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.

When is a government most likely to establish a wage floor?
Question image
  • A. When wages have consistently increased over a long period of time
  • B. When wages have remained constant over a long period of time
  • C. When it determines wages are too low
  • D. When it determines wages are too high
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

A wage floor, often implemented through minimum wage laws, is typically established when the government identifies that wages are too low, leading to insufficient income for workers. Option A is incorrect because a consistent increase in wages does not necessitate a wage floor; it may indicate a healthy economy. Option B is also wrong, as constant wages may not reflect a need for intervention unless they are deemed inadequate. Option D misinterprets the purpose of a wage floor; it is not set when wages are high, but rather to protect workers from unlivable pay levels. Thus, the rationale for a wage floor centers on addressing low wages.

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.
What is the nearly 30,000 square mile acquisition known as?
  • A. Alaska Purchase
  • B. Hawaii Annexation
  • C. Oregon Territory
  • D. Gadsden Purchase
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The Gadsden Purchase refers to the acquisition of approximately 30,000 square miles of land from Mexico in 1854, primarily to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad. Option A, the Alaska Purchase, involved acquiring Alaska from Russia in 1867 and is significantly larger in area. Option B, the Hawaii Annexation, pertains to the annexation of Hawaii in 1898, which is not a land acquisition of this size. Option C, the Oregon Territory, was established through treaties in the mid-1800s but does not represent a single acquisition of 30,000 square miles. Thus, the Gadsden Purchase is uniquely defined by its specific size and historical context.
Which statement is true about the four countries that accepted the passengers?
  • A. They had camps similar to those established by Germany.
  • B. They were allies during World War II.
  • C. They had Europe's largest populations prior to World War I.
  • D. They each shared a border with Germany.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B is accurate as the four countries that accepted the passengers were indeed allies during World War II, collaborating against the Axis powers. Option A is incorrect because these countries did not establish camps similar to those in Germany; instead, they provided refuge to those fleeing persecution. Option C is misleading; while some of these countries had significant populations, they were not necessarily the largest in Europe prior to World War I. Option D is false as not all of the countries shared a border with Germany, which limits the applicability of this statement.
Which of these pairs of cases deals with First Amendment rights?
  • A. Commonwealth v. Hunt and Brown v. Board of Education
  • B. Muller v. Oregon and Schenck v. United States
  • C. Schenck v. United States and Engel v. Vitale
  • D. Brown v. Board of Education and Engel v. Vitale
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C features Schenck v. United States and Engel v. Vitale, both pivotal cases addressing First Amendment rights. Schenck examined free speech limitations during wartime, while Engel addressed the separation of church and state in public schools, emphasizing freedom of religion. Option A includes Commonwealth v. Hunt, focused on labor rights, and Brown v. Board of Education, which, although significant for civil rights, does not directly pertain to First Amendment issues. Option B includes Muller v. Oregon, centered on labor laws, and Schenck, which, while relevant, does not pair with a Second case addressing First Amendment rights. Option D pairs Brown v. Board of Education with Engel v. Vitale, where only Engel pertains to First Amendment issues, making it an incomplete choice.