Praxis II Social Studies (5081) Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following benefits of recycling would least relate to an area's physical geography?

It saves natural resources

It saves clean air and water

It saves landfill space

It saves money and creates jobs (correct)

How are biomass and fossil fuels related?

Biomass undergoes fusion to become fossil fuel.

Over time biomass becomes fossil fuels. (correct)

Fossil fuels are consumed, biomass is created.

Fossil fuels over time will become biomass.

Which of the following statements best explains why trade and shipping are historically more dominant industries in the Northeast than they are in the South?

Settlers who populated New England were predominantly of the college educated merchant class while settlers in the South were predominantly aristocrats and indentured servants.

The abundance of natural harbors and fast moving rivers in the Northeast lent itself to the ease of creating canals and ports for trade. (correct)

The frequency of tropical storms in the South are devastating to shipping while the relatively calm currents along the Northeast coast are favorable to shipping.

The natural abundance of timber in the Northeast lent itself to the building of ships for trade.

Which of the following best describes the benefits, to farmers, of genetically modified organisms?

Allow farmers to reduce chemical spraying, use less harmful chemicals, or increase output Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the primary reason the U.S. built the Panama Canal in 1907?

To create a faster way to ship goods from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean Signup and view all the answers

In what way has the modern creation of nation-states and boundaries affected the working of international commerce?

It has allowed nation-states to protect their economies and gain income through tariffs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is usually true of demand and supply curves?

Market demand curves slope downward and to the right and supply curves slope upward from left to right Signup and view all the answers

A macroeconomist would focus on all of the following except

A firm's profits Signup and view all the answers

What is an opportunity cost?

The most desirable alternative given up Signup and view all the answers

Which cost curve declines continuously with increasing output?

Average Fixed Cost Signup and view all the answers

In a perfectly competitive scenario, a firm's marginal revenue

Is equal to the market price of its product Signup and view all the answers

A business is trying to increase its revenues. If the elasticity of demand for one of its products is 0.5, it should

Consider raising the price Signup and view all the answers

When the demand for an item affects the demand for the workers who make the item, this is referred to as

Derived demand Signup and view all the answers

Establishing a legal framework through which a market economy can operate efficiently is a function of

Government Signup and view all the answers

Which two market structures are characterized as having many buyers and sellers?

Perfect competition and monopolistic competition Signup and view all the answers

Among the Iroquois tribes, women possessed a position of ascendancy because:

They were believed to be connected to the earth deity Signup and view all the answers

Why were Europeans interested in finding a passage to India?

They wanted to access the Asian commercial market Signup and view all the answers

The Great Awakening was among the intellectual trends behind the American Revolution because:

It allowed religious plurality and diversity Signup and view all the answers

The early growth in the population of the Virginia colony was due to which of the following?

Immigration of indentured workers Signup and view all the answers

This quote would have been advocated by which of the following? 'But where says some is the King of America?'

One of the Sons of Liberty Signup and view all the answers

In 1796, the Democratic-Republicans represented which segment of the colonial population?

Southern tobacco farmers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was the primary motivation for the Western expansion of the U.S.?

Jeffersonian expansionism Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the railroad most help the American economy in the 19th century?

The cost of shipping agricultural goods was lowered Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best summarizes this quote: 'A strong government is necessary to protect the people; & that government must also be empowered to regulate itself'?

A strong government is necessary to protect the people; & that government must also be empowered to regulate itself Signup and view all the answers

This passage reflects the political opinions of which historical figure? 'If your Union does not symbolize universal emancipation...'

Frederick Douglas Signup and view all the answers

What was the legal debate that prompted the secession of the states from the Union prior to the Civil War?

The right of the federal government to interfere with state laws Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the Black Codes limit African-American equality?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

This passage can best be linked to which social ideology? 'Look things in the face. Don’t fear a governor...'

Labor Unions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a reform on the excesses of the Gilded Age?

Trust busting Signup and view all the answers

The Spanish-American War occurred over what issue?

The independence of Cuba Signup and view all the answers

What conflict prompted the US entry into the theatre of the First World War?

Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare Signup and view all the answers

How were urbanization and industrialization developed in the post WWI American economy?

Industries serving the urban household started to rise Signup and view all the answers

Other than the crash of the market, which one of the following best describes the elements which contributed to the deepening of the Great Depression?

Lack of government regulations for banks and bank failures Signup and view all the answers

What was the achievement of the Glass-Steagall Banking Reform Act?

It created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Signup and view all the answers

How did WWII help the American economy?

Munitions factories employed more laborers and helped solve the unemployment problem Signup and view all the answers

In which way was the Nazi treatment of Jews not similar to the American treatment of Japanese-Americans during WWII?

Formation of segregated military units to serve in the armed forces Signup and view all the answers

The passage above most likely supports which of the following actions? 'As an essential step in our own national defense...'

Passage of the Lend Lease Act Signup and view all the answers

What triggered U.S. intervention in Vietnam?

Belief in the Domino Theory Signup and view all the answers

How were African-Americans affected by policies under President Truman?

The Armed Forces were desegregated Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic was most impacted by the changes in the Immigration Act of 1965?

Latin Americans Signup and view all the answers

This passage best describes which of the following events? 'Because of their impotence they marched...'

The March on the Pentagon in 1967 Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Persian Empire the first 'world empire'?

It integrated each of its satraps into the imperial bureaucracy to ensure long-term production & payment of tribute Signup and view all the answers

Who was qualified to run for an office in ancient Athenian democracy?

Male citizens Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Punic Wars for Rome?

Control of the trade and commerce in the Mediterranean Signup and view all the answers

In what ways are Judaism and Christianity similar?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

In Confucianism, the major qualification for serving in a public office is:

Proving political merit Signup and view all the answers

What were the causes of the fall of the Roman Empire?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How was the political crisis following the death of the Prophet Muhammad resolved?

By the election of his friend Abu Bakr as the Caliph Signup and view all the answers

In which way is Japanese Feudalism different from European Feudalism?

In Japan, there was only one ruler to whom all lords swore fealty; while in Europe, there were many kings/great lords Signup and view all the answers

What was the motivation for the Crusades?

To free the Holy Land from Muslim rule & unite Christian countries under the influence of the Pope Signup and view all the answers

How did the Mongols conquer the greatest land empire in history?

They used superior military strategy & psychological warfare Signup and view all the answers

What was the major cause of the Hundred Years War?

The claim of the king of England over the French crown Signup and view all the answers

How did the Silk Road transform European society?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

The dome of St. Peter's cathedral in Rome was inspired by:

The dome of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (Istanbul) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Protestant Reformation affect European politics?

It caused numerous wars, including the 30 Years War, & diminished the power of the Catholic Church Signup and view all the answers

What was the motivation for the voyages of exploration in the 1500s?

Gaining direct access to Asian & Indian Ocean trade Signup and view all the answers

How did colonialism affect European economies?

It provided them with resources to compete against Asian economies Signup and view all the answers

What was the major declaration of the French Revolution called?

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen Signup and view all the answers

What was the major motivation for the German Reunification in the 19th Century?

Rise of German nationalism Signup and view all the answers

What were the major catalysts for European industrialization?

Advancements of technical knowledge and the presence of capital Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the reasons for the rise of racism in 19th-century Europe?

The rise of European colonialism and the development of the theory of Social Darwinism Signup and view all the answers

What was the underlying reason for the start of World War One?

The colonial competition between the European powers Signup and view all the answers

How did WWI accelerate the fall of the Russian Empire?

The war crippled the industrial economy and, combined with losses at the front, inspired a revolution from the working class Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events best marks the turning point in World War II?

The D-Day invasion by the Allies Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to denote the socio-political thought prevalent in countries that gained their independence from European colonial powers?

Post-Colonialism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements most closely expresses the meaning of the quote about the Cold War being wildly expensive?

The competition between the superpowers for supremacy depleted their resources, claimed many casualties, and left no continent militarily or politically untouched. Signup and view all the answers

Which one best characterizes the achievements of the Cold War?

Technological competition and achievements Signup and view all the answers

This passage captures the central idea of which political theory?

Fascism Signup and view all the answers

What was the intellectual basis for the establishment of the three branches of government?

Montesquieu's the Spirit of the Laws Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best definition of the Moderate political stance?

Generally reform-minded aspires to a constitutional based government Signup and view all the answers

Which one is an example of the application of the principle of Checks and Balances?

The power of the Congress to impeach the president Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the primary function of Cabinet members?

To advise the President on the subject matter of each respective office Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a required step in the legislative process?

Signature of the President into law Signup and view all the answers

The primary role of the Supreme Court is?

To interpret the meaning, relevancy, application, and/or Constitutionality of a law in question Signup and view all the answers

Based on the 11th Amendment to the Constitution, the Supreme Court does not have the authority to:

Hear any suits brought against a state Signup and view all the answers

Based on the Constitution, which one of the following is true regarding the relationship between states and the federal government?

The federal government is the supreme authority in matters of legal importance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a role or responsibility of the federal government?

To conduct and regulate intrastate trade Signup and view all the answers

How does the United States government preserve the freedom and rights of the people?

It guarantees personal liberties of freedom of speech, religion, and due process of law in the Bill of Rights Signup and view all the answers

How does American government protect against the 'tyranny of the majority'?

Strengthening minority rights through Constitutional Amendments and federal laws Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best disputes the claim regarding voter turnout and welfare state?

Foreign nations with the most extensive social programs tend to have the highest voter turnouts. Signup and view all the answers

The United States president is elected by:

An Electoral College chosen based on different criteria in each state Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional basis for the existence of political parties in the United States?

To organize political ideas and influence the government's function Signup and view all the answers

Compared to economic special interest groups, what is the primary goal of non-economic interest groups?

Advocate collective goods for universal benefit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between politicians and the media in America?

Politicians and candidates may use the media to advance their agendas, while the media may use bias in order to increase sales and viewership Signup and view all the answers

What important judicial process was established by the Supreme Court case Marbury vs. Madison in 1803?

The Judicial Review Signup and view all the answers

How does the republican system avoid the need for formation of coalitions for guaranteeing an effective government?

By independent election of the chief executive Signup and view all the answers

What is the major difference between the parliamentary and republican systems of representative government?

In the parliamentary system, the executive is selected by the legislative branch Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following demonstrates a difference between democracy in Ancient Athens and modern-day America?

Representatives make major national decisions while many community decisions are held by plebiscite Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is an accurate claim about interventionism that disputes a particular statement?

Trade, and therefore the political and social well-being of trade partners, is vital to Americans' present standard of living; and that means trade routes and trade partners also require American protection. Signup and view all the answers

This statement reflects which theory of international relations?

Realism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following international events is an example of international Multilateralism?

The 1997 creation and implementation of the Chemical Weapons Treaty Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a goal or responsibility of the United Nations?

Provides emergency loans to indebted countries Signup and view all the answers

Which article of the Constitution prohibits the administration of a religious test for political candidates?

Article six Signup and view all the answers

A map showing population and language use would be classified as which of the following?

A secondary source Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following map projections is best used for a close up on a specific region?

Conformal Large Scale Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is most likely to have a mental map that covers a smaller geographic scale?

The working class Signup and view all the answers

Mountains are most likely to form along which type of plate boundary?

Convergent Signup and view all the answers

The maximum, sustained level of use of an environment that is possible without incurring significant environmental deterioration is called __________.

its carrying capacity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Iroquois Women

Women among the Iroquois tribes held significant power, believed to be connected to the earth deity, influencing leadership roles.

European Exploration

Europeans sought a passage to India primarily to access the Asian commercial market and increase trade, including spices and textiles.

The Great Awakening

This religious movement facilitated intellectual trends leading to the American Revolution by promoting religious diversity and plurality.

Virginia Colony Population Growth

The early population increase in Virginia was largely due to the immigration of indentured workers rather than high fertility rates.

Sons of Liberty

Advocacy for government control reflecting divine law was emblematic of sentiments held by the Sons of Liberty during the American Revolution.

Democratic-Republicans

In 1796, the Democratic-Republicans primarily represented Southern tobacco farmers in the colonial landscape.

Western Expansion

Jeffersonian expansionism played a crucial role in motivating the westward expansion of the United States.

Railroads and Economy

The railroad significantly boosted the American economy in the 19th century by reducing shipping costs for agricultural goods.

Federalist Papers

Emphasized the necessity of a strong government to regulate itself, reflecting concerns about human nature and governance.

Frederick Douglass

His powerful denunciation of a Union that did not symbolize universal emancipation highlighted the hypocrisy in American nationalism.

Secession Debate

States seceded from the Union largely over the federal government's right to interfere with state laws, particularly regarding slavery.

Black Codes

These laws effectively limited African-American equality by restricting voting rights and prohibiting legal testimony against whites.

Labor Unions

The labor movement was characterized by calls for workers' rights and the pursuit of social justice against governmental authority.

Gilded Age Reforms

Trust busting emerged as a significant response to the monopolistic practices during the Gilded Age.

Spanish-American War

The primary catalyst for this conflict was the quest for Cuban independence from Spanish rule.

World War I US Entry

The United States entered WWI primarily due to Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare.

Post-WWI Economic Shifts

Urbanization and industrialization were marked by the rise of industries catering to urban households.

Causes of the Great Depression

Contributing factors included the lack of government regulations for banks, leading to failures during the financial crisis.

Glass-Steagall Banking Reform Act

This legislation resulted in the establishment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, enhancing banking safeguards.

WWII Economic Impact

World War II stimulated the American economy by creating jobs in munitions factories, addressing unemployment.

Nazi Treatment of Jews vs. Japanese-Americans

The segregated military units during WWII distinguish American treatment from Nazi policies regarding Jews.

Lend Lease Act Support

Advocacy for the Lend Lease Act framed it as a vital step for national defense and support for Britain against fascism.

Vietnam Intervention

U.S. intervention in Vietnam was largely influenced by the belief in the Domino Theory regarding the spread of communism.

Truman's Policies on Desegregation

An important outcome of President Truman's policies was the desegregation of the Armed Forces, advancing civil rights.

Immigration Act of 1965

This Act significantly impacted Latin Americans, altering demographic patterns in U.S. immigration.

March on the Pentagon

Antiwar protests, including the March on the Pentagon, illustrated public dissent against U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Persian Empire Governance

The Persian Empire was distinguished as the first "world empire" due to its effective integration of satraps into an imperial bureaucracy.

Athenian Democracy

Only male citizens were eligible to run for office within ancient Athenian democracy, reflecting societal limitations.

Punic Wars Outcome

Rome's victory in the Punic Wars allowed it to gain control over Mediterranean trade, enhancing economic power.

Judaism and Christianity Similarities

Both religions share core beliefs in monotheism, social responsibility, and fidelity despite facing persecution.

Confucianism and Government

In Confucian philosophy, proving political merit is essential for holding public office, emphasizing governance based on ability.

Fall of the Roman Empire

Contributory factors included barbarian invasions, economic decline, and power struggles, leading to the empire's collapse.

Aftermath of Muhammad's Death

The political crisis post-Muhammad's death was settled via the election of his companion, Abu Bakr, as Caliph.

Japanese vs. European Feudalism

Japanese feudalism differed chiefly in its centralized loyalty structure, contrasting with the multiple rulers in European systems.

Crusades Motivation

The Crusades were motivated by a desire to free the Holy Land from Muslim control and unite Christendom under the Pope.

Mongol Conquests

The Mongols established the largest land empire through superior military strategy and psychological warfare.

Hundred Years' War Cause

The conflict was primarily driven by England's claim to the French crown, reflecting power struggles in Europe.

Silk Road Impact

The Silk Road significantly transformed Europe by promoting trade with Asia, spreading ideas, and contributing to demographic changes.

Architectural Influence

The dome of St. Peter's Cathedral was inspired by the architecture of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.

Protestant Reformation Effects

The Reformation led to numerous wars that reduced the power of the Catholic Church and altered European political landscapes.

Motivations for 1500s Exploration

Voyages of exploration were driven by the need for direct access to Asian and Indian Ocean trade routes.

Colonialism's Impact on European Economy

Colonialism provided European economies with resources essential for competing in global markets against Asian economies.

French Revolution Declaration

The major declaration of the French Revolution was the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

German Reunification Motivation

The rise of German nationalism played a critical role in the movement towards German reunification during the 19th Century.

European Industrialization Catalysts

European industrialization was propelled by scientific innovation, market forces, and availability of capital.

Racism in 19th Century Europe

Racism was fueled by colonialism and theories like Social Darwinism, fostering xenophobia and nationalism during this period.

Causes of World War One

The underlying cause of WWI stemmed from the rivalry fueled by colonial competition among European powers.### World War I and Political Changes
The war significantly weakened the industrial economy, causing widespread devastation.
Losses on the battlefield inspired revolts among the working class, contributing to revolutionary movements.
The fall of the Russian Empire was accelerated by the propagation of democratic ideals resulting from the war’s toll.

World War II Turning Point

The D-Day invasion, conducted by Allied forces, is recognized as a critical turning point in World War II.
This event marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany’s occupation in Europe.

Post-Colonialism

Post-Colonialism refers to the socio-political thought emerging in nations that gained independence from European colonial powers, emphasizing global equity and identity.

The Cold War Impact

The Cold War heavily drained resources for superpowers, resulting in numerous casualties and affecting global politics and military dynamics.
Technological competition characterized this era, with significant advancements made in various fields.

Political Theories

Fascism emphasizes the absolute authority of the State over individuals, identifying the state's functions and goals as paramount.
Montesquieu's work "The Spirit of the Laws" provides the groundwork for the division of governmental powers into three branches.

American Government Principles

The Moderate political stance leans towards reform, aspiring for a constitutional government.
Checks and Balances are exemplified by Congress's power to impeach the President, ensuring no single branch can dominate.
Cabinet members primarily serve to advise the President on their respective areas.

Legislative Process & Supreme Court

Steps in the legislative process include committee reviews and voting in the House, with a presidential signature as a formality.
The Supreme Court interprets laws regarding their relevance and constitutionality, with an important limitation established by the 11th Amendment regarding state lawsuits.

Relationship between State and Federal Laws

State laws take precedence over federal laws unless they contradict the Constitution, which establishes federal supremacy.
The federal government does not regulate intrastate trade, which is the responsibility of individual states.

Rights and Protections

The U.S. government safeguards personal liberties, ensuring freedom of speech, religion, and the right to due process through the Bill of Rights.
Minority rights are bolstered by Constitutional amendments and federal laws to prevent majority tyranny.

Elections and Political Dynamics

The Electoral College, which employs different criteria across states, formally elects the president of the U.S.
Political parties exist to organize ideas and influence government operations, with non-economic interest groups focused on advocating collective goods.

Media and Political Interaction

Politicians strategically use the media to promote their agendas, often influenced by media biases and the pursuit of heightened viewership.

Judicial Principles

Judicial Review, established by Marbury vs. Madison, allows the Supreme Court to assess the constitutionality of laws.
The republican system enables an independent election of the chief executive, minimizing the reliance on coalition-building for governance.

International Relations and Trade

Realism in international relations posits that states must operate strategically, aware of global dynamics without universal guiding principles.
Multilateralism is demonstrated through international treaties like the Chemical Weapons Treaty, promoting global cooperation.

UN Responsibilities

The United Nations promotes human rights, enforces peace, and encourages international economic cooperation, although it does not provide emergency loans.

Geography and Environmental Issues

Natural geography significantly influences regional industries, with the Northeast’s advantages in trade and shipping contrasted with the South’s agricultural focus.
Environmental concepts such as carrying capacity emphasize the sustainable use of resources to prevent deterioration.

Economic Dynamics

Demand and supply curves illustrate basic economic principles, with demand typically declining as prices rise, while supply increases with higher prices.### Market Demand and Supply Curves
Market demand curves slope downward and to the right, indicating that as price decreases, quantity demanded increases.
Supply curves slope upward from left to right, showing that as price increases, quantity supplied also increases.

Macroeconomic Focus

Macroeconomists analyze GDP growth, unemployment impacts, and monetary policy but do not specifically focus on individual firm profits.

Opportunity Cost

Opportunity cost is defined as the most desirable alternative that is forgone when making a choice.

Marginal Product

Marginal product refers to the increase in output resulting from adding one additional worker.

Average Fixed Cost

The Average Fixed Cost (AFC) curve continuously declines as output increases, distinguishing it from Average Variable Cost and Marginal Cost, which do not have the same behavior.

Marginal Revenue in Perfect Competition

In a perfectly competitive market, a firm's marginal revenue is equal to the market price of its product, ensuring no impact on the price level when they sell additional units.

Pricing Strategy Based on Demand Elasticity

A product with an elasticity of demand of 0.5 suggests that the firm should consider raising the price to increase revenue.

Derived Demand

Derived demand occurs when the demand for a product influences the demand for the labor required to produce that product.

Legal Framework in Market Economy

The government plays a crucial role in establishing the legal framework needed for efficient market operation.

Market Structures with Many Buyers and Sellers

Perfect competition and monopolistic competition are characterized by having many buyers and sellers, promoting competition and a variety of choices in the marketplace.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz features flashcards designed to help you prepare for the Praxis II Social Studies (5081) exam. Each card presents important concepts and definitions relevant to social studies material, including historical and cultural insights. Perfect for students and educators looking to reinforce their knowledge in this area!