CSET Social Studies Flashcards

Which of the following geographic regions is considered a 'rain shadow' desert?

Answer: The Atacama Desert, caused by the Andes Mountains blocking moisture

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth partly because the Andes Mountains block moisture-laden Pacific winds, creating a rain shadow on the leeward side.

The women's suffrage movement in the United States culminated in the passage of which constitutional amendment?

Answer: 19th Amendment

The 19th Amendment (1920) granted women the right to vote, the culmination of decades of suffragist activism.

Which of the following best describes 'imperialism' as practiced by European powers in the 19th century?

Answer: Extending political and economic control over weaker territories and peoples

Imperialism involves one nation extending its power over others through colonization, economic dominance, or political control, as European powers did across Africa and Asia.

The 'three branches of government' in the U.S. system reflect the principle of:

Answer: Separation of powers

Separation of powers divides government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.

The Great Migration of the early-to-mid 20th century involved the movement of African Americans primarily from:

Answer: Rural Southern states to Northern industrial cities

The Great Migration (1910–1970) saw approximately six million African Americans leave the Jim Crow South for Northern cities seeking better jobs and civil rights.

In economics, 'inflation' is best defined as:

Answer: A general and sustained rise in the price level across the economy

Inflation is a sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services, which reduces the purchasing power of money over time.

Which agreement, signed after World War I, imposed harsh reparations on Germany and is often cited as a contributing factor to World War II?

Answer: The Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles (1919) blamed Germany for World War I, imposed massive reparations and territorial losses, and created economic and political instability that enabled Hitler's rise.