MCAS History and Social Studies Flashcards
6 cards from real MCAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 MCAS History and Social Studies flashcards as text
Which document declared the American colonies independent from Britain in 1776?
Answer: The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, was adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the colonies' separation from Britain.
What was the main purpose of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded in 1630?
Answer: To found a Puritan religious community
The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded by Puritan settlers seeking to establish a community based on their religious beliefs.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery?
Answer: 13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, officially abolished slavery throughout the United States.
What is the term for a system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions?
Answer: Representative democracy
In a representative democracy, citizens vote for elected officials who then make governmental decisions on their behalf.
Who was the first European explorer to establish a settlement in Massachusetts?
Answer: Samuel de Champlain
French explorer Samuel de Champlain mapped and explored the Massachusetts coast in the early 1600s, establishing early European contact.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of checks and balances in the U.S. government?
Answer: To prevent any one branch from gaining too much power
The system of checks and balances distributes power among the three branches of government so no single branch becomes too powerful.