NM-MSSA Social Studies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which physical feature forms the eastern border of the Rio Grande valley in New Mexico?
- The Rocky Mountains
- The Sacramento Mountains
- The Sandia Mountains (Correct answer)
- The Jemez Mountains
Correct answer: The Sandia Mountains
The Sandia Mountains rise dramatically to the east of the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque.
Question 2: What was the primary purpose of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro?
- Military defense against Apache raids
- Trade and communication between Mexico City and Santa Fe (Correct answer)
- Missionary travel to convert Pueblo peoples
- Cattle drives to northern markets
Correct answer: Trade and communication between Mexico City and Santa Fe
The Camino Real served as the main trade and communication route connecting Mexico City to Santa Fe from the 1590s onward.
Question 3: Which branch of the U.S. government has the power to declare laws unconstitutional?
- Executive branch
- Legislative branch
- Judicial branch (Correct answer)
- Administrative branch
Correct answer: Judicial branch
The judicial branch, through the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, has the power of judicial review to strike down unconstitutional laws.
Question 4: The Great Depression of the 1930s was characterized by which of the following?
- Rapid industrial growth and low unemployment
- Widespread bank failures, unemployment, and economic decline (Correct answer)
- Strong agricultural output and rising wages
- Increased international trade and prosperity
Correct answer: Widespread bank failures, unemployment, and economic decline
The Great Depression featured massive bank failures, unemployment reaching 25%, and severe economic contraction across the U.S. and world.
Question 5: What does the term 'supply and demand' describe in economics?
- Government control of prices in the marketplace
- The relationship between how much of a product exists and how much buyers want it (Correct answer)
- The process of manufacturing goods for export
- The system of taxing imported goods
Correct answer: The relationship between how much of a product exists and how much buyers want it
Supply and demand describes how the quantity of goods available and consumer desire for them interact to determine market prices.
Question 6: Which New Mexico Native American group is known for their distinctive multi-storied adobe dwellings called pueblos?
- Navajo Nation
- Apache
- Pueblo peoples (Correct answer)
- Comanche
Correct answer: Pueblo peoples
Pueblo peoples, including Taos, Acoma, and Zuni, are named for their traditional multi-storied adobe village structures.
Question 7: What is the primary function of a map legend (key)?
- To show the direction of true north
- To explain the symbols and colors used on the map (Correct answer)
- To indicate the scale of distance on the map
- To list the names of map creators
Correct answer: To explain the symbols and colors used on the map
A map legend or key explains what the various symbols, colors, and markings on a map represent.
NM-MSSA Social Studies 2
Which physical feature forms the eastern border of the Rio Grande valley in New Mexico?