Deck 1: The American Context

Question 1

When did the American War of Independence end?

A) 1759
B) 1783
C) 1815
D) 1865
E) 1918

Answer 1

B
Explanation: The other dates mark the conclusion of different conflicts.

Question 2

The belief that the United States has a unique mission in the world is called what?

A) Manifest Destiny
B) Imperialism
C) American Exceptionalism
D) Capitalism
E) Cold War

Answer 2

C
Explanation: Although it reflects similar sentiments, Manifest Destiny refers to the belief that it was the United States divinely ordained destiny to spread from coast to coast.

Question 3

In the spring of 2020, which of the following did the American people considered to be the biggest threat facing the country?

A) Terrorism
B) The spread of infectious diseases
C) Cyberattacks from foreign countries
D) Chinese influence and power
E) Russian influence and power

Answer 3

B
Explanation: All of these were considered major threats but at the onset of the global COVID 19 pandemic the threat of infectious diseases topped the list.

Question 4

During the 19th century, where did most immigrants to the US come from?

A) Northwestern Europe
B) India & Pakistan
C) Central America
D) South America
E) China

Question 5

According to US Census Bureau estimates in 2019, which was the largest non-White group in the country?

A) Asians
B) Latinos
C) African Americans
D) Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders
E) American Indian and Alaska Natives

Question 6

What is the approximate size of the US population?

A) 240 million
B) 300 million
C) 309 million
D) 331 million
E) 530 million

Question 7

What meaning do you attach to the term "nativist"?

A) Racist
B) Xenophobic
C) Positive discrimination
D) Dislike of outsiders
E) Hatred of Indians

Question 8

Which term best defines religious affiliations in the US?

A) Conformity
B) Diversity
C) Uniformity
D) Christian
E) Increasingly Muslim

Question 9

How do most Americans approach the role of government?

A) Wish to increase federal powers
B) Wish to reduce state powers
C) Favour abolition of local government
D) Want to increase presidential powers
E) Want as little government intervention as possible

Question 10

What was the voter turnout in the 2020 President election?

A) 70 percent
B) 55 percent
C) 66 percent
D) 40 percent
E) 100 percent

Question 11

Who received the most votes in the 2016 Presidential election?

A) Jill Stein
B) Donald Trump
C) Joe Biden
D) Hilary Clinton
E) Bernie Sanders

Question 12

Which terms best describe American attitudes to economic issues?

A) Individualism
B) Pluralist
C) Free enterprise
D) Interventionist
E) Collectivist

Question 13

What were sub-prime transactions concerned with?

A) Excessive imports
B) Excessive borrowing
C) Currency devaluation
D) Irresponsible lending
E) Federal spending

Question 14

With which 2 areas were "affirmative action" programs associated?

A) Welfare payments
B) Education
C) Employment
D) Healthcare
E) Disabled people

Question 15

What are some of the characteristics that you would associate with the American people and their society? Why?

Question 16

Why are questions of "national identity" important in the US?

Question 17

What is American exceptionalism and why does it matter??

Question 18

What is racism, and what evidence do you see of it in contemporary American society?