TEST NAME: American Government Midterm 2013­2014
TEST ID: 37014
GRADE: 09­12
SUBJECT: Social Sciences and History
TEST CATEGORY: District Benchmark
American Government Midterm 2013-2014
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10/28/13, American Government Midterm 2013­2014
Student: Class:
Date:
1. Look at the excerpt below.
Article 1
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are
endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a
spirit of brotherhood.
Article 3
Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.
—Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Declaration of Independence and the articles above are similar because both
A.
describe the powers of government.
B.
are enforced in every country in the world.
C.
describe personal freedoms to which every person is entitled.
D.
are used by the World Court to resolve international disputes.
2. The process of amending the Constitution is an example of federalism because it requires
F.
approval of two­thirds of the Supreme Court.
G.
unanimous approval of both the President and Congress.
H.
unanimous approval of both state and local governments.
J.
approval of two­thirds of Congress and three­fourths of the states.
3. Which of these has the most control over the United States’ defense spending?
A.
the Supreme Court
B.
the Secretary of the Treasury
C.
the Congress
D.
the Secretary of State
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4. Which of these happens first in the United States presidential election process?
F.
Delegates are selected to attend their party’s national convention.
G.
Electors meet to cast the official votes in the election.
H.
The people vote for President and Vice President in a general election.
J.
Political parties help select presidential and vice presidential candidates at their national conventions.
5. Which of these is the best example of a special interest group?
A.
an organization whose focus is to advocate legislation favorable to the elderly
B.
an organization whose purpose is to nominate candidates to run for elected offices
C.
a private company that hires extra employees for temporary work
D.
a charitable foundation that gives money to help needy children overseas
6. Suppose the Maryland Medical Association wants to change state licensing requirements for doctors.
What would be the association’s best course of action to bring about this change?
F.
hiring a firm to conduct an opinion poll of Maryland residents
G.
rallying support from Maryland hospitals
H.
advertising their positions in Maryland periodicals
J.
lobbying the Maryland General Assembly
7. Read the conversation below.
Speaker A
Why did last night’s debate only include Democrats and Republicans and nobody
else? I think a third party would have something to contribute to the discussion.
Speaker B
Including third‑party candidates in debates would crowd the field, making it
confusing for voters. Besides, they have no chance of winning come election time.
Which best explains Speaker B's view of third party candidates?
A.
Television stations provide them the same coverage as other candidates.
B.
While Americans may agree with their platform, most refuse to vote for them.
C.
The two­party system makes it easy for them to get on the ballot.
D.
History shows that they are usually successful in elections.
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8. Which of these was an effect of the Supreme Court decision in McCulloch v. Maryland?
F.
It established the separate but equal doctrine.
G.
It guaranteed the right to an attorney in criminal cases.
H.
State laws that conflicted with federal laws became unconstitutional.
J.
Congress had only those powers that were stated in the Constitution.
9. Read the news article excerpt.
Based on the article, which of these is a function of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)?
A.
operating public hospitals
B.
constructing state highways
C.
ensuring the welfare of citizens
D.
developing technology to predict weather
10. Maryland passed a law banning handheld cell phone use while driving.
Which of these best explains why the General Assembly passed this law?
F.
to promote safety over individual rights
G.
to promote regional interests over national policy
H.
to promote equity over security
J.
to promote productivity over education
11. Which of these statements about presidential executive orders is true?
A.
They must be reviewed by the Supreme Court.
B.
They must be in agreement with the Constitution.
C.
They must represent the views of the majority party.
D.
They must be approved by a majority of cabinet members.
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12. Which of these would not take place in an authoritarian system of government?
F.
Government leaders decide what jobs people may have.
G.
Government leaders dictate what will be taught in schools.
H.
Political parties compete in elections for control of the government.
J.
Local political officials take orders from national officials.
13. Which of these could result if a state’s population declined over time?
A.
increased funding from Congress for social programs
B.
reduced representation in the House of Representatives
C.
reduced representation in the United States Senate
D.
greater number of electors to the Electoral College
14. A traditional economy is an economic system
F.
based on long­standing customs.
G.
composed of elements of capitalism and socialism.
H.
controlled completely by the government.
J.
determined solely by individuals competing for profits.
15. Which of these is a characteristic of a market economy?
A.
limited business rights
B.
competition between businesses
C.
government control and ownership of property
D.
nationwide pricing rules for goods and services
16. Read the scenario below.
A local board of education is preparing the budget for the next fiscal year. The
board decides to pay for repairs to school buildings instead of buying new
computers.
What economic concept applies in this situation?
F.
elasticity
G.
market failure
H.
interdependence
J.
opportunity cost
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17. Which of these quotes from the Constitutional Convention best represents the principle of separation of
powers?
A.
"The preservation of the States . . . is indispensable."
B.
"The purse and sword must not be in the same hands."
C.
"The people can not know or judge the characters of Candidates."
D.
" Look to the votes in Congress, and most of them stand divided by the geography of the country…"
18. The "elastic clause" gives Congress implied power to act in areas not specifically expressed in the
Constitution at the time it was written.
Congress is exercising its power under the "elastic clause" when it
F.
prohibits export taxes
G.
declares war on a foreign nation
H.
establishes a post office in a community
J.
authorizes the testing of nuclear weapons
19. Which of these officials is responsible for making laws?
A.
a federal judge
B.
a governor of a state
C.
a United States senator
D.
the Secretary of Defense
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20. Look at the cartoon below.
The cartoon is commenting on the power of
F.
federal supremacy.
G.
judicial review.
H.
executive privilege.
J.
congressional oversight.
21. Which of these people is the leader of the executive branch of the federal government?
A.
a mayor
B.
a senator
C.
a governor
D.
a president
22. The mass media is sometimes referred to as "the fourth branch of the government" because it
F.
endorses all governmental policies.
G.
influences public opinion.
H.
is a powerful federal agency.
J.
is paid for with federal taxes.
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23. Which of these explains a difference between political parties and interest groups?
A.
Political parties evaluate government policy, while interest groups set government policy.
B.
Political parties influence laws, while interest groups ratify laws.
C.
Political parties address many issues, while interest groups usually focus on one issue.
D.
Political parties support candidates, while interest groups nominate candidates.
24. Read the excerpt below.
In 1968, Walter Cronkite, a CBS news anchor known as “the most trusted man in
America,” took a combat tour of Vietnam. At the end of his broadcast he said,
“There is no way this war can be justified any longer.” Upon hearing this
President Lyndon Johnson told his aides, “If I’ve lost Cronkite, I’ve lost middle
America.”
Which statement is best supported by the excerpt above.
F.
Mass media influences public opinion on issues.
G.
Presidents make unpopular decisions during wartime.
H.
Congress pays for television networks using federal taxes.
J.
News anchors are required to endorse government policies.
25. Which of these best describes an effect of the Supreme Court decision in Marbury v. Madison?
A.
It gave the President veto power over Congress.
B.
It divided the government into three separate branches.
C.
It established the power to void a congressional law.
D.
It made state governments question federal power.
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26. Read the news article excerpt below. Then answer the following.
Which of these resulted from the Supreme Court decision described in the article?
F.
Legislative districts were made equal in land size.
G.
Votes in urban areas were given more weight than votes in rural areas.
H.
Polling places in some areas stayed open later than in other areas.
J.
Congressional districts were made similar in population size.
27. Study the information below. Then answer Question 27 and 28.
Executive Order 9981 (1948): “There shall be equality of treatment… for all
persons in the armed forces….”
Executive Order 11141 (1964): “[The government shall] assure that older people are
not discriminated against because of their age. . . .”
Executive Order 11246 (1965): “The government . . . [will] provide equal
opportunity in Federal employment for all qualified persons. . . .”
Which of these executive orders is most similar to the executive orders listed above?
A.
Executive Order 13007 (1996): “Accommodate [Indian] access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred
sites….”
B.
Executive Order 12612 (1987): “Restore the division of Governmental responsibilities between the national
government and the states….”
C.
Executive Order 9066 (1942): “Prescribe military areas… from which any or all persons can be
excluded….”
D.
Executive Order 10924 (1961): “Establish an agency… which shall be known as the Peace Corps.”
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28. What is the intent of each of these executive orders?
F.
to guarantee the safety of the people
G.
to maintain public order
H.
to protect the rights of individuals and groups
J.
to respect the constitutional rights of states
29. In which form of government do sovereign states have more power than the central government?
A.
federal
B.
confederate
C.
authoritarian
D.
unitary
30. Which of these government regulatory agencies enforces legislation to limit or reduce water pollution?
F.
the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
G.
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
H.
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
J.
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
31. Which of these is most likely a reason the federal government requires permits for utility companies to
release pollutants into the air?
A.
to give tax breaks to utilities
B.
to increase investments in utilities
C.
to set rates charged by utilities
D.
to limit emissions produced by utilities
32. A local government allocates funds to expand an elementary school.
Which of these most likely describes an opportunity cost of this policy?
F.
purchase of new textbooks
G.
installation of electrical fixtures by the PTA
H.
the services of volunteer architects to create blueprints
J.
free construction materials donated by a local company
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33. Which of these is important to a successful democracy?
A.
discouraging criticism of elected officials
B.
producing policies that address a variety of citizens' concerns
C.
ensuring that only the most capable citizens receive an education
D.
refusing to allow presidents to meet with leaders of hostile countries
34. A group of nation states formed a government in which each state retained control over its internal matters
and gave almost no powers to the central government.
Which system of government was formed?
F.
unitary
G.
federal
H.
confederate
J.
totalitarian
35. Read the news article excerpt below.
The bill described in the excerpt above is an example of
A.
environmental groups supporting national legislation.
B.
national legislation addressing a regional concern.
C.
government ownership of power companies.
D.
federal needs overriding state laws.
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36. Look at the cartoon below. Then answer the following.
Which of these does the cartoon suggest occurs as a result of media predictions of election results?
F.
Polling places close before their scheduled time.
G.
Candidates withdraw from elections.
H.
Networks give different information about candidates.
J.
Citizens are discouraged from going to the polls.
37. Read the quotation below.
“...in all that people can individually do for themselves, government ought not to
interfere.” —Abraham Lincoln Which of these constitutional principles best applies to this quote?
A.
rule of law
B.
due process
C.
limited government
D.
separation of powers
38. The U.S. Constitution corrected a weakness of the Articles of Confederation by
F.
establishing a national legislature
G.
allowing state governments to have power
H.
requiring that amendments be approved by the states
J.
giving the national government the power to collect taxes
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39. Which of these is a responsibility of the Maryland General Assembly?
A.
approving the annual state budget
B.
supervising the Maryland State Police
C.
reviewing criminal appeals
D.
vetoing unpopular laws
40. Read the headline below.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in this situation is an example of
F.
representative democracy
G.
checks and balances
H.
judicial review
J.
federalism
41. Which of these explains why former members of Congress are often hired as lobbyists?
A.
They retain congressional voting privileges.
B.
They have inside knowledge of lawmaking procedures.
C.
They are able to continue using the offices they had as congressional members.
D.
They are elected to interest groups by the same constituents who elected them as lawmakers.
42. Read the information below.
The state legislature passed a bill allowing a tax to improve roads. The proposed
law was then placed on the ballot for voters to decide on the tax increase.
Which of these terms describes this action?
F.
amendment
G.
nomination
H.
petition
J.
referendum
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43. Which of these statements best describes a responsibility of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)?
A.
Flight attendants at a major airline receive pay raises.
B.
Major airlines announce price reductions on flights.
C.
Pilots are given new regulations regarding rest periods.
D.
The government reviews airline television advertisements.
44. Suppose the President and leaders of Congress agreed to increase funding for the military and for
education, while not funding protection of wetlands for migrating cranes.
Which of these does the above decision reveal about economic costs and benefits?
F.
There must be priorities in a limited budget.
G.
Money is available to fund all programs.
H.
Choices are made with a focus on local goals.
J.
Budget decisions always benefit the environment.
45. What is the opportunity cost for state governments that spend state money during natural disasters?
A.
Main highways between states may be blocked.
B.
Prices for snow removal equipment may increase.
C.
Other services offered by the states may have to be cut.
D.
State governments may receive additional highway funds.
46. The government of China tells factory managers to increase their use of computers in manufacturing.
What economic question is most affected by the government's actions?
F.
what to produce
G.
how to produce
H.
for whom to produce
J.
when to produce
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47. Look at the table below.
According to the table, which state made the greatest gains in the House of Represntatives?
A.
Alaska
B.
Arizona
C.
Arkansas
D.
California
48. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a federal government agency, regulates consumer
products by developing and enforcing safety standards, and educating consumers.
Based on this information, which of these would most likely be a responsibility of the CPSC?
F.
to provide money to help businesses improve their products
G.
to ensure that people are paying a fair price for a product
H.
to help businesses identify products that will meet their needs
J.
to order a recall of a product that may cause harm to people
49. Which of these statements about presidential executive orders is true?
A.
They are proposed by legislators.
B.
They must be approved by voters.
C.
They have the force of federal law.
D.
They can be vetoed by state governors.
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50. Which of these best describes why the government often requires the construction of wheelchair ramps in
certain types of buildings?
F.
to protect the safety of citizens
G.
to improve the education system
H.
to provide equal access for all citizens
J.
to provide training for all people wanting to learn new skills
51. Read the excerpt below.
“Congress approves and supports the determination of the President…to take all
necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United
States.” –The Tonkin Bay Resolution (1964)
Which principle of government allows for the government action taken above?
A.
federalism
B.
judicial review
C.
popular sovereignty
D.
checks and balances
52. Read the excerpt below.
“In [creating] a government which is to be administered by men over men, the
great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the
governed; and in the next place, [make it] control itself.” –The Federalist No. 51
Which of these principles is best reflected in the excerpt?
F.
majority rule
G.
popular sovereignty
H.
limited government
J.
representative democracy
53. The House of Representatives elects the President when no presidential candidate
A.
has been a member of Congress.
B.
belongs to a major political party.
C.
receives a majority of the Electoral College vote.
D.
meets the constitutional requirements for the office.
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54. Which of these is a power reserved for state governments by the United States Constitution?
F.
the power to coin money
G.
the power to maintain an army and a navy
H.
the power to establish public schools
J.
the power to make treaties with foreign countries
55. Some groups are lobbying to permit citizens to register and vote on election day.
Which of these is an argument against such a measure?
A.
Citizens lack the time to register to vote.
B.
Present law allows voters to vote in any precinct.
C.
Officials cannot quickly verify a voter’s identity.
D.
Transportation is available to polling places.
56. Which of these is a characteristic of an authoritarian system of government?
F.
popular sovereignty
G.
equal protection under the law
H.
restrictions of personal freedoms
J.
majority rules with minority rights
57. On July 5, 2000, Maryland launched a $9 million initiative designed to provide after­school activities for
middle school students.
Which of these is the socio­economic goal of this policy or program?
A.
protecting public health
B.
promoting child welfare
C.
preserving affordable housing
D.
providing public transportation
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58. While working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some counties in Maryland have begun a
program to encourage residents to recycle electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, and
telephones.
Which of these is most likely a purpose of this program?
F.
to reduce the amount of waste in landfills
G.
to persuade consumers to buy new electronics equipment
H.
to raise money from the resale of the electronics equipment
J.
to stop people from using older electrical equipment that may be unsafe
59. After purchasing a new car, the owner had the steering wheel repaired at least four times within one year.
Under Maryland law, the person is entitled to a new car or a refund.
The purpose of this law is to protect the
A.
consumer
B.
government
C.
automobile salesperson
D.
automobile manufacturer
60. Which part of the United States Constitution was a basis for the decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?
F.
the due process clause
G.
the establishment clause
H.
the equal protection clause
J.
the necessary and proper clause
61. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are similar in that they
both
A.
regulate labor
B.
enforce tax laws
C.
protect consumers
D.
oversee transportation
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62. Read the information below.
The population of Massachusetts has increased since 1970, but its representation
in Congress has declined.
Which of these best explains why this has happened?
F.
A large number of people in Massachusetts are not citizens.
G.
A large number of people in Massachusetts have not registered to vote.
H.
Massachusetts has chosen not to send representatives to the national government.
J.
Population growth in Massachusetts has not kept pace with the growth of other states.
63. In McCulloch v. Maryland, the Supreme Court interpreted the Constitution to mean that
A.
laws passed by Congress must be approved by all states
B.
laws signed by the President cannot be ruled unconstitutional
C.
states have power only if all states agree
D.
states cannot tax the federal government
64. All the citizens in a community take an equal role in local government by meeting to debate and vote on
every law and political issue.
This form of government is best described as
F.
a direct democracy
G.
a presidential democracy
H.
a parliamentary democracy
J.
a representative democracy
65. Which of these is a power of the United States Supreme Court?
A.
to interpret laws
B.
to veto laws
C.
to pass laws
D.
to enforce laws
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66. Read the quote below.
“When any one, or more, shall take upon them to make laws, whom the people
have not appointed so to do, they make laws without authority, which the people
are not therefore bound to obey.”
–John Locke, Second Treatise of Government (1690)
Based on the quotation, which would John Locke most likely support?
F.
The people should give their consent to be governed.
G.
The state and federal government should share power.
H.
The government should provide compensation for property.
J.
The branches of government should operate on separate authority.
67. Look at the cartoon below.
According to the cartoon, the two political parties are
A.
supporting the same viewpoint on an issue
B.
working together to solve a national problem
C.
supporting issues they believe will win votes
D.
opposing the amount of money the government spends
68. Congress may respond to United States Supreme Court rulings by
F.
declaring rulings of the court invalid
G.
rewriting a law overturned by the court
H.
deciding which lawyers may argue the case
J.
determining which justices will review a particular case
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69. Which of these is an example of following the rule of law?
A.
Citizens vote for a new amendment.
B.
The General Assembly approves the governor’s budget.
C.
Political parties hold a convention to nominate candidates.
D.
The governor is impeached for wrongdoing.
70. Which of these would most likely take place in a command economy?
F.
Industrial leaders agree to control prices.
G.
Stock traders create wealth through buying and selling.
H.
Government leaders decide how goods will be produced.
J.
Consumers decide the sales policies of business owners.
71. Which of these is a responsibility of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
A.
inspecting and improving new medications
B.
enforcing state and local environmental regulations
C.
resolving disputes between labor and management
D.
encouraging fairness in advertising and marketing
72. Which of these United States government actions is most directly related to the goal of economic equity?
F.
passage of equal employment laws
G.
enforcement of clean air laws
H.
regulation of workplace safety
J.
protection of important industries
73. Which of these is an example of lobbying by a special interest group?
A.
A hotel association develops a plan to attract more tourists.
B.
An animal rights organization presents its views to a legislator.
C.
A group of citizens asks city officials for a schedule of public hearings.
D.
A neighborhood association backs a group of candidates for an election.
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74. Read the information below.
A city council is considering a measure to ban skateboarding on city streets.
Which of these would be the most effective way for citizens to express their opposition to the ban?
F.
share their views at the next city council meeting
G.
boycott businesses located in the city
H.
refuse to vote at the next city council election
J.
write a letter to the governor about the situation
75. Reapportionment is based on changes in the
A.
wealth of an area.
B.
boundaries of an area.
C.
population of an area.
D.
number of voters in an area.
76. Which of these best explains why candidates for public office often spend more money on advertising
during the last week of a campaign?
F.
Advertising costs are lower at the end of a campaign.
G.
Advertising may persuade undecided voters to make a choice.
H.
Campaign laws require that all money raised by candidates be spent.
J.
Campaign laws require that advertising be restricted to the end of a campaign.
77. Which of these helped establish the right of the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of federal law?
A.
Marbury v. Madison
B.
McCulloch v. Maryland
C.
the elastic clause
D.
the due process clause
78. Which of these is a function of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?
F.
to advertise programs aired on the radio
G.
to inform the public on current events
H.
to raise money for government projects
J.
to regulate the broadcasting of information
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79. Why do some nations adopt command economies during wars?
A.
to increase the standard of living
B.
to discourage the growth of monopolies
C.
to focus resources on essential industries
D.
to satisfy demand for consumer goods
80. Which of these is usually true in nations with a market economy?
F.
Businesses that are inefficient risk going out of business.
G.
Most farms are owned and operated by the government.
H.
Workers are restricted by the government from changing jobs.
J.
Consumers have little choice in the types of goods they may buy.
81. Which of these government responsibilities is most related to the United States Census?
A.
maintaining national defense
B.
protecting the environment
C.
ensuring fair political representation
D.
establishing criminal justice procedures
82. Which of these is the most direct way for a group of teenagers to influence the outcome of a bill that would
raise the minimum driving age?
F.
testifying at a legislative hearing
G.
launching a voter registration drive
H.
writing to an ambassador
J.
appealing to a high court
83. For which of these does a lobbyist most likely work?
A.
the Senate
B.
an appeals court
C.
a special interest group
D.
the Electoral College
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84. Why are federal judges appointed for life?
F.
to ensure freedom from control by elected officials
G.
to attract people with experience to the job
H.
to guarantee that states retain their powers
J.
to protect the wishes of the majority of citizens
85.
BCR 1: Political Systems Students will respond to the following prompt with a well­formed Constructed Response.
“It usually takes a hundred years to make a law, and then after it has done its
work, it usually takes a hundred years to get rid of it.ʺ —Henry Ward Beecher
Do you agree or disagree with this quote about the law­making process in the United States?
How could the law­making process be improved? Explain.
Use details and examples to support your answer.
86.
BCR 2: Peoples Of the Nation and World Students will respond to the following prompt with a well­formed Constructed Response.
Compare the system of government shown in the diagram to the system of government in the United
States.
Which system of government is more efficient? Explain.
Use details and examples to support your answer.
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87.
BCR 3: Geography Students will respond to the following with a well­formed Constructed Response.
Define census.
How does the census most impact state and/or local government? Explain.
Use details and examples to support your answer.
88.
BCR 4: Economics
Students will respond to the following prompt with a well­formed Constructed Response.
The United States has a mixed economy and is able to regulate many business
activities. What are the benefits of government control over business activities?
Should the United States government have more control or less control over business activities?
Explain.
Use details and examples to support your answer.
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