Quiz 24b - South & Central America

The following is a quiz about the continent of South America and the region known as Central America, which includes: Geography, political, social, and economic topics.

Take this quiz as often as you would like and print out a successful quiz for extra credit. {{#professor:Quiz #24b - South America & Central America (15 Questions)}}

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1 In Latin America, the mountainous terrain has contributed to

	the development of a good infrastructure
	the varied climates found in the region
	social equality and political unity
	extensive agricultural production

2 During the 20th century, a major cause of political problems in Latin America has been

	a decrease in population
	the declining importance of international trade
	widespread poverty
	increasing social mobility

3 The varied climate and topography of Latin America have directly led to

	the deforestation of the region
	the development of many diverse cultures
	overpopulation in rural areas
	rapid political unification

4 The pampas in South America are a

	vast desert with little economic value
	major coffee-producing area
	source of coal and iron
	fertile agricultural and cattle-producing region

5 The histories of the serfs in medieval Europe, the harijans in traditional India, and the native population in colonial Latin America are similar in that each group

	used political power to improve living conditions
	successfully revolted against rulers
	had little or no political power
	was socially mobile

6 The purpose of the encomienda system in Latin America was to

	control overpopulation in urban centers
	convert native peoples to Protestantism
	obtain labor and taxes from the native peoples in the Spanish colonies
	introduce political ideas into the colonies gradually

7 Which political trend exists in present-day Latin America?

	Most countries are becoming military juntas.
	Democracy is replacing dictatorship.
	Communism is spreading throughout the region.
	Religious leaders are making government policy.

8 The 19th-century independence movements in Latin America were influenced by

	Marxist ideology
	the Aztec wars against Hernando Cortés
	liberation theology
	the American and the French Revolutions

9 The influence of African culture on some areas of Latin America was largely a result of the

	American Revolution
	building of the Panama Canal
	success of Communist revolutions
	Atlantic slave trade

10 Which statement best describes the economy in Latin America during colonial times?

	Little direct trade existed between Latin American and European nations.
	European nations practiced a mercantilistic system in Latin America.
	Few Latin Americans were interested in economic development.
	The United States greatly influenced economic decision making in Latin America.

11 Which characteristic describes the traditional middle class family in Latin America?

	The father is the head of the family.
	The family unit is usually very small.
	Adolescent girls have a great deal of social freedom.
	The family worships its ancestors.

12 Which statement concerning education in Latin America is valid?

	Education has often served as a vehicle for social mobility.
	Increased educational opportunities in rural areas have encouraged people to move from cities.
	Education has prevented the rise of independence movements.
	Latin America is the only region in which school attendance is compulsory for all children.

13 Which generalization is best supported by a study of the history of Latin America?

	Protection of human rights has been a major policy of most governments.
	Foreign powers have had little influence in the area.
	Political power has been concentrated in the hands of the landed elite.
	Church and state have been strictly separated.

14 Which statement about the population of Latin America today is most accurate?

	Most of the population is concentrated in interior regions.
	Migration from rural areas to urban areas is increasing.
	Little cultural or ethnic diversity exists among the people.
	The birthrate is declining rapidly.

15 Which was a characteristic of the policy of mercantilism followed by Spanish colonial rulers in Latin America?

	The colonies were forced to develop local industries to support themselves.
	Spain sought trade agreements between its colonies and the English colonies in North America.
	The colonies were required to provide raw materials to Spain and to purchase Spanish manufactured goods.
	Spain encouraged the colonies to develop new political systems to meet colonial needs.