In the text, you read this about U.S. policy in the Middle East:
The United States had strong ties to North Africa and Southwest Asia. This region lies where the continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe meet. It is a region inhabited by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. As in past years, old conflicts in this region continued after 2000, and new conflicts emerged. The United States was a close ally of Israel, a mainly Jewish nation. At the same time, the U.S. economy relied on the oil production of Muslim nations, such as Saudi Arabia. The United States tried to resolve conflicts in this region. It remained committed to supporting democracy, its allies, and its own national interests.
Use the passage to answer the question.
Based on information in the passage, what generalization about U.S. policy in the region described is best supported?
A. The United States has often intervened in Middle Eastern religious conflicts.
B. U.S. leaders must carefully balance competing goals.
C. U.S. energy needs mostly shape foreign policy in the Middle East.
D. The United States has repeatedly changed its approach to the region.
B. U.S. leaders must carefully balance competing goals.
What term would best describe the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians?
A. friendly
B. prosperous
C. hostile
D. distant
C. hostile
How were U.S. interventions in Somalia and Northern Ireland most similar?
A. U.S. troops fought alongside U.N. forces in both places.
B. U.S. policy worked to end conflicts between local groups in both places.
C. U.S. efforts successfully ended civil rights and ethnic conflicts in both places.
D. U.S. forces were targets for local hostility and attack in both places.
D. U.S. forces were targets for local hostility and attack in both places.
When the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates following the 2001 recession, what did more people start to do?
A. buy homes.
B. default on loans.
C. invest in dot-coms.
D. sell stock shares.
A. buy homes.
Which of the following best summarizes the impact of the 2007 recession in the United States?
A. It was a fairly short recession and its effects were felt only by the very poor.
B. The recovery was long and difficult, with high unemployment.
C. It affected older, experienced workers more severely than young workers.
D. The recession caused state and local governments to hire more people.
B. The recovery was long and difficult, with high unemployment.
How did Congressional political gridlock during President Obama's administration affect government?
A. It gave lobbyists and interest groups increased influence to swing votes.
B. It prevented budget deficits, since no new spending could be implemented.
C. It forced the government to cut spending, since Congress would not approve any new spending.
D. It made passing laws extremely difficult by discouraging compromise.