hiset social studies practice test

A widely recognized high school equivalency exam, similar to the GED, designed for individuals who didn’t complete high school but want to earn a diploma-equivalent credential.

Trade and Opportunity Costs This passage and table describe the opportunity costs faced by two countries. 1 The countries of Grand Coast and Toland are trading partners. The two main goods traded are timber and fish. Every year the ministers of trade from each country attend an international conference to discuss issues related to foreign trade and decide how each country should specialize. The table provides economic data for one year.
A drought strikes Toland and decreases the amount of fish caught from 8 units to 2 units. How will this change affect trade negotiations for the following year?
  • A. The countries should maintain the existing agreement.
  • B. Both countries should produce both goods.
  • C. Toland should specialize in the production of timber.
  • D. Toland should specialize in the production of fish.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

A decrease in fish catch due to drought shifts Toland's production capabilities. Specializing in timber (Option C) allows Toland to focus on a resource that can still be produced effectively, potentially increasing trade value. Maintaining the existing agreement (Option A) ignores the new realities of reduced fish availability, which could lead to imbalances. Producing both goods (Option B) may spread resources too thin, hindering efficiency. Specializing in fish (Option D) is unwise, as the drought has drastically reduced fish availability, making it impractical to rely on this sector.

Other Related Questions

Which policy would be most effective to increase Grand Coast's comparative advantage over Toland?
  • A. Raise taxes on factories and mills
  • B. Encourage more workers to pursue fishing
  • C. Maintain spending on infrastructure projects
  • D. Improve technology used to produce timber
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Encouraging more workers to pursue fishing enhances Grand Coast's comparative advantage by capitalizing on its natural resources and existing industry strengths. This shift allows for specialization, leading to increased efficiency and production in fishing, where Grand Coast may already excel compared to Toland. Raising taxes on factories and mills (A) could deter investment and reduce manufacturing output, weakening economic competitiveness. Maintaining spending on infrastructure projects (C) may improve overall economic conditions but does not directly target enhancing comparative advantage. Improving technology for timber production (D) could be beneficial but may not align with Grand Coast's most advantageous industries compared to fishing.
The Bill of Rights is part of which document?
  • A. The Magna Carta
  • B. The Constitution
  • C. The Articles of Confederation
  • D. The Declaration of the Rights of Man
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments, is embedded within the Constitution of the United States, ensuring individual liberties and limiting governmental power. Option A, the Magna Carta, is a historical document from 1215 that influenced constitutional law but is not directly related to the U.S. Bill of Rights. Option C, the Articles of Confederation, served as the first governing document of the U.S. but did not include a Bill of Rights. Option D, the Declaration of the Rights of Man, pertains to the French Revolution and outlines rights for French citizens, not American rights.
Different states set different minimum age requirements for getting a driver's license. Which amendment allows this?
  • A. Amendment 1
  • B. Amendment 5
  • C. Amendment 6
  • D. Amendment 10
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states. This includes the authority to regulate matters such as driver's licenses, allowing each state to establish its own minimum age requirements. Option A (Amendment 1) protects freedoms like speech and religion, unrelated to state licensing powers. Option B (Amendment 5) addresses rights in criminal cases and due process, not state regulations on driving. Option C (Amendment 6) focuses on the rights of criminal defendants, which does not pertain to licensing authority. Thus, the Tenth Amendment is the foundation for state control over driver's license regulations.
What was the impact of the Brandenburg v. Ohio ruling on an individual's right to freedom of speech?
  • A. It allowed for more freedom.
  • B. It created further restrictions.
  • C. It had no effect on free speech issues.
  • D. It created a special class of speech regarding racial issues.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The Brandenburg v. Ohio ruling significantly expanded individual rights to freedom of speech by establishing the "imminent lawless action" standard. This meant that speech could only be restricted if it incited immediate illegal activity, thereby allowing for more robust expression of ideas, even controversial ones. Option B is incorrect as the ruling lessened restrictions on speech rather than increasing them. Option C misrepresents the ruling's significance; it directly influenced free speech protections. Option D is also inaccurate, as the ruling did not create a special class of speech but rather reinforced protections for all forms of expression.