AEPA Social Studies Exam

The Social Studies test measures your knowledge according to the Arizona Academic Standards. Success on the test indicates that you are qualified to teach social studies in Arizona public schools. The test content is drawn from six subareas based on AEPA learning objectives: American History (23% of the test); World History (23%); Civics and Government (16%); Geography (16%); Economics (13%); and Social Studies Skills (10%). Test-takers should know major developments and events in America (including early North American civilizations, the American Revolution, the Great Depression, World War II, and contemporary events) and in the world (such as early world civilizations, the medieval period, European expansion, World War I, and world history from 1920 to the present). The test covers basics of the U.S. government (e.g., its foundations and structure) and citizenship, as well as systems of government, international relations, and U.S. foreign policy. Test-takers should be proficient in both geography and economics. The test also covers key concepts and skills related to history and the social sciences.

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AEPA Social Studies Practice Questions

Social Studies

1. Which of the following pieces of British legislation restricted the rights of American colonists to a trial by jury?

A: Stamp Act
B: Freedom Act
C: Coercive Acts
D: Townsend Act

2. Which nation defeated the Spanish Armada at the end of the 16th century?

A: France
B: Spain
C: England
D: Portugal

3. Which of the following is considered a natural resource?

A: water
B: farm equipment
C: talent
D: books

4. What are the laws and regulations passed by a local government in the United States called?

A: amendments
B: ordinances
C: mandates
D: charters

5. Which innovation in American foreign policy was motivated by a civil war in Greece?

A: Monroe Doctrine
B: Lincoln Corollary
C: Marshall Plan
D: Truman Doctrine

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Answer key

1. C. In addition, the Coercive Acts closed the port of Boston, forced Americans to house British soldiers, and established a military government in Massachusetts.
2. C. King Philip II of Spain hoped to use the Armada to establish Roman Catholicism in England.
3. A. A natural resource is any material that occurs naturally and has economic value.
4. B. Most local ordinances have to do with land use.
5. D. The goal of the Truman Doctrine was to prevent Eastern European countries from being dominated by the Soviet Union.