This page shows a list of test questions in the American Government public release collection at MSDE. American Government
Standard "3.0 Geography," Indicator "3.1.3"
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.
Read the newspaper headlines below.
CITY COUNCIL CREATES
MASTER PLAN TO MANAGE GROWTH
STATE SEEKS TO BLOCK
HOUSING NEAR COAST
LOCAL GROUP ASKS STATE
TO BUY LAND FOR PARK
These headlines are all related to government involvement in
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these government policies was established specifically to address the problem of air pollution?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
When proposing new projects such as airports and highways, federal agencies are required to
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Because of the Endangered Species Act, a man was forbidden from planting crops on his land because the habitat of an endangered species would be destroyed.
In the situation above, there is a conflict between a government policy and an individual's
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these government actions would be most effective in protecting the environment?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Arizona, California, and Colorado all claim the right to use the water from the Colorado River for their water needs.
The most effective way to resolve the water rights dispute would be for
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
The population of Maryland's state bird, the Baltimore oriole, has decreased due to the destruction of its habitat.
- Describe some ways the Maryland government can help preserve the species.
- Which way do you think will be most effective? Explain your choice.
- Include details and examples in 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 public agencies usually decides local land-use issues?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is the most effective way for a state government to reduce pollution in a river?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
A toy company is moving its main production plant to a Maryland county.
Which of these would be the most likely effect on the county?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers home loans at low interest rates to low-income borrowers who live in rural communities.
What is most likely the purpose of this government program?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Recently, the State of Maryland chose to make more decisions regarding land use state-wide.
Which of these actions is least likely to be part of this new role?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Environmentalists have most often opposed government policies that
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
In 2000, the population of Frederick County, Maryland, was 195,277, which was an increase of 30 percent from 1990.
Which of these contributed to the change in population?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the news article excerpt below.
Representatives from Western states introduced a bill in Congress that would reduce demands for electricity and increase the power supply. The bill would allow clean air and endangered species protection rules to be waived during an energy crisis. Western states say the legislation is necessary to prevent an energy crisis. Opponents of the bill believe that the environment will suffer if the bill is passed.
The bill described in the excerpt above is an example of
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the headline below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.
- Describe actions Maryland state and local governments could take in response to this headline.
- Which government action do you think would be most effective in solving this problem? 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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides help to landowners who want to restore wetlands located on their property.
What is most likely the purpose of this program?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The Clean Alternative program was developed by the Maryland state government to encourage businesses, such as taxicab companies, to switch to cars that use new technologies that are less harmful to the environment.
Which of these government actions would support the goal of this program?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Maryland lost approximately 10,000 acres of forest land each year between 1985 and 1990. Which of these government actions would have done the most to reduce the loss?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these best explains why local governments create zoning laws?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the news article excerpt below.
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION TO MEET
The population of the city has greatly increased since 1990. Current proposals for development include expansion of the airport and the construction of a large industrial center. The city planning commission will meet this month to discuss these expansion issues.
Which of these government responsibilities is most closely related to the activity described in the excerpt?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The state of Maryland purchased a large tract of open space from a housing developer.
Which of these is most likely the reason for this purchase?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the headline below.
Which of these issues is most likely being addressed by the headline?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Agriculture is a major part of the Midwest's economy.
Which of these would provide the most immediate improvement to the region's economy?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these possible actions by the Baltimore City government would probably attract the largest number of new residents to the city?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the excerpt below.
EPA REVIEWS POLLUTION LIMITS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to monitor levels of pollutants found in drinking water. Research has shown that high levels of pollutants can contribute to long-term health problems.
The EPA is currently reviewing pollution limits for the mining and smelting industries, which contribute to the pollution. Industry officials assert however, that the extra cost associated with reducing water pollution will force some companies to shut down.
Which of these statements is best supported by the excerpt above?
| A | Excerpt shows interest in regulating private industry. |
| B | Key: |
| C | No reference to funding. |
| D | If industry sets its own regulations, pollution referenced in the excerpt will continue to build. |
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is the goal of a state law to reduce air and water pollution?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The state of Maryland purchased a large tract of open space from a housing developer.
Which of these is most likely the reason for this purchase?
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.
Scientists predict an increase in the number of poor air quality days in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.
What action can Maryland's state government take to address this situation?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Congress plans to pass legislation designed to prevent the use of the Internet to steal personal information.
What is the most likely reason Congress would take this action?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the information.
In 2008, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources considered whether to allow power companies to clear mountaintop areas in the Potomac and Savage River state forests to build 100 electricity-producing wind turbines.
The proposal to construct wind turbines in Maryland state forests was intended to promote
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the excerpt.
"November 15, 1990, marks a milestone in Clean Air Act history . . . [This milestone was] the signing of the 1990 Amendments. These amendments set the stage for protecting the ozone layer, reducing acid rain and toxic [substances], and improving air quality and visibility."
—"Celebrating the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990," Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
What was the primary purpose of these amendments?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select several options.
The state of Maryland is a leader in environmental preservation and restoration. For example, Maryland aims to protect the state’s farmland and other natural resources while enhancing existing communities.
Select the three government actions or strategies that would help meet these aims.
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which government body makes decisions about where new homes and businesses may be located?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Maryland offers tax breaks for farmers who donate the development rights of their land to the state.
What is 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.
| 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.