Political Systems
In a communist economic system such as the former Soviet Union, who primarily made economic decisions?
(F) the central government
(G) consumers and producers
(H) traditional indigenous leaders
(J) the owners of major industries.
(F) the central government
After independence, many former-Soviet republics encouraged private investment and sold government-owned businesses. These activities are characteristic of a:
(A) market economy
(B) traditional economy
(C) command economy
(D) single-crop economy.
(A) market economy
Most Russian urban centers are located in which part of the country?
(F) North
(G) South
(H) East
(J) West.
(J) West.
Which religious tradition separated from the Roman Catholic Church in Europe, spread to Russia, and blended into Russian culture?
(A) Buddhism
(B) Communism
(C) Rabbinic Judaism
(D) Eastern Orthodoxy
(D) Eastern Orthodoxy
The breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 was most influenced by which historical factor?
(F) Many former Soviet states adopted a communist government
(G) Many former Soviet states had once operated as democracies
(H) Many former Soviet states had once been independent nations
(J) Many former Soviet states used English as the official language.
(H) Many former Soviet states had once been independent nations
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia allowed multiple political parties. This change made the government more:
(A) encouraging private enterprise
(B) restricting voting requirements
(C) imposing immigration limitations
(D) allowing multiple political parties.
(D) allowing multiple political parties.
After the breakup of the Soviet Union several independent republics gained freedom and saw increased entrepreneurship. How would entrepreneurship most likely benefit these economies?
(F) Russian businesses took over government services
(G) Workers received better training for high-tech jobs
(H) Investment in new business projects created growth
(J) Industries no longer had to follow government regulations.
(H) Investment in new business projects created growth
On the provided map, which nation label is Russia?
(use 1st map)
1
One impact of the diffusion of religion to Russia is:
(A) closer cultural ties to China and Mongolia
(B) tighter government regulations on use of the Internet
(C) dominance of the Eastern Orthodox Church in Russian society
(D) widespread use of the Arabic language in government documents.
(C) dominance of the Eastern Orthodox Church in Russian society
The former nation of Yugoslavia broke apart because many ethnic groups and religions made a unified government difficult to maintain. Why was the government of Yugoslavia likely unable to keep the country unified?
(A) Cultural and religious differences
(B) Political and economic differences
(C) The government desired more control
(D) The geography created physical barriers
(A) Cultural and religious differences
The Russian Federation is an example of a government that is considered:
(F) rule by one
(G) rule by many
(H) rule by a few
(J) rule by the people.
(G) rule by many
Explain one challenge individuals faced when Russia transitioned from a command economy to a free-enterprise system. (Use a sentence or two.)
Many individuals lost guaranteed jobs, faced unemployment, or saw prices rise
Although Kazakh is the official language of Kazakhstan, Russian is widely spoken in the region because:
(A) the largest ethnic group living in Kazakhstan is Russians
(B) the Soviets forced many Russians to move to Kazakhstan
(C) the people in Kazakhstan are migrating to Russia to find jobs
(D) the Kazakhstan government requires schools to teach Russian.
(B) the Soviets forced many Russians to move to Kazakhstan
Explain how religion helped shape Russian culture (one or two sentences).
Eastern Orthodox traditions influenced art, holidays, and social customs
What role did peacekeeping forces from the United States and Europe play in the former Yugoslavia after the civil war? (One sentence)
Peacekeeping forces helped protect civilians and enforce peace agreements.
Name one similarity between how the United States and Russian governments are organized
"Both governments have three branches."
Explain one way businesses were affected during the transition from a command economy to a market economy.
Businesses had to compete, privatize, or find new markets; some failed while others grew.
Name one reason why many languages are spoken across the Eurasian republics after the Soviet breakup.
many ethnic groups, legacy of Soviet migration, multiple native languages.
Identify a cultural challenge within Russian society related to ethnic differences or diversity. (Use one sentence.)
Religions and traditions
Identify one ongoing source of violence and conflict within Russian society(one word or short phrase).
Ethnic Differences
Based on the comparison table, which statement best describes a major difference between the U.S. and Russian governments?
(F) Voter participation in elections is higher in the United States than in Russia
(G) A president in the United States has more duties than the Russian president
(H) The U.S. Congress makes laws and in Russia the President makes the laws
(J) The United States limits the power of the president more than is done in Russia.
(J) The United States limits the power of the president more than is done in Russia.
Compare the challenges Russia faced when transitioning from a command (communist) economy to a free-enterprise system. In your response, explain how these challenges affected individuals, businesses, and the government.
Privatization led to unemployment and inequality for individuals; businesses faced competition and need for investment; government lost central control and had to build regulatory systems.
Which number represents the Ural Mountains and Lake Baikal
(use 2nd map)
#5 and #9
Describe how cultural diffusion and historical influences shaped modern Russian religious and cultural identity. (2–4 sentences)
Eastern Orthodox spread from Europe to Russia, blending with Slavic traditions and influencing society's institutions and holidays.
Explain how the breakup of large multiethnic states (like the Soviet Union or Yugoslavia) can lead to both independence and conflict. Give one historical example and describe why conflict occurred. (2–4 sentences)
The Soviet breakup led to independent republics (e.g., Kazakhstan) but also ethnic tensions and conflicts due to differing national identities and power struggles.