1.
What is the name of the most powerful court in the U.S.?
Correct Answer
B. The Supreme Court
Explanation
The Supreme Court is the correct answer because it is the highest court in the United States and has the ultimate authority in interpreting the Constitution and making final decisions on legal matters. It is the final arbiter of federal law and has the power to overturn decisions made by lower courts. The Supreme Court consists of nine justices who are appointed for life by the President, ensuring their independence from political influence. Its decisions have a significant impact on the laws and rights of individuals in the United States.
2.
What is the name of the unit of official currency first adopted by the European Union in 1992?
Correct Answer
A. Euro
Explanation
The correct answer is Euro. Euro is the unit of official currency that was first adopted by the European Union in 1992. It replaced the national currencies of several European countries and is currently used by 19 out of the 27 EU member states. The Euro is also used by some non-EU countries and is one of the most widely used currencies in the world.
3.
Russia became a single nation again in 1991 when what group of nations dissolved?
Correct Answer
A. Soviet Union
Explanation
In 1991, Russia became a single nation again when the Soviet Union dissolved. The Soviet Union was a socialist federation that consisted of multiple nations, including Russia. The dissolution of the Soviet Union marked the end of the communist regime and led to the establishment of the Russian Federation as an independent country.
4.
China was one of a few nations when the 21st century dawned that still had what political system?
Correct Answer
C. Communism
Explanation
China was one of the few nations that still had a communist political system when the 21st century began. Communism is a system where the government owns and controls all means of production, and there is no private ownership. China's political system is characterized by a single ruling party, the Communist Party of China, which holds a monopoly on political power and controls all aspects of governance and the economy. This system has been in place since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
5.
By 1991, the Organization of American States had 35 active members except what communist state?
Correct Answer
A. Cuba
Explanation
The correct answer is Cuba because it was the only communist state among the given options. The Organization of American States had 35 active members by 1991, and Cuba was not one of them due to its communist regime. Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico were all part of the organization, while Cuba's communist government prevented its membership.
6.
South America contains 13 nations with a shared history and which language?
Correct Answer
B. Portugese
Explanation
South America contains 13 nations with a shared history and language, which is Portuguese. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, the largest country in South America, and it is also spoken in other countries such as Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. The shared history refers to the colonization of South America by European powers, particularly Portugal and Spain, which led to the spread of Portuguese and Spanish languages in the region.
7.
Like the European Union, the African Union planned to have its own currency named what?
Correct Answer
D. Afro
Explanation
The correct answer is Afro. The question asks for the name of the currency that the African Union planned to have, similar to the European Union. The Afro is the proposed currency for the African Union, similar to the Euro in the European Union.
8.
Middle Eastern politics are volatile as three great religions often collide where?
Correct Answer
C. Israel
Explanation
The correct answer is Israel. Middle Eastern politics are volatile because Israel is located in the heart of the region, where three major religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) have historical and religious ties. The conflicts and tensions between these religious groups, as well as the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, contribute to the volatility in Middle Eastern politics.
9.
Russia became a federation and presidential republic with its first what in 1993?
Correct Answer
C. Constitution
Explanation
In 1993, Russia underwent significant political changes and adopted a new constitution. This marked the transition of Russia from a socialist state to a federation and presidential republic. The constitution established the framework for the country's political system, outlining the division of powers, the structure of government, and the rights and freedoms of its citizens. This constitutional reform played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Russia and defining its governance structure.
10.
What large southern nation is a sub-continent and former British Commonwealth colony?
Correct Answer
A. Australia
Explanation
Australia is the correct answer because it is a large southern nation that is considered a sub-continent due to its vast size and diverse geography. It is also a former British Commonwealth colony, having been colonized by the British in the late 18th century.
11.
What government in central Europe was known for its neutrality during World Wars I and II?
Correct Answer
D. Switzerland
Explanation
Switzerland is the correct answer because it maintained its neutrality during both World Wars I and II. Despite being surrounded by countries engaged in the conflicts, Switzerland managed to avoid being drawn into the wars and remained neutral. This was achieved through a combination of diplomatic efforts, strict border control, and a strong defense system. Switzerland's neutrality allowed it to serve as a safe haven for refugees and international organizations during the wars.
12.
What nation southeast of Africa is the fourth largest island democracy in the world?
Correct Answer
D. Madagascar
Explanation
Madagascar is the correct answer because it is a nation located southeast of Africa and is known as the fourth largest island democracy in the world. It is an island country with a democratic form of government, making it the largest democracy among all the islands in the world. Bora Bora, Crete, and Easter Island are not located southeast of Africa and do not hold the distinction of being the fourth largest island democracy.
13.
Mexico is divided into 31 political regions which are known as what?
Correct Answer
D. States
Explanation
Mexico is divided into 31 political regions known as states. Each state has its own government and is responsible for governing its own territory within the country. This division allows for a decentralized system of governance and provides a level of autonomy to each state within the framework of the Mexican federal government.