The United States often uses sanctions to ______ a country.

create an exception on

impose a penalty on***
discourage trade with
step into a conflict with

The United States often uses sanctions to *impose a penalty on* a country.

The correct answer is "impose a penalty on" a country.

To arrive at this answer, we can break down the question and analyze the given options. The question asks about the action the United States often takes using sanctions on a country.

First, let's examine the options:

1. Create an exception on: This option does not align with the use of sanctions. Sanctions are typically imposed to restrict or penalize a country, not to create exceptions.

2. Impose a penalty on: This option aligns with the common use of sanctions. Sanctions are a means for imposing penalties on a country for various reasons, such as human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation, or supporting terrorism.

3. Discourage trade with: While sanctions can certainly discourage trade with a country, it does not capture the full intent and impact of sanctions. Sanctions go beyond just discouraging trade and involve broader restrictions and penalties.

4. Step into a conflict with: This option does not accurately describe the purpose of sanctions. Sanctions are typically imposed as a method of exerting pressure on a country or compelling it to change its behavior, rather than directly getting involved in a conflict.

Based on the analysis, the most appropriate answer is "impose a penalty on" a country.

Right again! :-)