Unit 1 Practice Assessment

What is one reason historians examine historical events?

• To develop new technologies for the future

• To gain insights into how societies addressed challenges

• To create more effective political systems

• To enhance global economic growth

Answer explanation

Historians examine historical events to gain insights into how societies addressed challenges, helping us understand past responses to difficulties and informing current and future decision-making.

Which of the following is a close ended question?

• How did David and Ava negotiate the terms of their group project?

• Who were the students that participated in the science fair?

• Why were only some students selected for the advanced class?

• Which subjects were considered the most important by the school?

Answer explanation

The question 'Who were the students that participated in the science fair?' is close-ended as it seeks a specific answer (names of students), unlike the other options which invite more elaborate responses.

Zoe and Scarlett are studying different historical accounts of the American Revolution. Which historical thinking skill would they use to compare and contrast claims about these events?

• Sourcing

• Close Reading

• Contextualization

• Corroboration

Answer explanation

Corroboration is the historical thinking skill used to compare and contrast claims about events. Zoe and Scarlett would evaluate multiple accounts to determine their reliability and consistency regarding the American Revolution.

Use the timeline to answer the question that follows. Which claim is supported by the timeline above?

• Modern day technology began with Chinese printing woodblocks.

• Technological advances were isolated to the Middle East.

• Technological advances ended in the 1800s.

• Modern day technology is built upon innovations from the past.

Answer explanation

The timeline illustrates how past innovations have influenced modern technology, supporting the claim that modern day technology is built upon innovations from the past.

William is studying the history of the American Revolution. How does contextualization help him determine what happened during that period?

• By examining the time and place of documents, historians make connections between other events.

• By examining multiple documents, historians can compare and contrast the two documents.

• By examining who wrote the documents, historians will learn about the biases of the author.

• By examining documents closely, historians will be able to learn more about events.

Answer explanation

Contextualization helps William by allowing him to examine the time and place of documents, which enables him to make connections between events of the American Revolution and understand the broader historical context.

Consider the scenario described below. In the city of Charlotte, a new public park is being planned. The entire population of Charlotte participates in a series of votes to decide on the park's layout and features. This process takes twice as long and costs twice as much due to the need for multiple design proposals and public consultations. What type of government system is exemplified by this process?

• An oligarchy because a small group of city officials decides the park's layout.

• A dictatorship because the mayor unilaterally decides the park's features.

• A theocracy because religious leaders in Charlotte decide the park's design.

• A democracy because citizens vote on the park's design and features.

Answer explanation

The process involves citizens voting on the park's design and features, which exemplifies a democracy. In a democracy, public participation in decision-making is key, contrasting with the other options where decisions are made by a select few.

Use the source to answer the question that follows. “It must be acknowledged that the term ‘republic’ is of very vague application in every language . . . I would say purely and simply it means a government by its citizens, acting directly and personally according to rules established by the majority.” -Thomas Jefferson, 1816 Based on the quote above, which form of government aligns with Jefferson's view?

• A government where a single ruler holds all the power.

• A government where a small group of elites make decisions.

• A government where citizens have the power to govern themselves.

• A government where laws are enforced by a military leader.

Answer explanation

Jefferson emphasizes a government by its citizens, acting directly and personally. This aligns with a government where citizens have the power to govern themselves, making it the correct choice.

In a country ruled by a totalitarian government, how does this impact the citizens?

• Citizens have less freedom because the government restricts their rights.

• Citizens have less freedom because they don’t ask the government for them.

• Citizens have more freedom because they are able to speak and vote freely.

• Citizens have more freedom because the government protects their rights.

Answer explanation

In a totalitarian government, citizens experience less freedom as their rights are heavily restricted by the state. This choice accurately reflects the oppressive nature of such regimes, unlike the other options which suggest increased freedom.

In a country where the government controls all aspects of the economy, including production and pricing, what type of economic system is in place?

• Mixed

• Traditional

• Command

• Market

Answer explanation

A command economic system is characterized by government control over all economic activities, including production and pricing. This is distinct from mixed, traditional, or market systems, which allow varying degrees of private enterprise.

Refer to the source to answer the following question. North Carolina March 10 2020 Press Release (RALEIGH) The price gouging law that protects people from scammers is now in effect in North Carolina after Gov. Roy Cooper declared a statewide state of emergency in response to the coronavirus. Attorney General Josh Stein notified businesses and people today to be on the lookout for any issues. “In light of the coronavirus outbreak, North Carolina is under a state of emergency and our price gouging law is active,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “Charging excessive prices during a state of emergency is illegal. If you notice businesses exploiting this situation, report it to my office and we will take action.” What role does North Carolina's mixed economy play in controlling economic activities during emergencies?

• It ensures businesses can charge any price they deem necessary to cover costs.

• It enforces price gouging laws to protect consumers from unfair pricing.

• It allows market forces to dictate prices without any intervention.

• It provides subsidies to businesses to maintain stable prices.

Answer explanation

North Carolina's mixed economy enforces price gouging laws to protect consumers from unfair pricing during emergencies, ensuring that businesses cannot exploit the situation by charging excessive prices.