Entry Exam Category: High School Equivalency Exams
Course: HiSET
Exam: HiSET Social Studies Practice Test
Practice Question
Extract
The 1912 Tariff Debate
The passage and political cartoons provide information about the 1912 tariff debate.
1 The election of 1912, Eke many elections, was a contest of ideas. The four candidates for president had very different views on the role of government. These differences were clearly evident in the candidates' position on tariffs – taxes charged on imported goods. Democrat Woodrow Wilson argued that the economic role of the federal government should be limited. He supported reducing tariffs to decrease government involvement in the economy. Republican William Taft argued that the federal government had an obligation to protect American businesses and workers. A high tariff would limit competition from foreign companies and would, therefore, benefit American businesses. The Progressive candidate, Theodore Roosevelt, tock a more moderate view. He believed that the government should control and supervise the economy. But he argued against a blanket tariff on all
The passage and political cartoons provide information about the 1912 tariff debate.
1 The election of 1912, Eke many elections, was a contest of ideas. The four candidates for president had very different views on the role of government. These differences were clearly evident in the candidates' position on tariffs – taxes charged on imported goods. Democrat Woodrow Wilson argued that the economic role of the federal government should be limited. He supported reducing tariffs to decrease government involvement in the economy. Republican William Taft argued that the federal government had an obligation to protect American businesses and workers. A high tariff would limit competition from foreign companies and would, therefore, benefit American businesses. The Progressive candidate, Theodore Roosevelt, tock a more moderate view. He believed that the government should control and supervise the economy. But he argued against a blanket tariff on all
According to Cartoon 2, how were American laborers affected by foreign laborers?
Answer Choices
- A: A larger supply of labor tends to drive down wages.
- B: A growing population tends to raise the cost of living.
- C: A growing demand for jobs tends to increase productivity.
- D: A larger labor market tends to provide better job opportunities.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Without Cartoon 2, I infer based on historical tariff debates. High tariffs, as supported by Taft, protect American workers from foreign competition, which could increase labor supply and lower wages. Cartoon 2 likely illustrates this, making A correct.