ged social studies practice test

A a high school equivalency exam designed for individuals who did not graduate from high school but want to demonstrate they have the same knowledge and skills as a high school graduate

This excerpt is from a 2002 document published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The realigning President proposes to create a new Department of Homeland Security... by largely transforming and Is to protect the current confusing patchwork of government activities into a single department whose primary mission our homeland.... History... teaches us that new challenges require new organizational structures. For example, prior to 1945, America's armed forces were inefficiently structured with separate War and Navy Departments and disconnected intelligence units. There were no formal mechanisms for.cooperation.. In December 1945, only months after America's decisive victory in World War II,... President Truman declared, "It Is now time... to provide for the future the soundest, most effective and most economical kind of structure for our armed forces...." President Truman's goals were achieved with the National Security Act of 1947 and subsequent amendments... The legislation consolidated the separate military Departments Into the Department of Defense..., established a Central Intelligence Agency to coordinate all foreign intelligence collection and analysis, and created the National Security Council in the White House to coordinate all foreign and defense policy efforts.
Based on the excerpt, which change was a result of the National Security Act of 1947?
  • A. The Central Intelligence Agency replaced the War Department.
  • B. The National Security Council gained control over the Department of Defense.
  • C. The Department of Homeland Security replaced the War Department.
  • D. The Department of the Navy became part of the Department of Defense.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The National Security Act of 1947 reorganized the U.S. military and intelligence community. Option D accurately reflects that the Department of the Navy became part of the newly established Department of Defense, streamlining military operations. Option A is incorrect; the CIA was created but did not replace the War Department directly. Option B is misleading; while the National Security Council was established, it does not control the Department of Defense. Option C is factually incorrect, as the Department of Homeland Security was created later, in 2003, not as a result of the 1947 Act.

Other Related Questions

Which statement best explains the situation described in the paragraphs?
  • A. Crude oil prices in 2014 encouraged U.S. families to buy less gasoline in 2015.
  • B. Crude oil production levels have caused U.S. gasoline prices to fall.
  • C. Greater crude oil reserves have caused the U.S. government to reduce gasoline prices.
  • D. Lower crude oil production will cause U.S. gasoline prices to return to 2014 levels by 2016.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B accurately reflects the relationship between crude oil production levels and gasoline prices. Increased production typically leads to lower prices, as supply outstrips demand. Option A incorrectly suggests a direct correlation between crude oil prices in 2014 and gasoline purchases in 2015, neglecting the influence of production levels. Option C misrepresents the role of reserves; while greater reserves can impact prices, it is production levels that directly affect market prices. Option D speculates on future price increases due to lower production, which is uncertain and not directly supported by the information provided.
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. - State Government Powers - National Government Powers - Shared Powers of National and State Governments -
Question image
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer:

In the U.S. system of federalism, powers are distributed among different levels of government. **State Government Powers** include authority over education, transportation, and local law enforcement, allowing states to address local needs effectively. **National Government Powers** encompass defense, foreign affairs, and immigration, ensuring a unified national policy in these critical areas. **Shared Powers** involve taxation, infrastructure, and law enforcement, illustrating collaboration between state and national governments to maintain order and promote welfare. Other options may misplace powers or overlook the collaborative nature of federalism, leading to misunderstandings about government functions.
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.
Which feature of the U.S. system of government did de Tocqueville believe might cause conflict in society?
  • A. The majority is able to achieve special rights.
  • B. The minority is able to block popular legislation.
  • C. Legislators must represent minority interests.
  • D. Legislators sometimes act against majority rule.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

De Tocqueville observed that when the majority in a democracy can impose its will, it might lead to the oppression of minority groups, creating societal conflict. This reflects his concern about "tyranny of the majority," where the dominant group's interests overshadow the rights of others. Option B is incorrect because while minorities can influence legislation, de Tocqueville focused more on majority power. Option C misrepresents his views; he acknowledged the importance of minority representation but did not see it as a source of conflict. Option D is also inaccurate, as de Tocqueville emphasized the potential for the majority to dominate rather than legislators opposing the majority.