Question

This 1852 advertisement expresses opposition to "foreign pauper labor" and "foreigners holding office." With which of the following policies would the writer of this advertisement be likely to disagree? A. a trade embargo to keep cheap foreign goods out of the United States B. a new law that prevents immigration unless the immigrant is rich C. a voter registration drive that targets only Americanborn persons D. a constitutional amendment giving new immigrants voting rights

Short answer

The author of the 1852 advertisement would most likely disagree with policy D. a constitutional amendment giving new immigrants voting rights, as it directly opposes their expressed opposition to "foreigners holding office."

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the advertisement

Let's first analyze the advertisement itself. It states opposition to "foreign pauper labor" and "foreigners holding office." This suggests that the author does not want poor immigrants to work in the country, and also does not want immigrants to hold political positions. Keep this in mind while analyzing the policy options.

Analyzing each policy

Now, let's analyze each policy to see which one the author would likely disagree with. A. A trade embargo to keep cheap foreign goods out of the United States: This policy seems aligned with the advertisement author's views, as it prevents the influence of foreign goods on the country's economy. The author might even support such a policy. B. A new law that prevents immigration unless the immigrant is rich: This policy might be agreeable to the author, as it prevents the influx of "foreign pauper labor." C. A voter registration drive that targets only Americanborn persons: This policy may also align with the author's views, as it focuses on American-born individuals and does not involve immigrants. D. A constitutional amendment giving new immigrants voting rights: This policy would allow immigrants, regardless of their social or economic status, to have a say in political matters, including holding office. This would directly oppose the author’s expressed opposition to "foreigners holding office."

Identifying the policy the author would disagree with

Based on our analysis in Step 2, it is evident that the policy the author of the advertisement would most likely disagree with is: D. a constitutional amendment giving new immigrants voting rights

Key concepts

US Immigration Policies

The history of US immigration policies is intricate and has evolved significantly over time. Initially, the United States had an open-door policy that welcomed immigrants, particularly during the rapid expansion of the 19th century. However, as economic and social conditions changed, so too did the attitudes and policies toward immigration. By the late 1800s, the government began to impose restrictions, targeting specific groups and setting quotas based on nationality.

For example, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was one of the first significant laws restricting immigration, exhibiting the shifting perspectives on foreign workers and national identity. Flash forward to the 20th century and key legislation like the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 removed quotas based on origin and made family reunification a priority. Today, US immigration policy continues to be a topic of intense debate and is driven by a complex mix of economic, political, and humanitarian factors. Understanding these policies is essential for anyone looking to interpret historical documents or prepare for the GED Social Studies Test.

Historical Advertisements Analysis

When analyzing historical advertisements, it's important to recognize that they are not just selling a product or service, but also an idea or a sentiment that was prevalent at the time. The 1852 advertisement in the exercise conveys not just economic concerns but a clear stance on social and political issues relating to immigration. This is a prime example of how historical advertisements can serve as windows into the prevalent ideologies and societal norms of a particular era.

To analyze such ads, one must consider the historical context: the economic conditions, who the intended audience was, and the social or political events of the time. By doing so, we can better understand the motives behind the ad's creation and the reactions it may have incited. In the classroom, studying historical advertisements can develop critical thinking and analysis skills, which are pivotal for GED test-takers who aim to evaluate similar sources effectively.

GED Test Practice Questions

For students preparing for the GED Social Studies Test, practice questions are an invaluable tool for success. They not only reinforce content knowledge but also aid in developing the analytical skills needed to decipher complex texts and documents, including historical advertisements and policies. When tackling GED test practice questions, it is essential to carefully read and understand the given material, identify key terms or phrases, and analyze all possible answers in the context of the information presented.

Approach practice questions with a strategy: start by understanding the fundamental concepts at play, then critically analyze how each choice relates to the question. The example provided illustrates how a methodical breakdown of each potential policy helps determine which the advertisement's author would oppose. Engaging with a variety of practice questions also familiarizes students with the format of the GED test, boosting confidence and time management skills for the actual exam day.