Grade 8
Social Studies
Practice Assessment
Copyright © 2023, 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.
Grade 8
Social Studies
Practice Assessment
Copyright © 2023, 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
Page 3
SOCIAL STUDIES
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DIRECTIONS
Read each question carefully. Choose the best answer to each
question. For open-response questions, determine the best answer
to the question.
1 Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?
A
McCulloch v. Maryland
B
Marbury v. Madison
C
Gibbons v. Ogden
D
Dred Scott v. Sandford
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2 This list provides information about religious changes in the United
States in the early 1800s.
1800 Major religious revivals in Kentucky are popular and
spread east.
1816 The African Methodist Episcopal Church is established.
1830 Joseph Smith founds the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints (Mormons).
1832 The Disciples of Christ is established.
—based on “Faith of Our Forefathers,” Library of
Congress
Which conclusion can be made about why these groups were created?
A
Local governments gave people the right to freely practice
their beliefs.
B
The Northwest Ordinance provided an outline to expand the
number of churches.
C
The federal government provided money to encourage the growth
of churches.
D
Passage of the First Amendment gave people the freedom to
practice their beliefs.
3 Which examples list unalienable rights?
A
Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures
B
Public trial by a fair and impartial jury
C
Freedom of religion, speech, and the press
D
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
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U.S. States and Territories, 1830
4 This map shows the U.S. states and territories in 1830.
Which region experienced the MOST immediate economic impacts as
a result of construction of the Erie Canal?
Shade the ONE correct circle that represents the location.
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5 This excerpt is from a political address made by a politician in the
1800s.
The [wise], penniless beginner in the world, labors for wages
awhile, saves a surplus with which to buy tools or land,
for himself; then . . . hires another new beginner to help
him. This, say its advocates, is . . . the just and generous,
and prosperous system, which opens the way for all—gives
hope to all, and energy, and progress, and improvement of
condition to all.
—Abraham Lincoln, September 30, 1859
Which economic principle does Lincoln describe in this address?
A
The value of free enterprise to earn a prot
B
The signicance of scarcity in business
C
The importance of equal pay for equal work
D
The need for competition in the market
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6 This excerpt is from a newspaper article published during the 1800s.
It has long been our anxious wish to see . . . a printing-press
and paper, permanently established, under the complete
control and direction of the immediate victims of slavery and
oppression. . . .
. . . The man who has suffered the wrong is the man to
demand [amends] . . . and that he who has endured the
cruel pangs of Slavery is the man to advocate Liberty.
—The North Star, December 3, 1847
Which statement describes the role of this newspaper and its publisher?
A
John Brown used the newspaper to recruit people to his
antislavery cause.
B
William Lloyd Garrison used the newspaper to push for the
emancipation of all enslaved people.
C
Frederick Douglass used the newspaper to help end the practice
of slavery.
D
Harriet Tubman used the newspaper to recruit people to assist
escaped enslaved people.
7 Which action led the United States into the War of 1812?
A
American warships were captured at sea and forced to ght
for Britain.
B
American merchant sailors smuggling goods to Europe were
imprisoned in Britain.
C
American merchant sailors were impressed into naval service to
ght for Britain.
D
American warships sailing from European ports were boarded and
impounded in Britain.
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8 This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
This time line describes advancements in communication.
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1838
1843
1844
1873
1875
1876
Communication Advancements,
1800s
Samuel Morse publicly demonstrates his telegraph in
Washington, D.C.
Congress
appropriates $30,000 to test the practicality
of
creating a telegraph system.
The
first
official telegraph signal is sent.
Alexander Graham Bell begins
work
on
the
harmonic
telegraph
to
allow
multiple
messages
to
be sent
at
the
same time.
Bell and his partner, Thomas Watson, come
up
with a
receiver
that
can
turn
electricity into sound.
Bell is granted his telephone patent.
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Part A
Based on the time line, which claim is supported by these
advancements?
A
Developing new technologies requires replacement of
existing innovations.
B
New innovations build on previous technologies to improve
daily life.
C
New technologies are widely accepted by the public.
D
Development of new technologies is rarely aided by
government action.
Part B
Which year on the time line provides evidence that supports the
answer to Part A?
A
1838
B
1843
C
1844
D
1873
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9 Why is Dorothea Dix a signicant gure in U.S. history?
A
She was a leader in the ght for the abolition of slavery.
B
She led a reform effort to improve working conditions in factories.
C
She was a leader in the ght for women’s suffrage.
She led a reform effort to improve care for the mentally ill.
10 Which statement describes a reason for the development of the
transatlantic slave tr
ade?
A
Colonial governments wanted to use enslaved labor to build
needed canals.
B
Plantation owners in southern colonial states were increasing
prots by using enslaved labor.
C
Many colonists relied on enslaved labor to do the difcult work on
their ranches.
D
Textile production in northern colonial factories was increasingly
dependent on enslaved labor.
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D
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11 Which characteristics MAINLY describe either the era of European
colonization or the era of westward expansion? Select the correct
answers for each box.
A Construction of the railroad connected different regions.
B Settlers migrated to seek religious freedom.
C Principles of self-governance were established.
D Settlers sought individual wealth through minerals or ranching.
Eras
European Colonization Westward Expansion
A B C D
A B C D
A B C D
A B C D
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12 This excerpt is from a song written in 1875.
Oh! times are tough, amazing rough,
Expenses are alarming,
I will go West, it’s far the best,
Try my luck at farming.
For the idea, of staying here
To just earn your gruel,
Makes me feel sad and sometimes mad
’Tis so awful cruel.
—sheet music by J. P. Barrett, “I Will Go West!”
Based on the excerpt and your knowledge of U.S. history, which
aspect of American life during this time is indicated by this song?
A
Unfair working conditions due to industrialization inspired artists to
begin a protest movement.
B
The nation’s economy shifted away from industrialization in order
to focus on agriculture.
C
Difcult conditions in industrial cities encouraged people to seek
opportunities elsewhere.
D
A dramatic increase in the ination rate at this time raised the cost
of living in industrial cities.
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U.S. States and Territories, 1850
13 This map shows the United States following the Compromise of 1850.
Based on the map and your knowledge of U.S. history, which
outcomes resulted from this compromise?
Select TWO correct answers.
`
California was admitted into the union as a free state.
`
A parallel was designated as the boundary between free and
slave states.
`
Southern state legislators failed to get a new fugitive-slave
law passed.
`
New territories were given the power to decide the issue
of slavery.
`
The Florida territory was purchased from Spain and admitted as a
free state.
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14 This grievance is listed in a historical document presented to the
British king.
Imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
—Declaration of Independence
How was this grievance addressed in the U.S. Constitution?
A
Only states have the power to tax citizens.
B
Only the courts can decide the legality of taxation.
C
Only Congress can pass laws on taxation.
D
Only the president can determine to tax citizens.
15 In 1828, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to approve
the Tariff of Abominations by a vote of 105 to 94. Why did this tariff
create division within the United States?
A
The tariff helped international trade but hurt domestic trade.
B
The tariff hurt Southern plantation owners but helped
Western farmers.
C
The tariff lowered interest rates but raised personal taxes.
D
The tariff raised Northern business prots but lowered
Southern consumer prices.
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16 Which reason explains a purpose of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
A
To create a process to admit new states to the country
B
To settle territorial disputes with Great Britain
C
To establish the western boundary of the country
D
To fund the exploration of the Louisiana Territory
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17 This diagram describes select actions of the U.S. government.
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Which principle outlined in the U.S. Constitution is represented by this
diagram AND what is its purpose?
Think about the question carefully. Then record your answer in the
box provided.
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18 This excerpt describes a challenging moment in U.S. history during
the 1790s.
After a spirited debate, the House passed, by a 35 to 21
majority, the Excise Whiskey Tax. . . . The measure levied
a federal tax on domestic and imported alcohol, earmarked
to offset a portion of the federal government’s recent
assumption of state debts. Southern and western farmers,
whose grain crop was a chief ingredient in whiskey, loudly
protested the tax. In 1794, farmers in western Pennsylvania
attacked federal ofcials seeking to collect tax on the grain
they had distilled into whiskey.
—“The 1791 Excise Whiskey Tax,” U.S. House of
Representatives
How did these events challenge the U.S. government?
A
It was the rst time southern states opposed northern states in
the United States.
B
It was the rst test of federal authority in the United States.
C
It was the rst time federal taxes were introduced in the
United States.
D
It was the rst test of state cooperation in the United States.
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19 This table compares the economies of two regions in the United States
during the mid-1800s.
Economic Differences During Mid-1800s
Northeast Region Western Region
Textile mills and new factories Small farms and livestock
Factory production is the primary
source of economic success.
Agriculture is the primary source of
economic success.
How did these differences affect the economic development in these
two regions?
A
Settlers saw that the Great Plains’ climate made agriculture easier,
and western migration increased.
B
Western settlers signed fair land treaties with American Indians
and increased agricultural production.
C
Improvements in agricultural technology increased western
settlers’ efciency and productivity.
D
Many industrial towns in the Northeast banned women from
working in factories, and unemployment increased.
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20 This excerpt is from a song about the temperance movement.
The Demon of Rum is abroad in the land,
His victims are falling on ev’ry hand,
The wise and the simple, the brave, and the fair,
No station too high for his vengeance to spare,
O women, the sorrow and pain is with you,
And so be the joy and the victory too;
With this for your motto, and [help] divine,
The lips that touch liquor shall never touch mine.
—Sam Booth, “The Lips That Touch Liquor, Shall
Never Touch Mine,” 1874
Based on the excerpt and your knowledge of U.S. history, which
generalization can be made about the temperance movement?
A
Women became involved in the temperance movement in order to
gain equal rights with men.
B
Women gained social inuence through their involvement in the
temperance movement.
C
Women were prohibited from participating in the temperance
movement.
D
Women were uninterested in solving the social problems that led
to the temperance movement.
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21 Which effect did the technological innovation of interchangeable parts
have on the U.S. economy?
A
It increased the efciency of mass-producing goods.
B
It increased the labor costs for manufacturing goods.
C
It increased the time required to manufacture goods.
D
It increased the prices of nished goods.
22 This table shows details about two English colonies in North America.
Colony Region Founder Established Purpose
Massachusetts Bay New England John Winthrop 1630 ?
Maryland Southern Leonard Calvert 1634 ?
Which purpose completes the table for why these colonies were
established?
A
To block Spanish settlements
B
To avoid debtors’ prison
C
To extend triangular trade routes
D
To escape religious persecution
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1618
1619
1652
1776
Virginia Colonial Government
The House of Burgesses is created in Virginia.
The king's appointed governor asks Virginia settlements
to select two people to sit in the House of Burgesses.
The House of Burgesses gains the power to select
a governor.
17651765
The American Revolution begins.
The House of Burgesses has its final meeting.
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23 This time line shows events associated with the colonial government
in Virginia.
Based on this time line and your knowledge of U.S. history, why was the
House of Burgesses important in the development of the United States?
A
It was the rst time elected representative government ourished
in an English colony.
B
It was the rst time governmental powers were separated in an
English colony.
C
It was the rst time women were granted government voting
rights in an English colony.
D
It was the rst time governmental powers were balanced in an
English colony.
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24 This excerpt is from the U.S. Constitution.
No person shall . . . be deprived of life, liberty, or property,
without due process of law; nor shall private property be
taken for public use, without just compensation.
—Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Which action describes a violation of the Fifth Amendment?
A
A state judge requiring a person accused of a crime to remain
in jail until the trial
B
A governor using the pardoning power to release a person
from jail
C
A state government annexing a farmer’s land without
providing payment
D
A mayor proposing a plan to replace old buildings with
new construction
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25 Which physical characteristic BEST describes each of the three regions
in the table?
Select the correct answer for each box. Not all answers will be used.
A Broad coastal plains
B Deep harbors
C Arctic climate
D Grassy plains
Select Physical Characteristics of Three U.S. Regions
New England South West
A B C D A B C D A B C D
26 Which statement describes the signicance of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s
novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin?
A
Many Northerners changed how they felt about slavery and
supported abolition.
B
Many plantation owners in the South decided to set enslaved
people free.
C
Many members of Congress supported an amendment making the
practice of slavery illegal.
D
Many enslaved people read the book and used it as a guide to
escape to the North.
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27 This list describes some contributions to American culture by German
immigrants.
• introduction of the tuba, a musical instrument
• development of a physical education program
• inclusion of a kindergarten class for young
students
• spread of ideas about universal public education
• expansion of Christian holidays and gift giving
Which statement describes the impact these contributions had on
American culture?
A
Public demand for live orchestral performances decreased.
B
People started celebrating the new year with their families.
C
People began to distribute candy every fall in their neighborhoods.
D
Families were encouraged to send young children to school.
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28 This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
This is an excerpt from a newspaper article from the mid-1800s.
In the New York riots the rioters were maddened by fear of
the draft. . . . But at Memphis the rioters had nothing to fear
or to gain. . . .
. . . The leading rebel citizens . . . claim to have murdered
twenty-four [black people]. . . .
We insist that . . . Congress institute a rigid investigation into
the whole Memphis massacre. . . . It is one of the . . . effects
of restoring the power . . . to the hands of rebels. . . .
. . . The Federal Government is responsible for such outrages.
—“The Memphis Massacre,” Chicago Tribune,
May 9, 1866
Part A
Based on the excerpt and your knowledge of U.S. history, why did the
Memphis Massacre occur?
A
The lack of protections for African Americans following the
Civil War
B
Corruption by political parties in the North
C
Economic struggles of African American former Union soldiers
D
The loss of voting rights for white men in the South
Part B
Which evidence from the excerpt supports the answer to Part A?
A
rioters had nothing to fear or to gain
B
insist that . . . Congress institute a rigid investigation
C
one of the . . . effects of restoring the power
D
Federal Government is responsible for such outrages
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29 Why did the Federalist Party develop in the United States in the late
1700s?
A
To oppose forming diplomatic alliances with Britain
B
To oppose the replacement of the Articles of Confederation
C
To support a national government with more power
D
To support a national government limited by state power
30 This excerpt is from a speech by a candidate to the Illinois House of
Representatives in the 1850s.
I hate it because it deprives our republican example of its just
inuence in the world—enables the enemies of free institutions,
with plausibility, to taunt us as hypocrites—causes the real
friends of freedom to doubt our sincerity, and especially
because it forces so many really good men amongst ourselves
into an open war with the very fundamental principles of
civil liberty—criticising the Declaration of Independence,
and insisting that there is no right principle of action but
self-interest.
—Abraham Lincoln, Peoria speech,
October 16, 1854
Based on the excerpt and your knowledge of U.S. history, which cause
of sectionalism did Lincoln “hate”?
A
The spread of slavery
B
Northern manufacturing
C
Western expansion
The enforcement of tariffs
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D
British North America, 1763
31 This map shows colonial America in the 1760s.
Why was the proclamation line shown on the map signicant?
A
It gave the French control of the land west of the Appalachian
Mountains and angered colonists.
B
It prevented colonists from settling westward and contributed to
the American Revolution.
C
It provided job opportunities to colonists who could protect the
new borders and trade with the French.
D
It marked areas that belonged to American Indians and made it
easier for colonists to claim those lands.
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32 This excerpt describes the Quaker leader William Penn in 1681.
Seeing limited prospects for religious toleration or political
reform at home in England, Penn directed his energies
toward America. Having recently helped to fund the
Quaker colonization effort of West New Jersey, in 1681
Penn obtained a large grant of land from King Charles II in
payment of a debt owed his father. This land grant would
become Pennsylvania.
—“William Penn and His Holy Experiment,”
Library of Congress
Based on the excerpt and your knowledge of U.S. history, which
statements describe the colony of Pennsylvania?
Select TWO correct answers.
`
It was founded on the idea of spiritual awakening.
`
It was closed to other religions as well as to women and
American Indians.
`
It was founded on the idea of freedom of worship.
`
It was accepting of other religions as well as of women and
American Indians.
`
It was founded on the idea of government control.
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33 Why did Congress pass the Missouri Compromise of 1820?
A
To maintain an equal balance between free states and slave states
in Congress
B
To include a portion of the enslaved population when determining
a state’s total population
C
To make sure that states of large and small populations had a
voice in Congress
D
To satisfy slave states by creating a system for the capture of
escaped enslaved people
34 The Mississippi River has played an important role in the development
of the United States.
What are TWO ways that access to this waterway has supported
economic activities in the United States?
Think about the question carefully. Then record your answer in the
box provided.
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35 This list summarizes a proposal submitted to the delegates at the
Constitutional Convention in 1787.
Virginia Plan
• proposed by James Madison
• three branches of government
• bicameral legislature (two houses)
• number of representatives based on state
population
• president chosen by the legislature
Why was this plan amended as part of the Great Compromise?
A
Because it was decided that the president would be appointed by
the judiciary
B
Because it was decided that two branches of government was best
C
Because using equal state representation in the Senate would be
more fair
D
Because using state population for representation in the House
was less fair
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36 This excerpt is from a newspaper article published in Tennessee during
the late 1800s.
“The President desired that the Legislature be broken up rather
than the [Fourteenth] amendment be ratied.” It became
understood at Nashville that members who would “bolt” and
aid in the revolutionary scheme conceived . . . by President
Johnson to defeat the amendment would be rewarded by
Federal appointments.
—former Tennessee governor W. G. Brownlow as
quoted in “A Political Feud,” Public Ledger, 1875
Based on the excerpt and your knowledge of U.S. history, which
outcome was President Johnson trying to prevent?
A
The abolition of slavery within the country and in all territories
under government control
B
Granting citizenship and equal protection under the law to all
persons born in the country
C
The use of government resources to protect the rights of citizens
to practice any religion of their choice
D
Protecting the rights of individuals to bear arms and assemble in
peaceful protest
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37 This excerpt is from an account of the founding of Jamestown in 1607.
This plain History humbly shows the truth; that our most
royal King James has place and opportunity to enlarge his
ancient Dominions without wronging any; . . . and the Prince
his Highness may see where to plant new Colonies. The
gaining Provinces adds to the King’s Crown.
—John Smith, The General History of Virginia, 1624
Based on the excerpt and your knowledge of U.S. history, why was the
founding of this colony signicant?
A
Because it offered the English access to vast gold deposits
B
Because it was an English settlement built on religious freedom
C
Because it provided the English with immediate prots
D
Because it represented the rst permanent English settlement
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A Bill of Rights is
unnecessary. We could
not possibly list all the
rights people have.
Power should remain
with the states as in the
Articles of Confederation.
Giving too much power
to a central government
will lead to tyranny.
A strong central
government is needed
to maintain order.
States may have some
powers, but the
central government
must be supreme.
A Bill of Rights is needed
to protect people from the
abuses of government.
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38 Which arguments were made by Anti-Federalists during the debates
over ratication of the U.S. Constitution?
Circle THREE correct answers.
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39 Which change supported the expansion of the Industrial Revolution
and the need for capital during the 1800s?
A
A reduction in tariff rates
B
The growth in the number of banks
C
An increase in government regulation
D
The growth in land speculation
40 Which question arose directly after the Mexican Cession?
A
Should the United States annex Texas into the union?
B
Should the Oregon Territory be required to pay taxes to
the government?
C
Should the United States regulate mining in Utah?
D
Should slavery be allowed when California is added as a state?
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BE SURE YOU HAVE RECORDED ALL OF YOUR ANSWERS
IN THE TEST BOOKLET.
STOP
STAAR
5
STAAR
GRADE 8
Social Studies
PRACTICE
GRADE 8
Social Studies
PRACTICE
