Social Studies Sample Items

1.  On a map, "latitude" is usually represented by
    *A.  horizontal lines   
      B.  vertical lines
     C.  a map key
      D.  a compass rose

2.  The relationship between real distances on the earth and distances on a map are provided by
      A.   a compass rose
      B.   a map symbol
    *C.  a map scale
      D.   horizontal and vertical lines

3.  A map feature that shows direction is called
    *A.  a compass rose
      B.  a legend
      C.  a distance scale
      D.  a map symbol

4.  You would use the compass rose on a map to determine
      A.  the real distance between two places shown on the map
     *B.  which direction you would be traveling from one place to another
       C.  whether a place shown on a map is above or below the equator
       D.  the longitude of a given place on the map

5.  The United States is located on which continent?
     *A.  North America
       B.  South America
       C.  Europe
       D.  Asia

6.  Of the following continents, which is the coldest?
       A.  North America
       B.  Europe
     *C.  Antartica
       D.  Asia

7.  A feature of the earth's surface, such as mountains or plains, is called
        A.  geography
        B.  a region
      *C.  a landform
        D.  altitude

8.  Which term best describes the weather of a given area over a period of many years?
        A.  precipitation
        B.  natural resource
        C.  temperature
      *D.  climate

9.  What is most likely to happen when the rocks along a fault line start to move?
        A.  a tidal wave
      *B.  an earthquake
        C.  a lightning storm
        D.  a volcanic eruption

10.  In the 1800's, the pioneers were able to survive due to
        A.  the expansion of the railroad
        B.  the exploration of new frontiers
        C.  their willingness to travel
      *D.  their ability to make use of the land

11.  Which of the following is not considered a "natural resource?"
        A.  trees
        B.  oil
        C.  coal
      *D.  electricity

12.  What branch of the U.S. government makes our nation's laws?
       A.  Executive
        B.  Judicial
        C.  Cabinet
      *D.  Legislative

13.  Which of the following is not an elected state official in Louisiana?
        A.  legislator
        B.  governor
       *C.  mayor
        D.  justice

14.  The president of the United States is voted into office for a term of
         A.  2 years
        *B.  4 years
         C.  5 years
         D.  10 years

15.  Which of the following represents the highest law in the United States?
         A.  the Declaration of Independence
       *B.  the U.S. Constitution
         C.  laws passed by the U.S. Congress
         D.  decisions and orders by the President of the United States

16.  The word "treaty" means
         A.  acts of war between two nations
         B.  a declaration of loyalty to a country
         C.  taxes on imported goods from a foreign country
       *D.  a formal agreement between two nations

17.  One of the main purposes of the United Nations is to
         A.  to defend the United States against attack
         B.  to spread democracy around the world
       *C.  to promote peace in the world
         D.  to raise money for the government

18.  American citizens have the reponsibility to do which of the following?
        *A.  obey the law
          B.  get married
          C.  get a driver's license
          D.  purchase goods

19.  Which of the following represents a service?
          A.  a loaf of bread
          B.  a car
          C.  a textbook
        *D.  a haircut

20.  Which of the following is a human resource?}
          A.  a hammer
       * B.  a house painter's skills
          C.  a school building
          D.  a computer

21.  One way people get things they want is by using money.  Another way would be
          A.  wishing for it
          B.  specializing
        *C.  bartering
          D.  charging interest

22.  Which of the following is a major service industry in Louisiana?
       * A.  tourism
          B.  mining coal
          C.  sugarcane farming
          D.  fishing

23.  In colonial times, why did most children attend school only for a few years?
        *A.  Their families needed them to help on the farm
          B.  Schools went only to the third grade
          C.  Everything they needed to know could be learned in a few years
          D.  Most parent could afford to pay for only a few year's tuition

24.  How was the U.S.  government originally formed?
          A.  by early English explorers who discovered the New World
          B.  by the earliest settlers who made peace with the Indians
          C.  by U.S.  military leaders who led the wars against the Indians
       * D.  by English colonists who fought for independence from England

25.  Which of the following four inventions came first in history?
         A.  radio
         B.  telescope
       *C.  printing press
         D.  telephone

26.  What do the stars on the United states flag represent?
         A.  the number of generals in the Revolutionary War
      * B.  the number of states in the United States
         C.  the number of senators in Congress
         D.  the number of major cities in the United States

27.  Pretend your teacher has asked you to teach your classmates about ONE of these famous places where an important event in American history happened:
         - the Alamo
         - Pearl Harbor
         - Gettysburg
         - Roanoke Island
Choose one of these famous places and write four facts about the place you have chosen that would help you teach your classmates about that place.