This passage describes some activities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency oversees the Commodity Insurance program. This program offers farmers a variety of forms of insurance. One form is known as the Revenue Protection Plan. This plan protects farmers against losing income due to falling prices or crop failures.
Under this plan, a farmer may choose to purchase insurance to guarantee revenue of at least 75% of the Actual Production History of the farm. The insurance on some crops, such as corn, is subsidized by the federal government at a much higher rate than most other crops. The insurance rates vary depending on the type of crop grown.
The USDA also has several agencies devoted to research. The Economic Research Service complies data about the total profits earned by U.S. farms. It measures the total income earned by farms and the total costs of production. Generally, both figures have increased over the past 10 years. This graph contains data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
According to the information in the first graph, which statement correctly describes the period from 2006 to 2008?
- A. Gross farm income continued the decline that had characterized previous years.
- B. Gross farm income increased despite increases in production costs.
- C. Increases in production costs caused gross farm income to decline.
- D. Decreases in production costs continued throughout this period.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
During the period from 2006 to 2008, gross farm income saw an increase, even as production costs rose. This indicates that farmers managed to offset higher expenses with increased revenue. Option A is incorrect as it suggests a continuation of decline, which contradicts the data showing growth in income. Option C misinterprets the relationship between rising costs and income, as income actually increased despite those costs. Option D is inaccurate because it implies a consistent decrease in production costs, which is not supported by the graph indicating rising expenses during this timeframe.
During the period from 2006 to 2008, gross farm income saw an increase, even as production costs rose. This indicates that farmers managed to offset higher expenses with increased revenue. Option A is incorrect as it suggests a continuation of decline, which contradicts the data showing growth in income. Option C misinterprets the relationship between rising costs and income, as income actually increased despite those costs. Option D is inaccurate because it implies a consistent decrease in production costs, which is not supported by the graph indicating rising expenses during this timeframe.
Other Related Questions
According to this graph, in which year did the U.S. government first achieve a budget surplus?
- A. 1996
- B. 1994
- C. 1998
- D. 2002
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The graph indicates that the U.S. government first achieved a budget surplus in 1998, as evidenced by the line crossing above the zero mark in that year. Option A (1996) shows a deficit, as the line remains below zero. Option B (1994) also reflects a deficit, indicating that the government had not yet balanced its budget. Option D (2002) is incorrect as it depicts a return to deficit after a surplus, confirming that the surplus was achieved earlier in 1998. Thus, 1998 is the first year when the budget surplus was realized.
The graph indicates that the U.S. government first achieved a budget surplus in 1998, as evidenced by the line crossing above the zero mark in that year. Option A (1996) shows a deficit, as the line remains below zero. Option B (1994) also reflects a deficit, indicating that the government had not yet balanced its budget. Option D (2002) is incorrect as it depicts a return to deficit after a surplus, confirming that the surplus was achieved earlier in 1998. Thus, 1998 is the first year when the budget surplus was realized.
Which statement from President Polk's address is a fact rather than an opinion?
- A. "Our title to… Oregon is 'clear and unquestionable,' and already are our people preparing to perfect that title by occupying it with their wives and children..."
- B. "[O]ur people… have filled the eastern valley of the Mississippi,... ascended the Missouri to its headsprings..."
- C. "Nor will it become in a less degree my duty to… maintain by all constitutional means the right of the United States to that portion of our territory which lies beyond the Rocky Mountains."
- D. "The jurisdiction of our laws and the benefits of our republican institutions should be extended over them in the distant regions which they have selected for their homes."
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B presents a factual statement about the movement of people in the United States, specifically noting their migration patterns along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. This statement can be verified through historical records, making it a fact. In contrast, Option A expresses a subjective belief regarding the clarity of the title to Oregon, which is an opinion rather than an objective truth. Option C discusses the duty of the President in a way that implies a commitment but does not provide verifiable information. Lastly, Option D suggests a normative view on governance and territorial expansion, reflecting a belief in the benefits of U.S. institutions rather than stating a fact.
Option B presents a factual statement about the movement of people in the United States, specifically noting their migration patterns along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. This statement can be verified through historical records, making it a fact. In contrast, Option A expresses a subjective belief regarding the clarity of the title to Oregon, which is an opinion rather than an objective truth. Option C discusses the duty of the President in a way that implies a commitment but does not provide verifiable information. Lastly, Option D suggests a normative view on governance and territorial expansion, reflecting a belief in the benefits of U.S. institutions rather than stating a fact.
Which statement from the excerpts is a fact?
- A. "When people blame the current crisis on the free market, they are making a grave intellectual error." (paragraph 3)
- B. "... we ultimately included a provision in the Affordable Care Act that people who can afford to buy health insurance should take the responsibility to do so." (paragraph 7)
- C. "Like other areas of the economy where the federal government wields its heavy hand, health care is overregulated and in need of serious market reforms." (paragraph 2)
- D. "... [T]oday's decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it." (paragraph 5)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B presents a factual statement regarding the Affordable Care Act, specifically mentioning a provision that mandates individuals who can afford health insurance to take responsibility for purchasing it. This is a verifiable aspect of the legislation. In contrast, Option A expresses an opinion about blaming the free market, which is subjective and open to interpretation. Option C also conveys a viewpoint on government regulation and reform needs, lacking objective verification. Lastly, Option D describes a perceived outcome of a decision, reflecting an opinion on its impact rather than presenting a fact. Thus, only Option B stands as an objective statement grounded in legislation.
Option B presents a factual statement regarding the Affordable Care Act, specifically mentioning a provision that mandates individuals who can afford health insurance to take responsibility for purchasing it. This is a verifiable aspect of the legislation. In contrast, Option A expresses an opinion about blaming the free market, which is subjective and open to interpretation. Option C also conveys a viewpoint on government regulation and reform needs, lacking objective verification. Lastly, Option D describes a perceived outcome of a decision, reflecting an opinion on its impact rather than presenting a fact. Thus, only Option B stands as an objective statement grounded in legislation.
Complete the U.S. System of Federalism chart based on information from the passage. Click on the title below you want to select and drag it into the top of each column in the chart.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer:
**Correct answer:** Federal Government **Rationale:** The Federal Government is responsible for national issues such as defense, immigration, and foreign policy, which distinguishes it from state governments. State Governments handle local matters like education and transportation, focusing on regional needs. The option "Local Government" refers to municipal or county levels, which operate under the authority of the state and do not encompass federal responsibilities. Therefore, the Federal Government is accurately placed at the top of the federalism chart, while the other options misrepresent the hierarchy and scope of governance in the U.S. system.
**Correct answer:** Federal Government **Rationale:** The Federal Government is responsible for national issues such as defense, immigration, and foreign policy, which distinguishes it from state governments. State Governments handle local matters like education and transportation, focusing on regional needs. The option "Local Government" refers to municipal or county levels, which operate under the authority of the state and do not encompass federal responsibilities. Therefore, the Federal Government is accurately placed at the top of the federalism chart, while the other options misrepresent the hierarchy and scope of governance in the U.S. system.