MTEL MTEL Elementary Education Subject Matter 5

Question 1

Which branch of the U.S. federal government has the power to declare laws unconstitutional?

Accepted Answer

Judicial branch (Supreme Court)

Answer

The judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, exercises judicial review — the power to strike down laws that violate the U.S. Constitution.

Question 2

The latitude lines on a map run in which direction and measure what?

Accepted Answer

East–west; distance north or south of the equator

Answer

Latitude lines (parallels) run east–west and measure angular distance in degrees north or south of the equator (0°).

Question 3

What was the PRIMARY economic activity of most New England colonies in the 1700s?

Accepted Answer

Trade, fishing, and shipbuilding

Answer

New England's rocky soil was poor for large-scale farming, so colonists relied on the Atlantic Ocean for trade, fishing, and a thriving shipbuilding industry.

Question 4

The principle of 'checks and balances' in the U.S. government BEST refers to:

Accepted Answer

Each branch of government having powers that limit the other branches

Answer

Checks and balances distributes power among the three branches so no single branch can become too powerful, with each branch having the ability to limit the others.

Question 5

Which economic concept describes what you give up when you choose one option over another?

Accepted Answer

Opportunity cost

Answer

Opportunity cost is the value of the next-best alternative forgone when making an economic choice.

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure Practice Test

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure Practice Test

MTEL MTEL Elementary Education Subject Matter 5