
Which of these is a goal of the United States government in stabilizing the economy? 
a)
to increase the national debt
b)
to decrease the unemployment rate
c)
to increase the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
d)
to decrease the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
67.
In 1988, Congress passed a
law authorizing the payment of $20,000 to each Japanese American placed in relocation camps during World War II. 

This law is an example of Congress 
a)
protecting national security
b)
maintaining the rights of the majority
c)
upholding decisions made during times of war
d)
recognizing violations of the rights of a minority
68.
The countries with the largest quotas in the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
USA: 17
Japan: 7
Germany: 6
United Kingdom: 5
France: 5
Italy: 3
Saudi Arabia: 2

What is one way that the United States benefits from its quota in the International Monetary Fund (IMF)? 
a)
The United States has less need for world trade
b)
The United States does not have to pay tariffs on exports
c)
The United States receives additional discounts on foreign goods
d)
The United States can significantly affect global economic policies
69.
Based on due process, which of these instructions would a judge give to the jury in a criminal trial? 
a)
presume the accused is innocent
b)
request a retrial if testimony is unclear
c)
disregard evidence in closing arguments
d)
give a preference for trial locations
70.
The basic economic questions in the United States are mainly answered by 
a)
individuals and businesses
b)
the United States Congress
c)
state and local governments
d)
the President of the United States
71.
Which of these is a characteristic of a dictatorship? 
a)
a system of checks and balances distributes government power
b)
individual freedoms and rights are protected by the constitution
c)
courts may override decisions made by government leaders
d)
government leaders rule with absolute authority
72.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to monitor levels of pollutants found in drinking water. Research has shown that high levels of pollutants can contribute to long-term health problems. The EPA is currently reviewing pollution limits for the mining and smelting industries, which con- tribute to the pollution. Industry officials assert however, that the extra cost associated with reducing water pollution will force some companies to shut down. 

Which of these statements is best supported by the excerpt above? 
a)
government agencies have little interest in private industry
b)
government policy must balance health and economic concerns
c)
the government should help fund mining and smelting industries
d)
the government should allow industries to set their own environmental regulations
73.
Which of these decides the verdict in a felony trial? 
a)
the plaintiff
b)
the petit jury
c)
the grand jury
d)
the prosecutor
74.
Which of these happens first in the United States presidential election process? 
a)
delegates are selected to attend their party's national convention
b)
electors meet to cast the official votes in the election
c)
the people vote for President and Vice President in a general election
d)
political parties help select presidential and vice presidential candidates at their national conventions
75.
Which of these government actions would most directly promote economic security? 
a)
increasing airline safety requirements
b)
increasing benefits for the unemployed
c)
decreasing regulations for factory emissions
d)
decreasing federal gasoline taxes
76.
Which of these statements best explains why school officials are allowed to search a student’s locker without a search warrant? 
a)
it is illegal for police officers to enter school property
b)
all constitutional rights are denied students under 21 years of age
c)
school officials are part of local police departments
d)
it is considered necessary for the protection of other students
77.
Which of these actions would most likely help workers develop job skills? 
a)
providing computer training programs
b)
establishing tax breaks for owners of small businesses
c)
providing union dues for unemployed workers
d)
establishing a government health-care plan for employees
78.
Which of these would require regional cooperation? 
a)
expanding city recreational facilities
b)
providing neighborhood trash removal
c)
determining voter qualifications
d)
maintaining an interstate highway
79.
Which action would a special interest group take to gain support for a law proposed in Congress? 
a)
meet with representatives to educate them about the bill
b)
present the group's position in lawsuits heard in court
c)
donate money to a presidential re-election campaign
d)
endorse political party candidates for the state legislature
80.
Some businesses concerned about Internet identity theft have asked Congress to pass a consumer privacy law.

What is the most likely purpose of the proposed legislation? 
a)
to limit Internet use
b)
to promote equity
c)
to censor the Internet
d)
to prevent crime
81.
The governor of Maryland chose to cut spending on road construction in order to increase spending for school construction.

Which economic principle is best demonstrated by this decision? 
a)
economic freedom
b)
opportunity cost
c)
price controls
d)
supply and demand
82.
“That all Government of right originates from the People . . . and they have, at all times, the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their Form of Government. . . .” —Article 1, Declaration of Rights, Constitution of Maryland

Which of these principles of government is stated in the excerpt?
 
a)
equal protection
b)
rule of law
c)
separation of powers
d)
consent of the governed