CTBS - Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills Social Studies Fundamentals Questions and Answers

Question 1

The U.S.
Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
Which of the following is a primary check the legislative branch has on the executive branch?

Accepted Answer

Overriding a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote

Answer

Declaring an executive order unconstitutional

Answer

Appointing ambassadors and federal judges

Answer

Vetoing a bill passed by Congress

Question 2

A geographer is pinpointing a location on a map. She identifies its position as 0° longitude. What is the specific name for this line?

Accepted Answer

The Prime Meridian

Answer

The Equator

Answer

The International Date Line

Answer

The Tropic of Cancer

Question 3

A popular new video game is released, and demand for it is extremely high. However, due to a manufacturing issue, the company can only produce a very limited number of copies. Based on the economic principle of supply and demand, what is the most likely immediate outcome?

Accepted Answer

The price of the game will increase.

Answer

The price of the game will decrease.

Answer

The government will regulate the price of the game.

Answer

The company will halt all production of the game.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution?

Accepted Answer

To protect individual liberties from government overreach

Answer

To establish the structure of the federal government

Answer

To outline the process for electing the President

Answer

To grant states powers that the federal government does not have

Question 5

The development of Cuneiform, considered the earliest known system of writing, is a major contribution of which ancient civilization?

Accepted Answer

Ancient Mesopotamia (Sumerians)

Answer

Ancient Egypt

Answer

Ancient Greece

Answer

Ancient Rome

Question 6

Which of the following is considered a fundamental civic responsibility of a U.S. citizen?

Accepted Answer

Staying informed about public issues

Answer

Owning property

Answer

Traveling to other countries

Answer

Joining a political party

The U.S.Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.Which of the following is a primary check the legislative branch has on the executive branch?

The U.S.
Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
Which of the following is a primary check the legislative branch has on the executive branch?