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

Which statement from Common Sense provides evidence that the author Thomas Paine supported American independence?
  • A. "Absolute governments have this advantage with them, that they are simple..."
  • B. "I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation, to [show], a single advantage that this continent can reap, by being connected with Great Britain."
  • C. "The prejudice of Englishmen, in [favor] of their own government arises as much or more from national pride than reason."
  • D. "Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil."
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B provides clear evidence of Thomas Paine's support for American independence by challenging the benefits of remaining connected to Great Britain. By asking advocates for reconciliation to demonstrate any advantages, Paine emphasizes the futility of such ties and advocates for autonomy. Option A discusses the simplicity of absolute governments, which does not directly address the question of American independence. Option C critiques English national pride but lacks a direct link to the argument for independence. Option D presents a philosophical view on government but does not specifically advocate for breaking away from British rule.

Other Related Questions

The newspaper writer's opinion that
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  • A. slavery should have been preserved
  • B. Jim Crow laws should have been stopped
  • C. Jim Crow laws benefited the south
  • D. Jim Crow laws had benefited the South constitutional changes were successful
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The opinion that Jim Crow laws benefited the South reflects a perspective that views these discriminatory laws as advantageous for maintaining social order and economic benefits for white populations, despite their oppressive nature. Option A suggests a support for slavery, which is widely condemned and not a mainstream opinion. Option B advocates for the cessation of Jim Crow laws, opposing the notion that they were beneficial. Option D incorrectly implies that constitutional changes related to Jim Crow were successful, overlooking the ongoing struggles for civil rights and equality. Thus, option C captures a historically inaccurate yet prevalent viewpoint of the time.
Which historical event most likely shaped the author's point of view?
  • A. the development of the concept of Manifest Destiny
  • B. the United States' involvement in World War I
  • C. the United States' internal conflicts during the Great Depression
  • D. the calls for social reform during Prohibition
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The author's perspective is significantly influenced by the United States' involvement in World War I, as this event marked a pivotal shift in national identity and global engagement. The war prompted discussions about democracy, freedom, and the role of the U.S. on the world stage, shaping the author's views on these themes. Option A, Manifest Destiny, pertains to 19th-century expansionism, which is less relevant to the author's context. Option C, the Great Depression, focuses on economic struggles rather than the broader geopolitical implications of war. Option D, social reform during Prohibition, addresses domestic issues but does not encompass the global impact and ideological shifts brought about by World War I.
Which statement best describes the action of the people in the photograph?
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  • A. They are utilizing an 8th Amendment right to secure the release of a colleague who was jailed unfairly.
  • B. They are utilizing a 6th Amendment right to secure a fair trial for a jailed associate.
  • C. They are utilizing a 1st Amendment right to secure equality under the law.
  • D. They are utilizing a 14th Amendment right to secure the opportunity to vote in federal elections.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The action depicted in the photograph aligns with the 1st Amendment, which guarantees freedoms concerning speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government. The individuals are likely advocating for equality under the law, a fundamental principle of democratic society. Option A incorrectly references the 8th Amendment, which focuses on protection against excessive bail and cruel punishment, not the right to protest for a colleague's release. Option B misapplies the 6th Amendment, which ensures the right to a fair trial, rather than addressing broader issues of equality. Option D inaccurately connects the situation to the 14th Amendment, which deals with citizenship rights and equal protection, not specifically voting rights.
Which sentence from the passage provides evidence that the Veterans Administration was involved in the development of suburban communities?
  • A. "Men returned home from military service, got married, and started families." (paragraph 1)
  • B. "Moreover, a separate government program made low-interest mortgage loans available to returning military personnel." (paragraph 4)
  • C. "Even so, the success of Levittown depended not only on the efficiency of the Levitt brothers' process but also on the Federal Housing Administration, which guaranteed bank loans to builders." (paragraph 4)
  • D. "William and his brother Alfred first gained experience in assembly-line techniques while building government housing for defense workers during World War II." (paragraph 2)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B clearly highlights the involvement of the Veterans Administration by mentioning a specific government program that provided low-interest mortgage loans to returning military personnel. This directly links the agency's actions to the development of suburban communities, as affordable housing financing is crucial for homeownership. Option A discusses the general trend of returning veterans starting families but does not specifically reference the Veterans Administration's role. Option C mentions the Federal Housing Administration, not the Veterans Administration, which makes it irrelevant to the question. Option D focuses on the Levitt brothers’ prior experience and does not address the Veterans Administration's involvement in suburban development.