Social Studies Flashcards

West Virginia became a separate state during which major U.S. conflict?

Answer: The Civil War

West Virginia separated from Virginia in 1863 because many western Virginians opposed secession, and it was admitted to the Union during the Civil War.

Which of the following is an example of a citizen's civic responsibility in the United States?

Answer: Voting in elections

Voting in elections is a fundamental civic responsibility that allows citizens to participate in democratic governance.

What does 'longitude' measure on a map or globe?

Answer: Distance east or west of the prime meridian

Longitude measures the distance east or west of the prime meridian, expressed in degrees.

Which economic system is characterized by private ownership of businesses and free market competition?

Answer: Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of businesses and competition in a free market to determine prices and production.

What was the primary cause of the Great Migration in the early 20th century?

Answer: African Americans moving north to escape racial violence and find economic opportunities

The Great Migration saw millions of African Americans leave the South to escape racial violence, discrimination, and seek better economic opportunities in northern cities.

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'checks and balances' in the U.S. government?

Answer: Each branch of government can limit the power of the others

Checks and balances is a system where each branch of government has powers to limit or check the actions of the other branches, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful.

What was the significance of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803?

Answer: It roughly doubled the size of the United States

The Louisiana Purchase, in which the U.S. bought a vast territory from France, roughly doubled the size of the United States and opened the path for westward expansion.