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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 "3.0 Geography," Indicator "3.1.2"

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Expand All Official Practice Test

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

Over the past fifty years, many Americans have moved from the Northeast and the Midwest to the South and the West.

As a result of this population shift, the South and the West have gained influence in

  1. A.
    the Senate
  2. B.
    the Supreme Court
  3. C.
    the State Department
  4. D.
    the House of Representatives

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

The population of Massachusetts has increased since 1970, but its representation in Congress has declined.

Which of these best explains why this has happened?

  1. A.
    A large number of people in Massachusetts are not citizens.
  2. B.
    A large number of people in Massachusetts have not registered to vote.
  3. C.
    Massachusetts has chosen not to send representatives to the national government.
  4. D.
    Population growth in Massachusetts has not kept pace with the growth of other states.

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

Which of these government responsibilities is most related to the United States Census?

  1. A.
    maintaining national defense
  2. B.
    protecting the environment
  3. C.
    ensuring fair political representation
  4. D.
    establishing criminal justice procedures

This is a question with 2 parts, including a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.

Reapportionment is based on changes in the

  1. A.
    wealth of an area
  2. B.
    boundaries of an area
  3. C.
    population of an area
  4. D.
    number of voters in an area

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

Which of these could result if a state’s population declined over time?

  1. A.
    increased funding from Congress for social programs
  2. B.
    reduced representation in the House of Representatives
  3. C.
    reduced representation in the United States Senate
  4. D.
    greater number of electors to the Electoral College

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

Why are the seats of the House of Representatives reapportioned every 10 years?

  1. A.
    to give interest groups more influence
  2. B.
    to modify political party alliances
  3. C.
    to account for changing populations
  4. D.
    to create new committees

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

Study the table below.

Maryland Population
1990 Census 2010 Projected % Change
All of Maryland 4,781,468 5,738,350 +20%
Baltimore City 736,014 672,500 –9%
Baltimore County 692,134 739,000 +7%
Calvert County 51,372 96,000 +87%
Frederick County 150,208 243,000 +62%

Which of these predictions can be made from the table about redistricting after the 2010 census?

  1. A.
    The delegate district lines may be changed.
  2. B.
    Representation for Baltimore City will increase.
  3. C.
    The number of legislative districts may be changed.
  4. D.
    Representation for Calvert County will decrease.

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

Calvert County grew 45% between 1990 and 2000. Which of these events most likely occurred as the population grew?

  1. A.
    City land was converted to farmland.
  2. B.
    The tax revenue for the county declined.
  3. C.
    Construction of new houses and apartments stopped.
  4. D.
    The county increased funding for government services.

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

Which of these could result if a state's population declined over time?

  1. A.
    increased funding from Congress for social programs
  2. B.
    reduced representation in the House of Representatives
  3. C.
    reduced representation in the United States Senate
  4. D.
    greater number of electors to the Electoral College

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

Which situation would require a state to redraw its congressional districts?

  1. A.
    changes in federal housing regulations
  2. B.
    participation in a legislative filibuster
  3. C.
    the election of a new U.S. Representative
  4. D.
    population shifts shown by the U.S. Census

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

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

A political cartoon shows two frames. In the left frame, a man driving a car says a woman, Look at that! Another billboard touting an incumbent who will coast to an easy re-election. I say, throw the bum out! In the right frame, a billboard reads, Re-elect Gerry Mandering, and the woman answering the man in the car, Without true redistricting reform, thats easier said than done...
  • Describe the viewpoint presented in the cartoon.
  • Explain why election districts may be gerrymandered.
  • Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines on your Answer Sheet.