As America began to become an industrial giant, few enterprises were more important than the railroad. The United States would be joined together as never before: distant markets would be tapped, vast new regions would be opened for settlement and exploitation, mass production and mass consumption would be stimulated, and efficient distribution of goods would affect every sector of the economy. For many industries the railroad was the key to development. For many towns and cities, the railroad was the critical factor in growth or decline.
a. The railroad was more important in making America a great industrial nation than any other enterprise.
b. The railroad was a key factor in making America an industrial nation by joining states, tapping distant markets, opening new settlements and stimulating mass production and consumption.
c. By joining the states, the railroad made it possible to produce and distribute more goods which resulted in larger industries.
d. The railroad was influential in developing many towns and cities; but in some cases it was instrumental in their decline.
Question 2
Public opinion polls have emerged as an integral part of American politics. Accurate polls are one of the most important sources of information used by political leaders in the decision making process. Polls today that are conducted by reputable national polling organizations do provide a reasonably accurate picture of the beliefs and desires of the American public. Without polls, an understanding of what the public thinks and wants would be difficult to achieve.
a. Public opinion polls must be conducted by a reputable polling organization to be considered reliable.
b. Accurate public opinion polls are an important source of information and can be beneficial in determining the pulse of the public.
c. Public opinion polls are used by political leaders to help their platform.
d. If polls were not taken there would be no way to determine what people would like to see done.
