American Government "Content CRs with Student Responses" - Public Release

Student Response

In a traditional economy, goods and services are dealt with and distributed in the same way as the current generation’s predecessors. If the question of “what should we eat?” arises, the answer would be the similar to if that question was asked a generation before. The answer could be to farm the same crop or hunt the same animal as the past generation did. A mixed market economy is a system in which supply and demand determines what goods and services are produced, while being under government limits. An example of a mixed economy policy would be anti-monopoly laws with the purpose of preventing one cooperation or person from controlling too much of a private industry, dominating the market. In this situation, private industry still exists and is driven by the economic statue of supply and demand, but the government produces limits upon that very private industry to attempt at making a more fair and productive market. This differs from traditional economies, as traditional economies have no private industry or government limits on what those industries do. Traditional economies answer economic questions based upon the precedent set by past generations while mixed economies answer economic questions based on supply and demand while placing government limits on the economy and its industries.

Score

Score Point 4

Annotation

This response demonstrates comprehensive understanding. A clear description of how the basic economic questions are answered in a traditional economy is provided with examples (In a traditional economy, goods and services are dealt with and distributed in the same way as the current generation’s predecessors. If the question of “what should we eat?” arises, the answer would be the similar to if that question was asked a generation before. The answer could be to farm the same crop or hunt the same animal as the past generation did). This is followed by a concise definition of a mixed market economy (A mixed market economy is a system in which supply and demand determines what goods and services are produced, while being under government limits). The difference between the two economies is clearly explained (Traditional economies answer economic questions based upon the precedent set by past generations while mixed economies answer economic questions based on supply and demand while placing government limits on the economy and its industries). Insight can be seen in the thoroughness of the response as well as the example of a mixed market policy of (anti-monopoly laws).

Student Response

A traditional economy is an economy in which your role in the economy is based on your inheritance. If your parents worked in a shoemaking factoring then you would do the some. Basic economic questions like what career you will partake in and how much you will get paid are answered becasue they are all decided at birth. This type of economy differs greatly from a mixed market economy. In a mixed market economy the busineses and people control the economy, while the government may enfore some regulations to impact the economy. An example showing the difference between these two economies can be see in the freedom the people have in each economy. In a mixed-market economy people have their freedom to have their own economic desiocions like what career field they would like to partake in. Whereas a traditional economy, the choice is not yours to make. Mixed market economies offer several advatages over a tradiotional economy. One being that it promotes a competive environemnt-sparking innovation. This way everone is trying to be the best that they cen be. In a traditioinal economy, innovations isn’t optimal because there is less motivation to succeed and be the best in what your are doing. Even though this is a pretty big flaw, traditional economies have their own pros. One being traditional economies tend to be very small so their is more community engagemnt and increase cooperation. A downside of the mixed market economy is the government regaltion can lead to poorer performance for busineses.

Score

Score Point 4

Annotation

This response demonstrates comprehensive understanding. How the basic economic questions are answered in a traditional economy is described with an example (A traditional economy is an economy in which your role in the economy is based on your inheritance. If your parents worked in a shoemaking factoring then you would do the some. Basic economic questions like what career you will partake in and how much you will get paid are answered becasue they are all decided at birth). The difference between a traditional and mixed market economy is explained with details (In a mixed market economy the busineses and people control the economy, while the government may enfore some regulations to impact the economy . . . In a mixed-market economy people have their freedom to have their own economic desiocions like what career field they would like to partake in. Whereas a traditional economy, the choice is not yours to make). Insight can be seen in the further development of the differences between the two (Mixed market economies offer several advatages over a tradiotional economy. One being that it promotes a competive environemnt-sparking innovation. This way everone is trying to be the best that they cen be. In a traditioinal economy, innovations isn’t optimal because there is less motivation to succeed and be the best in what your are doing. Even though this is a pretty big flaw, traditional economies have their own pros. One being traditional economies tend to be very small so their is more community engagemnt and increase cooperation. A downside of the mixed market economy is the government regaltion can lead to poorer performance for busineses).

Student Response

The United States has used unilateral sanctions to achieve foreign policy goals of protecting human rights, and spread of democracy. In these situations the unilateral sanctions could’ve been used to protect certain groups of people, protect the environment, or help a country or group sustain political authority. Instead of placing unilateral sanctions on a country or group of people the United States could nagotiate, send in a military force, or send government officials to impliment a democratic government. Overall human rights is by far the most common reason that the United States uses unilateral sanctions. Instead of using unilateral sanctions over and over again and penalizing that country’s economy, the United States could figure out what that country wants and is trying to get and try to point them in another better and more peacefull direction. If the United states keeps putting unilateral sanctions on a country, what is to say that that country won’t just do that thing again, after all it wasn’t on their own accord or own desire that they stopped doing it.

Score

Score Point 3

Annotation

This response shows adequate understanding. Two reasons for how the U.S. used unilateral sanctions to achieve foreign policy goals are identified and explained, along with relevant reference to the graph (The United States has used unilateral sanctions to achieve foreign policy goals of protecting human rights, and spread of democracy. In these situations the unilateral sanctions could’ve been used to protect certain groups of people, protect the environment, or help a country or group sustain political authority). An alternate strategy to achieve foreign policy goals is also explained (Instead of placing unilateral sanctions on a country or group of people the United States could nagotiate, send in a military force, or send government officials to impliment a democratic government. Overall human rights is by far the most common reason that the United States uses unilateral sanctions. Instead of using unilateral sanctions over and over again and penalizing that country’s economy, the United States could figure out what that country wants and is trying to get and try to point them in another better and more peacefull direction. If the United states keeps putting unilateral sanctions on a country, what is to say that that country won’t just do that thing again, after all it wasn’t on their own accord or own desire that they stopped doing it).

Student Response

The United States has mainly used unilateral sanctions to pressure nations who threaten American national security or act against American values such as human rights, democracy, and freedom. It most commonly sanctions nations as punishment for violating human rights or moving away from democracy. Anti-terrorism and nuclear non-proliferation combined are attempts to protect Americans from terrorist attacks and reduce the risk of nuclear warfare. By sanctioning another nation, the US can damage its economy to a varying extent. The US reasons that nations will therefore try to escape the sanctions by backtracking and stopping whatever it was that triggered them. American sanctions are a “stick” of sorts, meant to economically beat other nations into complying with American demands. Alternatively, the US could offer a “carrot” a reward of some sort to incentivize meeting American demands. For instance, the US could potentially offer trade benefits like reducing tariffs and other barriers. The American position as the largest economy in the world and one of the largest markets for goods creates great incentive for other nations to increase trade with them. Tying their economic welfare to the great American economic machine could potentially greatly increase their own economic growth. Instead of punishing them for violating American values and creating risks to American security, the US could reward them for following American values and reducing risks to American security.

Score

Score Point 4

Annotation

This response demonstrates comprehensive understanding. Multiple reasons for why the U.S. used unilateral sanctions to achieve foreign policy goals are identified and explained in detail (The United States has mainly used unilateral sanctions to pressure nations who threaten American national security or act against American values such as human rights, democracy, and freedom. It most commonly sanctions nations as punishment for violating human rights or moving away from democracy. Anti-terrorism and nuclear non-proliferation combined are attempts to protect Americans from terrorist attacks and reduce the risk of nuclear warfare. By sanctioning another nation, the US can damage its economy to a varying extent). An alternate strategy to achieve foreign policy goals is explained in detail (For instance, the US could potentially offer trade benefits like reducing tariffs and other barriers. The American position as the largest economy in the world and one of the largest markets for goods creates great incentive for other nations to increase trade with them. Tying their economic welfare to the great American economic machine could potentially greatly increase their own economic growth). Insight can be seen throughout in both the level of detail as well as various high level conclusions such as (The US reasons that nations will therefore try to escape the sanctions by backtracking and stopping whatever it was that triggered them. American sanctions are a “stick” of sorts, meant to economically beat other nations into complying with American demands. Alternatively, the US could offer a “carrot” a reward of some sort to incentivize meeting American demands) and (Instead of punishing them for violating American values and creating risks to American security, the US could reward them for following American values and reducing risks to American security).

Student Response

The political cartoon depicts two tools of fiscal policy: tax cuts and government spending. The goal of fiscal policy is to maintain and encourage a healthy economy. Tax cuts and government spending are two of the many methods available to the federal government to achieve such. Tax cuts are as they sound: reductions in tax rates, typically across all income brackets. This action serves to stimulate the economy by granting consumers more disposable income; a reduction in taxes leaves Americans with more income left over, allowing them to spend more and increase demand for goods. Increased demand inspires increased production, which increases the GDP—one of the strongest measures of economic growth and welfare. A negative consequence of tax cuts is a reduction in government income. As governments depend on taxes as their main source of income, tax cuts represent a slash in funds for them. Such a change may lead to reductions in the efficacy of social programs. The other tool of fiscal policy is government spending. Government spending is literal: it means increases in the federal government’s spending, for example, on social programs and public works. Such increases in spending also serves to stimulate the economy. By expanding social programs and public works, the government creates jobs. Jobs then introduces more spending power amongst consumers, and similarly to tax cuts, increases demand, therfore stimulating the economy. A downside to the choice is inflation in the long term. Though both changes are to similar effect, the efficacy varies. As represented in the cartoon, tax cuts form a comparatively smaller effect than the massive consequences of spending, both in benefits and detriments. Every fiscal decsion comes with its own costs and benefits; it’s up to the government to carefully weigh each one and determine which is best overall to meet the needs of the country.

Score

Score Point 4

Annotation

This response demonstrates comprehensive understanding. Both bullets are answered with details. Fiscal policy is defined via its goal (The goal of fiscal policy is to maintain and encourage a healthy economy). The two tools are defined and specific examples are provided. Tax cuts (Tax cuts are as they sound: reductions in tax rates, typically across all income brackets. This action serves to stimulate the economy by granting consumers more disposable income; a reduction in taxes leaves Americans with more income left over, allowing them to spend more and increase demand for goods). Government spending (Government spending is literal: it means increases in the federal government’s spending, for example, on social programs and public works. Such increases in spending also serves to stimulate the economy. By expanding social programs and public works, the government creates jobs. Jobs then introduces more spending power amongst consumers, and similarly to tax cuts, increases demand, therfore stimulating the economy). Consequences of both tools are provided (A negative consequence of tax cuts is a reduction in government income. As governments depend on taxes as their main source of income, tax cuts represent a slash in funds for them. Such a change may lead to reductions in the efficacy of social programs) and (A downside to the choice is inflation in the long term. Though both changes are to similar effect, the efficacy varies. As represented in the cartoon, tax cuts form a comparatively smaller effect than the massive consequences of spending, both in benefits and detriments). Insightfulness is seen throughout the response in the level of detail provided, and the clarity and organization of the response as a whole.

Fiscal policy consists of how much the government spends, especially on the budget, and how much it decides to tax the American people. In order to fund most of the budget, the government collects revenue in the form of taxes from the American people. Since government spending since the 1970s has increased faster than inflation rates have, tax cuts have become increasingly difficult to carry out. Instead of reducing overall government spending, it’s easier to raise the debt ceiling in order to spend more on both mandatory and discretionary spending. However, because most of the money for the federal budget comes from taxes, reducing taxes in the form of tax cuts would require the federal government to raise the debt ceiling and put us in debt even more than we already are. It’s innefficient, and it’s much easier to spend than cut taxes anyway. This is shown in the cartoon, where the elephant-men, Republicans, are at a pumpkin patch with a giant pumpkin that’s labeled “Spending” and an average one labeled “Tax Cuts.” Despite insisting in the cartoon that they “like both of [the pumpkins],” spending and cutting taxes, this is not true since the “Spending” pumpkin is over ten times larger than the “Tax Cuts” pumpkin. This shows how the priority in the government is spending and not cutting taxes.

Score

Score Point 4

Annotation

This response shows comprehensive understanding. Fiscal policy is defined and its purpose explained (Fiscal policy consists of how much the government spends, especially on the budget, and how much it decides to tax the American people. In order to fund most of the budget, the government collects revenue in the form of taxes from the American people). Insightful historical context related to fiscal policy is provided (Since government spending since the 1970s has increased faster than inflation rates have, tax cuts have become increasingly difficult to carry out. Instead of reducing overall government spending, it’s easier to raise the debt ceiling in order to spend more on both mandatory and discretionary spending). Possible consequences are explained with details (However, because most of the money for the federal budget comes from taxes, reducing taxes in the form of tax cuts would require the federal government to raise the debt ceiling and put us in debt even more than we already are. It’s innefficient, and it’s much easier to spend than cut taxes anyway). The cartoon’s message and symbolism in regard to fiscal policy is explained as well (in the cartoon, where the elephant-men, Republicans, are at a pumpkin patch with a giant pumpkin that’s labeled “Spending” and an average one labeled “Tax Cuts.” Despite insisting in the cartoon that they “like both of [the pumpkins],” spending and cutting taxes, this is not true since the “Spending” pumpkin is over ten times larger than the “Tax Cuts” pumpkin. This shows how the priority in the government is spending and not cutting taxes).

Student Response

The right of the government to seize private property for public uses, given adequate compensation to the owner(s), is called eminent domain, and has remained a hot button issue, especially in the era of great expansion and reconstruction of aging interstate highway systems and office buildings. One example of where such a power could be used is in the construction of an on-ramp to a new section of traffic-calming highway expansions along a major interstate. Such a proposed on-ramp, however, would require the demolition of a small residential property directly in the path of where the ramp would need to go. The government, seeking to complete the project in a timely and cost-efficient manner, seizes the property from the owner and compensating them (hopefully fairly). In the time of unrestricted government powers, as experienced by the founders under Colonial rule, the government would not have been held to such standards, and couldve seized the property without compensation or promise of public use. Under such a system, the government couldve seized the property, not paid the owner, and used the land for whatever purpose they wished, such as an industrial-sized bounce house replica of the White House, open only to the highest ranking government officials. However, our system of limited government prevents such injustice from happening, and sets limits on what can be considered necessary and reasonable for the government to exercise its authority upon.

Score

Score Point 4

Annotation

This response demonstrates comprehensive understanding of eminent domain. Insightful commentary is seen throughout the response (has remained a hot button issue, especially in the era of great expansion and reconstruction of aging interstate highway systems and office buildings) and (In the time of unrestricted government powers, as experienced by the founders under Colonial rule, the government would not have been held to such standards, and couldve seized the property without compensation or promise of public use). A clear example of when government can seize private property is provided (One example of where such a power could be used is in the construction of an on-ramp to a new section of traffic-calming highway expansions along a major interstate. Such a proposed on-ramp, however, would require the demolition of a small residential property directly in the path of where the ramp would need to go. The government, seeking to complete the project in a timely and cost-efficient manner, seizes the property from the owner and compensating them (hopefully fairly)). An explanation of how the 5th Amendment upholds the principle of limited government is provided as well (our system of limited government prevents such injustice from happening, and sets limits on what can be considered necessary and reasonable for the government to exercise its authority upon).

The Fifth Amendment allows for the United States Government to seize private property so as said property is justifiably compensated and the seized land is used for public use. An example of this could be due to an expansion of a highway. If population in a given area grows to a point to where the road systems hit their carrying capacity, the roads need to be expanded with the addition of more lanes to combat the increased traffic. If someones house is in the zone for said expansion, the government will not stop the operation due to a conflict because of a house. The government will seize this property as it is for public use and provide a new plot of land or housing situation in compensation for the loss of property.

The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution absolutely helps uphold the principle of limited government. Limited government refers to the idea that the government is restricted by rule of law and cannot do whatever it pleases. It ensures accountability and that citizen rights are not infringed upon. The Fifth Amendment relates to this as it prevents the government from seizing land whenever it sees fit. An example of this could be an official government building that causes someones house to be knocked down to make room. This would violate the Fifth Amendment. This violation is prevented due to the specifications stated such as in cases strictly for when the land is for public use, as it highway expansion. Additionally, limited government is also upheld due to the Fifth Amendment as citizens are justly compensated for their property. It keeps the government accountable as well as ensures citizens are not completely stripped of their property. Overall, the Fifth Amendment is an important aspect of the United States Constitution that ensures the government is held accountable and that the country upholds the principle of limited government.

Score

Score Point 4

Annotation

This response demonstrates comprehensive understanding of eminent domain. A clear example is provided in response to the first bullet (An example of this could be due to an expansion of a highway. If population in a given area grows to a point to where the road systems hit their carrying capacity, the roads need to be expanded with the addition of more lanes to combat the increased traffic. If someones house is in the zone for said expansion, the government will not stop the operation due to a conflict because of a house. The government will seize this property as it is for public use and provide a new plot of land or housing situation in compensation for the loss of property). A thorough explanation of limited government and how the fifth amendment upholds it is provided (Limited government refers to the idea that the government is restricted by rule of law and cannot do whatever it pleases. It ensures accountability and that citizen rights are not infringed upon. The Fifth Amendment relates to this as it prevents the government from seizing land whenever it sees fit).

Student Response

Separation of powers restricts the power of each individual branch of government. Each branch acts independently from the others and, therefore, cannot take all of the power in the government. This also allows for the system of checks and balances which let each branch actively stop the others from stepping out of their purview. This means that a single person or party cannot seize the entire government by getting elected into a certain branch of government (ex. the legislative branch), the other branches have separate duties and each branch must rely on each other for governing to occur. However, this does slow the lawmaking process. Since all branches (especially the legislative and executive branches) must agree to pass and enforce a law, one recalcitrent branch may decide to impede the process. For example, if the President (part of the executive branch) does not agree with a law Congress passes, they may veto it, meaning that a law which may be popular and necessary for the country, will be halted as Congress has to scramble to override the veto. The same thing can happen with the judicial branch, it can declare a law unconsitutional and Congress will be slowed by having to either rewrite the law or create a Constitutional Amendment. This applies to all branches of government, not solely the legislative branch. Since each of these branches is separate and independent, they cannot, officially, influence the other branches, allowing lawmaking to be more representative of the people and less tyrannical.

Score

Score Point 4

Annotation

This response shows comprehensive understanding. A thorough explanation of separation of powers is provided, integrating how this prevents abuse of government (Separation of powers restricts the power of each individual branch of government. Each branch acts independently from the others and, therefore, cannot take all of the power in the government. This also allows for the system of checks and balances which let each branch actively stop the others from stepping out of their purview.) A comprehensive response with examples is provided for how this impacts the lawmaking process as well (However, this does slow the lawmaking process. Since all branches (especially the legislative and executive branches) must agree to pass and enforce a law, one recalcitrent branch may decide to impede the process. For example, if the President (part of the executive branch) does not agree with a law Congress passes, they may veto it, meaning that a law which may be popular and necessary for the country, will be halted as Congress has to scramble to override the veto). Insight can be seen throughout but most notably in the concluding sentence (Since each of these branches is separate and independent, they cannot, officially, influence the other branches, allowing lawmaking to be more representative of the people and less tyrannical) which alludes to the founding principles which caused the Untied States to develop this system in the first place.

Separation of powers mainly describes the government structure by which the three branches of government are separate from each other and have unique powers that they are in charge of. This separation of powers allows each branch to check the other and in doing so, ensure that no one branch gets too much power and abuses the citizens with it. An example of this is how Congress holds the power of the purse, while the president has the power of the sword. This means that Congress has the power to set the annual federal spending budget for the bureacracy and for the president to adhere to. Although the president can advise Congress on which sectors of spending to prioritize, the president ultimately does not have the final say. This is an example of how separation of powers helps prevent government abuse because the president cannot does not have the power of the purse, and therefore cannot allocate money in the federal budget to an interest that would not favor the people, or more importantly, one that would abuse the rights of the people if too much funding is put into it. One way separation of powers can impede the lawmaking process is the way in which bills get made into laws. House and Senate both have different powers, despite the fact they are in the one joint body of Congress. Therefore, bills must pass each before getting signed into law by the president. However, House has Rules Committee, and Senate has the filibuster, and each of these have high rates of killing bills trying to get passed. Furthermore, the president has the separate power of the veto, so that even if the law passes both houses, it could get killed by veto. Congressional overrides are not always easy to formulate.

Score

Score Point 4

Annotation

This response shows comprehensive understanding. A through answer to the first bullet begins the response (Separation of powers mainly describes the government structure by which the three branches of government are separate from each other and have unique powers that they are in charge of. This separation of powers allows each branch to check the other and in doing so, ensure that no one branch gets too much power and abuses the citizens with it). Insight is woven throughout including (An example of this is how Congress holds the power of the purse, while the president has the power of the sword. This means that Congress has the power to set the annual federal spending budget for the bureacracy and for the president to adhere to). The second bullet is clearly and thoroughly answered as well (One way separation of powers can impede the lawmaking process is the way in which bills get made into laws. House and Senate both have different powers, despite the fact they are in the one joint body of Congress. Therefore, bills must pass each before getting signed into law by the president). And finally, in depth government knowledge and insight are shown at the end of the response (However, House has Rules Committee, and Senate has the filibuster, and each of these have high rates of killing bills trying to get passed. Furthermore, the president has the separate power of the veto, so that even if the law passes both houses, it could get killed by veto. Congressional overrides are not always easy to formulate).

Use your knowledge of government to answer the constructed-response question.

Describe how the basic economic questions are answered in a traditional economy.

Explain how a mixed market economy differs from a traditional economy.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

Enter your answer in the space provided.

Use your knowledge of government to answer the constructed-response question.

Describe an economic sanction.

Explain a scenario in which the United States might use an economic sanction to advance its foreign policy goals.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

Enter your answer in the space provided.

Read the headline and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

Fed Raises Interest Rates to 22-Year High

Describe one reason the Federal Reserve would take the action mentioned in this headline.

Explain how the Federal Reserve would know whether these actions were effective.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

Enter your answer in the space provided.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

Summary of Texas v. Johnson (1989)

Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag outside a convention center where the 1984 Republican National Convention was being held. Johnson burned the flag to protest the policies of the President. He was arrested and charged with violating a Texas law that prevented the desecration¹ of a respected object, including the American flag. A Texas court tried and convicted Johnson. He appealed the case to the Supreme Court arguing that his actions were “symbolic speech” protected by the First Amendment. The Supreme Court agreed to hear his case. The Supreme Court ruled that flag burning constitutes a form of “symbolic speech” that is protected by the First Amendment.

¹desecration—the act of damaging something typically considered to be worthy of respect

Describe the meaning of symbolic speech in relation to the First Amendment.

Explain how the Supreme Court decision in this case was similar to the ruling in the Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) case.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Enter your answer in the space provided.

Use your knowledge of government to answer the constructed-response question.

Define writ of habeas corpus.

Explain how a writ of habeas corpus protects citizens from an abuse of power.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

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Use your knowledge of government to answer the constructed-response question.

Describe the role of the Federal Trade Commission.

Evaluate how effective the Federal Trade Commission has been in protecting consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

“The interpretation of the laws is the proper and peculiar province of the courts. A constitution is, in fact, and must be regarded by the judges, as a fundamental law. It therefore belongs to them to [figure out] its meaning, as well as the meaning of any particular act proceeding from the legislative body.”

Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 78

Identify how this excerpt relates to the Supreme Court decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Explain how the decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803) shifted the powers among the branches of government.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

Enter your answer in the space provided.

Use your knowledge of government to answer the constructed-response question..

Describe the Supreme Court’s decision in New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985).

Explain whether the decision expanded or restricted students’ rights while in school when compared to their rights outside of school.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

Enter your answer in the space provided.

Study the graph and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

The graph is titled Reasons for unilateral U.S. Sanctions on other countries, nineteen ninety three to nineteen ninety six. The x-axis is labeled number of sanctions measures adopted and goes from zero to twenty five in increments of give. THe y-axis is labelled reasons for sanctions and lists 7 different reasons. The reasons and data are as follows. Human rights and democratization, 22. Anti-terrorism, 14. Nuclear non-proliferation, 9. Anti-narcotics, 8. Worker rights/use of prison labor, 8. political stability, 6. Environmental protection, 3. Source: national association of manufacturers, 1997.

unilateral—an action or decision performed by or affecting only one group or country without the agreement of others

How has the United States used unilateral sanctions to achieve its foreign policy goals?

Explain an alternate strategy that could also help accomplish these goals.

Include details and examples from the graph to support your answer.

Study the political cartoon and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

Describe the tools of fiscal policy that are being illustrated by this cartoon.

Explain possible consequences of the issue illustrated in the cartoon.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

Type your answer in the space provided.

Describe which tools of fiscal policy are being illustrated in this cartoon.

Explain two possible consequences of the issue illustrated in this cartoon.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that the government can only seize private property in cases where the property is to be used for public use and only if the owner receives fair compensation for the loss of the property.

Describe an example of a situation in which the government would be allowed to seize private property.

Explain how this amendment helps to uphold the principle of limited government.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

Type your answer in the space provided.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

Some natural resources, such as the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, are located in more than one state.

Explain the difficulties that the Maryland state government might face when trying to create and carry out policies regarding a natural resource that it shares with other states.

Why is it important for Maryland to work with the other states to develop such policies? Explain your answer.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines on your Answer Sheet.

Use your knowledge of government to answer the constructed-response question.

Describe how the separation of powers helps to prevent government abuse.

Explain how separation of powers might assist or impede the lawmaking process.

Use details and examples to support your response.

Study the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

News organizations predict the winners of elections before all the votes are counted. On election day 2000, supporters of George W. Bush complained that news organizations predicted Al Gore to be the winner in California hours before the polls closed on the West Coast.

Identify reasons why Bush supporters may have been displeased with the early predictions.

Explain why news organizations should or should not predict the winners of elections.

Use details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

Medicaid is a government program which helps pay medical expenses for persons with low incomes. Medicare, a similar program, provides healthcare benefits to the elderly.

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of government sponsored healthcare.

Explain why the government should increase or decrease its spending on healthcare.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

In Maryland, people under age 18 are prohibited from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. Exceptions are made if the driver is driving to or from work, an official school activity, or an organized volunteer program or athletic event.

Identify a reason why Maryland would place restrictions on younger drivers.

Explain whether you agree or disagree with these restrictions.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response item.

The state legislature has to decide whether to fund a proposal to repair roads or a proposal that would increase funding for new school construction.

Describe the benefits and opportunity cost of the decision.

Explain the best way for the state government to determine which proposal to fund.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

A major goal of United States foreign policy is to have free and open trade with other countries. However, some of these other countries do not have democratic governments.

Explain why the United States would maintain trade with these countries.

Do you believe the United States should continue to trade with countries that do not have democratic governments? Explain why or why not.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

The World Health Organization, of which the United States is a member, is an agency of the United Nations formed to help people achieve "the highest possible levels of health." It has contributed to the reduction of some diseases. Its services include training medical personnel and sponsoring medical research.

Describe the advantages and disadvantages for the United States of being a member of the World Health Organization.

Explain whether or not the United States be concerned about health care in other countries.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

Use your knowledge of government to answer the constructed-response question.

Describe ways the government can limit freedom of the press in newspapers and magazines.

Expain whether or not you agree with these limits.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

Study the graph and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

A bar graph is shown. The title of the graph is, Average annual population growth rate in Maryland by region, 1990-2000. The horizontal axis is unlabeled, and the vertical axis is labeled, percent change, and ranges from 0.0 to 2.5 in increments of 0.5. The first bar is labeled Baltimore and goes up to midway between 0.5 and 1.0. The next bar is labeled Washington, D.C., and goes up to a little more than 1.0. The next bar is labeled Southern Maryland and goes up to a little more than 2.0. The next bar is labeled Western Maryland and goes up to about 0.5. The next bar is labeled Upper Eastern Shore and goes up to about 1.5. The last bar is labeled Lower Eastern Shore and goes up to a little less than 1.5.

Identify funding decisions that the Maryland General Assembly would make regarding money for local governments.

Describe the effects these decisions would have on local government decisions.

Include details and examples from the graph to support your answer.

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Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) — federal agency that requires businesses to make workplaces safe for employees and to ensure that employees follow safety guidelines.

Describe advantages and disadvantages of OSHA regulations.

Should the federal government be involved in regulating workers' safety? Why or why not?

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

"[Neither] students or teachers shed their constitutional rights of freedom of speech or expression at the school house gate."

citation from the court case, tinker v duh-moyne school district

Explain how the point of view expressed in the excerpt may conflict with the functioning of a school.

Explain whether you agree or disagree with the position taken in this decision.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

In some eastern Arizona counties, the largest segment of the population is under 18 years of age. By contrast, in some western counties of Arizona, a large segment of the population is 65 years or older.

Describe likely government goals in both eastern and western Arizona.

Why do larger population groups tend to have more influence on government policy?

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

President Clinton signed a $435 million foreign aid bill to relieve the debts of the world's poorest countries. Clinton said, "It will be good for our economy . . . [and] good for our security . . . [and it] is simply the right thing to do."

Explain how foreign aid to other countries has benefited the United States.

Do you think the benefits of foreign aid are worth the cost? Explain why or why not.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

In order to make driving safer, some citizens want a law prohibiting drivers from using cell phones while driving.

Describe the economic costs and benefits of this law.

Explain whether you support or oppose this law.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

Read the information and use it to answer the construced-response question.

The population of Maryland's state bird, the Baltimore oriole, has decreased due to the destruction of its habitat.

Describe different ways that the Maryland government can help preserve the species.

Explain which way would be the most effective.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

The United States has a mixed economy and is able to regulate many business activities.

What are the benefits of government control over business activities?

Should the United States government have more control or less control over business activities? Explain your answer.

Use details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Read the headline and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

Is the action described in the headline an appropriate role for the state government? Explain why or why not.

Should the government provide funds to the apartment owners to remove the lead? Explain why or why not.

Use details and examples to support your answer.

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Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

The exclusionary rule states that prosecutors may not use illegally obtained evidence in court.

Explain the privacy protections in the Bill of Rights that support this rule.

Do the advantages of the rule outweigh the disadvantages? Explain why or why not.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Use your knowledge of government to answer the constructed-response question.

What is the difference between "preponderance of evidence" in a civil case and "reasonable doubt" in a criminal case?

Should there be different standards of proof? Why or why not?

Include details to support your answer.

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Read the headline and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

Describe actions Maryland state and local governments could take in response to this headline.

Which government action would be most effective in solving this problem?

Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

Read the news headline and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

Describe ways that the state limits the privileges of people who own, drive, or ride in cars.

Should the state government have this power? Explain why or why not.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

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Read the news article and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

Residents in southwestern Allegany County wanted their area to become part of neighboring Garrett County. Under the state constitution, the Maryland legislature must pass a law before a county's borders can be changed. . . .

from an article in Sunpapers, 1998

Describe what actions these Allegany residents could take to influence the government on this issue.

Explain which of these actions would be most effective.

Include details and examples from the news article to support your answer.

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Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response question.

In 1942, an executive order and an act of Congress gave the military the power to move Japanese Americans from the West Coast. Japanese Americans were sent to internment (detention) camps in other parts of the country.

Describe how these government decisions violated the constitutional protections of United States citizens' basic rights.

Explain whether or not you believe the government is justified in restricting rights during a crisis.

Include details and examples from the information to support your answer.

Use your knowledge of government to answer the constructed-response question.

Describe types of foreign aid the United States provides to other countries.

Should the United States provide foreign aid to other countries? Explain why or why not.

Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.