STAAR Social Studies Grade 8 (2024) - Past Paper
Quiz by TEKS Social Studies Grade 8
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This table shows population changes in the United States during the mid-nineteenth century.
Which factor BEST explains the trend shown in the table?
29Favorable living conditions in cities
Decreasing land prices in rural areas
Industrial working opportunities in cities
Decreasing agricultural output in rural areas
- Q1
This table shows population changes in the United States during the mid-nineteenth century.
Which factor BEST explains the trend shown in the table?
Favorable living conditions in cities
Decreasing land prices in rural areas
Industrial working opportunities in cities
Decreasing agricultural output in rural areas
30s8.28.B - Q2
Which characteristics are associated with the American Revolution era and which are associated with the Civil War era?
Move each characteristic to the correct era.
Users sort answers between categoriesSorting30s8.1.A - Q3
How did the U.S. government encourage the free-enterprise system in the early 1800s?
By setting the prices of goods and services
By protecting the rights of businesses
By monopolizing local and national markets
By owning the means of production
30s8.14.A - Q4
This excerpt was published by a department of the U.S. government.
Based on the excerpt, which statement describes the administration of President Jackson?
He favored nullification, leading to increased sectional conflict.
He lacked the power to enforce laws, leading to abuses in power.
He failed to enforce term limits, leading to extended durations of service.
He preferred the use of the spoils system, leading to corruption in some cases.
30s8.5.F - Q5
Which statement BEST explains why Germans migrated out of their country?
They were part of a forced migration to provide labor in America.
They were fleeing a major famine caused by crop failure.
They were attracted by economic opportunities and available land.
They were searching for gold and other natural sources of wealth in America.
30s8.23.A - Q6
This excerpt is from a newspaper published by Frederick Douglass.
Part A: Based on the excerpt, how did Frederick Douglass use The North Star?
He spread information about the injustices of slavery in his newspaper.
He utilized his profits to hire runaway enslaved people to work at his newspaper.
He utilized his newspaper to encourage plantation owners to end slavery.
He started a school for runaway enslaved people in his newspaper offices.
30s8.24.A - Q7
This excerpt is from a newspaper published by Frederick Douglass.
Part B: Which phrase from the excerpt provides evidence for the answer to Part A?
be they composed of church or state
under which tyranny may aim to conceal and protect itself
has just left our office, an amiable, kind, and intelligent looking young woman
initials of the name of her infernal master, is cut in large capitals
30s8.24.A - Q8
Which principle was established by the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison?
Individual rights
Separation of powers
Consent of the governed
Judicial review
30s8.18.A - Q9
This list shows requirements that were written into certain laws in Southern states after the Reconstruction Era.
Which aspect of society was affected by these requirements?
U.S. citizens’ ability to take out loans
U.S. citizens’ right to vote in elections
U.S. citizens’ option to join the military
U.S. citizens’ choice to operate a business
30s8.9.C - Q10
This painting is by Albert Bierstadt, who is associated with the Hudson River School.
How did artists who produced works such as this reflect changes in U.S. society during the nineteenth century?
They promoted the natural resources of the United States to encourage trade with businesses in Europe.
They attempted to bring unity to the United States as a response to growing regional tensions within the country.
They created pieces to celebrate the connection between European culture and the natural heritage of the United States.
They showed a romantic attitude about nature as a response to increasing industrialization in the United States.
30s8.26.B - Q11
How did the First Amendment protection of religious freedom affect U.S. society in the early history of the country?
It prevented conflict between individuals who were members of different religions.
It prevented the government from making laws prohibiting the practice of certain religious beliefs.
It allowed for state governments to unify their citizens under one common religion.
It allowed for the preservation of many religious places through government support.
30s8.25.C - Q12
This excerpt describes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Which result shows how the amendment described in this excerpt “appeared to signify the fulfillment of all promises to African Americans”?
African American children were given access to education.
African American families were given free land to farm.
African American men were elected to public office.
African American men were allowed to serve in the military.
30s8.16.B - Q13
This map shows part of the United States.
Which number on the map represents the site of the Battle of Gettysburg and President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address?
1
2
3
4
30s8.10.A - Q14
Which issue was a factor in the formation of the Federalist Party during the early republic era?
Disagreements over how much the national government should collect in taxes
Disagreements over how much state governments should regulate manufacturing
Disagreements over the role that state governments should have in ratifying treaties
Disagreements over the role that the national government should have in printing currency
30s8.5.C - Q15
This excerpt is from a presidential address.
Which statement describes the impact of this presidential address?
The United States sent military forces into South American countries.
The United States started a policy of territorial expansion to the Pacific Ocean.
The United States assumed a role as protector of countries in the Western Hemisphere.
The United States developed a reliance on military assistance from European countries.
30s8.5.E
