School Improvement in Maryland

Public Release Item: Public Release items have appeared on HSA forms and then are released for public viewing and use. Releasing items is one step to ensuring that schools, districts, and other stakeholders understand how the core learning goals are assessed on the HSA.

Goal 1 Political Systems

Expectation 1.2 The student will evaluate how the United States government has maintained a balance between protecting rights and maintaining order.

Indicator 1.2.3 The student will evaluate the impact of governmental decisions and actions that have affected the rights of individuals and groups in American society and/or have affected maintaining order and/or safety.

Assessment Limits:

  • Presidential use of power and executive orders affecting rights, order, and/or safety.
  • National government agencies’ actions affecting rights, order, and/or safety.
  • State actions affecting rights, order, and/or safety.

Selected Response Item - Released in 2001

Which responsibility of the executive branch did President Eisenhower demonstrate when he sent federal troops to integrate a public high school?

  1. enforcing the law
  2. directing foreign policy
  3. leading his political party
  4. preventing an economic recession
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2001_123_gov08.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item - Released in 2001

Which action by the governor of Maryland would be an example of maintaining order and safety?

  1. calling in the Maryland National Guard to end a riot
  2. working with the comptroller and treasurer to create next year's budget
  3. delivering the State of the State address to the Maryland General Assembly
  4. speaking at the graduation ceremony for the Maryland State Police Academy
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2001_123_gov50.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item - Released in 2002

The government has the right to stop a public demonstration if the demonstration

  1. expresses a minority opinion
  2. presents only one point of view
  3. threatens the safety of the community
  4. criticizes the actions of public officials
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2002_123_gov38.xml

Correct Answer:
C

Selected Response Item - Released in 2003

Read the headlines below.

What is the intent of the government actions described in all the headlines?

  1. to maintain public safety
  2. to raise tax revenue
  3. to reduce crime
  4. to maintain social order
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2003_123_gov05.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item - Released in 2004

Which of these statements about presidential executive orders is true?

  1. They are proposed by legislators.
  2. They must be approved by voters.
  3. They have the force of federal law.
  4. They can be vetoed by state governors.
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2004_123_gov44.xml

Correct Answer:
C

Selected Response Item - Released in 2004

Read the news article excerpt below.

The excerpt is an example of government

  1. promoting equality
  2. controlling business
  3. increasing the size of the bureaucracy
  4. limiting economic growth
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2004_123_gov45.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item - Released in 2004

  • Is the action described in the headline an appropriate role for the state government? Explain why or why not.
  • Should the government provide funds to the apartment owners to remove the lead? Explain why or why not.
  • Use details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2004_123_gov49.xml

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Selected Response Item - Released in 2005

Read the information below.

“...to place qualified individuals with mental disabilities in community settings...The Federal Government must...help ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to live close to their families and friends...and to participate in community life.”

—Executive Order 13217

What was the purpose of the executive order above?

  1. to maintain public order
  2. to reduce unemployment
  3. to protect the rights of individuals
  4. to guarantee the safety of all citizens
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2005_123_gov27.xml

Correct Answer:
C

Selected Response Item - Released in 2005

Which of these best describes why the government often requires the construction of wheelchair ramps in certain types of buildings?

  1. to protect the safety of citizens
  2. to improve the education system
  3. to provide equal access for all citizens
  4. to provide training for all people wanting to learn new skills
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2005_123_gov07.xml

Correct Answer:
C

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item - Released in 2005

Read the news headline below.

  • Describe ways that the state limits the privileges of people who own, drive, or ride in cars.
  • Should the state government have this power? Explain why or why not.
  • Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2005_123_gov13.xml

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Selected Response Item - Released in 2002

Read the headline below.

Which of these is the most likely reason for this government action?

  1. to prevent labor strikes
  2. to protect consumers
  3. to promote competition
  4. to provide economic support for businesses
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2002_123_gov39.xml

Correct Answer:
B

Selected Response Item - Released in 2003

When flooding occurs in Maryland, which of the following actions could the governor take immediately to preserve order and ensure the safety of citizens?

  1. mobilize the National Guard to protect private property
  2. order the construction of more bridges
  3. propose state legislation aimed at protecting the wetlands
  4. propose federal legislation for low-interest loans
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2003_123_gov27.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item - Released in 2006

In 2001, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled to accept evidence in a trial that was obtained by recording a phone conversation without a warrant.

Which of these is most directly affected by this ruling?

  1. consent of the governed
  2. right to trial by a jury of one's peers
  3. suspension of the writ of habeas corpus
  4. protection against unreasonable search and seizure
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2006_123_gov02.xml

Correct Answer:
D

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item - Released in 2006

Read the information below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.

In Maryland, people under age 18 are prohibited from driving between midnight and 5 A.M. Exceptions are made if the driver is driving to or from work, an official school activity, or an organized volunteer program or athletic event.

  • Explain why Maryland would place restrictions on younger drivers.
  • Do you agree with these restrictions? Explain why or why not.
  • Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2006_123_gov33.xml

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Extended Constructed Response (ECR) Item - Released in 2006

Study the table below and use it to answer the EXTENDED CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.

SELECTED MAJOR CIVIL RIGHTS LEGISLATION
YearLegislationDescription
1963Equal Pay Act Forbids wage discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin
1967Age Discrimination in Employment Act Prohibits discrimination against employees forty years of age and older
1972Higher Education Act Forbids discrimination on the basis of gender in universities and colleges that receive federal aid
1990Americans with Disabilities Act Forbids discrimination in employment, transportation, and public accommodations against people with physical or mental disabilities
  • Explain how these government actions protect the rights of citizens.
  • Explain how these actions have expanded the role of government.
  • Do you believe these government actions were effective? Explain why or why not.
  • Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2006_123_gov41.xml

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Selected Response Item - Released in 2006

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

  1. consumer
  2. government
  3. automobile salesperson
  4. automobile manufacturer
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2006_123_gov49.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item - Released in 2007

Read the information below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.

The governor of Maryland is empowered to maintain order during state emergencies such as natural disasters or public rioting.

  • Describe actions the governor might take in these situations.
  • Do you think the governor should have these powers in emergencies? Explain why or why not.
  • Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2007_123_gov30.xml

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Selected Response Item - Released in 2007

Read the quotation below.

“Americans are free … to disagree with the law but not to disobey it. For in a government of laws and not of men, no man, however prominent or powerful, and no mob however unruly or boisterous, is entitled to defy a court of law.”

—President John F. Kennedy

The quotation above most directly supports presidential actions that

  1. improve international relations
  2. improve the economy
  3. ensure public order and safety
  4. ensure individual rights
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2007_123_gov38.xml

Correct Answer:
C

Selected Response Item - Released in 2007

Read the news article excerpt.

Based on the article, which of these is a function of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)?

  1. operating public hospitals
  2. constructing state highways
  3. ensuring the welfare of citizens
  4. developing technology to predict weather
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2007_123_gov54.xml

Correct Answer:
C

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item - Released in 2008

Read the information below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.

Governments sometimes make rules that restrict their employees from speaking to the press about their jobs.

  • Explain which rights this rule might violate.
  • Should governments be permitted to restrict their employees from speaking to the press about their jobs? Explain why or why not.
  • Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2008_123_gov05.xml

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Selected Response Item - Released in 2008

Read the news headline below.

Question Image

Based on the headline, which of these is a purpose of this action?

  1. to protect workers from injury
  2. to teach workers how to use machines
  3. to make new machine parts
  4. to find jobs for unemployed workers
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2008_123_gov19.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item - Released in 2008

Maryland is considering a law banning handheld cell phone use while driving.

Which of these best explains why the General Assembly would pass this law?

  1. to promote safety over individual rights
  2. to promote regional interests over national policy
  3. to promote equity over security
  4. to promote productivity over education
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2008_123_gov36.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item - Released in 2009

Maryland law requires that an individual must wear a helmet when riding on, or driving a motorcycle.

What is the purpose of this law?

  1. to decrease the sale of motorcycles
  2. to prevent crashes involving motorcycles
  3. to protect motorcycle riders from possible injuries
  4. to increase the sales of protective gear for motorcycle riders
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2009_123_gov02.xml

Correct Answer:
C

Selected Response Item - Released in 2009

Which of these statements about presidential executive orders is true?

  1. They must be reviewed by the Supreme Court.
  2. They must be in agreement with the Constitution.
  3. They must represent the views of the majority party.
  4. They must be approved by a majority of cabinet members.
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2009_123_gov09.xml

Correct Answer:
B

Selected Response Item - Released in 2009

Study the information below. Then answer Numbers 38 and 39.

Study the information below. Then answer the following item.

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. . . .”

What is the intent of each of these executive orders?

  1. to guarantee the safety of the people
  2. to maintain public order
  3. to protect the rights of individuals and groups
  4. to respect the constitutional rights of states
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2009_123_gov38.xml

Correct Answer:
C

Selected Response Item - Released in 2009

Study the information below. Then answer Numbers 38 and 39.

Study the information below. Then answer the following item.

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?

  1. Executive Order 13007 (1996)
    “Accommodate [Indian] access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites….”
  2. Executive Order 12612 (1987)
    “Restore the division of Governmental responsibilities between the national government and the states….”
  3. Executive Order 9066 (1942)
    “Prescribe military areas… from which any or all persons can be excluded….”
  4. Executive Order 10924 (1961)
    “Establish an agency… which shall be known as the Peace Corps.”
/share/clg/xml/public_release/government/2009_123_gov39.xml

Correct Answer:
A