First Amendment

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Q. The First Amendment falls under which option?

First Amendment

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Q. Which of the following laws would be permitted by the First Amendment?

First Amendment

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Q. What overall effect has the First Amendment had on the United States?

Beginning at the end of the 15th century, many European countries began exploring and conquering territories in the New World. Driven by the desire for increased economic wealth, access to natural resources, and the wish to spread Christianity to new parts of the world, many European nations formed permanent settlements in the New World.

The following map shows the New World during this period and labels the European countries that controlled each territory at that time.

Q. According to the map, which European country controlled the largest amount of territory?

Beginning at the end of the 15th century, many European countries began exploring and conquering territories in the New World. Driven by the desire for increased economic wealth, access to natural resources, and the wish to spread Christianity to new parts of the world, many European nations formed permanent settlements in the New World.

The following map shows the New World during this period and labels the European countries that controlled each territory at that time.

Q. According to the passage, all of the following reasons provided motivation to European counties to gain control of more territories in the New World EXCEPT

Beginning at the end of the 15th century, many European countries began exploring and conquering territories in the New World. Driven by the desire for increased economic wealth, access to natural resources, and the wish to spread Christianity to new parts of the world, many European nations formed permanent settlements in the New World.

The following map shows the New World during this period and labels the European countries that controlled each territory at that time.

Q. Why did the European nations eventually give up control of their newly gained territories and leave the New World?

Beginning at the end of the 15th century, many European countries began exploring and conquering territories in the New World. Driven by the desire for increased economic wealth, access to natural resources, and the wish to spread Christianity to new parts of the world, many European nations formed permanent settlements in the New World.

The following map shows the New World during this period and labels the European countries that controlled each territory at that time.

Q. What languages are the most commonly spoken in North America, South America, and Central America today?

This table shows the value of the exports, imports, and trade balances for the top five largest trade partners of the United States in 2015. Values are given in billions of dollars.

Q. According to the table, which of the following is a true statement?

This table shows the value of the exports, imports, and trade balances for the top five largest trade partners of the United States in 2015. Values are given in billions of dollars.

Q. The value of Japan’s trade deficit is what percentage of the value of the U.S. exports to Japan?

The following excerpt is from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which he delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, l963.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating “For Whites Only.” We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream….

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

Q. What problem was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. trying to highlight?

The following excerpt is from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which he delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, l963.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating “For Whites Only.” We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream… .

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

Q. According to Dr. King’s speech in 1963, African Americans were discriminated against in each of the following ways EXCEPT

"It is clear enough that the Civil War was a watershed experience for America. ... To understand that part of our past we need to understand the present, because today we are grappling with the commitment that was made for us a century ago. The ultimate meaning of that war depends on what we do now. We are still involved in it. When we move to make a living reality out of the great ideal of the equality of all Americans; when we take our stand anywhere in the world for freedom, and for just dealing between all races and conditions of man; when we work for an enduring unity among human beings, whether at home or abroad— when we do any of these things we are simply trying to meet the obligation that was laid upon us a century ago at a price higher than any other price we ever paid." Bruce Catton, Civil War historian

Q. Based on the quote above, it is likely that Bruce Catton would support the actions of which group in recent years?

"It is clear enough that the Civil War was a watershed experience for America. ... To understand that part of our past we need to understand the present, because today we are grappling with the commitment that was made for us a century ago. The ultimate meaning of that war depends on what we do now. We are still involved in it. When we move to make a living reality out of the great ideal of the equality of all Americans; when we take our stand anywhere in the world for freedom, and for just dealing between all races and conditions of man; when we work for an enduring unity among human beings, whether at home or abroad— when we do any of these things we are simply trying to meet the obligation that was laid upon us a century ago at a price higher than any other price we ever paid." Bruce Catton, Civil War historian

Q. The Civil War forced women to become equal partners in the work force. What other event in U.S. history led to a similar adaptation?

Q. Which of the following can be inferred from the map?

President Lincoln’s plans for the post-Civil War period included an end to military rule in the South. He proposed to allow new southern state governments that vowed loyalty to the Union. In Lincoln’s view, the southern states had never really seceded; rather, some of their inhabitants had rebelled. Those southerners who would take oaths to support the Constitution and outlaw slavery in their states were to be pardoned. When 10 percent of a state’s voters had agreed to these measures, that state’s government would belong to the Union with all of its rights restored. Lincoln also worked for the passage of a constitutional amendment to abolish slavery in the United States. He believed that many African Americans should receive the right to vote.

Q. What does the passage imply about Lincoln’s view about African Americans and the right to vote?

President Lincoln’s plans for the post-Civil War period included an end to military rule in the South. He proposed to allow new southern state governments that vowed loyalty to the Union. In Lincoln’s view, the southern states had never really seceded; rather, some of their inhabitants had rebelled. Those southerners who would take oaths to support the Constitution and outlaw slavery in their states were to be pardoned. When 10 percent of a state’s voters had agreed to these measures, that state’s government would belong to the Union with all of its rights restored. Lincoln also worked for the passage of a constitutional amendment to abolish slavery in the United States. He believed that many African Americans should receive the right to vote.

Q. Judging from Lincoln’s post–Civil War policies, which of the following was most important to him?

Governments get money mainly through taxes. To increase their revenues, governments may increase tax rates. Sometimes this works, but sometimes the effect is the opposite; higher taxes can actually cause revenues to fall.

Q. How could raising a sales tax rate result in less rather than more revenue for a particular state?

Governments get money mainly through taxes. To increase their revenues, governments may increase tax rates. Sometimes this works, but sometimes the effect is the opposite; higher taxes can actually cause revenues to fall.

Q. A representative is defending the idea that higher taxes can result in less revenue. Which of the following facts could be offered as evidence?

Civil law concerns offenses, called torts, committed by private persons or groups against other private parties. In civil cases, an individual or corporation may sue another for some offense. If successful, the one bringing the suit may be awarded money by the court or may obtain a court order requiring the person being sued to do something or to stop doing something. Criminal law concerns offenses, called crimes, committed against the public interest as defined by a government. Crimes are punishable by fines or imprisonment or both. Serious crimes may be punishable by death.
Q. Which of the following is an example of a civil case?

Civil law concerns offenses, called torts, committed by private persons or groups against other private parties. In civil cases, an individual or corporation may sue another for some offense. If successful, the one bringing the suit may be awarded money by the court or may obtain a court order requiring the person being sued to do something or to stop doing something. Criminal law concerns offenses, called crimes, committed against the public interest as defined by a government. Crimes are punishable by fines or imprisonment or both. Serious crimes may be punishable by death.

Q. Which of the following is an example of a criminal case?

Q. What is the cartoonist implying about greenhouse pollution?

In a sense the Social Security system pits wage earners against senior citizens. The system was originally sold to wage earners as a way to provide for their old-age and also to relieve them from financial responsibility for their parents. As the life expectancy of Americans increased over the years, the cost of providing benefits for retirees also rose. In addition, Congress steadily increased Social Security benefits in an attempt to keep up with rising costs of living for retirees. Congress also added benefits such as disability payments and Medicare, a system of health insurance for older Americans, which is paid from Social Security taxes and from direct contributions by the beneficiaries.
Q. Which of the following statements is NOT supported by evidence in the passage?

In a sense the Social Security system pits wage earners against senior citizens. The system was originally sold to wage earners as a way to provide for their old-age and also to relieve them from financial responsibility for their parents. As the life expectancy of Americans increased over the years, the cost of providing benefits for retirees also rose. In addition, Congress steadily increased Social Security benefits in an attempt to keep up with rising costs of living for retirees. Congress also added benefits such as disability payments and Medicare, a system of health insurance for older Americans, which is paid from Social Security taxes and from direct contributions by the beneficiaries.
Q. Which of the following statements best explains why the Social Security system "pits wage earners against senior citizens"?

The true discoverers of the American continent were ancestors of the people Christopher Columbus called Indians. It is believed that they came from Asia to America across the Bering Strait. Today the Bering Strait is a 60-mile-wide stretch of water, but at several periods during the last Ice Age, some 10,000 to 40,000 years ago, much of the world’s water was frozen in glaciers, and the sea level was very low. It would have been possible to walk on dry land from Siberia to North America. Although much of North America was covered with ice, a broad ice-free strip to the east side of the Rocky Mountains stretched from Alaska southward. As the great herds of game animals moved south, so did the migrating people.

Q. According to the passage and the map, what path did migrating tribes follow?

The true discoverers of the American continent were ancestors of the people Christopher Columbus called Indians. It is believed that they came from Asia to America across the Bering Strait. Today the Bering Strait is a 60-mile-wide stretch of water, but at several periods during the last Ice Age, some 10,000 to 40,000 years ago, much of the world’s water was frozen in glaciers, and the sea level was very low. It would have been possible to walk on dry land from Siberia to North America. Although much of North America was covered with ice, a broad ice-free strip to the east side of the Rocky Mountains stretched from Alaska southward. As the great herds of game animals moved south, so did the migrating people.

Q. Which of the following is a fact according to the article?

The true discoverers of the American continent were ancestors of the people Christopher Columbus called Indians. It is believed that they came from Asia to America across the Bering Strait. Today the Bering Strait is a 60-mile-wide stretch of water, but at several periods during the last Ice Age, some 10,000 to 40,000 years ago, much of the world’s water was frozen in glaciers, and the sea level was very low. It would have been possible to walk on dry land from Siberia to North America. Although much of North America was covered with ice, a broad ice-free strip to the east side of the Rocky Mountains stretched from Alaska southward. As the great herds of game animals moved south, so did the migrating people.

Q. Which of the following is the most likely reason why migrating people followed the game herds?

Historians sometimes give names to certain periods of time in which events or attitudes make them distinct, or different, from other time periods. Listed below are some time periods that have been important in world and United States history.

1. Age of Discovery—the 1400s, when Europe sought to expand trade with the East. Improvements in navigation and sailing methods made possible the great sea voyages of Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and others and led to the European discovery of the Americas.

2. Federalist Era—the period of influence of the Federalists, a political party formed in 1787 to promote ratification (approval) of the U.S. Constitution and a strong federal government. In 1801 they lost the presidency to the Republican party, which favored states’ rights over the federal government.

3. Age of Reform—a time of intense social change from about 1820 to 1850 that saw religious revival; reforms in education, the treatment of prisoners, and the disabled; crusades for temperance (no drinking of alcohol), the abolition of slavery, and promotion of women’s rights.

4. Gilded Age—an economic boom period after the Civil War noted for its extravagant display of wealth and political corruption.

5. Jazz Age—the 1920s, also called the Roaring Twenties, when people adopted a "live for the moment" attitude that emphasized spontaneity, freedom, and self-indulgence.

6. "The men who framed this plan are Americans as much interested in good government as any of us. They saw it would be impossible to agree on a plan that would exactly suit the local policy and goals of each state, and they thought it best to compromise."
   Q. The quotation above is most likely from which historical period?

Historians sometimes give names to certain periods of time in which events or attitudes make them distinct, or different, from other time periods. Listed below are some time periods that have been important in world and United States history.

1. Age of Discovery—the 1400s, when Europe sought to expand trade with the East. Improvements in navigation and sailing methods made possible the great sea voyages of Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and others and led to the European discovery of the Americas.

2. Federalist Era—the period of influence of the Federalists, a political party formed in 1787 to promote ratification (approval) of the U.S. Constitution and a strong federal government. In 1801 they lost the presidency to the Republican party, which favored states’ rights over the federal government.

3. Age of Reform—a time of intense social change from about 1820 to 1850 that saw religious revival; reforms in education, the treatment of prisoners, and the disabled; crusades for temperance (no drinking of alcohol), the abolition of slavery, and promotion of women’s rights.

4. Gilded Age—an economic boom period after the Civil War noted for its extravagant display of wealth and political corruption.

5. Jazz Age—the 1920s, also called the Roaring Twenties, when people adopted a "live for the moment" attitude that emphasized spontaneity, freedom, and self-indulgence.

6. "Sir, forasmuch as I know that you will take pleasure in the great triumph with which Our Lord has crowned my voyage, I write this to you, from which you will learn how, . . . I reached the Indies. . . . And there I found very many islands filled with people without number, and of them all have I taken possession for Their Highnesses, by proclamation and with the royal standard displayed, and nobody objected."
   Q. The quotation above is most likely from which historical period?

Historians sometimes give names to certain periods of time in which events or attitudes make them distinct, or different, from other time periods. Listed below are some time periods that have been important in world and United States history.

1. Age of Discovery—the 1400s, when Europe sought to expand trade with the East. Improvements in navigation and sailing methods made possible the great sea voyages of Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and others and led to the European discovery of the Americas.

2. Federalist Era—the period of influence of the Federalists, a political party formed in 1787 to promote ratification (approval) of the U.S. Constitution and a strong federal government. In 1801 they lost the presidency to the Republican party, which favored states’ rights over the federal government.

3. Age of Reform—a time of intense social change from about 1820 to 1850 that saw religious revival; reforms in education, the treatment of prisoners, and the disabled; crusades for temperance (no drinking of alcohol), the abolition of slavery, and promotion of women’s rights.

4. Gilded Age—an economic boom period after the Civil War noted for its extravagant display of wealth and political corruption.

5. Jazz Age—the 1920s, also called the Roaring Twenties, when people adopted a "live for the moment" attitude that emphasized spontaneity, freedom, and self-indulgence.

6. "Resolved. That all laws which prevent woman from occupying such a station in society as her conscience shall dictate, or which place her in a position inferior to that of a man, are contrary to the great precept (rule) of nature, and therefore of no force or authority."
   Q. The quotation above is most likely from which historical period?

In 1832, Congress passed a bill to re-charter the national bank. President Andrew Jackson vetoed the bill. Henry Clay, a U.S. Senator from Kentucky, said the following about the president’s veto:

“A bill to re-charter the bank, has recently passed Congress, after much deliberation, . . . the president has rejected the bill. . . .

“The veto is an extraordinary power, which, though tolerated by the Constitution, was not expected, by the convention, to be used in ordinary cases. It was designed for instances of precipitate legislation, in unguarded moments. Thus restricted, and it has been thus restricted by all former presidents, it might not be mischievous. . . .

“The veto is hardly reconcilable with the genius of representative government. It is totally irreconcilable with it, if it is to be frequently employed in respect to the expediency of measures, as well as their constitutionality. It is a feature of our government, borrowed from a prerogative of the British king. And it is remarkable, that in England it has grown obsolete, not having been used for upward of a century. . . . It can not be imagined that the Convention contemplated the application of the veto, to a question which has been so long, so often, and so thoroughly scrutinized, as that of the bank of the United States.” —Henry Clay

Q. Henry Clay expresses concerns with all of the following except

Q. In which year was voter turnout highest in terms of percentage of the voting-age population?

Q. How does the change in voter turnout between 1992 and 1994 compare with the change between 1996 and 1998?

Q. Which conclusion is best supported by the information in the table?

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each state, chosen by the legislature thereof, for six years, and each Senator shall have one vote. —U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 3

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each state, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislatures. —U.S. Constitution, Seventeenth Amendment

Q. Which statement is true based on the above information

Q. If an election were held on Tuesday, November 6, in which of these states could you vote if you moved there on Monday, October 1, and registered immediately?

Q. The cartoonist who drew this image is most likely hoping to elicit which of the following reactions?

Q. Based on this map, which of the following can you conclude about ancient civilizations?

Q. Which of the following statements is a FACT found in the pie chart?

Q. The data in the pie chart does NOT support which of the following conclusions?