Primary Source
Original document or firsthand account from a historical period.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Free knowledge base
GED Social Studies Test — key terms, tricks & tips
Everything from the course in one searchable place: 226 entries. Use it to review before a practice test or look up a word you forgot.
226 results
Secondary Source
Analysis or interpretation of primary sources; not a firsthand account.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Civics and Government
Study of rights, duties of citizenship, and how government works.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
U.S. History
Study of significant events, people, and developments in American past.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Economics
Study of how societies produce, distribute, and consume goods/services.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Geography and the World
Study of Earth's features, populations, and global interactions.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Critical Thinking
Objective analysis and evaluation of information to form a judgment.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Evidence-Based Question
Requires referring to provided text/data to find the correct answer.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
GED Social Studies Test Format
To remember the four content areas: 'CASH G' – Civics, American History (U.S. History), Social Studies (Economics), Geography.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
GED Social Studies Test Format
The GED Social Studies test emphasizes critical thinking skills, not rote memorization. You will often be asked to interpret information from provided texts, graphs, or maps, and to evaluate arguments or draw conclusions based on evidence.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
GED Social Studies Test Format
Spending too much time memorizing isolated facts instead of practicing critical reading and analysis.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
GED Social Studies Test Format
Not carefully reading the source material (text, graph, map) before attempting to answer the questions.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
GED Social Studies Test Format
Assuming prior knowledge is enough and not reviewing the four core content areas.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Passage-based questions
Questions requiring information from provided text.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Active reading
Engaging with text; underlining, noting key points.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Main idea
The central point or argument of a text.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Cause and effect
Relationship where one event leads to another.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Data interpretation
Analyzing information from charts, graphs, maps.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Time management
Strategically allocating time during the test.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Elimination strategy
Removing incorrect answer choices to find the right one.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Context clues
Hints in text that help understand unfamiliar words.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Strategies for Success on the Social Studies Exam
For reading passages, remember 'Q-RAP': Questions first, Read actively, Analyze passage, Pick answer.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Strategies for Success on the Social Studies Exam
The GED Social Studies exam emphasizes 'reading for meaning.' This means you must be able to identify main ideas, supporting details, and the author's purpose in various social studies texts, including primary and secondary sources, charts, graphs, and maps. Keywords to spot include 'main idea,' 'best supported by,' 'according to the passage,' and 'what can be inferred.'
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Strategies for Success on the Social Studies Exam
Reading the passage passively without a purpose, leading to rereading.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Strategies for Success on the Social Studies Exam
Spending too much time on a single difficult question, sacrificing other easy points.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Strategies for Success on the Social Studies Exam
Answering based on outside knowledge rather than the provided text.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Strategies for Success on the Social Studies Exam
Not checking all answer choices before selecting one.
Getting Started: GED Social Studies Exam Overview
Declaration of Independence
1776 document declaring colonies' separation from Britain.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Unalienable Rights
Rights that cannot be taken away; Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
U.S. Constitution
Supreme law of the U.S., establishing government structure.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Popular Sovereignty
Government power derives from the consent of the governed.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Separation of Powers
Dividing government into legislative, executive, judicial branches.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Checks and Balances
System preventing any branch from becoming too powerful.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Federalism
Division of power between national and state governments.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Bill of Rights
First ten amendments, guaranteeing individual liberties.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Foundational Documents: Declaration & Constitution
To remember the difference: The Declaration *declared* freedom, the Constitution *constructed* the government. D for Declare, C for Construct!
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Foundational Documents: Declaration & Constitution
On the GED Social Studies Test, be prepared to identify the main purpose of each document. The Declaration is about *independence and ideals*, while the Constitution is about *establishing government and its structure*. Look for keywords like 'grievances' or 'unalienable rights' for the Declaration, and 'branches of government' or 'supreme law' for the Constitution.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Foundational Documents: Declaration & Constitution
Confusing the Declaration of Independence as the document that established the U.S. government (it only declared independence).
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Foundational Documents: Declaration & Constitution
Believing the Bill of Rights was part of the original Constitution (it was added later as amendments).
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Foundational Documents: Declaration & Constitution
Mixing up the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances (they are related but distinct concepts).
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Legislative Branch
Makes laws (Congress).
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Executive Branch
Enforces laws (President).
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Judicial Branch
Interprets laws (Courts).
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Veto
President's power to reject a bill.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Judicial Review
Courts' power to declare laws unconstitutional.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Impeachment
Process to remove federal officials from office.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Structure of US Government: Branches & Powers
LEJ: Legislative, Executive, Judicial. Think 'LEJ' as in 'Let's Eat Jellybeans' to remember the order of the branches!
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Structure of US Government: Branches & Powers
On the GED exam, be prepared to identify which branch performs a specific action (e.g., 'Who declares war?') or how one branch limits another (e.g., 'How does the President check Congress?'). Look for keywords like 'enforce,' 'make laws,' 'interpret,' 'veto,' or 'unconstitutional.'
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Structure of US Government: Branches & Powers
Confusing which branch performs which action (e.g., thinking the President makes laws).
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Structure of US Government: Branches & Powers
Not understanding that checks and balances are about limiting power, not just sharing it.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Structure of US Government: Branches & Powers
Forgetting that the Supreme Court is part of the Judicial Branch, not a separate entity.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Enumerated Powers
Specific powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Implied Powers
Powers not explicitly stated but necessary for federal government.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Reserved Powers
Powers left to the states or the people by the Constitution.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Concurrent Powers
Powers shared by both federal and state governments.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Supremacy Clause
Constitutional clause stating federal laws are supreme when valid.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Federalism: Dividing Power, Protecting Rights
Remember 'FED-STATE-CONCURRENT' for the types of powers: FEDeral (enumerated/implied), STATE (reserved), CONCURRENT (shared).
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Federalism: Dividing Power, Protecting Rights
On the GED Social Studies Test, look for scenarios that describe a conflict or cooperation between different levels of government. Identify whether the issue falls under federal, state, or concurrent powers. Keywords like 'interstate,' 'national defense,' 'education,' or 'local' often signal the level of government involved.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Federalism: Dividing Power, Protecting Rights
Confusing concurrent powers with reserved powers; concurrent means shared, reserved means only for states.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Federalism: Dividing Power, Protecting Rights
Assuming all laws are federal; many important laws affecting daily life are state or local.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Federalism: Dividing Power, Protecting Rights
Forgetting the Supremacy Clause means federal law wins in a constitutional conflict.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Citizen
An individual owing allegiance to a nation and entitled to its protection.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Civic Duty
A legal obligation of a citizen; failure to perform has penalties.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Civic Responsibility
Voluntary actions citizens should take for community well-being.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Naturalization
The legal process by which foreign citizens become U.S. citizens.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Suffrage
The right to vote in political elections.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Jury Duty
A citizen's obligation to serve on a jury if summoned by a court.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Civic Engagement
Active participation in public life and community affairs.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Citizen's Role: Participation & Responsibilities
To remember the difference: 'D' for Duty = 'Do it, or else!' 'R' for Responsibility = 'Really good idea!'
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Citizen's Role: Participation & Responsibilities
On the GED Social Studies test, pay close attention to questions asking you to categorize actions as 'duties' or 'responsibilities.' Keywords like 'legally required,' 'must,' or 'penalties' point to duties. Keywords like 'should,' 'voluntary,' or 'encouraged' point to responsibilities.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Citizen's Role: Participation & Responsibilities
Confusing civic duties (legal obligations) with civic responsibilities (voluntary actions).
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Citizen's Role: Participation & Responsibilities
Underestimating the importance of seemingly small acts of participation, like voting in local elections.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Citizen's Role: Participation & Responsibilities
Believing that only elected officials can influence government decisions.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Landmark Case
A Supreme Court decision that significantly changes legal precedent.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Amendment
A formal change or addition to the U.S. Constitution.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Due Process
Fair treatment through the judicial system; guaranteed by 5th and 14th Amendments.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Equal Protection
14th Amendment clause ensuring all citizens receive same legal treatment.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Precedent
A legal principle established by an earlier court decision.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Landmark Supreme Court Cases & Amendments
To remember key amendments: 'Free Speech, Guns, Quarter, Search, Due Process' for the first five of the Bill of Rights. For the Civil War Amendments: 'Free Citizens Vote' (13th=Free, 14th=Citizenship, 15th=Vote).
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Landmark Supreme Court Cases & Amendments
On the GED Social Studies test, pay close attention to the impact of the 14th Amendment (Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses) and the concept of judicial review. Be ready to identify cases like Marbury v. Madison (judicial review), Brown v. Board of Education (desegregation), and Miranda v. Arizona (rights of the accused) and their core rulings.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Landmark Supreme Court Cases & Amendments
Confusing the roles of the Supreme Court (interprets laws) with Congress (makes laws) or the President (enforces laws).
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Landmark Supreme Court Cases & Amendments
Misattributing the ruling of a landmark case to the wrong outcome or impact.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Landmark Supreme Court Cases & Amendments
Forgetting that amendments can both grant new rights and expand existing ones.
Civics and Government Fundamentals
Jamestown
First permanent English settlement in North America (1607).
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Articles of Confederation
First governing document of the U.S., weak central government.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Louisiana Purchase
1803 land deal doubling U.S. territory, acquired from France.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Manifest Destiny
Belief in U.S. expansion across North American continent.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Abolitionism
Movement to end slavery in the United States.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Emancipation Proclamation
Lincoln's 1863 order freeing enslaved people in Confederate states.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Colonial Era to the Civil War: Key Events
To remember the key documents: 'A C D' - Articles first, then Constitution, then Declaration (of Independence). Oh wait, that's not right! The DECLARATION came first, then the ARTICLES, then the CONSTITUTION. So, 'D-A-C' - 'Declare, Articulate, Constitute!' (Declare independence, Articulate a weak government, Constitute a strong one).
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Colonial Era to the Civil War: Key Events
The GED Social Studies Test often includes questions on the causes and effects of major historical events. For this period, be prepared to identify the main reasons for the American Revolution (e.g., 'taxation without representation') and the Civil War (e.g., 'slavery' and 'states' rights'). Memorize the dates of the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the start/end of the Civil War (1861-1865).
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Colonial Era to the Civil War: Key Events
Confusing the Articles of Confederation with the U.S. Constitution; remember the Articles came first and were weak.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Colonial Era to the Civil War: Key Events
Attributing the Emancipation Proclamation to the start of the Civil War; it was issued mid-war.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Colonial Era to the Civil War: Key Events
Believing the Civil War was *only* about states' rights; slavery was the fundamental issue underlying those rights.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Reconstruction
Post-Civil War era (1865-1877) to rebuild the South and integrate freed slaves.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Jim Crow Laws
State and local laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Gilded Age
Late 19th-century period of rapid economic growth and industrialization.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Progressive Era
Early 20th-century period of social and political reform.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Roaring Twenties
Post-WWI decade of economic prosperity and cultural change.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Great Depression
Severe worldwide economic depression in the 1930s.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
New Deal
FDR's programs to combat the Great Depression.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Reconstruction to the Great Depression
To remember the Reconstruction Amendments: Free Citizens Vote (13th: Free slaves, 14th: Citizens, 15th: Vote).
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Reconstruction to the Great Depression
The GED Social Studies Test frequently assesses understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. For this period, focus on how industrialization led to the Progressive Era, and how economic factors contributed to the Great Depression.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Reconstruction to the Great Depression
Confusing the goals of Reconstruction with the realities of Jim Crow laws.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Reconstruction to the Great Depression
Attributing all economic growth in the late 19th century to positive factors, ignoring underlying social issues.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Reconstruction to the Great Depression
Believing the New Deal completely ended the Great Depression rather than mitigating its effects.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
League of Nations
International organization for peace after WWI.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Pearl Harbor
Japanese attack, brought U.S. into WWII.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Containment
U.S. Cold War policy to stop communism.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Truman Doctrine
U.S. support for free nations against communism.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Marshall Plan
U.S. aid to rebuild Western Europe after WWII.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Outlawed discrimination based on race, etc.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Prohibited racial discrimination in voting.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
World Wars, Cold War, and Civil Rights Era
WWII led to the UN. UN stands for 'United Nations,' formed after World War II to promote peace.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
World Wars, Cold War, and Civil Rights Era
The GED Social Studies Test frequently asks about the causes and effects of major wars and movements. Pay attention to how events like the attack on Pearl Harbor or the actions of Martin Luther King Jr. led to significant changes in U.S. policy or society.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
World Wars, Cold War, and Civil Rights Era
Confusing the causes of U.S. entry into WWI vs. WWII.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
World Wars, Cold War, and Civil Rights Era
Mixing up the goals or outcomes of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
World Wars, Cold War, and Civil Rights Era
Forgetting that the Cold War was primarily an ideological and political struggle, not direct military conflict between superpowers.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Reaganomics
Economic policies of Ronald Reagan; tax cuts, deregulation.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Globalization
Increased worldwide interaction and interdependence.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Information Economy
Economy based on information and services, not manufacturing.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Dot-com Bust
Collapse of internet-based companies around 2000.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Political Polarization
Divergence of political attitudes to ideological extremes.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Outsourcing
Obtaining goods/services from an outside foreign supplier.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Digital Divide
Gap in access to digital technology and internet.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Modern America: Post-1970s Developments
To remember the key themes: **P**eople (social), **E**conomy, **T**echnology, **G**overnment (political) and **G**lobalization. Think of 'PET-GG' for Modern America!
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Modern America: Post-1970s Developments
The GED Social Studies Test frequently includes questions on recent U.S. history, often focusing on the causes and effects of major social, economic, and political trends since the 1970s. Look for keywords like 'globalization,' 'information age,' 'demographic shifts,' and 'political realignment.'
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Modern America: Post-1970s Developments
Confusing the causes and effects of globalization (e.g., thinking globalization *caused* the tech boom, rather than being facilitated by it).
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Modern America: Post-1970s Developments
Underestimating the long-term impact of technological advancements on society and the economy.
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Modern America: Post-1970s Developments
Ignoring the continuity of social movements (e.g., civil rights struggles didn't end in the 1960s, but evolved).
U.S. History: From Colonies to Modern Day
Scarcity
Limited resources versus unlimited wants.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Needs
Essentials for survival (food, water, shelter).
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Wants
Desires not essential for survival.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Choice
Decision made due to scarcity.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Opportunity Cost
Value of the next best alternative foregone.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Resources
Inputs used to produce goods/services.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Economic Questions
What, how, for whom to produce.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Scarcity & Choice: The Economic Problem
S.C.O.P.E. for Scarcity: Scarcity Creates Opportunity Cost, which Puts Everything in perspective.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Scarcity & Choice: The Economic Problem
The GED Social Studies test often presents scenarios involving resource allocation. Look for keywords like 'limited resources,' 'trade-off,' or 'alternative use' to identify questions related to scarcity and opportunity cost. Remember the three basic economic questions: What? How? For Whom?
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Scarcity & Choice: The Economic Problem
Confusing scarcity with poverty: Scarcity affects everyone, even the rich; poverty is a lack of sufficient resources.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Scarcity & Choice: The Economic Problem
Forgetting that opportunity cost is the *next best* alternative, not all alternatives.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Scarcity & Choice: The Economic Problem
Thinking scarcity only applies to money; it applies to all productive resources like time, land, and labor.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Supply
Amount producers offer at various prices.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Demand
Amount consumers want at various prices.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Equilibrium
Point where supply equals demand; market clears.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Surplus
Quantity supplied exceeds quantity demanded.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Shortage
Quantity demanded exceeds quantity supplied.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Market Structure
Characteristics influencing firm behavior.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Monopoly
A market with only one seller.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Oligopoly
A market dominated by a few large firms.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Supply, Demand, and Market Structures
Think of 'S' for Supply and 'S' for Sellers. Think of 'D' for Demand and 'D' for Don't want to pay high prices.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Supply, Demand, and Market Structures
The GED Social Studies Test often presents scenarios involving changes in market conditions. Look for keywords like 'increase in production costs,' 'new technology,' 'change in consumer tastes,' or 'government subsidy' to identify whether supply or demand is shifting. Then, determine the impact on equilibrium price and quantity.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Supply, Demand, and Market Structures
Confusing a change in quantity demanded/supplied (movement along the curve) with a shift in the entire demand/supply curve.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Supply, Demand, and Market Structures
Incorrectly predicting the impact of a shift (e.g., assuming increased supply always means higher prices).
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Supply, Demand, and Market Structures
Mixing up the characteristics of different market structures, especially perfect competition vs. monopolistic competition.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Fiscal Policy
Government's use of spending and taxation to influence the economy.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Government Spending
Public expenditures on goods, services, and programs.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Taxation
Government's collection of revenue from individuals and businesses.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Expansionary Fiscal Policy
Increases spending or cuts taxes to stimulate economic growth.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Contractionary Fiscal Policy
Decreases spending or raises taxes to slow inflation.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
National Debt
Total accumulated government borrowing over time.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Inflation
A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Government's Role: Fiscal Policy
Imagine a 'FISCAL' (Financial System Control Action by Leaders) policy: F for Funding (spending), I for Income (taxes), S for Stimulate (expansionary), C for Control (contractionary), A for Actions, L for Leaders (government).
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Government's Role: Fiscal Policy
On the GED, look for keywords like 'government spending,' 'tax rates,' 'budget,' or 'national debt' to identify questions related to fiscal policy. You'll need to know whether an action is designed to stimulate or slow the economy.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Government's Role: Fiscal Policy
Confusing fiscal policy (government) with monetary policy (central bank).
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Government's Role: Fiscal Policy
Incorrectly identifying whether a policy is expansionary or contractionary.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Government's Role: Fiscal Policy
Forgetting that increased government spending can lead to national debt.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Monetary Policy
Central bank actions to influence money and credit.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Federal Reserve
The central bank of the United States (The Fed).
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Federal Funds Rate
Interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Open Market Operations
Fed's buying/selling of government securities.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Exchange Rate
Value of one currency in relation to another.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Trade Balance
Difference between a country's exports and imports.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Tariff
A tax imposed on imported goods.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Comparative Advantage
Ability to produce a good at a lower opportunity cost.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Monetary Policy and International Trade
Remember the Fed's tools with 'ROOM': R-eserve requirements, O-pen market operations, O-utlook (guidance), M-onetary policy (discount rate is part of this).
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Monetary Policy and International Trade
On the GED Social Studies Test, questions about monetary policy often focus on the Federal Reserve's role and its tools for influencing the economy. Look for keywords like 'inflation,' 'recession,' 'interest rates,' and 'money supply' to identify these questions. For international trade, understand the basic concepts of exchange rates, trade deficits/surpluses, and the purpose of tariffs.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Monetary Policy and International Trade
Confusing monetary policy (Fed) with fiscal policy (government spending/taxes).
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Monetary Policy and International Trade
Assuming a strong currency is always good; it makes exports more expensive.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Monetary Policy and International Trade
Forgetting that tariffs increase the cost of imports, potentially hurting consumers.
Economics: Principles and Government's Role
Absolute Location
Precise position using coordinates (latitude/longitude).
Geography and Global Connections
Relative Location
Position described in relation to other places.
Geography and Global Connections
Map Scale
Ratio of map distance to actual ground distance.
Geography and Global Connections
Legend (Key)
Explains symbols, colors, and patterns on a map.
Geography and Global Connections
GIS
Geographic Information System; analyzes spatial data.
Geography and Global Connections
GPS
Global Positioning System; provides precise location.
Geography and Global Connections
Latitude
Distance north or south of the Equator.
Geography and Global Connections
Longitude
Distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.
Geography and Global Connections
Fundamental Geographic Concepts & Tools
To remember the Five Themes, think of 'MR. HELP': Movement, Region, Human-Environment Interaction, Location, Place.
Geography and Global Connections
Fundamental Geographic Concepts & Tools
On the GED Social Studies exam, be prepared to interpret various types of maps, including political, physical, and thematic maps. Pay close attention to the map's title, legend, scale, and compass rose to correctly answer questions about locations, distances, and spatial relationships.
Geography and Global Connections
Fundamental Geographic Concepts & Tools
Confusing absolute and relative location; remember absolute is precise coordinates, relative is descriptive.
Geography and Global Connections
Fundamental Geographic Concepts & Tools
Ignoring the map legend or scale; these are critical for understanding the map's information.
Geography and Global Connections
Fundamental Geographic Concepts & Tools
Not considering how human actions impact the environment, or vice versa, when analyzing a situation.
Geography and Global Connections
Culture
Shared beliefs, values, practices of a group.
Geography and Global Connections
Cultural Diffusion
Spread of cultural traits between groups.
Geography and Global Connections
Population Density
Number of people per unit of area.
Geography and Global Connections
Migration
Movement of people from one place to another.
Geography and Global Connections
Push Factors
Reasons people leave a place (e.g., war).
Geography and Global Connections
Pull Factors
Reasons people are attracted to a place (e.g., jobs).
Geography and Global Connections
State
Political unit with territory, population, government, sovereignty.
Geography and Global Connections
Democracy
Government where citizens hold power.
Geography and Global Connections
Human Geography: Culture, Population, & Politics
C-P-P: Culture, Population, Politics. Remember these three P's are the core of Human Geography!
Geography and Global Connections
Human Geography: Culture, Population, & Politics
When analyzing population data on the GED, pay close attention to trends in birth rates, death rates, and migration. These are key indicators of population change and can be presented in graphs or charts.
Geography and Global Connections
Human Geography: Culture, Population, & Politics
Confusing 'state' (a country) with 'state' (a sub-national division like California).
Geography and Global Connections
Human Geography: Culture, Population, & Politics
Attributing all population change solely to birth rates, ignoring migration.
Geography and Global Connections
Human Geography: Culture, Population, & Politics
Assuming all cultures are static and do not change over time.
Geography and Global Connections
Landform
Natural feature of Earth's surface.
Geography and Global Connections
Climate
Long-term weather patterns in a region.
Geography and Global Connections
Altitude
Height above sea level.
Geography and Global Connections
Erosion
Wearing away of Earth's surface.
Geography and Global Connections
Tectonic Plates
Large sections of Earth's crust.
Geography and Global Connections
Physical Geography: Landforms & Climate
To remember the main climate zones, think: 'Tigers Don't Take Cold Pictures.' T (Tropical), D (Dry), T (Temperate), C (Continental), P (Polar).
Geography and Global Connections
Physical Geography: Landforms & Climate
The GED Social Studies Test often includes questions that require you to interpret maps or charts showing landforms, climate zones, or natural resources. Look for keywords like 'impact of geography,' 'effect of climate,' or 'role of physical features' to identify these questions. Remember that physical geography influences human settlement, economic activities, and historical events.
Geography and Global Connections
Physical Geography: Landforms & Climate
Confusing weather (short-term) with climate (long-term patterns).
Geography and Global Connections
Physical Geography: Landforms & Climate
Underestimating the role of physical barriers (like mountains) in shaping cultural or political boundaries.
Geography and Global Connections
Physical Geography: Landforms & Climate
Not considering how access to water (rivers, coastlines) impacts human settlement and economic development.
Geography and Global Connections
Interdependence
Mutual reliance between countries.
Geography and Global Connections
Climate Change
Long-term shifts in global weather patterns.
Geography and Global Connections
Humanitarian Crisis
Event threatening health, safety, or well-being.
Geography and Global Connections
Multinational Corporation
Company operating in multiple countries.
Geography and Global Connections
United Nations (UN)
International organization promoting peace and cooperation.
Geography and Global Connections
Global Interconnections & Contemporary Issues
Think 'GLOBE' for Global Interconnections: G-Goods & Services, L-Labor & People, O-Organizations, B-Big Challenges, E-Economy & Environment.
Geography and Global Connections
Global Interconnections & Contemporary Issues
The GED Social Studies Test often includes passages or data about current global events. Look for keywords like 'globalization,' 'climate change,' 'international relations,' or names of international organizations (e.g., 'UN,' 'WHO') to identify questions related to this topic. Be prepared to analyze cause-and-effect relationships of global issues.
Geography and Global Connections
Global Interconnections & Contemporary Issues
Mistaking regional issues for global ones: Not every conflict or economic downturn is a global issue; look for widespread impact.
Geography and Global Connections
Global Interconnections & Contemporary Issues
Underestimating the role of technology: Forgetting how much technology drives both connections and new challenges.
Geography and Global Connections
Global Interconnections & Contemporary Issues
Ignoring the 'interconnectedness': Treating global problems as isolated events rather than linked challenges.
Geography and Global Connections