Survey of United States History (C121)

Correct Answer

D. Four million people

Explanation

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) was a temporary job creation program established in 1933 as part of the New Deal. By 1934, the CWA had employed approximately four million people in various public works projects, including building roads, schools, and bridges. The program provided immediate jobs to help alleviate the effects of the Great Depression, though it was discontinued in 1934 due to concerns about its cost.

Why other options are wrong

A. Ten million people.

The CWA never reached employment levels as high as ten million. The program was designed for short-term relief and did not employ that many people at once.

B. One million people.

While the CWA did employ large numbers of workers, the total in 1934 was significantly higher than one million. It reached four million at its peak.

C. Two million people.

Although two million is a significant number, the actual employment figure for the CWA in 1934 was approximately four million. The program had a widespread impact during its brief existence.

Correct Answer

A. The President must sign the law for it to take effect.

Explanation

Once Congress passes a bill, it is sent to the President, who can either sign it into law or veto it. If signed, the bill becomes an official law and must be enforced by the executive branch. If vetoed, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers. This process ensures that the executive branch has a role in legislation while maintaining a system of checks and balances.

Why other options are wrong

B. The Supreme Court reviews the law before it is enacted.

The Supreme Court does not automatically review laws before they take effect. Judicial review occurs only if a law is challenged in court and the case reaches the judicial system.

C. The law is immediately enforced without presidential approval.

A law cannot take effect without the President’s signature or a congressional override of a veto. The President plays a critical role in the legislative process.

D. The law is sent back to Congress for further debate.

Once a bill is passed, it is not automatically sent back to Congress for further debate. If the President vetoes the bill, Congress can choose to revise it, override the veto, or take no further action.

Correct Answer

D. Samuel Gompers, fighting for higher wages and shorter hours

Explanation

Samuel Gompers was the founder and long-time leader of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which was established in 1886. The AFL focused on securing better wages, shorter work hours, and improved working conditions for skilled laborers. Gompers emphasized collective bargaining and strikes as tools for labor negotiations.

Why other options are wrong

A. Abraham Lincoln, focusing on national unity.

Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States and played a key role in preserving the Union during the Civil War. He was not associated with labor movements or the AFL.

B. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, advocating for women's rights.

Stanton was a leader in the women's suffrage movement, fighting for women's rights, including voting rights, rather than labor rights.

C. Frederick Douglass, promoting civil rights for African Americans.

Douglass was a prominent abolitionist and civil rights leader, but he was not involved in founding or leading labor unions like the AFL.

Correct Answer

A. the problems the colonists had with British rule.

Explanation

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was written primarily to explain why the American colonies were breaking away from British rule. The document listed grievances against King George III and justified the colonies' decision to seek independence. It also outlined the philosophical foundation of self-governance, stating that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Why other options are wrong

B. Why the colonies had the Boston Tea Party

This is incorrect because the Declaration of Independence was not written to explain one specific event like the Boston Tea Party. While the Tea Act and the Boston Tea Party were examples of colonial resistance, the Declaration focused on the broader issues of oppression under British rule.

C. The reasons colonists formed the Continental Congress

This is incorrect because the Declaration of Independence was written after the First and Second Continental Congresses had already convened. While these congresses played a role in organizing resistance, the Declaration itself was meant to justify independence rather than explain why the Congresses were formed.

D. Why some colonists refused to boycott British goods

This is incorrect because the Declaration of Independence did not focus on specific boycotts. Boycotts of British goods were a form of protest leading up to the revolution, but the Declaration’s primary purpose was to officially separate from Britain and explain the reasons for doing so.

Correct Answer

B. They must register to vote.

Explanation

In the United States, one of the key civic responsibilities of citizens is to participate in the democratic process, primarily by voting. Upon turning 18, eligible citizens must register to vote in order to cast a ballot in elections. This requirement ensures that individuals are properly documented and can participate in federal, state, and local elections, shaping government policies and leadership.

Why other options are wrong

A. They must be property owners.

Owning property is not a requirement to participate in government activities. Historically, property ownership was once a voting requirement, but this restriction was removed in the 19th century, allowing more citizens to vote.

C. They must attend a government class.

There is no national requirement that citizens attend a government class before participating in government activities. While civic education is encouraged, it is not mandatory for voting or government participation.

D. They must pay a fee.

No fee is required to participate in government activities, including voting. Poll taxes, which once restricted voting rights, were banned by the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1964.

Correct Answer

A. Manifest Destiny

Explanation

Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States was destined to expand across North America from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This ideology drove westward expansion, influencing policies such as the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Trail migration, and the Mexican-American War. It was based on the idea that territorial expansion was both justified and inevitable, shaping American identity and contributing to economic and political growth.

Why other options are wrong

B. Divine Manifest

This phrase does not exist in American history. While some proponents of Manifest Destiny viewed expansion as divinely ordained, "Divine Manifest" was never a recognized term or movement.

C. Global Expansion

The expansion of the U.S. in the 1800s was primarily focused on the North American continent rather than global territories. Although the U.S. later engaged in overseas expansion, such as acquiring the Philippines and Puerto Rico, this was not the focus of Manifest Destiny.

D. Magna Carta

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215 in England, was a document that limited the power of the monarchy and established principles of governance. It had no connection to U.S. territorial expansion.

Correct Answer

D. The legislative branch creates laws, which checks the powers of the executive and judicial branches.

Explanation

The legislative branch, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, is responsible for creating laws. This role is crucial in maintaining the balance of power in the U.S. government by ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful. Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority, control government spending, and approve judicial appointments, keeping the executive and judicial branches in check.

Why other options are wrong

A. The legislative branch administers justice, resolving disputes among citizens.

Administering justice and resolving disputes is the responsibility of the judicial branch, not the legislative branch. Courts handle cases and determine legal interpretations.

B. The legislative branch enforces laws, ensuring they are followed by citizens.

Enforcing laws is the duty of the executive branch, particularly through agencies like the Department of Justice and law enforcement authorities. Congress does not enforce laws.

C. The legislative branch interprets laws, providing clarity on their meaning.

Interpreting laws falls under the judicial branch, specifically the Supreme Court and lower courts, which determine how laws apply in specific cases.

Correct Answer

D. He had to be part of a church.

Explanation

In the Massachusetts Bay Colony, voting rights were closely tied to religious affiliation. Only male members of the Puritan church were allowed to vote, as the government was based on religious principles. This policy reinforced the Puritans' vision of a "city upon a hill," where the colony was governed by religious leaders and church members who were considered morally upright.

Why other options are wrong

A. He had to be a wealthy merchant.

While wealth often conferred social status, it was not a direct requirement for voting in Massachusetts Bay. Many Puritans emphasized religious purity over material wealth, and some merchants, despite their financial success, lacked political power if they were not church members. Economic status alone did not grant voting rights.

B. He had to own a certain amount of land.

In some other colonies, land ownership was a voting requirement, but in Massachusetts Bay, religious membership took precedence. While landowners often had influence, voting rights were specifically restricted to male members of the Puritan church. This policy distinguished Massachusetts Bay from colonies like Virginia, where land ownership was a key factor in political participation.

C. He had to be a member of the governor's council.

The governor's council was a select governing body, but it did not determine general voting eligibility. Instead, the Massachusetts Bay Colony's political structure was based on religious qualification. While the governor's council held power, regular male church members also had the right to vote in elections, provided they met religious criteria.

Correct Answer

B. They led to increased fundamentalist beliefs and political engagement

Explanation

Television evangelists like Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and Jim Bakker gained widespread influence in the late 1970s and 1980s. Their broadcasts attracted millions of viewers and played a major role in reinforcing conservative religious beliefs. These evangelists also encouraged political activism, aligning many evangelical Christians with right-wing politics, particularly on issues such as abortion, school prayer, and opposition to secularism.

Why other options are wrong

A. They focused solely on charitable activities

While some television evangelists were involved in charity, their primary impact was in shaping religious and political beliefs, rather than just humanitarian efforts.

C. They caused a decline in church attendance

Instead of decreasing church attendance, televangelism often strengthened religious participation by making sermons and religious messages more accessible to a wider audience.

D. They promoted secularism in religious practices

Rather than promoting secularism, television evangelists strongly opposed it, advocating for a greater role of religion in public life and politics.