STAAR Social Studies Grade 8 (2023) - Past Paper
Quiz by TEKS Social Studies Grade 8
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- Q1
Which statement shows an effect of the First Amendment?
Ministers can preach religious messages to anyone who chooses to listen.
Political leaders can require religious tests in order to hold public office.
Ministers can work together to establish a national religion.
Political leaders can require churches to pay taxes.
30s8.25.C - Q2
Which statement describes a position of the party that agreed with the cartoonist’s view of Jackson?
They complained about Jackson’s extravagant lifestyle.
They opposed Jackson for his efforts to start a war with Great Britain.
They criticized Jackson as a leader with unrestrained powers.
They objected to Jackson’s attempt to reduce the number of Supreme Court justices.
30s8.5.C - Q3
This excerpt describes a speech given by Frederick Douglass in 1841.
Part A:
Based on the excerpt, why was Frederick Douglass significant to the abolitionist movement?
He was elected as a state government official who challenged the system of slavery.
He formed relationships with those who had different views on slavery from his own.
He described his own personal experiences under the system of slavery.
He emphasized that an educational system was the main way to end slavery.
30s8.24.A - Q4
This excerpt describes a speech given by Frederick Douglass in 1841.
Part B:
Which quotation from the excerpt provides evidence to support the answer to Part A?
“it was my happiness to become acquainted with Frederick Douglass”
“I shall never forget his first speech at the convention”
“He came forward to the platform with a hesitancy and embarrassment”
“he proceeded to narrate some of the facts in his own history as a slave”
30s8.24.A - Q5
This excerpt is from the U.S. Constitution.
Based on the excerpt, how did the Great Compromise help create this governmental structure?
By settling the issues over voting rights in the North
By settling the issues between Federalists and Anti-Federalists
By settling the issues over taxation
By settling the issues between large and small states
30s8.4.D - Q6
This table summarizes characteristics of two colonial regions during the late seventeenth century.
How did these characteristics influence life in the colonies?
The New England colonies supported financial growth through high-paying industrial work.
The Southern colonies supported the plantation production of cash crops because of long growing seasons.
The Southern colonies developed large urban centers in order to support increasing manufacturing businesses.
The New England colonies developed large rural populations in order to support increasing agricultural production.
30s8.12.B - Q7
This list provides reasons for the establishment of European colonies in the New World.
Which European country was motivated to colonize the New World for these reasons?
England
France
Germany
Spain
30s8.2.A - Q8
How was each issue a cause of the American Revolution?
Users sort answers between categoriesSorting30s8.4.A - Q9
Read the excerpt and answer the question that follows.
Which statement shows how this grievance was addressed in the U.S. Constitution?
Congress may override a presidential veto.
Congress may ratify amendments.
The House of Representatives introduces tax bills.
The Senate may vote to turn down treaties.
30s8.15.C - Q10
This excerpt is from a proposed constitution for the Kansas Territory that contributed to sectional conflict.
Based on the excerpt, which group wrote the Lecompton Constitution?
Opponents of westward expansion
Supporters of abolitionism
Anti-slavery Northerners
Pro-slavery Southerners
30s8.8.B - Q11
This map shows the population distribution of the United States in 1790.
Which statement explains how physical geography affected the population distribution of the United States in 1790?
The southern states offered fertile farmland, allowing for the development of larger cities.
The Proclamation Line of 1763 prevented settlers from moving away from the East Coast.
The Appalachian Mountains served as a barrier that slowed westward expansion.
The Rocky Mountains posed risks to explorers, leading most people to remain in the East.
30s8.11.A - Q12
This list highlights information about a mill built by Samuel Slater.
Which statement explains an effect of Samuel Slater’s mill?
It limited the need for child labor in factories.
It limited the need for interchangeable parts.
It led to expanded regulations on foreign trade.
It led to rapid growth in the textile industry.
30s8.13.B - Q13
This map shows an eastern section of North America during the early 1600s.
Which numbered arrow represents the area where the Pilgrims landed in 1620?
1
2
3
4
30s8.10.A - Q14
Which weaknesses are associated with the Articles of Confederation?
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Users sort answers between categoriesSorting30s8.15.B - Q15
Which statement explains the purpose of military government in the South during Reconstruction?
It prevented carpetbaggers from operating former Confederate businesses.
It protected and ensured the rights of newly freed enslaved people.
It provided money and weapons to newly freed enslaved people.
It prohibited African Americans from running for public office.
30s8.9.C
