This page shows a list of test questions in the American Government public release collection at MSDE. American Government
Standard "3.0 Geography," Indicator "3.1.1"
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.
Study the graph below.
Which region probably required the largest increase in overall government services between 1980 and 2000?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which region of Maryland would benefit most from research on Chesapeake Bay's infectious water diseases?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the scenario below.
At last night's city council meeting, environmentalists objected to pians for building a new shopping center. The environmentalists said that many native species of plants and animals found at the proposed site would become endangered if the land were developed. Developers say the shopping center will provide new jobs.
What problem does the scenario present for the city government?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is the most likely impact on counties experiencing population growth?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Look at the chart below. Then answer the question.
| PERCENTAGE OF MARYLAND POPULATION IN SELECTED AREAS | ||||
| Baltimore City | Baltimore County | Montgomery County | Prince George's County | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 21.3% | 15.8% | 13.3% | 16.8% |
| 1980 | 18.7% | 15.5% | 13.7% | 15.8% |
| 1990 | 15.4% | 14.5% | 15.8% | 15.3% |
| 2000 | 13.0% | 13.6% | 16.1% | 15.3% |
Which of these areas would most likely have experienced the greatest decline in tax revenue since 1970?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Look at the chart below. Then answer the question.
| PERCENTAGE OF MARYLAND POPULATION IN SELECTED AREAS | ||||
| Baltimore City | Baltimore County | Montgomery County | Prince George's County | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 21.3% | 15.8% | 13.3% | 16.8% |
| 1980 | 18.7% | 15.5% | 13.7% | 15.8% |
| 1990 | 15.4% | 14.5% | 15.8% | 15.3% |
| 2000 | 13.0% | 13.6% | 16.1% | 15.3% |
According to the chart, which of these areas most likely had to increase government spending for services from 1970 to 2000?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these would most likely require interstate cooperation?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these local population statistics would be most useful in deciding where to construct a public high school?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The Chesapeake Bay has recently suffered a decline in the oyster population. At the urging of citizens, Virginia and Maryland have cooperated in passing legislation to restore the oyster population.
The above is an example of
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these sources would be most reliable for determining interstate migration patterns?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these actions is least likely to involve cooperation between neighboring state governments?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
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.
- Based on the information above, 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 to support your response.
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 article excerpt below.
NEW SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING TOLLS
The Maryland Transportation Authority has announced that commuters can now use an electronic device at toll plazas in most Northeastern states. This device is placed in cars and deducts toll fees electronically. This will allow commuters to pass through toll plazas without stopping.
Which of these is most likely a result of the action described in the news article?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the news article excerpt below.
NEW SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING TOLLS
The Maryland Transportation Authority has announced that commuters can now use an electronic device at toll plazas in most Northeastern states. This device is placed in cars and deducts toll fees electronically. This will allow commuters to pass through toll plazas without stopping.
Which of these does the news article describe?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The Susquehanna River flows through New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
Which of these is the most effective way to resolve disputes over the use and protection of the river?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The Maryland State Highway Administration is considering a plan to widen three miles of a major route from two lanes to six lanes.
Which of these most likely caused this planned action?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Study the graph below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.
- Using the information in the bar graph, identify funding decisions the Maryland General Assembly would make regarding money for local governments.
- Describe the effects these decisions would have on local government decisions.
- Include details from the graph 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.
The states of Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware joined together during the 1980s and 1990s in an effort to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. This is an example of a government policy being shaped by
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the news article excerpt below.
RUNOFF THREAT TO
CHESAPEAKE BAY
Rainwater runoff has become a threat to the Chesapeake Bay. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the runoff brings sand, mud, and pollutants into the watershed. Government officials in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania have developed a plan to address the problem.
The government action in the news article is an example of
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 Baltimore Metropolitan Council represents the governments of five neighboring counties. The Council oversees air and water quality programs and helps operate a regional rideshare program.
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this type of regional cooperation.
- Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? 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 environmental issues would be the least likely topic for joint action by the United States and Canada?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these actions best describes regional cooperation?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Look at the chart below.
| PERCENT CHANGE IN POPULATION FROM 1990 TO 2000 IN THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN REGION | |
| Region | Percent Increase |
|---|---|
| Anne Arundel County | 14.6% |
| Calvert County | 45.1% |
| Frederick County | 30.0% |
| Howard County | 32.3% |
| Prince George's County | 10.9% |
| Saint Mary's County | 13.5% |
| Source: United States Census Bureau | |
Which of these is an effect of the population changes shown on the chart?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
According to the 2000 census, the population of Frederick County increased by 30 percent since 1990.
Which of these most likely occurred as a result of the population change?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The United States Census Bureau projects that the percentage of people over 85 years old will triple in the next fifty years.
What federal government action could best help the United States adjust to this demographic trend?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these would not require regional cooperation by local governments?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council and the Maryland Department of Transportation administer a grant program that helps area businesses establish ways that employees can work from home.
Which of these is most likely the purpose of this program?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Study the maps below and use them to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.
- Explain how the problems faced by local governments in the metropolitan areas of Maryland differ from those in other regions of the state.
- Which problem is most critical? Explain why.
- 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.
The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland helps local businesses export their products overseas.
What is a purpose of this program?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the information below.
Counties in the Baltimore region signed an agreement to stop algae growth in area reservoirs. Algae growth can cause problems with the taste and odor of drinking water.
This agreement is an example of
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these would require regional cooperation?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Study the maps and use them to answer the constructed-response item.
- Explain how the problems faced by local governments in the metropolitan areas of Maryland differ from those in other regions of the state.
- Which problem is most critical? Explain why.
- Include details and examples to support your answer.
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these would not require regional cooperation by local governments?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The United States Census Bureau projects that the percentage of people over 85 years old will triple in the next fifty years.
What federal government action could best help the United States adjust to this demographic trend?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council and the Maryland Department of Transportation administer a grant program that helps area businesses establish ways that employees can work from home.
Which of these is most likely the purpose of this program?
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 question.
Some natural resources, such as the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, are located in more than one state.
- Explain the difficulties 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 to support your answer.
Write your answer on the lines on your Answer Sheet.
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The goal of a Washington, D.C., area program is to encourage the use of vehicles that use alternative fuels.
What is a purpose of this program?