1. Instructions
This PowerPoint presentation contains 15 questions for Benchmark A of the Government standard tested on the Grade 5 Social Studies Ohio Achievement Test. These questions cover the benchmarks for grades 3, 4, and 5.
The grade, standard, and benchmark for each question is listed in the top right corner of each slide. An answer analysis for every question (visible only to the teacher) explains what knowledge students need to have to arrive at the correct answer.
Use these slides to review a specific benchmark, or download additional slides to create a comprehensive review for the Grade 5 Social Studies Ohio Achievement Test. If you’d like to print the slides with analyses, choose “Notes Pages” from the “Print What” pull down menu on the Print Screen. 1

2. 3.GOV.A
What is a rule the government makes for people in a town, state, or country called?
A. law
B. ticket
C. fine
D. right
Analysis: The correct answer is A. Students need to know that governments make laws to protect citizens. Tickets and fines are given when people break laws. Citizens are given certain rights by the Constitution and other documents.

3. 3.GOV.A By whom is the city council of a community elected by?
A. governments
B. police officers
C. citizens
D. mayor
Analysis: The correct answer is C. Students should recognize that citizens elect their local leaders, including the city council. A government can be elected by the people, but it does not elected people. Police officers and the mayor may be part of citizens who elect local leaders, but they are not the only ones who elect leaders.

4. 3.GOV.A
What kind of money do local governments use to provide services to citizens?
A. tax
B. community
C. government
D. local
Analysis: The correct answer is A. Students need to know that the taxes citizens pay provide community services. Community, government, and local money are not terms that are used to describe taxes.

5. 3.GOV.A
List four state services state governments provide for citizens.
Analysis: Students should list four services. Examples include schools, parks, highways, police officers, and health programs. Refer to the OAT rubric for scoring.

6. 3.GOV.A
In the United States, most local and state governments have three branches.
List and describe each branch of government.
Analysis: The executive branch carries out the laws. The legislative branch writes the laws. The judicial branch decides if the laws are fair. Refer to the OAT rubric for scoring.

7. 4.GOV.A What gives citizens the power to choose their leaders?
A. the right to vote
B. freedom of religion
C. money from taxes
D. the right to a fair trial
Analysis: The correct answer is A. Students need to understand that it is a responsibility of citizens to choose their leaders through elections in a democratic society. Choice B is incorrect because the freedom of religion is a right, not a responsibility. Choice C is incorrect because income from taxes is neither a right nor a responsibility. Choice D is incorrect because the right to a fair trial is not a responsibility.

8. 4.GOV.A
Which branch of Ohio’s state government is headed by the governor?
A. the legislative branch
B. the executive branch
C. the judicial branch
D. the Supreme Court
Analysis: The correct answer is B. In order to answer this question correctly, students need to know the role of each branch of the government. In Ohio, the executive branch is headed by the governor and carries out and enforces laws. Choice A is incorrect because the legislative branch creates laws. Choice C is incorrect because the judicial branch decides whether a law is fair. Choice D is incorrect because the Supreme Court is part of the judicial branch, not the executive branch.

9. 4.GOV.A
What local government position in Ohio is the head of a city or town government?
A. president
B. sheriff
C. trustee
D. mayor
Analysis: The correct answer is D. Students need to know the major responsibilities of each branch of government in order to answer this question correctly. Mayors are the heads of local governments in Ohio. Choice A is incorrect because the president is the head of the federal government. Choice B is incorrect because a sheriff is not part of the executive branch. Choice C is incorrect because a trustee serves on the board that makes laws for a town, but is not the head of the local government.

10. 4.GOV.A
The board of education is the group that is elected to head each school district in Ohio.
Explain who elects the board members and list one of the board’s responsibilities.
Analysis: Members of the board are elected by citizens of the community. Some of the duties of the board of education include implementing curriculums, deciding how tax money will be spent for the schools, and making policies that will affect the schools. Refer to the OAT scoring rubric.

11. 4.GOV.A
In Old Town, a proposal has been made to close a busy road that runs through town so that a shopping area can be built. The shop owners are in favor of the proposal. Many of the town’s citizens are against the proposal.
In what ways might disputes be settled when people in a community have different opinions?
Analysis: To provide a thorough answer, students need to have an understanding of the different branches of the government. The legislative branch deals with creating laws, and sometimes there is resistance to them. Because we live in a democratic society, citizens can address their elected officials when they have concerns. Students should mention that meetings might take place in the community, and that eventually the local government will take different views into consideration and come to an agreement on the best way to go. Refer to the OAT scoring rubric.

12. 5.GOV.A
Study the chart.
Analysis: The correct answer is C. Students need to be able to read the chart and locate the executive branch responsibilities. They can use this information to rule out other answers. The legislative branch makes the laws. The judicial branch ensures laws follow the Constitution. The legislative branch also decides how to spend money.
What is one responsibility of the executive branch?
A. makes laws
B. makes sure laws follow the Constitution
C. leads the military
D. decides how to spend money 12

13. 5.GOV.A
Which of the following are some of a citizen’s responsibilities?
A. respecting others’ rights and littering
B. paying taxes, and serving on juries
C. ignoring traffic laws and being healthy
D. writing letters and not serving on juries
Analysis: The correct answer is B. Students need to know that citizens are expected to participate in government by voting and serving on juries. The other answers have negative choices that would hinder, rather than help the government and community.

14. 5.GOV.A Which of the following is an example of checks and balances?
The President declares war.
A Senator votes for a law.
C. The Supreme Court decides to hear a case.
D. The Congress overrides a presidential veto.
Analysis: The correct answer is D. The students need to know what checks and balances are and how they work. They can use this information to rule out other answers. The President can declare war, but it needs to be approved by Congress before troops are deployed. Senators vote for or against laws. The Supreme Court has the right to hear cases, but these do not have to be regarding laws created by Congress or the President.

15. 5.GOV.A
Explain the process of what happens to a bill after it is vetoed by the President.
Analysis: Students’ responses should demonstrate a thorough understanding of how vetoes work. When the President vetoes a bill, it is sent back to Congress. If both houses pass the bill with a 2/3 majority vote approving the bill, it becomes a law. Refer to the OAT rubric for scoring.

16. 5.GOV.A
Why did the delegates of the Constitutional Convention want a balance of power in the new government?
Analysis: Students’ responses should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the fact that the delegates were afraid the national government would become too powerful. They wanted to avoid allowing any one part of the government or person from becoming too powerful. So the delegates created a system for balancing power between state and federal governments and between within the federal government. Refer to the OAT rubric for scoring.