9th grade Social Studies practice sheet
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) · from Gradelings · Name: ______________________
Question 1
Federalism divides power between…
- the national and state governments
- the president and the pope
- cities and businesses
- two political parties
the national and state governments
Hint: Both levels govern the same people.
Question 2
The Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace set up…
- a council of leaders from several nations
- rule by the army
- a single hereditary king
a council of leaders from several nations
Hint: It united several nations.
Question 3
What is the first thing to check about a viral post on a political issue?
- Its colors
- Who made it and whether reliable sources confirm it
- How many likes it has
- Its length
Who made it and whether reliable sources confirm it
Hint: Lateral reading.
Question 4
Which amendment protects freedom of the press?
- the Tenth
- the Second
- the First
- the Fifth
the First
Hint: It also protects speech and religion.
Question 5
NASA, whose Johnson Space Center is in Houston, is an example of…
- a state agency
- an independent executive agency
- a committee of Congress
- a federal court
an independent executive agency
Hint: It reports to the president but is not a cabinet department.
Question 6
What is a jury?
- A group of citizens who decide the facts in a trial
- A group of judges
- A police team
- A type of law
A group of citizens who decide the facts in a trial
Hint: Usually 6 or 12 people.
Question 7
United States v. Nixon (1974) held that…
- the president must obey a subpoena; executive privilege is not absolute
- the president is above the law
- tapes are private property
- Congress can't investigate
the president must obey a subpoena; executive privilege is not absolute
Hint: Nixon resigned soon after.
Question 8
Why do candidates debate?
- To count votes
- To pick judges
- So voters can compare their ideas
- Because the law requires it every week
So voters can compare their ideas
Hint: Inform voters.
Question 9
Who can call the Texas Legislature into a special session?
- the Supreme Court of Texas
- the US president
- any senator
- the governor
the governor
Hint: A special session lasts up to 30 days.
Question 10
How do markets and governments interact when a natural disaster strikes?
- Government does nothing
- Government provides aid while markets supply goods and rebuilding
- Markets stop forever
- Prices never change
Government provides aid while markets supply goods and rebuilding
Hint: Both play roles.
Answer key
- 1. the national and state governments (Foundations of Democracy)
- 2. a council of leaders from several nations (Forms of Government)
- 3. Who made it and whether reliable sources confirm it (Taking Part)
- 4. the First (Media & Democracy)
- 5. an independent executive agency (Three Branches)
- 6. A group of citizens who decide the facts in a trial (Rights & Responsibilities)
- 7. the president must obey a subpoena; executive privilege is not absolute (Landmark Supreme Court Cases)
- 8. So voters can compare their ideas (Elections & Voting)
- 9. the governor (How Laws Are Made)
- 10. Government provides aid while markets supply goods and rebuilding (Government & the Economy)
Want more than 10 questions?
In Gradelings the questions change every time and adjust to your child, with hints and kind feedback. See all social studies units.