GED - Social Studies Practice Test

Question 1 through 3 refers to the below excerpt.

Four Methods of Amending the U.S. Constitution

Method	Step 1	Step 2
1.	A two-thirds vote in both houses of the U.S. Congress	Ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures
2.	A two-thirds vote in both houses of U.S. Congress	Ratified by ratification conventions in three-fourths of the states
3.	A national constitutional convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures	Ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures
4.	A national convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures	Ratified by ratification conventions in three-fourths of the states

The 17th Amendment

In 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention decided to give state legislatures the power to select U.S. senators. The purpose was to ensure that the interests of the states were represented in the national legislature. However, some argued that the people should directly elect their senators. They thought the interests of the states would be preserved because the people were the source of all government power.

The first of nearly 300 congressional resolutions calling for direct election of senators came in 1826. Over the next 85 years, an amendment to directly elect U.S. senators was debated extensively. Finally, in 1913, the 17th Amendment, which allowed for the direct election of senators, was ratified.

This excerpt is from an article published in the Washington Times in 1908.

[The] Senator . . . said [t]he reasons for this reform are thoroughly well understood. . . . [I]t will prevent the corruption of the legislatures. . . . [I]t will prevent men buying a seat in the Senate . . . [and] make the Senate more responsive to the will of the people. . . . [I]t will . . . [also make] candidates . . . campaign before the people.

This excerpt is taken from the public domain.

Multiple Choice Item: 1 point value

Question Overview:This question asks you to determine the meaning of the word nconvention" based on the way it is used twice in the stimulus. You must deduce the word's meaning by closely reading the stimulus and comparing its two usages.

Answer Rationale:

Option A is incorrect. If you selected option A, you likely know that ncultural tradition" is one definition of the term "convention." However, both the chart and the passage use the word convention in connection with groups making decisions about the U.S. Constitution. The passage refers specifically to differing ideas among the delegates (representatives) at the Constitutional Convention. These clues help us see that, as used here, convention means a formal assembly (coming together of people).

Option B is correct. If you selected this option, you understand that the term "formal assemblies" best fits the meaning of the word "convention" as it is used in the chart and the passage.

Option C is incorrect. If you selected option C, you likely know that the word "convention" is sometimes used to mean nag reed upon contract," particularly between nations. However, both the chart and the passage use the word convention in connection with groups making decisions about the U.S. Constitution. The passage refers specifically to differing ideas among the delegates (representatives) at the Constitutional Convention. These clues help us see that, as used here, convention means a formal assembly (coming together of people).

Option D is incorrect. If you selected this option, you are probably aware that the word nconvention" can be used to mean a "preferred writing style." However, both the chart and the passage use the word convention in connection with groups making decisions about the U.S. Constitution. The passage refers specifically to differing ideas among the delegates (representatives) at the Constitutional Convention. These clues help us see that, as used here, convention means a formal assembly (coming together of people).