WVGSA Social Studies 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which branch of the U.S. federal government is responsible for making laws?
- Executive
- Legislative (Correct answer)
- Judicial
- Administrative
Correct answer: Legislative
The Legislative branch, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives (Congress), is responsible for making federal laws.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution?
- To establish a national religion
- To set up the framework of the federal government and protect citizens' rights (Correct answer)
- To declare independence from Britain
- To create a national economic plan
Correct answer: To set up the framework of the federal government and protect citizens' rights
The U.S. Constitution establishes the structure of the federal government and protects the fundamental rights of citizens.
Question 3: Which physical feature forms much of West Virginia's eastern border?
- Ohio River
- Mississippi River
- Appalachian Mountains (Correct answer)
- Blue Ridge Mountains
Correct answer: Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains run along and form much of West Virginia's eastern border, shaping the state's rugged terrain.
Question 4: What does the term 'supply and demand' mean in economics?
- The government controls all goods and services
- The price of goods is set by law
- The availability of a product and consumer desire for it affect its price (Correct answer)
- Only large companies decide what goods are made
Correct answer: The availability of a product and consumer desire for it affect its price
Supply and demand describes the relationship between how much of a product is available and how much consumers want it, which together determine its price.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes a 'primary source' in historical research?
- A textbook that summarizes historical events
- An original document or artifact from the time period being studied (Correct answer)
- A documentary film made decades later
- An encyclopedia entry about a historical figure
Correct answer: An original document or artifact from the time period being studied
A primary source is an original document, artifact, or account created during the time period being studied, such as diaries, letters, or photographs.
Question 6: What is the main function of a map's legend (key)?
- To show the direction of north
- To explain the symbols and colors used on the map (Correct answer)
- To list the names of all cities
- To measure distances between locations
Correct answer: To explain the symbols and colors used on the map
A map legend (key) explains what the symbols, colors, and other visual elements on the map represent.
Question 7: What event is known as the start of the American Civil War?
- The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation
- The Battle of Gettysburg
- The attack on Fort Sumter in 1861 (Correct answer)
- The assassination of President Lincoln
Correct answer: The attack on Fort Sumter in 1861
The American Civil War began when Confederate forces attacked the Union-held Fort Sumter in South Carolina on April 12, 1861.
WVGSA Social Studies 1
Which branch of the U.S. federal government is responsible for making laws?