®
STAAR
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness
GRADE 8
Social Studies
Administered May 2019
RELEASED
Copyright © 2019, Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited without express
written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies
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DIRECTIONS
Read each question carefully. Determine the best answer to the question from
thefouranswerchoices provided.Thenfill in theansweronyouranswer
document.
• In 1844, Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail sent the first telegraph
message between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland.
• In 1861, Western Union laid the first transcontinental telegraph line.
• In 1866, the first permanent telegraph cable was laid across the
Atlantic Ocean.
What impact did this innovation have on daily life?
A
It increased the regional differences among various groups of people across the country.
B It became a major method of long-distance communication for many years.
C It allowed people to sign legal documents from across the country.
D It was the government’s only method to negotiate with foreign leaders.
British Colonial North America
Southern Colonies New England Colonies
Warm, humid climate Cold climate
Fertile soil Rocky soil
The geographic factors in this table led primarily to the —
F
founding of trade schools in some colonies
G development of different economies in the two regions
H establishment of import taxes in some colonies
J pattern of religious differences in the two regions
Social
Studies
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?
Sectionalism States’ rights Slavery
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3 How did southern states respond to the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment?
A
By creating a segregated public education system
B By shutting down all remaining offices of Freedmen’s Bureau
C By imposing requirements designed to deny African Americans the right to vote
D By forcing African Americans to work as tenant farmers and sharecroppers
Which outcome best completes this diagram?
F
American Revolution
G Popular
Sovereignty
H Manifest
Destiny
J Civil
War
Social
Studies
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With [Lucretia] Mott and three other women, Elizabeth
[Cady Stanton] spearheaded the first women’s rights convention
in Seneca Falls in July 1848. At this gathering, she presented
their Declaration of Rights and Sentiments, a document she
composed. The Declaration and its 11 resolutions demanded
social and political equality for all women, including its most
controversial claim, the right to
?
.
—Judith E. Harper, “Biography,” from Resources for the Film Not
for Ourselves Alone, PBS
Which of the following best completes this excerpt?
A
equal pay
B own property
C a public education
D vote
Social Studies
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6 Which chart correctly identifies reasons for and against ratification of the proposed
U.S. Constitution?
F
Should the Proposed U.S. Constitution Be Ratified?
For Against
The proposed document
expands state authority.
The proposed document
lacks a provision for a
central bank.
G
Should the Proposed U.S. Constitution Be Ratified?
For Against
The proposed document
prevents foreign
entanglements.
The proposed document
restricts the legislative
branch.
H
Should the Proposed U.S. Constitution Be Ratified?
For Against
The proposed document
increases the power of
the national government.
The proposed document
lacks a bill of rights.
J
Should the Proposed U.S. Constitution Be Ratified?
For Against
The proposed document
expands the power of
local governments.
The proposed document
limits the authority of the
executive branch.
Social
Studies
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Reasons for Seventeenth-Century
European Colonization of North America
1. To convert American Indians in the Southwest to Catholicism
2. To cultivate cash crops in the Chesapeake Bay area
3. To extract precious metals from mines in present-day Mexico
4. To profit from fur trading in the Great Lakes region
Which of these describes the primary reason for French colonization?
A
1
B 2
C 3
D 4
We
can give employment to from 50 to 100 girls, at the usual
wages paid in this place. Our custom is to pay to new hands one
dollar per week, & board in the Weaving & Dressing Rooms, &
one dollar & a half & board, in the Carding & Spinning Rooms,
until they can tend the Machines without assistance. After that
they are paid for all the work they can get off. . . .
—John Clark, July 27, 1847
The economic growth demonstrated by this recruitment letter was primarily a result of —
F
the passage of strict federal labor laws
G the abolition of the slave trade
H the expansion of the cottage industry system
J the new production methods of industrialization
Social
Studies
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We whose names are underwritten . . . do by these presents
solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and one of
another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil
Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and
Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do enact,
constitute and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts,
Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought
most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony;
unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience.
—Mayflower Compact, 1620
For what reason did a group of colonists agree to this compact?
A
To declare independence from all European nations
B To form a social contract among themselves
C To demonstrate goodwill toward local American Indians
D To establish trade relations with other colonies
10 Which
phrase best represents the U.S. principle of republicanism?
F
The creation of a Congress to carry out the will of the people
G The establishment of courts to interpret laws and government actions
H The division of power between a federal government and state governments
J The power of a court to declare a law unconstitutional
Social Studies
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Reasons for
Building Up the
U.S. Military
American Indian Conflicts with
attacks on Barbary pirates
the frontier in North Africa
?
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The great idea in Article V [of the Constitution] is that change
requires two elements: . . . national agreement, as well as
agreement in most of the states, that an urgent problem exists
that cannot be remedied by the courts, legislatures or Congress.
—Mary Frances Berry, The New York Times, September 13, 1987
This author is expressing her opinion about —
A
recalling members of Congress
B impeaching the President
C disobeying the Supreme Court
D amending the Constitution
Which reason best completes the diagram?
F
Requirements of an alliance with France
G Interest in conquering territories in South America
H British impressment of U.S. sailors
J Abolition of state militias
Social Studies
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Colonists were barred Colonists were to
from producing provide raw
finished goods. materials for England.
Colonial imports had Exported goods could
to be first only be shipped
shipped to England. to England.
Mercantilism
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That instrument [the Constitution] meant that its co-ordinate
branches should be checks on each other. But the opinion which
gives to the judges the right to decide what laws are constitutional,
and what not, not only for themselves in their own sphere of action,
but for the legislature & executive also in their spheres, would make
the judiciary a despotic branch.
—Letter from Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams,
September 11, 1804
This excerpt supports the conclusion that Jefferson disagreed with —
A
the congressional power of impeachment
B the presidential power to veto bills
C the states’ power to amend the Constitution
D the Supreme Court’s power of judicial review
How did opposition to this system affect the economy of the early republic?
F
The government prevented taxes on domestic goods.
G Cottage workers needed governmental assistance.
H Interstate trade taxes were forbidden.
J A free enterprise system was adopted.
Social
Studies
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Which action is one part of the official path to U.S. citizenship through the naturalization
process?
A
Attending college in the United States
B Being employed in the United States
C Passing a U.S. civics exam
D Working for the U.S. government
Are
you willing to... elect to all offices of Honor, Profit, or Trust,
none but native born citizens of America, of this country to the
exclusion of all foreigners . . . ?
—Examiner’s questions for admittance to the Know-Nothing Party,
1854
Which inference about the Know-Nothing Party is supported by the excerpt above?
F
Its members blamed Irish immigrants for taking away jobs.
G The party encouraged western migration of settlers.
H Its members opposed enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act in the Northeast.
J The party was in favor of universal suffrage.
Social
Studies
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Francis Scott Key
wrote a poem titled
“The Defence of Fort
McHenry” during the
War of 1812.
The poem was
combined with music
and became a popular
song known as “The
Star-Spangled Banner.”
“The Star-Spangled
Banner” was adopted
as the national
anthem of the
United States in 1931.
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18
Transformation of “The Star-Spangled Banner”
What is one reason this song has endured for so many years?
A The song was inspired by religious revivals.
B The song celebrates a patriotic act from the past.
C The song is about protecting the rights of people.
D The song was a theme for civil rights activism.
As towns are established... along the rivers Savannah and
Alatamaha, they will make such a barrier as will render the southern
frontier of the British Colonies on the Continent of America, safe
from Indian and other enemies.
—General James Oglethorpe, 1733
Which human geographic factor most likely prompted this observation?
F The number of Quakers living in British colonies
G The Caribbean slave trade with British colonies
H The number of religious sects in the British colonies
J The Spanish land claims close to the British colonies
Social
Studies
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How did the Supreme Court decision in Worcesterv.Georgia affect American Indians?
A
The ruling gave the state authority over relations with American Indians.
B The
state ignored the ruling and distributed Cherokee lands to white settlers.
C More
American Indian tribes decided to grant licenses to missionaries to live on tribal
lands.
D Reservation policies were overturned and replaced with land grants to individuals.
All men are created equal, says the great Declaration and now a
great act attests this verity. Today we make the Declaration a
reality. . . . The Declaration was only half established by
Independence. The greatest duty remained behind. In assuring
the equal rights of all we complete the work.
—Senator Charles Sumner, 1870
What is the “great act” referred to by Senator Sumner in this excerpt?
F
The Senate’s readmission of the last Confederate state
G The addition of Hiram Rhodes Revels to the U.S. Senate
H The Senate’s acquittal of President Andrew Johnson
J The election of the first woman to the U.S. Senate
Social
Studies
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[The]
?
consisted of several kinds of activity, distinguished
by locale and expression of religious commitment. In New
England, the renewed interest in religion inspired a wave of social
activism. In western New York, the spirit of revival encouraged
the emergence of new denominations. In the Appalachian region
of Kentucky and Tennessee, the revival strengthened the
Methodists and the Baptists, and spawned a new form of religious
expression—the camp meeting.
—Outline of U.S. History, Bureau of International Information
Programs, U.S. Department of State, 2011
Which term best completes this excerpt?
A
Second Great Awakening
B temperance movement
C Era of Good Feelings
D abolitionist movement
22
Why did slavery become a widespread practice in the United States during the early
nineteenth century?
F
The system of indentured servitude was banned.
G The need for agricultural labor increased as a result of expanded cotton production.
H Improved transportation systems made it easier for workers to migrate.
J Advancements in technology led to the need for skilled workers.
Social
Studies
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With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the
right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the
work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him
who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan,
to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace
among ourselves and with all nations.
—President Abraham Lincoln, second inaugural address,
March 4, 1865
Which leadership quality does President Lincoln best demonstrate in this address?
A
Inspiration — He wants the Union to be a model of democracy for all nations.
B Compassion — He wants to help those who suffered during the Civil War.
C Persistence — He believes the Union must surrender in order to have peace.
D Confidence — He believes history would prove him correct to fight in the Civil War.
Resolved,
that the taxation of the people by themselves, or by
persons chosen by themselves to represent them . . . is the only
security against a burdensome taxation . . .
—Virginia Stamp Act Resolutions, May 30, 1765
Which statement best explains why this resolution was adopted?
F
Colonists were upset by the punishment imposed after the Boston Tea Party.
G Colonists created this in order to address the causes of the Boston Massacre.
H Colonists were opposed to colonial laws being created only by Parliament.
J Colonists wanted to expand powers given to governors appointed by King George III.
Social
Studies
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According to the Northwest Ordinance, which condition did a U.S. territory have to meet in
order to apply for statehood?
A
Have a population of sixty thousand free settlers
B Hold a vote on whether to become a free or slave territory
C Establish one public school per district
D Have a territorial governor appointed by the president
3
2
The government
is responsible for
enforcing tariffs.
The government
should do very little
to control trade.
The government
should tax wealthy
businesses.
The government is
responsible for helping
all businesses.
1
4
Which person is most likely a supporter of free enterprise?
F
1
G 2
H 3
J 4
Social
Studies
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27 Which factor contributed to the founding of new religious groups in the United States?
A
Freedoms listed in the Bill of Rights
B Expansion of individual voting rights
C Growth of abolitionist movements
D Beliefs expressed by Transcendentalists
28 Which constitutional issue led to the Nullification Crisis of 1832?
F
Do courts have the power to rule on the constitutionality of state laws?
G Does the president have the authority to use the military to enforce the law?
H Does the federal government have the authority to enact laws regarding slavery?
J Do states have the power to declare a federal law unconstitutional?
•
Brook Farm community members practiced plain living according to
transcendentalist philosophy.
• The Amana Colonies established a network of villages with an
agricultural base.
• Shakers practiced communal living, pacifism, and gender equality.
The communities in this list were established in America during the eighteenth and nineteenth
centuries. What did they have in common?
A
They were dedicated to improving working conditions in factories.
B They served as refuges for escaped slaves.
C They attempted to expand suffrage.
D They were devoted to creating ideal societies.
Social
Studies
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30 Which grievance from the Declaration of Independence is addressed by the Sixth Amendment
to the U.S. Constitution?
F
“He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly.”
G “For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury . . .”
H “He has obstructed the... Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.”
J “For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us . . .”
31
What reason did President James K. Polk give when he asked Congress to declare war against
Mexico?
A
To stop Mexican attacks against U.S. territory
B To prevent human rights abuses in Mexico
C To preserve religious freedom within Texas
D To ensure slavery would continue in Texas
Social Studies
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1
• Continental Army
• English Army
3
• Virginia Plan
• New Jersey Plan
2
• George Washington
• Paul Revere
4
• Thomas Jefferson
• Alexander Hamilton
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The American continents, by the free and independent condition
which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be
considered as subjects for future colonization by any European
Power.
—President James Monroe, message to Congress, 1823
What was the main reason President Monroe made this statement?
F
To strengthen political alliances with European allies
G To address European competition for natural resources
H To increase U.S. military readiness for European expansionism
J To prevent European intervention in countries near the United States
Which pair contributed to the development of political parties in the United States?
A
1
B 2
C 3
D 4
Social
Studies
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DR. HOPKINS
FOR TEXAS
GOVERNOR
That’s a
terrible
idea!
He can
make a
difference!
Why is this type of interaction important in U.S. society?
F
Free speech allows people to help create a better government.
G Due process laws are guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment.
H Individual protections are guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.
J Freedom of the press helps the government respond to public opinion.
35 Which event occurred as a result of General Cornwallis’s surrender at the Battle of Yorktown?
A
France recognized American independence and declared war against Great Britain.
B The Second Continental Congress agreed to the Articles of Confederation.
C Great Britain and the United States signed the Treaty of Paris.
D The Second Continental Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George III.
Social
Studies
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36 Which box lists three factors that contributed most to the rapid industrialization and
urbanization of the United States?
F
G
H
J
37 In the 1630s, Thomas Hooker and Roger Williams disagreed with the religious leaders of
Massachusetts. These disagreements were resolved when Hooker and Williams —
A
left Massachusetts and established new colonies
B founded new political parties in the Massachusetts Bay area
C petitioned Parliament to revise the Massachusetts Bay charter
D left Massachusetts and explored the Mississippi Valley
•
Fertile soil
• Mild climate
• Unskilled labor
• Investment capital
• New means of transport
• Large labor force
• Telegraph
• Nativism
• Cotton gin
• Protective tariffs
• Abundant land
• Slavery
Social Studies
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38 What was one result of the election of Andrew Jackson in 1828?
F
Renewal of the charter of the Bank of the United States
G Elimination of the spoils system
H Ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment
J Increased levels of voter participation
39 What was one effect of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850?
A
The Republican Party lost influence in the federal legislature.
B The Missouri Compromise was deemed unconstitutional by federal courts.
C Tensions among the populations of northern and southern states increased.
D Immigrants were forced to relocate from eastern cities to western territories.
California Census Data
Year Population
1850 92,597
1860 379,994
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Which factor contributed most to the population change shown in this table?
F
Completion of the Erie Canal
G Discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill
H Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad
J Relocation of American Indians to reservations
Social
Studies
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41 How were former Confederate leaders treated under the Radical Reconstruction plan?
A
They were denied citizenship because it was believed they had started the war.
B They were required to enlist in the U.S. Army for two years.
C They were denied the ability to obtain political positions.
D They were allowed to obtain federal loans to help restore the cotton industry.
Regional Impacts of the Embargo of 1807
New England The West The South
?
Wheat and corn
prices dropped as
supplies flooded the
domestic market.
Planters suffered
financial losses
because surplus
tobacco and cotton
could not be
exported.
Which sentence best completes this table?
F
Prices for manufactured goods decreased.
G Factories closed as workers returned to farms.
H A decline in foreign trade damaged the commercial shipping industry.
J Fishing revenues decreased as a result of reduced demand.
Social
Studies
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44
• Responsibility: Second President of the United States
• Courage: Defending Redcoats at the Boston Massacre Trial
• Perseverance: Negotiating the Treaty of Paris
This list refers to the contributions of which Founding Father?
A
John Adams
B Benjamin Franklin
C James Madison
D John Jay
American Progress
Source: Library of Congress,
Prints and Photographs Division
Where would a history student most likely find this image?
F
In a biography of early Spanish explorers
G In a museum exhibit about the Civil War
H In an academic presentation about Manifest Destiny
J In a textbook about European immigration
BE SURE YOU HAVE RECORDED ALL OF YOUR ANSWERS
Social Studies
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ON THE ANSWER DOCUMENT.
STOP
STAAR
GRADE 8
Social Studies
May 2019
