Grade 7 - Civics and Economics SOL Practice Test — Set 1 of 2

94 free Grade 7 - Civics and Economics Virginia SOL practice questions drawn from official Virginia Department of Education released tests. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review. No signup required.

1. 1. Why were the charters of the Virginia Company of London important?

   AThey created a federal court system.BThey established a national banking system.CThey guaranteed the colonists’ rights as Englishmen.DThey stated the colonists’ grievances against the English king.
   Show answer

   Answer: C — They guaranteed the colonists’ rights as Englishmen.

2. 2. In order for a United States citizen to receive a fair trial, other citizens must —

   Fevaluate judgesGvote in electionsHpay poll taxesJserve on juries
   Show answer

   Answer: J — serve on juries

3. 3. A political cartoon shows the original thirteen colonies—New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia—arranged around the words “The Constitution of the United States,” suggesting unity among the states. Which goal of the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States is illustrated by this cartoon?

   AProvide defenseBEnsure domestic peaceCEstablish justiceDForm a union
   Show answer

   Answer: D — Form a union

4. 4. Which is necessary to amend the Constitution of the United States?

   FMajority vote by the Electoral CollegeGUnanimous vote by both houses of CongressHRatification by legislatures or conventions in the statesJRecommendation by the executive and judicial branches in the states
   Show answer

   Answer: H — Ratification by legislatures or conventions in the states

5. 5. Four drawings show different actions: • A person speaking into a microphone at a public gathering. • A person holding a sign that reads “PETITION.” • A person voting in an election. • A person remaining silent after being questioned by police. Which drawing shows a freedom guaranteed in the First Amendment?

   ASpeaking into a microphone at a public gatheringBRemaining silent after being questioned by policeCHolding a sign that reads “PETITION”DVoting in an election
   Show answer

   Answer: C — Holding a sign that reads “PETITION”

6. 6. Two newspaper headlines read: • “Federal Judge Impeached” • “Mayor Convicted of Bribery” These headlines best illustrate the concept of —

   FdemocracyGconsent of the governedHrule of lawJpopular sovereignty
   Show answer

   Answer: H — rule of law

7. 7. Aiko and Ian know that some children at their school lack school supplies. With the support of their principal, parents, and teachers, they organize a district-wide school supply drive. By starting this school supply drive, Aiko and Ian are —

   Aengaging in community serviceBdemonstrating a civic dutyCfulfilling their duties as studentsDengaging in patriotic acts
   Show answer

   Answer: A — engaging in community service

8. 8. A newspaper headline reads: “President Calls a Special Session of Congress to Pass New Budget.” The principle of United States government that is best illustrated in this headline is —

   Fpopular sovereigntyGrepresentative democracyHconcurrent and reserved powersJchecks and balances
   Show answer

   Answer: J — checks and balances

9. 9. A newspaper headline reads: “Senate Approves Presidential Appointment.” This headline illustrates a power of which branch of government?

   AState executiveBState legislativeCFederal legislativeDFederal judicial
   Show answer

   Answer: C — Federal legislative

10. 10. During a State of the Union Address, the President says, “Members of Congress, we need to reform the current postal system.” In this situation, the President is acting as the —

    Fchief citizenGchief diplomatHchief legislatorJchief executive
    Show answer

    Answer: H — chief legislator

11. 11. According to the Tenth Amendment of the Bill of Rights, powers not specifically delegated are reserved to the people or —

    Alocal governmentsBthe courtsCpolitical partiesDthe states
    Show answer

    Answer: D — the states

12. 12. Which level of government can declare war on foreign nations?

    FCityGStateHCountyJFederal
    Show answer

    Answer: J — Federal

13. 13. Mrs. Jones announces that she is running for mayor in an upcoming election. One way for Mrs. Jones to gain this office is to be elected by —

    Amembers of the Governor’s cabinetBlegislative representatives of the countyCmembers of the General AssemblyDregistered voters of the city
    Show answer

    Answer: D — registered voters of the city

14. 14. The Virginia court system is organized by levels: • General District Court (first level) • Circuit Court (second level) • Court of Appeals (third level) • Supreme Court of Virginia (fourth level) Which level would a teenager go to for misdemeanor charges?

    FGeneral District CourtGCircuit CourtHCourt of AppealsJSupreme Court of Virginia
    Show answer

    Answer: F — General District Court

15. 15. Which action by the Governor of Virginia is an example of maintaining public safety?

    ADelivering a speech to the General Assembly of VirginiaBSending Virginia’s National Guard to help after a disasterCWorking on Virginia’s budget with the Secretary of FinanceDAttending a meeting on the Virginia economy
    Show answer

    Answer: B — Sending Virginia’s National Guard to help after a disaster

16. 16. A news headline reads: “State Supreme Court Rules Against City Restrictions on Public Meetings Said to Be Unconstitutional.” Which legal process does this headline describe?

    FLegislative proceedingGCivil trialHJudicial reviewJCriminal prosecution
    Show answer

    Answer: H — Judicial review

17. 17. Political parties distribute literature about their candidates in order to —

    Arecruit individuals to run for officeBeducate the electorate about campaign issuesChelp new residents register to voteDassist people in getting to their polling places
    Show answer

    Answer: B — educate the electorate about campaign issues

18. 18. In order to win an election, a major political party is most likely to —

    Fappeal to the political centerGpropose cuts to popular programsHdivide campaign funds between candidates equallyJorganize leaders of special interest groups
    Show answer

    Answer: F — appeal to the political center

19. 19. A campaign poster reads: “Vote for Congressman Smith, a man fighting for your rights.” This campaign poster is most likely trying to —

    Aintroduce a concern about the PresidentBpersuade voters to reelect the candidateCemphasize certain issues about the PresidentDidentify a fact relating to the candidate
    Show answer

    Answer: B — persuade voters to reelect the candidate

20. 20. Bill is worked on in committees What is the correct sequence for the lawmaking process in the General Assembly?

    F1, 3, 4, 2G2, 4, 1, 3H1, 4, 3, 2J2, 1, 4, 3
    Show answer

    Answer: G — 2, 4, 1, 3

21. 21. Four people advocate different goals: • One supports ending the national income tax. • One supports ending after-school programs. • One supports raising the voting age. • One supports ending foreign trade requirements. Which person has the best chance of influencing local legislation?

    AThe person advocating ending the national income taxBThe person advocating ending after-school programsCThe person advocating raising the voting ageDThe person advocating ending foreign trade requirements
    Show answer

    Answer: D — The person advocating ending foreign trade requirements

22. 22. A notice of arraignment lists a defendant’s name, attorney, date, and time for a state criminal court appearance. Which action is most likely to occur at this event?

    FEntering of a pleaGFiling of an appealHReading of a verdictJSelection of a jury
    Show answer

    Answer: G — Filing of an appeal

23. 23. A cartoon shows a message reading: “Vote for Congressman Smith, a man fighting for your rights.” This cartoon illustrates how government officials use the media to —

    Acommunicate with other countriesBapprove federal legislationCinfluence political lobbyistsDcommunicate with the public
    Show answer

    Answer: C — influence political lobbyists

24. 24. Local governments preparing a response for an international health crisis would most likely —

    Fend visits by international travelersGdevelop a public safety plan for the cityHshut down international airline flightsJask the military to police the city
    Show answer

    Answer: F — end visits by international travelers

25. 25. A line graph titled “18–29-Year-Old Citizen Voter Turnout by Education Level, Presidential Years” compares voter turnout percentages for college-educated and non-college-educated citizens aged 18–29 from 1972 through 2004. In every year shown, the turnout rate for college-educated voters is higher than for non-college-educated voters. Based on this graph, which statement is most accurate?

    AThe number of college- and non-college-educated voters increased between 1972 and 2004.BThe percentage of voter turnout remained the same for both groups between 1972 and 2004.CThe number of registered voters in both groups declined each year in all elections.DCollege-educated voters were more likely to vote than non-college-educated voters.
    Show answer

    Answer: D — College-educated voters were more likely to vote than non-college-educated voters.

26. 26. A letter from a citizen group asks a representative to vote in favor of a specific proposition to protect historic sites. This letter is an example of —

    FdemonstratingGlobbyingHpolicymakingJcampaigning
    Show answer

    Answer: F — demonstrating

27. 27. A picture shows collectible action figures with a high price displayed. Which economic factor has most likely determined the price in this picture?

    ACapitalBScarcityCDemandDConsumption
    Show answer

    Answer: B — Scarcity

28. 28. A diagram shows three types of economies arranged from left to right: free market economy, mixed economy, and command economy, with an arrow labeled “increasing degree” pointing from free market to command. Which phrase best completes the title of this diagram?

    FGovernment regulationGIndustrial productivityHBusiness profitJConsumer choice
    Show answer

    Answer: G — Industrial productivity

29. 29. An economy in which communities use simple tools and methods to harvest and hunt for food often results in little economic growth. Which type of economy is being defined?

    ACommandBFree marketCMixedDTraditional
    Show answer

    Answer: D — Traditional

30. 30. Advances in technology have increased the number of people needed to —

    Fdevelop computer softwareGteach children in schoolsHwork on assembly linesJserve in the military
    Show answer

    Answer: F — develop computer software

31. 31. A help-wanted advertisement reads: “Clerk needed. No experience necessary. Hours Monday–Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.” During the school year, which student would be the best match for this job?

    ALisa goes to school every day and is often late.BJuanita has good attendance and good work skills.CMike studies hard and plays in all afterschool programs.DShawn will graduate early and attend an out-of-state college.
    Show answer

    Answer: C — Mike studies hard and plays in all afterschool programs.

32. 32. What is the first step in career planning?

    FMarketingGSelf-assessmentHInterviewingJJob search
    Show answer

    Answer: F — Marketing

33. 33. A table shows that average salary increases with each higher level of education, from “Some High School” through “Doctoral Degree.” This table supports the conclusion that a salary —

    Adoubles once a college level is attainedBstays the same for the high school levelsCgrows at the same rate for each level of educationDincreases as the level of education increases
    Show answer

    Answer: B — stays the same for the high school levels

34. 34. Drawings show a new video game becoming popular, followed by a producer increasing supply in response to higher demand. Which economic concept is illustrated in these drawings?

    FConsumer sovereigntyGProfit marginHOpportunity costJCentral planning
    Show answer

    Answer: H — Opportunity cost

35. 35. What term describes a company that is authorized to operate as a legal person?

    AProprietorshipBEntrepreneurCCorporationDPartnership
    Show answer

    Answer: A — Proprietorship

36. 36. Why have only 27 amendments been added to the Constitution of the United States in more than 200 years?

    AThe process of adding amendments is very complex.BThe courts strike down many amendments.CNational laws limit the number of amendments.DChanges in society are too small to require amendments.
    Show answer

    Answer: A — The process of adding amendments is very complex.

37. 37. “We, the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union …” — Constitution of the United States, 1787 This phrase best refers to the —

    Afailed policies made by foreign officialsBgrievances in the Declaration of IndependenceCnational problems caused by outdated lawsDweaknesses within the Articles of Confederation
    Show answer

    Answer: D — weaknesses within the Articles of Confederation

38. 38. A citizen can help ensure the rights of an accused person by —

    Aserving in the militaryBpaying an income taxCserving on a juryDobeying the state law
    Show answer

    Answer: C — serving on a jury

39. 39. Why is community service important in a democratic nation?

    AIt helps businesses find and train new employees.BIt addresses local needs and serves the public good.CIt lowers unemployment by giving jobs to volunteers.DIt removes the national government’s duty to improve society.
    Show answer

    Answer: B — It addresses local needs and serves the public good.

40. 40. The House of Representatives has a number of members that is based on which factor?

    AState populationBThe number of political districtsCVoter registrationDThe number of state senators
    Show answer

    Answer: A — State population

41. 41. A legislative bill passed by Congress is sent to the president. This action is one way the president can influence —

    Ajudicial reviewBforeign affairsCinternational tradeDnational policies
    Show answer

    Answer: D — national policies

42. 42. Which branch of government has the power to declare Virginia laws unconstitutional?

    AState judicial branchBFederal executive branchCState executive branchDFederal legislative branch
    Show answer

    Answer: A — State judicial branch

43. 43. During a State of the Union Address, the president asks Congress to make a law to expand the national highway system. Which executive power is being demonstrated?

    APower to influence legislationBAbility to veto legislationCPower to approve cabinet membersDAbility to change judicial decisions
    Show answer

    Answer: A — Power to influence legislation

44. 44. In which court case did the United States Supreme Court establish the power of judicial review?

    ADred Scott v. SandfordBBrown v. Board of EducationCMarbury v. MadisonDPlessy v. Ferguson
    Show answer

    Answer: C — Marbury v. Madison

45. 45. A Virginia local ordinance states: “Smoking is hereby banned in all public buildings.” The local government most likely created this law in order to —

    Apromote public healthBsupport federal lawsCprotect consumer rightsDregulate land use
    Show answer

    Answer: A — promote public health

46. 46. The principle of federalism gives governmental power to —

    Acounty and local governments onlyBa strong confederate governmentCthe national and state governmentsDa powerful state government only
    Show answer

    Answer: C — the national and state governments

47. 47. The powers of local Virginia governments are granted directly by the —

    AVirginia Circuit CourtBConstitution of VirginiaCUnited States Attorney GeneralDConstitution of the United States
    Show answer

    Answer: B — Constitution of Virginia

48. 48. A schedule lists the following meetings: • General Assembly — 8:00 a.m. • District Court — 9:00 a.m. • Board of Supervisors — 10:00 a.m. • Governor — 11:00 a.m. Which meeting would a person attend to hear only legislation concerning the local county?

    A8:00 a.m.B9:00 a.m.C10:00 a.m.D11:00 a.m.
    Show answer

    Answer: C — 10:00 a.m.

49. 49. In a criminal case, a jury determines —

    Ahow much money one person needs to pay another personBwhether someone is guilty of breaking the lawCthe best way to settle a disagreement between two peopleDwhether a person’s plea deal can be accepted
    Show answer

    Answer: B — whether someone is guilty of breaking the law

50. 50. How are implied powers most often used by the United States Congress?

    ATo help carry out expressed powersBTo force the executive branch to sign new legislationCTo encourage citizens to voteDTo give the government veto powers
    Show answer

    Answer: A — To help carry out expressed powers

Practice items adapted from Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests. Practice items are provided for study purposes and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Virginia Department of Education.