Social Studies
Core concepts
Social Studies integrates civics, U.S. and world history, geography, and economics. For civics, know the Constitution's structure, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and the Bill of Rights; distinguish Federalists (strong central government, supported ratification) from Anti-Federalists (wanted a bill of rights and stronger state power). History questions emphasize causes and consequences: colonial grievances, the Civil War and Reconstruction, industrialization and immigration, the World Wars, the Cold War, and the civil rights movement. Geography requires map skills-latitude and longitude, scale, legend-plus human-environment interaction and region. Economics centers on scarcity, supply and demand, opportunity cost, specialization, and the roles of consumers, producers, and government.
Traps
Do not confuse a primary source (created by a participant or witness, such as a diary or law) with a secondary source (an analysis, such as a textbook). Watch cause-versus-effect wording and "all of the following except" stems. In economics, opportunity cost is the next-best alternative given up, not every option. In civics, checks and balances operate between branches; federalism divides power between national and state governments.
Worked example
A student chooses to study for two hours instead of working a shift that pays $30. The opportunity cost is the $30 in wages forgone-not the value of sleep or every other possible activity. Rule of thumb: opportunity cost equals the single best alternative sacrificed.