1
According the Kevin Gallagher, author of “Dragon in the Room: China and Future of Latin American Industrialization,” many countries of Latin America have benefitted from which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Increased commodity exports
b. Higher prices for commodity exports
c. Cheaper imports of manufactured goods
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
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Question 2
According to dependency theory, underdevelopment can be defined as which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. A situation in which resources are being actively used but in a way which benefits dominant states and not the poorer states in which the resources are found
b. Too much dependency on foreign elites for development
c. Too much dependency on export of primary commodities that benefit rich countries and return little to poor countries
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
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Question 3
According to dependency theory, what is the main cause of Latin America’s underdevelopment?
Choose one answer.
a. Over-reliance on commodity exports
b. Dependence on imports
c. Over-concentration of land ownership in the hands of few
d. Lack of socio-economic equality
e. Dependence on raw material imports
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Question 4
According to Jorge Castaneda’s speech, which of the following is true of Mexico’s future and relationship with the U.S.?
Choose one answer.
a. Mexico will always have a close cooperative relationship with the U.S.
b. Mexico should reduce its dependence on the U.S.
c. The Mexican government needs U.S. assistance to solve its many problems.
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
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Question 5
According to Marxist theory, capitalism produces which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. High profits
b. Wealth for everyone
c. Conflict between rich and poor
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 6
According to Paul Kellogg, why did the FTAA project to create a hemispheric free trade zone eventually fail in 2005?
Choose one answer.
a. Because of weakening economic power of the U.S. relative to rivals such as China
b. Because the United States’ preoccupation with wars in Iraq and Afghanistan took its attention away from Latin America
c. Because of the election of leftist anti-American governments in key countries of Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 7
According to Professor Dimenil of the University of Paris, what is the primary objective of neo-liberalism?
Choose one answer.
a. To lessen inequality and put an end to poverty
b. To assist poor farmers in developing more advanced technology
c. To restore and increase the income of the richest people in developed countries
d. To improve the purchasing power of workers
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 8
According to the 2011 Latinobarometro survey, what is the most important reason for lower levels of satisfaction with democracy?
Choose one answer.
a. High crime rates
b. Perception that government only helps a few
c. High concentration of wealth
d. Lack of jobs
e. Corruption among government officials
.
.
Question 9
According to the 2011 Latinobarometro survey, which country has the highest level of satisfaction with democracy?
Choose one answer.
a. Mexico
b. Brazil
c. Argentina
d. Venezuela
e. Guatemala
.
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Question 10
According to the 2011 Latinobarometro survey, which country has the lowest level of satisfaction with democracy?
Choose one answer.
a. Mexico
b. Brazil
c. Argentina
d. Venezuela
e. Guatemala
.
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Question 11
According to the book, Democracies in Development, which of the following is one of the main obstacles to the institutionalization of democracy in Latin America?
Choose one answer.
a. Poor economic growth
b. Overwhelming inequality
c. An authoritarian political culture
d. Lack of public support for democracy
e. Lack of previous experience with democracy
.
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Question 12
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, which of the following statements best describes U.S. influence in Latin America today?
Choose one answer.
a. it is greater than ever.
b. It is waning due to US pre-occupation with Iran and Afghanistan.
c. It is no longer significant from the perspective of most Latin American countries.
d. It is economically stronger but militarily weaker.
e. It is militarily stronger but economically weaker.
.
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Question 13
According to the ECLAC video, “Time for Equality,” inequality can be solved in Latin America by doing which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Providing more government aid to the poor
b. Expanding education
c. Giving poor workers more collective bargaining rights
d. Reducing taxes and promoting big business
e. Improving trade ties with U.S.
.
.
Question 14
According to the ECLAC’s Social Panorama of Latin America (2011), about what percentage of Latin Americans are still in poverty (2011)?
Choose one answer.
a. 14%
b. 25%
c. 31%
d. 46%
e. 50%
.
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Question 15
According to the ECLAC’s Social Panorama of Latin America (2011), which country had the lowest poverty rate in 2009?
Choose one answer.
a. Argentina
b. Brazil
c. Honduras
d. Paraguay
e. Venezuela
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Question 16
According to the ECLAC’s Social Panorama of Latin America (2011), which country had the highest poverty rate in 2009?
Choose one answer.
a. Argentina
b. Brazil
c. Honduras
d. Paraguay
e. Venezuela
.
.
Question 17
According to the OECD video, “Business is Booming,” what is the main obstacle to sustained economic development?
Choose one answer.
a. Lack of infrastructure such as transportation and communication networks
b. Lack of public trust and confidence in government institutions
c. High levels of corruption among public officials
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 18
According to the report, “30 Years of Democracy: Riding the Wave?” women face all of the following obstacles in getting elected EXCEPT:
Choose one answer.
a. Difficulty getting campaign financing.
b. Absence of “gender-friendly” conditions within political parties.
c. Unfavorable political culture that discriminates against women.
d. Lack of educated women.
e. Limited coverage in the media.
.
.
Question 19
According to the video, “Crisis of Neo-Liberalism, Pt. 2,” the crisis of neo-liberalism is evidenced by which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Anti-business, anti-Wall Street, and anti-globalization popular protests around the world
b. The 1998 global financial crisis
c. The growing appeal of leftist, anti-capitalist leaders, such as Hugo Chavez in Venezuela
d. Economic stagnation and debt crisis among developed countries
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 20
According to the video, “Women in Latin America,” which of the following is a serious problem that women face in their struggle for equality?
Choose one answer.
a. Gender discrimination
b. High rates of poverty
c. Domestic violence and crime
d. Lack of family planning resources
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 21
After Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, he pursued which of the following policies?
Choose one answer.
a. Cut ties with the U.S.
b. Nationalized all foreign companies and property
c. Initiated land reform and land redistribution to poor farmers
d. Exiled many Cuban businessmen who had close ties to the former dictator
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 22
All of the following are advantages of a presidential system over a parliamentary system EXCEPT:
Choose one answer.
a. More electoral choices.
b. More direct accountability of government to voters.
c. More fair to diverse political parties.
d. More freedom of legislators.
e. More ability of legislature to provide oversight of the executive branch.
.
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Question 23
Although Latin America has been enjoying economic growth in terms of higher export prices for their goods, why has this not improved the poverty problem in the region?
Choose one answer.
a. Most of the region’s resources still are held and controlled by a small elite group in most countries.
b. Corruption in social and economic institutions has hindered the distribution of wealth among the country’s poor.
c. Revenues from exports are mainly used to benefit foreign companies.
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 24
Although most Latin American countries have free and fair elections, why does their democratization process remain incomplete?
Choose one answer.
a. Because of weak institutions such as parties and legislatures
b. Because of poor economic growth
c. Because of the persistence of caudillo-style political figures
d. Because of the lack of support for democracy among citizens
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 25
Although NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) has increased trade between Mexico and the U.S., it has also increased which of the following along the border between Mexico and the U.S.?
Choose one answer.
a. Economic trade and investment
b. Violence
c. Drug-running
d. Illegal immigration
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 26
Choose the best answer to fill in the blank. According the ECLAC’s Economic Survey of Latin America (2011), inflation in Latin America has been _______________.
Choose one answer.
a. Stagnant
b. Volatile
c. Increasing
d. Decreasing
e. Unsteady
.
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Question 27
Choose the best answer to fill in the blank. According to the ECLAC’s Social Panorama of Latin America (2011), the 7.3% unemployment rate is the lowest in the last two decades, mainly because of _______________.
Choose one answer.
a. Increasing exports have necessitated hiring new workers
b. Increased domestic consumption and demand has created more jobs
c. U.S. aid programs have created more jobs
d. Unemployed workers in Latin America are emigrating to the U.S., thereby reducing unemployment in the region
e. Lower birthrates in recent decades, which means there are fewer people needing jobs
.
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Question 28
Choose the best answer to fill in the blank. According to LinkTV’s video, “Latin Pulse: Status of Poverty in Latin America,” the booming economic growth in the region has ____________________.
Choose one answer.
a. Not significantly reduced poverty
b. Significantly reduced poverty
c. Eliminated poverty
d. Led to rise of a large, prosperous middle class
e. Promoted the development of democracy throughout the region
.
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Question 29
Choose the best answer to fill in the blank. According to the article, “Theories of Development,” the structuralists argued that development could only come through _________________.
Choose one answer.
a. Technology
b. U.S. assistance
c. Lessening of government intervention
d. Development of more export
e. Increased assistance from the World Bank
.
.
Question 30
Choose the best answer to fill in the blank. The use of gender quotas has _____________ promoting gender equality in government.
Choose one answer.
a. Been ineffective in
b. Been effective in
c. Never been used as a tool for
d. Been made illegal as a means for
e. Been rarely used for
.
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Question 31
Classical (or neo-classical) economics is concerned with which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Equality
b. Efficient allocation of scarce resources
c. Maximizing GDP
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 32
Cuba’s “Black Spring” of 2003 refers to which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Cold spring weather that damaged Cuba’s crops
b. The imposition of the U.S. embargo against Cuba
c. The arrest and detention of many Cuban political opponents
d. The collapse of the Soviet Union and its support for Cuba
e. The failed invasion by Miami-based Cuban exiles
.
.
Question 33
During the 1960s and 1970s, Brazil’s military dictatorship pursued which of the following policies?
Choose one answer.
a. Nationalization of foreign industries
b. Banning all political parties and activity
c. Establishing close ties with the US
d. Establishing closer ties with Cuba
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 34
ECLAC recommended which economic solution to the problem of dependency during the 1960s?
Choose one answer.
a. Increase exports
b. Cut off ties to developed nations
c. Import-substitution industrialization
d. Land redistribution
e. Tax reform
.
.
Question 35
Fill in the blank. According to Michael Reid’s article “So Near Yet So Far” in The Economist, despite impressive economic growth in Latin America from 2008 until today, there are still big challenges posed by _________________.
Choose one answer.
a. High inflation
b. Low commodity export prices
c. Large income gaps and inequality that cause social strains
d. Lack of advanced technology
e. Lack of democratically-elected governments
.
.
Question 36
Fill in the blank. After 49 years in power, Fidel Castro handed over power to ______________ in 2008.
Choose one answer.
a. A democratically-elected government
b. A group of Miami exiles
c. His brother, Raul Castro
d. The Cuban Communist Party
e. A small clique of his devoted followers
.
.
Question 37
Fill in the blank. Because of _________________, the U.S. had the right to directly intervene in Cuba’s economic and political affairs.
Choose one answer.
a. Monroe Doctrine
b. Manifest Destiny
c. Platt Amendment
d. Cuban Missile Crisis
e. Bay of Pigs invasion
.
.
Question 38
Fill in the blank. Generally-speaking, voter turn-out in Latin America is _____________ than in the U.S.
Choose one answer.
a. Lower
b. Higher
c. About the same
d. Not comparable, because of voter fraud in Latin America
e. Not comparable, due to widely different voter registration rules
.
.
Question 39
Fill in the blank. In the Mexican city of Juarez, only about ______% of murders are investigated.
Choose one answer.
a. 2
b. 5
c. 10
d. 15
e. 20
.
.
Question 40
Fill in the blank. Most of the democracies of Latin America can be characterized as __________________.
Choose one answer.
a. Weak presidentialism
b. Strong presidentialism
c. Weak parliamentary
d. Strong parliamentary
e. Mixed presidential/parliamentary
.
.
Question 41
Fill in the blank. The average election turn-out in Latin America is about _____________.
Choose one answer.
a. 20%
b. 40%
c. 60%
d. 80%
e. 100%
.
.
Question 42
Fill in the blank. The Obama administration’s approach to Latin America is best described as one of _______________.
Choose one answer.
a. Conflict
b. Development
c. Engagement
d. Leadership
e. Isolationist
.
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Question 43
Fill in the blank. The structuralists advocated ________________ as a solution to lack of development in Latin America.
Choose one answer.
a. Government deregulation
b. Free trade
c. More government intervention
d. Diversification of exports
e. Managing inflation
.
.
Question 44
Fill in the blank. The U.S. controlled Nicaragua by supporting the family dictatorship of ________________ to rule the country.
Choose one answer.
a. Juan Peron
b. Anastasio Somoza
c. Ricardo Galan
d. Augusto Pinochet
e. Porfirio Diaz
.
.
Question 45
Fill in the blank. Whereas South American independence was led by upper class leaders of the military, Mexican independence was led by ________________.
Choose one answer.
a. Military leaders from Texas
b. Poor Catholic priests
c. Simon Bolivar’s mercenaries
d. Marxist revolutionaries
e. Rich landowners
.
.
Question 46
Fill in the blank. Women have played an especially pronounced role in the indigenous movements of ________________, as the country moved toward democracy.
Choose one answer.
a. Bolivia
b. Ecuador
c. Argentina
d. Brazil
e. Mexico
.
.
Question 47
Fill in the blank. _______________ is the main “loser” of Hugo Chavez’ oil politics.
Choose one answer.
a. The United States
b. The lower class
c. The business elite
d. The military
e. The middle class
.
.
Question 48
For most of Castro’s time in power, the U.S. had done which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Imposed an economic blockage and embargo on Cuba
b. Sought to encourage Castro to hold free and fair elections
c. Developed strong trade ties with Cuba
d. Normalized diplomatic relations
e. Encouraged tourism to Cuba
.
.
Question 49
For much of the period from the 1940s-1970s, the former dictator of Argentina, Juan Peron, instituted which of the following policies?
Choose one answer.
a. Closer ties with the United States
b. Nationalization of foreign companies
c. Land reform and redistribution
d. Free-market reforms
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 50
Franklin Roosevelt’s “Good Neighbor” policy did which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Radically improved relations between the U.S. and Latin America.
b. Promised to never again intervene militarily in Latin America.
c. Substituted military means of intervention with political and diplomatic means.
d. All of the above.
e. None of the above; U.S. interventionist behavior did not change.
.
.
Question 51
From the perspective of most Latin American countries, which of the following statements about free trade agreements with the U.S. is true?
Choose one answer.
a. Fair trade agreements with the U.S. are considered a good means for promoting economic growth and social equality.
b. Fair trade agreements with the U.S. are regarded as another means for the U.S. to control the region’s economies.
c. Fair trade agreements with the U.S. are an important means for transferring U.S. technology to their country.
d. Fair trade agreements with the U.S. are the first step toward eventual union with the U.S.
e. Fair trade agreements with the U.S. are the best way to strengthen their export economies.
.
.
Question 52
How many times did the U.S. invade and occupy Nicaragua?
Choose one answer.
a. Never
b. 1-5
c. 6-10
d. 11-15
e. More than 15
.
.
Question 53
Hugo Chavez has successfully used his country’s vast oil wealth to do which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Unite the country and create social harmony
b. Pursue his socialist political agenda both at home and abroad
c. Create better relations with the U.S.
d. Pay off the Venezuelan government’s foreign debt
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 54
In 2000, the Clinton Administration passed Plan Colombia, which was designed to do which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Develop a more democratic country
b. Provide aid to Colombia’s military to fight the war on drugs
c. Decriminalize marijuana and other “harmless” drugs
d. Keep illegal immigrants out of the USA
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 55
In Latin America, which country has the strongest presidential power over the legislature?
Choose one answer.
a. Argentina
b. Brazil
c. Chile
d. Mexico
e. Peru
.
.
Question 56
In LinkTV’s video, “Latin Pulse: Status of Poverty,” which of the following solutions were advocated by Latin American leaders to overcome the persistent poverty of the region?
Choose one answer.
a. Increase exports
b. Improve regional cooperation to negotiate as a block with the USA
c. Develop ties with other countries
d. Improve domestic consumption of goods
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 57
In the longer term, why might Latin America’s growing trade with China hurt Latin American economies?
Choose one answer.
a. Latin American countries will be in too much debt after borrowing heavily from China.
b. Latin American manufactured products and industries are not as competitive in world markets as are the Chinese.
c. A slowdown in China’s economic growth will slow down Latin American exports.
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 58
Kennedy’s Alliance for Progress did which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Created a hemispheric free trade zone
b. Established the Organization of American states
c. Tried to bring reform and development to Latin America
d. Caused a backlash of anti-Americanism
e. Failed to promote any progress in the region
.
.
Question 59
Mexico’s large mestizo population has influenced Mexico’s political development by doing which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Creating a large base of support for populist dictators, such as Porfirio Diaz
b. Providing the basis for a large and powerful army that has ruled Mexico throughout its history
c. Creating tensions with the U.S. because most of the mestizos seek to emigrate illegally into the U.S.
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 60
Most African slaves went to which Latin American country?
Choose one answer.
a. Argentina
b. Haiti
c. Panama
d. Brazil
e. Cuba
.
.
Question 61
Nineteenth century liberals throughout the former Spanish colonies of Latin America favored which of the following policies?
Choose one answer.
a. Closer ties with the Catholic Church
b. Land reform
c. Lessening the power of the Catholic Church
d. Both A and B
e. Both B and C
.
.
Question 62
One unintended consequence of “Plan Colombia” was the strengthening of which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Drug cartels
b. Paramilitary groups
c. Colombia’s ties with the USA
d. Drug production
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 63
Paramilitary groups in Colombia are private armies whose goal is to do which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Eradicate drugs
b. Fight against the U.S. military
c. Create a social revolution
d. Provide enhanced security for the people
e. Fight against leftist groups and workers unions
.
.
Question 64
Party fragmentation in Latin America results in which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. More legislative power
b. More executive power
c. Higher voter turn-out
d. Increased satisfaction with democracy
e. Improved political stability
.
.
Question 65
President Lula and his Workers Party pursued an economic policy that included which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Wage increases for all workers
b. Price controls and subsidies on food
c. Tight fiscal controls
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 66
The illegal drug trade and violence in Mexico is closely linked to which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Corruption of police and the military
b. Lack of jobs
c. Lack of economic alternatives for Mexico’s youth
d. Huge demand for illegal drugs in the U.S.
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 67
The linear model of growth focuses on which of the following as the main problem of development?
Choose one answer.
a. Lack of domestic savings and investment
b. High taxes
c. Over-reliance on exports
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 68
The main provision of the 1986 Anti-Drug Abuse Act was to provide which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Money to invade Colombia and destroy the drug cartels
b. Military resources to Latin American countries to fight the war on drugs
c. Stronger prison sentences for those convicted of smuggling/selling drugs
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 69
The new regional integration project known as ALBA has been motivated by opportunities to produce and sell which of the following products?
Choose one answer.
a. Oil and natural gas
b. Copper
c. Iron ore
d. Soy beans
e. Coffee
.
.
Question 70
The new regional trade bloc ALBA challenges neo-liberalism by doing which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Giving priority to social justice as a goal of trade integration
b. Establishing a stronger and more assertive guiding role for government
c. Protecting workers and union rights
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 71
The regional trade bloc and common market of South America is known by which acronym?
Choose one answer.
a. NAFTA
b. MERCOSUR
c. FTAA
d. SAFTA
e. LAFTA
.
.
Question 72
The term “oligarchy” in Latin America refers to which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Rule by the few
b. Concentration of power among elites
c. Rich landowners who had control over their countries
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 73
The transition to democracy that began in Latin America during the late 1970s was characterized by which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Reduced role of the state in economic and social policy
b. Increased role of the state in economic and social policy
c. Elimination of most forms of poverty
d. Increased education levels
e. Improved satisfaction with government
.
.
Question 74
The U.S. administration of Ronald Reagan tried to undo the Sandinista Revolution by doing which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Supporting anti-revolutionary group known as the Contras
b. Stopping all economic aid to Nicaragua
c. Isolating Nicaragua politically and diplomatically
d. Supporting dictatorships in surrounding countries such as El Salvador
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 75
The U.S. now imports most of its oil from which region of the world?
Choose one answer.
a. Middle East
b. Asia
c. Africa
d. Latin America
e. Russia
.
.
Question 76
The “Dirty War” in Argentina during the late 1970s and early 1980s refers to which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. The military’s secret abduction and killing of some 10,000 suspected “terrorists”
b. The CIA’s secret war against Argentina
c. Argentina’s efforts to clean the environment
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 77
To improve U.S. relations with Latin America, the Council on Foreign Relations recommends that the U.S. do which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Strengthen efforts to help Latin America reduce poverty and inequality
b. Strengthen ties and cooperation with major countries such as Mexico and Brazil
c. Improve diplomatic relations with Venezuela and Bolivia
d. Assist in strengthening democratic institutions
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 78
Today in Latin America, what is the average percentage of congressional seats held by women?
Choose one answer.
a. 5%
b. 9%
c. 18%
d. 30%
e. 42%
.
.
Question 79
Venezuela’s oil revenues have been used to do which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Expand and modernize the military
b. Provide the USA with cheaper oil
c. Assist Cuba
d. Develop and fund social welfare projects
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 80
What are the four sub-regions of Latin America?
Choose one answer.
a. United States, Mexico, South America, and Caribbean
b. Mexico, Central America and Caribbean, Spanish-speaking South America, and Brazil
c. Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, and Brazil
d. North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean
e. North America, Central America, South America, and Brazil
.
.
Question 81
What is the dominant religion in Latin America?
Choose one answer.
a. Protestantism
b. African
c. Roman Catholicism
d. Judaism
e. None of the above
.
.
Question 82
What is the largest source of Mexico’s export earnings?
Choose one answer.
a. Oil
b. Tourism
c. Remittances of Mexicans living in U.S.
d. Agricultural commodities
e. Manufactured goods
.
.
Question 83
What is the main challenge facing the Mexican government today?
Choose one answer.
a. National security threat from the drug cartels
b. Environmental cooperation with the U.S.
c. Inflation
d. Slow economic growth
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 84
What is the main goal of “development economics?”
Choose one answer.
a. Pay off high debt
b. Reduce inflation
c. Rapid economic growth
d. Lessen poverty and inequality
e. Join the club of rich countries
.
.
Question 85
What is the most important commodity export to China from the Latin American region?
Choose one answer.
a. Oil
b. Iron ore
c. Copper
d. Soybeans
e. Rice
.
.
Question 86
What is the most important factor that favors electoral participation?
Choose one answer.
a. A charismatic leader who can mobilize voters
b. High educational attainment
c. Economic crisis
d. Religious differences
e. Religious homogeneity
.
.
Question 87
What was the main achievement of the Cuban Revolution?
Choose one answer.
a. Eliminating poverty
b. Establishing excellent education and health programs
c. Reducing U.S. influence in the region
d. Creating a high standard of living
e. Promoting strong trade with many countries around the world
.
.
Question 88
Whereas the early Spanish colonies’ economic strength was based on mining of gold and silver, the Portuguese’s economic strength was based on which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Export of timber
b. Cultivation of sugar and cotton
c. Development of modern industry
d. Finance and banking
e. All of the above
.
.
Question 89
Which approach is most often taken by the U.S. in promoting its political interests?
Choose one answer.
a. Unilateral
b. Multi-lateral
c. Intra-regional
d. Global governance
e. Isolationist
.
.
Question 90
Which country benefits the most from its commodity exports to China?
Choose one answer.
a. Argentina
b. Brazil
c. Chile
d. Mexico
e. Venezuela
.
.
Question 91
Which country has entered a “post-neoliberal” phase of economic development?
Choose one answer.
a. Argentina
b. Brazil
c. Cuba
d. Mexico
e. Venezuela
.
.
Question 92
Which country has the highest level of party identification among voters?
Choose one answer.
a. Argentina
b. Paraguay
c. Colombia
d. Venezuela
e. Mexico
.
.
Question 93
Which country has the “cleanest” (or least corrupt) elections?
Choose one answer.
a. Uruguay
b. Chile
c. Brazil
d. Argentina
e. Panama
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Question 94
Which country is the main producer of cocaine in the world?
Choose one answer.
a. Mexico
b. Brazil
c. Colombia
d. Cuba
e. Haiti
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Question 95
Which country is the main transit country of illegal drugs to the United States?
Choose one answer.
a. Mexico
b. Brazil
c. Colombia
d. Cuba
e. Haiti
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Question 96
Which country’s leftist government has been most vocally opposed to U.S. traditional domination of Latin America?
Choose one answer.
a. Argentina
b. Mexico
c. Bolivia
d. Chile
e. El Salvador
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Question 97
Which of the following are threats to continued economic growth in Latin America, according to the ECLAC’s Economic Survey of Latin America (2011)?
Choose one answer.
a. Real-estate bubble
b. Exchange rate appreciation
c. Too much reliance on primary exports
d. Rising inflation
e. All of the above
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Question 98
Which of the following best describes the population settlement patterns in Latin America?
Choose one answer.
a. Coastal areas in North America and interior regions of South America
b. Coastal regions throughout all of Latin America
c. Coastal regions of South America and interior highlands of North America
d. Highland regions throughout all of Latin America
e. All of the above
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Question 99
Which of the following countries was the last to gain independence in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean?
Choose one answer.
a. Cuba
b. Mexico
c. Brazil
d. Haiti
e. Panama
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Question 100
Which of the following has been one of the most controversial issues between Latin America and the U.S.?
Choose one answer.
a. American military intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan
b. Free trade agreements that tend to favor U.S. economy
c. Lack of U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba
d. The war on drugs being fought in Latin American countries
e. Lack of U.S. financial aid to the poor countries of the region
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Question 101
Which of the following is a challenge faced by Argentina’s new democracy during the 1980s?
Choose one answer.
a. Government corruption
b. High inflation
c. Economic depression
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
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Question 102
Which of the following is a goal of the new South American trade bloc, UNASUR?
Choose one answer.
a. Combining the old trade blocs of MERCOSUR and the Andean Group
b. Providing an alternative to the U.S.– led effort of FTAA
c. Facilitating the exchange of resources and trade among all the countries of the region
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
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Question 103
Which of the following is a legacy of the colonial period that contributes to inequality in Latin America today?
Choose one answer.
a. Concentration of land ownership
b. Enslavement of indigenous peoples
c. Fragmentation of local elites
d. Exploitation by colonial powers
e. All of the above
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Question 104
Which of the following is a political consequence of the failure of neoliberal model?
Choose one answer.
a. Increased poverty
b. Increased violence
c. Increased migration to the United States
d. Election of leftist political parties
e. All of the above
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Question 105
Which of the following is a reason there are so many illegal immigrants coming to the United States from Mexico?
Choose one answer.
a. Lack of jobs in Mexico
b. High levels of violence in Mexico
c. A long border shared with Mexico that facilitates entry into the U.S.
d. The presence of family and relatives already in the U.S.
e. All of the above
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Question 106
Which of the following is a solution proposed by Obama to slow down illegal immigration from Mexico?
Choose one answer.
a. Help Mexico build its economy
b. Tighten security along the border
c. More aggressively prosecute those who enter the U.S. illegally
d. Legalize those who arrived here illegally
e. All of the above
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Question 107
Which of the following is a trend of democratic institutionalization in Latin America?
Choose one answer.
a. Allowing re-election of presidents
b. Increasing party fragmentation
c. Weakening of presidents versus the power of legislatures
d. Strengthening of presidents versus legislatures
e. Increasing voter turn-out
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Question 108
Which of the following is an accomplishment of the Sandinista Revolution in Nicaragua?
Choose one answer.
a. Reducing illiteracy
b. Expanding education
c. Improving healthcare
d. Redistributing land to poor farmers
e. All of the above
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Question 109
Which of the following is an enduring economic legacy of the colonial period in Latin America?
Choose one answer.
a. Socio-economic stability
b. Low inflation
c. Inequality between rich and poor
d. Fast pace of industrial development
e. All of the above
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Question 110
Which of the following is NOT a stereotype of Latinos?
Choose one answer.
a. Latinos cannot speak English.
b. Latinos are mostly gang members and criminals.
c. Latinos want to go to college and get a career.
d. Latinos do not want to learn English.
e. All of the above
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Question 111
Which of the following major political/legal reforms were recently undertaken by Mexican Presidents Fox and Calderon?
Choose one answer.
a. Freedom of press and information
b. Judicial reform
c. Reform and cleaning up of criminal justice system
d. Electoral reform
e. All of the above
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Question 112
Which of the following most accurately explains the derivation for the name of the geographical location, “Latin America?”
Choose one answer.
a. The location is named as such, because the original conquerors were from the Roman Empire.
b. The location is named as such, because most inhabitants speak Latin.
c. Because of the Spaniards admiration for Latin culture, they decided to name the continent “Latin America.”
d. The location is named as such, because the main languages, Spanish and Portuguese, are Latin-derived languages.
e. The location is named as such, because the area is inhabited by Latinos.
.
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Question 113
Which of the following statements about female cabinet ministers in Latin America is true?
Choose one answer.
a. Today, female cabinet ministers in many Latin American countries hold positions only in traditionally “female” posts such as “Family and Health.”
b. Today, female cabinet ministers in many Latin American countries hold positions in a wide variety of posts, including powerful posts of finance and economy.
c. Today, female cabinet ministers in many Latin American countries hold positions limited to posts with little or no power.
d. Both A and C
e. None of the above
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Question 114
Which of the following statements is true of the advantages that most Latin American presidents enjoy in their relations with legislatures?
Choose one answer.
a. Emergency powers can be assumed in a wide variety of situations.
b. They are able to pass tax laws by decree.
c. They have strong veto powers.
d. They are able to make treaties with other countries.
e. They can be re-elected many times.
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Question 115
Which of the following statements is true of the adoption of neo-liberal economic policies by most Latin American countries in the 1980s?
Choose one answer.
a. In the 1980s, the adoption of neo-liberal economic policies by most Latin American countries promoted the creation of regional free-trade agreements with the U.S. as one partner in a multilateral agreement.
b. In the 1980s, the adoption of neo-liberal economic policies by most Latin American countries promoted the creation of regional free-trade agreements among Latin American countries, without U.S. participation.
c. In the 1980s, the adoption of neo-liberal economic policies by most Latin American countries promoted the creation of regional free-trade agreements with extra-regional countries such Australia, Japan, and the European Union.
d. In the 1980s, the adoption of neo-liberal economic policies by most Latin American countries promoted the creation of regional free-trade agreements on a bilateral basis with the U.S.
e. All of the above
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Question 116
Which of the following was the most important policy of long-time Mexican dictator, Porfirio Diaz, during the 1920s-30s?
Choose one answer.
a. Develop closer ties to the U.S.
b. Establish communist-style government
c. Nationalize oil and mining industries
d. Free Mexican slaves
e. Lower taxes on the poor
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Question 117
Which South American country has enjoyed relative political stability and steady economic growth throughout most of its historical development?
Choose one answer.
a. Brazil
b. Mexico
c. Argentina
d. Cuba
e. Chile
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Question 118
Which Spanish colony was the last to gain independence from Spain?
Choose one answer.
a. Brazil
b. Argentina
c. Venezuela
d. Cuba
e. Mexico
.
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Question 119
Which U.S. president was the first to declare a “war on drugs?”
Choose one answer.
a. Reagan
b. Nixon
c. Clinton
d. Carter
e. G.W. Bush
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Question 120
Which was the first country to grant women the right to vote in Latin America?
Choose one answer.
a. Mexico
b. Cuba
c. Ecuador
d. Brazil
e. Argentina
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Question 121
Who was Benito Juarez?
Choose one answer.
a. Spanish Conquistador of Mexico
b. Leader of Mexico’s independence
c. 19th century democratic reformer and president of Mexico
d. Drug kingpin and cartel leader of Columbia
e. First democratically elected president of Columbia
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Question 122
Who was the U.S.-supported dictator of Cuba whom Fidel Castro overthrew in 1959?
Choose one answer.
a. Anastasio Somoza
b. Fulgencio Batista
c. Ricardo Aleman
d. Juan Peron
e. Augusto Pinochet
.
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Question 123
Why are presidents stronger than legislatures in most Latin American countries?
Choose one answer.
a. Because legislatures have few formal powers
b. Because legislatures are divided along partisan lines
c. Because executives always veto legislature initiatives
d. Because most legislatures lack power to challenge the president
e. Because public opinion favors strong presidents
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Question 124
Why did Fidel Castro lead a revolution in Cuba?
Choose one answer.
a. Because of corruption of the Batista dictatorship
b. Because of the extreme inequality and poverty of most Cubans
c. Because of the control of economic assets by the U.S. government
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
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Question 125
Why does Brazil have the largest black population of any Latin American country?
Choose one answer.
a. Because it has actively promoted immigration from African countries.
b. Because Portugal controlled the vast slave trade between Africa and the Americas during the colonial era
c. Because large numbers of Africans had lived in the Amazon jungle prior to the Portuguese conquest
d. Because many Africans escaped slavery from the southern states of the U.S .and settled in Brazil during the Civil War
e. All of the above
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Question 126
Why is Colombia one of the largest recipients of foreign military aid from the U.S.?
Choose one answer.
a. Because most cocaine is grown and processed in Colombia
b. Because Colombia’s drug trade is fueled by an armed insurgency that threatens the country’s stability
c. Because Colombia’s drug lords are heavily armed and protected by their own private armies
d. Because the Colombian military is weak and lacks professionalism
e. All of the above
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Question 127
Why is oil considered a powerful political weapon?
Choose one answer.
a. It provides high profits.
b. Powerful countries, such as the U.S., depend on it.
c. It provides money for developing a country’s economy.
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
.
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Question 128
Why was Simon Bolivar nicknamed the “Great Liberator” of Latin America?
Choose one answer.
a. He freed the slaves in Brazil, similar to how Abraham Lincoln did in the southern states during the U.S. Civil War.
b. He passed legislation giving the indigenous Americans the same rights as Spaniards.
c. He led independence movements in the northern part of South America, allowing the Spanish colonies to become independent countries, similar to George Washington and the Founding Fathers making the British colonies an independent nation as the U.S.
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
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Question 129
Why was the Aztec Empire easily defeated by Cortes’ army?
Choose one answer.
a. Because Cortes’ army had guns, swords, and other weapons
b. Because Cortes’ army had horses
c. Because Cortes’ army brought diseases to which the Aztecs had no immunity
d. Because Cortes’ army established friendly relations with some Aztec traitors
e. All of the above
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Question 130
Why was the Treaty of Guadalupe a significant turning point in U.S.-Mexican relations?
Choose one answer.
a. Because it established friendly relations with the U.S.
b. Because it ended the Mexican Revolution
c. Because it created a free trade zone
d. Because it ceded half of Mexico’s territory to the U.S.
e. All of the above
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Question 131
Why was the Vice-Royalty of Peru the center of Spain’s Latin American Empire?
Choose one answer.
a. There was a vast wealth of gold and silver and a relatively large number of Indians who could be forced into mining it.
b. It was a strategic location on the Pacific coast of Latin America.
c. There was a large number of Spaniards that chose to settle there.
d. It was run by the excellent administrative capabilities of Francisco Pizarro, the Spaniard who conquered Peru.
e. All of the above
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Question 132
Why were the Incas more difficult to defeat and conquer than the Aztecs?
Choose one answer.
a. The Incan Empire was built in the almost inaccessible and difficult terrain of the Andes Mountains.
b. The Incas were much more politically unified than the Aztecs.
c. The Incas were more numerous than the Aztecs.
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
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Question 133
“La Violencia” (“The Violence”) in Colombia refers to which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. The treatment of poor slaves by rich landowners
b. The drug war in Colombia
c. The civil war that began in 1948
d. The U.S. military action against Colombian drug cartels
e. The violence that Colombian cocaine causes in the U.S.
.
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Question 134
According to the 2011 Latinobarometro survey, support for democracy in Latin America may be described as which of the following?
Choose one answer.
a. Strong and growing
b. Decreasing
c. Better than before, but still weak
d. Almost non-existent
e. All of the above
.
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Question 135
Choose the best answer to fill in the blank. According to the ECLAC’s Economic Survey of Latin America (2011), the growth rate of most Latin American economies has been ________________.
Choose one answer.
a. Stagnant
b. Volatile
c. Increasing
d. Decreasing
e. Unsteady
.
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Question 136
The border between North America and South America is formed by which two countries?
Choose one answer.
a. Mexico and USA
b. United States and Canada
c. Panama and Colombia
d. Brazil and Mexico
e. Canada and Mexico
.
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Question 137
Which of the following is considered to be the historic beginning of the United States’ efforts to influence Latin America?
Choose one answer.
a. Monroe Doctrine
b. Manifest Destiny
c. Treaty of Guadalupe
d. Platt Amendment
e. Cuban Missile Crisis
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Question 138
Which of the following reasons best explains the inability of the Latin American Free Trade Agreement (LAFTA) to promote significant economic growth?
Choose one answer.
a. Wars among member nations
b. Protectionist policies that made trade agreements difficult
c. U.S. efforts to promote is own trade agreements
d. Lack of domestic demand for regional products
e. All of the above
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