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GED Sample Questions : Social Studies

24. In the first half of the 20th century, it was not unusual for African American people to have to use different drinking fountains, lunch counters, and even schools than other Americans. This was known as which of the following?

    1. Segregation
    2. Civil Rights
    3. The White Man's Burden
    4. Affirmative action
    5. Slavery

    Answer: A

25. If the last presidential election was in 2000, when will the next one take place?
    1. 2002
    2. 2006
    3. 2004
    4. 2005
    5. 2010

    Answer: C

26. American writer Henry David Thoreau wrote that if a law “requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then I say, break the law.” What idea is Thoreau supporting?
    1. Anarchy
    2. Marxism
    3. Violent opposition
    4. Free speech
    5. Civil disobedience

    Answer: E

27. What does a map's legend help you do?
    1. Understand the purpose of the map
    2. Calculate the real distance shown on the map
    4. Locate specific cities or rivers on the map
    5. Read the map's symbols correctly
    6. Fold the map neatly

    Answer: D

28. Which government official(s) is appointed and not elected by the U. S. citizens?
    1. President
    2. Congressman
    3. Supreme Court Justice
    4. Senator
    5. Governor

    Answer: C

29. In the United States, individuals who are suspected of criminal behavior are considered innocent until they are proven guilty. All citizens have the right to due process which means they are entitled to a fair trial before a jury of their peers. In addition, they have a right to a lawyer who will help them support their case. Because the suspect is considered innocent until judged otherwise, the prosecution has the burden of proof. Even after a verdict is made on the case, both sides can appeal to a higher court to reconsider the decision. All of these steps are in place to protect the safety and liberty of all Americans.

    What is “burden of proof”?

    1. Refers to the credibility of witnesses
    2. The responsibility for convincing the jury of their case
    3. The suspect's duty to provide an alibi
    4. The suspect's right to an attorney
    5. The responsibility given to jurors

    Answer: B

30. In the United States, individuals who are suspected of criminal behavior are considered innocent until they are proven guilty. All citizens have the right to due process which means they are entitled to a fair trial before a jury of their peers. In addition, they have a right to a lawyer who will help them support their case. Because the suspect is considered innocent until judged otherwise, the prosecution has the burden of proof. Even after a verdict is made on the case, both sides can appeal to a higher court to reconsider the decision. All of these steps are in place to protect the safety and liberty of all Americans.

    Why can court decisions be appealed?

    1. So that mistakes can be corrected if they are made
    2. To give both sides a chance to prepare a stronger case
    3. To stop the justice system from working efficiently
    4. To allow more people the chance to hear the case
    5. To ask the judge to rethink his current position on the case

    Answer: A

31. In the United States, individuals who are suspected of criminal behavior are considered innocent until they are proven guilty. All citizens have the right to due process which means they are entitled to a fair trial before a jury of their peers. In addition, they have a right to a lawyer who will help them support their case. Because the suspect is considered innocent until judged otherwise, the prosecution has the burden of proof. Even after a verdict is made on the case, both sides can appeal to a higher court to reconsider the decision. All of these steps are in place to protect the safety and liberty of all Americans.

    In other countries, suspects are considered guilty until proven innocent. How would this affect the burden of proof in a trial?

    1. More evidence on both sides would be needed
    2. No evidence would be needed for a conviction
    3. The prosecutor would have burden of proof instead of the defendant
    4. The defendant would have the burden of proof instead of the prosecutor
    5. It would have no effect

    Answer: D

32. In the United States, individuals who are suspected of criminal behavior are considered innocent until they are proven guilty. All citizens have the right to due process which means they are entitled to a fair trial before a jury of their peers. In addition, they have a right to a lawyer who will help them support their case. Because the suspect is considered innocent until judged otherwise, the prosecution has the burden of proof. Even after a verdict is made on the case, both sides can appeal to a higher court to reconsider the decision. All of these steps are in place to protect the safety and liberty of all Americans.

    Why is the right to due process important?

    1. It prevents innocent people from being wrongly punished
    2. It provides more work for lawyers
    3. It lets ordinary citizens be part of the judicial system It forces innocent people to prove their innocence
    4. It keeps crime rates low

    Answer: A