This page shows a list of test questions in the American Government public release collection at MSDE. American Government
Standard "1.0 Civics," Indicator "1.2.3"
Select a question from the following list. The content of that question will be shown, and you can interact with it here.
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these statements about presidential executive orders is true?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
- 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.
Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the news headline below.
- 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.
Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the information below.
" . . . to place qualified individuals with mental disabilities in community settings . . . The Federal Government must . . . help ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to live close to their families and friends . . . and to participate in community life."
Executive Order 13217
What was the purpose of the executive order above?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the information below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.
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.
- Explain why Maryland would place restrictions on younger drivers.
- Do you agree with these restrictions? 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 most likely a reason Presidents issue executive orders?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the information below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.
The governor of Maryland is empowered to maintain order during state emergencies such as natural disasters or public rioting.
- Describe actions the governor might take in these situations.
- Do you think the governor should have these powers in emergencies? 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.
Read the quotation below.
“Americans are free . . . to disagree with the law but not to disobey it. For in a government of laws and not of men, no man, however prominent or powerful, and no mob however unruly or boisterous, is entitled to defy a court of law.”
President John F. Kennedy
The quotation above most directly supports presidential actions that
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the news article excerpt.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster funds would be available for eastern states hit by record snowfall. FEMA provides funds to states for sanding and salting roads, search and rescue operations, and other emergency services provided during the recent snowstorm.
Based on the article, which of these is a function of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the information below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.
Governments sometimes make rules that restrict their employees from speaking to the press about their jobs.
- Explain which rights this rule might violate.
- Should governments be permitted to restrict their employees from speaking to the press about their jobs? 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.
Read the news headline below.
Based on the headline, which of these is a purpose of this action?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Maryland is considering a law banning handheld cell phone use while driving.
Which of these best explains why the General Assembly would pass this law?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Maryland law requires that an individual must wear a helmet when riding on, or driving a motorcycle.
What is the purpose of this law?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these statements about presidential executive orders is true?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Study the information below. Then answer the following item.
| Executive Order 9981 (1948) | Executive Order 11141 (1964) | Executive Order 11246 (1965) |
|---|---|---|
“There shall be equality of treatment . . . for all persons in the armed forces. . . . ” | “[The government shall] assure that older people are not discriminated against because of their age. . . . ” | “The government . . . [will] provide equal opportunity in Federal employment for all qualified persons. . . . ” |
What is the intent of each of these executive orders?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the news article excerpt below.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster funds would be available for eastern states hit by record snowfall. FEMA provides funds to states for sanding and salting roads, search and rescue operations, and other emergency services provided during the recent snowstorm.
Based on the article, which of these is a function of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the information.
Starting on June 1, 2009, the federal government required American citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and seventeen nations in the Caribbean to present a passport for reentry back into the United States.
Which of these is most likely the purpose of this requirement?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response item.
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.
- Do you believe the government is justified in restricting rights during a crisis? Why or why not?
- Include details and examples to support your answer.