Social Studies Flashcards

Which term describes a government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf?

Answer: Representative democracy

A representative democracy (or republic) is a system in which citizens vote for elected officials to make governmental decisions on their behalf.

What is the significance of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

Answer: It abolished slavery in the United States

The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude throughout the United States.

What is 'scarcity' in economics?

Answer: The idea that resources are limited but wants are unlimited

Scarcity refers to the fundamental economic problem that resources are limited while human wants and needs are essentially unlimited, forcing people to make choices.

Which mountain range, running through West Virginia, is part of the larger Appalachian system?

Answer: Allegheny Mountains

The Allegheny Mountains, part of the broader Appalachian system, run through West Virginia and significantly influence the state's geography and climate.

Which of the following describes the concept of 'manifest destiny'?

Answer: The idea that the U.S. was destined to expand across the North American continent

Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century belief that the United States was destined to expand its territory across the entire North American continent from coast to coast.

What is the main purpose of a government budget?

Answer: To plan how the government will collect and spend money

A government budget is a financial plan that outlines expected revenues (such as taxes) and how the government intends to spend that money on public services and programs.

How did the Industrial Revolution change the lives of Americans in the 19th century?

Answer: It shifted the economy from farming to manufacturing and led to urbanization

The Industrial Revolution transformed the American economy from an agricultural base to one centered on manufacturing, leading to rapid urbanization as people moved to cities for factory jobs.