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 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.
What impact do the varying insurance rates of the Revenue Protection Plan have on farming?
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  • A. They maintain stable prices for certain crops.
  • B. They give farmers an incentive to promote crop diversity.
  • C. They ensure the steady increase of crop production levels.
  • D. They give farmers an incentive to grow crops that have higher subsidies.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The varying insurance rates of the Revenue Protection Plan incentivize farmers to cultivate crops that receive higher subsidies, as these crops can mitigate financial risks associated with farming. This option aligns with economic behavior, where farmers are likely to prioritize profitability. Option A is incorrect because insurance rates do not directly stabilize prices; they primarily provide financial protection. Option B misrepresents the incentive structure; while crop diversity is beneficial, the plan does not specifically encourage it through varying rates. Option C is misleading, as the plan does not guarantee increased production levels; it merely provides a safety net against revenue loss.

Other Related Questions

What is the main point of view expressed in this excerpt?
  • A. The Cherokee Nation is equal to the United States in terms of trade and government.
  • B. The Cherokee Nation is dependent on the United States for basic necessities and survival.
  • C. The Cherokee Nation is dependent on the United States for guidance and protection.
  • D. The Cherokee Nation is a separate state that deals with the United States as a foreign country.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The excerpt emphasizes the Cherokee Nation's reliance on the United States for guidance and protection, reflecting a relationship where the Cherokee seek support in navigating external challenges. Option A misrepresents the dynamics by suggesting equality in trade and government, which overlooks the power imbalance. Option B, while hinting at dependence, fails to capture the broader context of guidance and protection that the Cherokee sought. Option D incorrectly frames the relationship as one of complete separation, ignoring the interdependence that characterized their interactions with the United States.
Based on the information in this passage, which feature of ancient Roman government most influenced the Founders in framing the U.S. Constitution?
  • A. A popularly elected representative vetoed legislation.
  • B. Magistrates proposed laws.
  • C. A system of checks and balances limited power.
  • D. Senators elected the consuls.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The feature that most influenced the Founders in framing the U.S. Constitution is the system of checks and balances, which limited the power of government branches to prevent tyranny. This principle is evident in the U.S. system, where each branch can check the others, ensuring a balance of power. Option A is incorrect because while representatives play a role in legislation, the emphasis on a veto by a popularly elected official is not a defining characteristic of Roman governance. Option B, proposing laws by magistrates, describes a function of government but does not reflect the broader concept of power limitation. Option D incorrectly focuses on the election of consuls, which is less relevant to the Founders' emphasis on checks and balances.
Which statement is supported by the diagrams?
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  • A. Only the vice president and the president pro tempore of the Senate serve in two branches.
  • B. Only officials from the executive and legislative branches are in the line of presidential succession.
  • C. The order of presidential succession is determined by the members of the executive branch.
  • D. The leaders of Congress are accountable to the members of the executive branch.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B accurately reflects the structure of presidential succession, which includes officials from both the executive and legislative branches, specifically the vice president and the leaders of Congress. Option A is misleading; while the vice president and president pro tempore serve in both branches, other officials in the line of succession also include members from the cabinet, which is part of the executive branch. Option C is incorrect as the order of succession is established by law, not determined solely by the executive branch members. Option D misrepresents accountability; Congress leaders are accountable to their constituents, not the executive branch.
Which statement from the passage is an opinion?
  • A. "Even so, the success of Levittown depended not only on the efficiency of the Levitt brothers' process but also on the Federal Housing Administration" (paragraph 4)
  • B. "Shortly after World War II, many changes led to the development of suburbs." (paragraph 1)
  • C. "This, much of the baby-boom generation had well-constructed homes in which to grow up." (paragraph 4)
  • D. "With this financing in place, more homes could be built and more veterans could afford to buy them." (paragraph 4)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C expresses a subjective view about the quality of homes available to the baby-boom generation, indicating an opinion that these homes were "well-constructed." This characterization is not a factual statement and reflects a personal judgment. In contrast, Option A presents a factual statement about the factors contributing to Levittown's success, grounded in historical context. Option B provides a straightforward observation regarding the timeline of suburban development, without personal interpretation. Option D outlines a factual cause-and-effect relationship regarding financing and home construction, remaining objective. Thus, only Option C conveys a personal opinion.