This page shows a list of test questions in the American Government public release collection at MSDE. American Government
Unit "Domestic Policy," Topic "Regional Domestic Policy"
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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 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 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 is an example of government funding based on population?
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 test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the news article excerpt below.
Residents in southwestern Allegany County wanted their area to become part of neighboring Garrett County. Under the state constitution, the Maryland legislature must pass a law before a county's borders can be changed. . . .
from an article in Sunpapers, 12/2/98
- Describe what actions these Allegany residents could take to influence the government on this issue.
- Which of these actions would be most effective? 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read the news article excerpt below.
LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE
TO FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS
In response to rising housing costs, the state legislature has voted to provide financial assistance to lowincome families to help purchase their first house.
The action described in the article above is intended to
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Calvert County grew 45% between 1990 and 2000. Which of these events most likely occurred as the population grew?
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 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 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 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.
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.
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?