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MCAP, Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program

This page shows a list of test questions in the American Government public release collection at MSDE. American Government
Standard "1.0 Civics," Indicator "1.1.3"

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Expand All Official Practice Test

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

Look at the graph below.

The graph is titled United States Residents Over Age 65. The horizontal axis is labeled year and ranges from 1980 to 2030. The vertical axis is labeled number of people over age 65 in millions and ranges from 20 to 70. The graph starts at 1980, 25; goes up to 1995, a little less than 35; then goes up to 2030, a little less than 70.

Increasing the budget for which of these programs would most help the United States government prepare for the trend shown in the graph?

  1. A.
    defense
  2. B.
    education
  3. C.
    social security
  4. D.
    employment opportunities

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

Which of these is a purpose of Social Security?

  1. A.
    to provide income for retirees
  2. B.
    to regulate the health care industry
  3. C.
    to give relocation assistance to immigrants
  4. D.
    to encourage taxpayer contributions to charities

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

The purpose of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is to promote health and safety by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.

Which of these is most likely a responsibility of this government agency?

  1. A.
    to help healthcare workers find jobs
  2. B.
    to fund and operate medical schools
  3. C.
    to establish immunization programs for children
  4. D.
    to enforce laws that protect people from discrimination

This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.

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.

  • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of government sponsored healthcare.
  • Should the government decrease or increase its spending on healthcare? Explain why or why not.
  • Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

Which of these is a purpose of Social Security?

  1. A.
    granting retirement benefits
  2. B.
    enforcing affirmative action laws
  3. C.
    monitoring unfair business practices
  4. D.
    developing workplace safety regulations

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

States may offer medical coverage to children whose families cannot afford health insurance, and who do not qualify for similar federal programs.

What is the purpose of this program?

  1. A.
    to increase wages for hospital employees
  2. B.
    to ensure that children receive health care
  3. C.
    to increase competition in the health care industry
  4. D.
    to conduct a census of children living in each state

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

Which of these is a purpose of Social Security?

  1. A.
    granting retirement benefits
  2. B.
    enforcing affirmative action laws
  3. C.
    monitoring unfair business practices
  4. D.
    developing workplace safety regulations

This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

Which federal policy would violate the powers reserved to the states?

  1. A.
    negotiating with leaders of foreign countries
  2. B.
    establishing military bases in state capitals
  3. C.
    drafting citizens for military service
  4. D.
    requiring states to teach a specific curriculum