Social Studies · Unit 4 · Weeks 19–24 · 30–35 min
Government & Citizenship
44 points total · Name: ____________________ Date: __________
For the adult
You may read every item, every choice and every source box aloud. This test checks social studies thinking, not reading, so reading aloud is always fine, and your child may answer out loud while you write the words. Section 1 starts with a map of a made-up town and notes from a council meeting. On the crosswalk claim, either side can earn full points; what counts is evidence from the box. This test asks about how government works, never about any party or any real leader, and your child does not need to name officials. Play money or scrap paper is fine for the money and vote-counting items. Use the scoring notes under each section, add up the points, and find the level at the end. If your child earns less than half of the points in a section, go back to the weeks and days listed for that section.
Part 1: Local Government & Public Problems
11 pointsRead the map box. Then answer each question.
- 1.
Map box: Map of Maple Grove (a made-up town). North is at the top. Key: a book means library, an X means school, and a striped bar means crosswalk. Maple Grove School is on the south side of Main Street. The library is on the north side of Main Street, right across from the school. The only crosswalk on Main Street is 6 blocks east of the school. Notes from a town council meeting: "Parents say kids cross Main Street with no crosswalk to reach the library after school. Painting a crosswalk would be paid for once. A crossing guard would have to be paid every week. Some drivers worry about more stops on Main Street." What direction is the library from the school?
(1 pt) - 2.
Which local government group would vote on painting a new crosswalk on Main Street?
(1 pt) - 3.
Claim question: Should Maple Grove paint a crosswalk between the school and the library? Write a claim. Give two pieces of evidence from the map and the meeting notes.
(4 pts) - 4.
Name one group that might disagree with your claim. Tell why they might see it differently.
(2 pts) - 5.
At the meeting, people for and against the crosswalk take turns speaking. Which step of a local decision is this?
(2 pts)○ proposal○ discussion○ vote○ action - 6.
A crossing guard would be paid by the town. Where does the town get the money?
(1 pt)
Part 2: The Three Branches
11 pointsRead each question. Circle or write your answer.
- 7.
The Senate and the House both pass a bill about national parks. Who decides next whether to sign it or veto it?
(2 pts)○ the President○ the Supreme Court○ the governor - 8.
Fill in the missing leaders. Federal executive: the President. State executive: the ____. Local executive (in many towns): the ____.
(2 pts) - 9.
A state has 11 members of Congress in all. How many of them are U.S. senators? How many are members of the House of Representatives?
(2 pts) - 10.
Which job belongs to the judicial branch?
(2 pts)○ deciding whether a law follows the Constitution○ signing a bill○ writing a bill - 11.
Imagine one person could make the laws, carry them out and judge them, all alone. What problem could that cause? Explain how three branches help.
(3 pts)
Part 3: Rights, Responsibilities & Voting
11 pointsRead each question. Circle or write your answer.
- 12.
Jamal writes a letter to the newspaper saying he disagrees with the town's plan. Which right is he using?
(2 pts)○ freedom of speech○ freedom of religion○ the right to assemble - 13.
Which is a responsibility of adult citizens, not a right?
(2 pts)○ serving on a jury when called○ practicing any religion or none○ gathering peacefully with others - 14.
A class of 30 votes on what to grow in the class garden: tomatoes 8 votes, pumpkins 11 votes, sunflowers 6 votes. The rest of the students were absent. Which choice won? How many students did not vote? If all of them had voted for tomatoes, would the winner change?
(3 pts) - 15.
Rafael is a U.S. citizen. He just turned 17. An election is next month. Can he vote? Name one way he can still take part.
(2 pts) - 16.
One candidate for Park Planner wants a new skate area. The other wants to fix the old pool. Name one fair way a voter could compare the two candidates.
(2 pts)
Part 4: Economic Choices
11 pointsRead each question. Circle or write your answer. Show your math.
- 17.
Which is a want, not a need?
(2 pts)○ a toothbrush○ a box of fancy markers○ winter boots in a snowy town - 18.
Nadia has $18. She needs lunch for $6 and a notebook for $4. How much is left for wants? Can she buy a $9 kite?
(3 pts) - 19.
On Saturday, Eli can go to a soccer game or to a library craft class. The craft class is his second choice. He picks the soccer game. What is his opportunity cost?
(2 pts) - 20.
A store says, "Bring your own bag and get 10 cents off." Is this an incentive? What does it try to get people to do?
(2 pts) - 21.
Why does every choice have an opportunity cost? Give an example from your own life.
(2 pts)