DTW GED PREP

When Lyndon B. Johnson assumed the presidency in 1963 after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, he was determined to continue Kennedy’s vision of a better, more just society. Johnson quickly worked to pass landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. In addition, he pushed through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which aimed to reduce poverty by providing job training, education, and other resources for low-income Americans. Johnson’s ambitious domestic agenda also included measures to improve healthcare, education, and civil rights, which collectively became known as his “Great Society” program. He declared his intention to eliminate poverty and create a more equitable society.

However, Johnson’s presidency became increasingly dominated by the Vietnam War, a conflict that began as part of a broader effort to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. In 1965, Johnson escalated U.S. involvement, sending hundreds of thousands of American troops to Vietnam. The war, however, proved difficult to win, as U.S. forces faced a determined and elusive enemy in the form of Vietnamese guerrilla fighters. The war’s growing cost, both in terms of lives and resources, and the mounting number of casualties led to widespread protests across the United States. The anti-war movement gained significant momentum, with young people, intellectuals, and civil rights leaders voicing their opposition to the war.

By 1968, peace talks began, but Johnson’s presidency was deeply affected by the war. Amid increasing public dissatisfaction, Johnson announced that he would not seek re-election in 1968, stepping away from public life after the end of his term. Richard M. Nixon, Johnson’s successor, continued the peace talks and pursued the war for a few more years. However, in 1973, U.S. troops were finally withdrawn from Vietnam, and the war came to an end, although the country fell to communism shortly thereafter.

Meanwhile, Nixon’s presidency faced its own scandal. In 1972, a break-in at the Democratic National Committee’s office in the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C., revealed a larger conspiracy involving members of the Nixon administration. The burglars were found to have connections to the White House, and investigations uncovered a cover-up attempt by Nixon’s staff. As the scandal unfolded, it became clear that Nixon had been involved in the illegal activities, leading to calls for impeachment.

Facing the threat of impeachment and growing pressure, Nixon became the first U.S. president to resign from office in 1974. Vice President Gerald Ford assumed the presidency and later controversially pardoned Nixon for any crimes he might have committed while in office. The Watergate scandal and Nixon’s resignation marked a major turning point in American politics, leading to greater scrutiny of the executive branch and a shift in public trust toward the government.

THE GREAT SOCIETY, THE VIETNAM WAR, AND WATERGATE

 Directions: Choose the best answer to each of the following questions.

 1.  Which of the following is an opinion, not a fact?

 A.   Despite the start of peace talks in 1968, United States forces

 remained in Vietnam until 1973.

 B.  

As president, Lyndon Johnson continued to pursue policies begun

 by President John Kennedy.

 C.   The protests against the Vietnam War were harmful to the nation

 and disrespectful of the soldiers who served.

 D.   President Nixon’s resignation in 1974 resulted directly from the

 involvement of his administration in the Watergate Scandal.

 Question 2 is based on the following passage:

 Although the economic well-being and prosperity of the United

 States have progressed to a level surpassing any achieved in

 world history, and although these benefits are widely shared

 throughout the Nation, poverty continues to be the lot of a

 substantial number of our people. The United States can achieve

 its full economic and social potential as a nation only if every

 individual has the opportunity to contribute to the full extent of his

 capabilities and to participate in the working of our society. It is,

 therefore, the policy of the United States to eliminate the paradox

 of poverty in the midst of plenty in this Nation by opening to

everyone the opportunity for education and training, the

 opportunity to work and the opportunity to live in decency and

 dignity.

 —Excerpt from the Statement of Purpose of the

Economic Opportunity Act, 1964

 2.  Which of the following is the central idea of the passage?

 A.   No one should have to live in poverty in such a prosperous

 country.

 B.   If everyone had a quality education, the nation would be more

 prosperous.

 C.   Many people in our society are wealthy; however, a few are

 forced to live in poverty.

 D.   Because everyone contributes to his or her full potential, our

 country has progressed further than any other

Question 1:

Correct Answer: ✅ C. The protests against the Vietnam War were harmful to the nation and disrespectful of the soldiers who served.

Explanation:
This statement is an opinion because it reflects a personal judgment or belief about the protests, rather than a verifiable fact. The other options (A, B, and D) are all based on historical events that can be verified as factual statements.

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Question 2:

Correct Answer: ✅ A. No one should have to live in poverty in such a prosperous country.

Explanation:
The passage emphasizes the “paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty” and promotes equal opportunity as a solution. The central idea is that a wealthy nation like the U.S. should ensure opportunities and dignity for all, especially for those in poverty—exactly what answer A states.