This page shows a list of test questions in the American Government public release collection at MSDE. American Government
Unit "Domestic Policy," Topic "Public Policy"
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 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.
Use the chart below to answer the question.
| SELECTED MAJOR CIVIL RIGHTS LEGISLATION | ||
| Year | Legislation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Equal Pay Act | Forbids wage discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin |
| 1964 | Civil Rights Act | Forbids discrimination in public places, employment, federally funded programs, and schools |
| 1972 | Higher Education Act | Forbids discrimination on the basis of gender in universities and colleges which receive federal aid |
| 1990 | Americans with Disabilities Act | Forbids discrimination in employment, transportation, and public accommodations against people with physical or mental disabilities |
A person's request for a permit to open a florist shop in her basement was denied because the only access to the entrance is a flight of stairs.
Which act could be the basis for the denial of the permit?
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.
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.
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.
Read the scenario below.
The Maryland government is expanding a major highway to reduce traffic congestion. The state will take the private property it needs and compensate the owners for their land.
Which of these allows the government action described above?
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.
Look at the graph below.
Increasing the budget for which of these programs would most help the United States government prepare for the trend shown in the graph?
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 multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is a purpose of Social Security?
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 best describes why the government often requires the construction of wheelchair ramps in certain types of buildings?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these best describes a goal of affirmative action legislation?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that all schools receiving federal funds give male and female students equal opportunities in instruction and extracurricular activities.
Which situation is in violation of this legislation?
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 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.
"No [business] shall discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability . . . in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, advancement, or discharge [firing] of employees . . . "
Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act is an example of a government action taken to
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.
Congress passed a law that requires states to make voting aids or individual assistance available to the disabled and the elderly.
Which of these is most likely a result of this law?
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.
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.
Officials announced today that parts of the Savage River State Forest will be incorporated into the Maryland Wildlands Preservation System. The forest provides a habitat for many wildlife species. The Maryland Wildlands Preservation System is the state's version of the Federal Wilderness System.
Which of these statements is supported by the excerpt?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these was the main goal of the federal government when it began affirmative action programs?
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.
Read the passage below.
For over 150 years, the state of Virginia operated an all-male college called the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). In 1990, the United States government sued the state of Virginia at the request of a female high school student seeking admission to VMI. The Supreme Court ruled that VMI had to admit women who could meet the physical and other requirements.
Which of these statements best explains the reason for the decision in this case?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the passage below.
For over 150 years, the state of Virginia operated an all-male college called the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). In 1990, the United States government sued the state of Virginia at the request of a female high school student seeking admission to VMI. The Supreme Court ruled that VMI had to admit women who could meet the physical and other requirements.
Which of these principles of law most likely influenced the Supreme Court's decision?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the excerpt below.
"No [business] shall discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability . . . in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, advancement, or discharge [firing] of employees. . . . "
from the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990
Based on the excerpt, the Americans with Disabilities Act is most concerned with
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the information below.
In 1990, the United States government sued the state of Virginia at the request of a female student seeking admission to the all-male Virginia Military Institute (VMI). The Supreme Court ruled that VMI must admit women who meet the college's admission requirements.
Which issue was addressed by the Supreme Court in this case?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is a purpose of Social Security?
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.
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?
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.
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.
Discrimination occurs when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of his or her membership in a particular group or class.
Which of these demonstrates an action that would fight discrimination?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the excerpt below.
“It shall be an unlawful employment practice for any employer [or] labor organization . . . to discriminate against any individual because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin . . . ”
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
Based on the excerpt, what is one way the Civil Rights Act of 1964 helps minority groups?
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.
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.
In 1988, Congress passed a law authorizing the payment of $20,000 to each Japanese American placed in relocation camps during World War II.
This law is an example of Congress
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.
Read the excerpt below.
"No [business] shall discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability . . . in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, advancement, or discharge [firing] of employees. . . . "
—from the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990
Based on the excerpt, the Americans with Disabilities Act is most concerned with
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.
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.
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 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 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 2002, the Maryland General Assembly voted to purchase undeveloped land on the Chesapeake Bay before a construction company could purchase it. The state plans to use the land as a park for recreational activities.
- Describe the opportunity costs and the benefits of the purchase.
- Is it appropriate for the state government to buy undeveloped land? Explain why or why not.
- Include details and examples to support your answer.
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the news article excerpt below.
Officials announced today that parts of the Savage River State Forest will be incorporated into the Maryland Wildlands Preservation System. The forest provides a habitat for many wildlife species. The Maryland Wildlands Preservation System is the state's version of the Federal Wilderness System.
Which of these statements is supported by the excerpt?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the information below.
For over 150 years, the state of Virginia operated an all-male college called the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). In 1990, the United States government sued the state of Virginia at the request of a female high school student seeking admission to VMI. The Supreme Court ruled that VMI had to admit women who could meet the physical and other requirements.
Which of these statements best explains the reason for the decision in this case?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is a purpose of Social Security?
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?
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.
What is the main purpose of affirmative action policies?
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 only one option.
The federal government sets a limit on the number of individuals who can receive temporary visas [permits] to immigrate to the United States as seasonal workers.
What is the most likely effect this policy will have on Maryland businesses that employ workers on a seasonal basis?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, or gender.
Which of these would be a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
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.
When a person is denied a job on the basis of race, gender, or religion, it is considered a violation of
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 multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the excerpt.
“The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has rescheduled public hearings on whether to allow companies to build wind turbines in state forests in Western Maryland.”
—Baltimore Sun, January 2008
The situation described in the news article illustrates a possible conflict between finding alternative sources of energy and
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.