Social Studies IGCSE MCQ Revision (Cambridge CIE)

Social Studies IGCSE Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1

Which term describes a society where power is held by a small group of people?

• A. Democracy
• B. Oligarchy
• C. Monarchy
• D. Anarchy

Question 2

What is a key feature of a developed country?

• A. High birth rates
• B. Low GDP per capita
• C. Advanced industrialization
• D. Reliance on subsistence agriculture

Question 3

Which international organization aims to promote peace and prevent conflicts?

• A. World Bank
• B. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• C. United Nations (UN)
• D. World Health Organization (WHO)

Question 4

What is the primary role of a constitution in a country?

• A. To list the names of government officials
• B. To outline the basic laws and principles of governance
• C. To record historical events
• D. To dictate cultural practices

Question 5

The movement of people from rural areas to urban areas is known as:

• A. Emigration
• B. Immigration
• C. Urbanization
• D. Suburbanization

Question 6

Which factor is most likely to contribute to a high standard of living in a country?

• A. Low literacy rates
• B. Limited access to healthcare
• C. Stable economy and good infrastructure
• D. High unemployment

Question 7

What is the main purpose of human rights?

• A. To ensure government control over individuals
• B. To protect the fundamental freedoms and dignity of all people
• C. To promote specific religious beliefs
• D. To regulate international trade agreements

Question 8

Which type of economy features both private ownership and government intervention?

• A. Command economy
• B. Market economy
• C. Mixed economy
• D. Traditional economy

Question 9

What is a common consequence of rapid population growth in developing countries?

• A. Improved infrastructure
• B. Increased pressure on resources
• C. Higher GDP per capita
• D. Reduced urbanization

Question 10

Which concept refers to the fair and impartial administration of laws?

• A. Rule of law
• B. Divine right
• C. Totalitarianism
• D. Absolutism

Question 11

What is a benefit of globalization?

• A. Reduced cultural exchange
• B. Increased self-sufficiency of nations
• C. Greater access to diverse goods and services
• D. Stricter national borders

Question 12

Which form of government is characterized by a single ruler with absolute power?

• A. Republic
• B. Dictatorship
• C. Federation
• D. Constitutional monarchy

Question 13

What is the main role of a trade union?

• A. To manage company finances
• B. To represent workers' interests
• C. To set government policies
• D. To oversee educational institutions

Question 14

Which environmental issue is primarily caused by the emission of greenhouse gases?

• A. Deforestation
• B. Desertification
• C. Climate change
• D. Soil erosion

Question 15

The term 'social mobility' refers to:

• A. The movement of people between countries
• B. Changes in a person's or group's social status
• C. The ability of a government to change laws
• D. The spread of social media usage

Question 16

What is subsistence farming?

• A. Farming for commercial export
• B. Farming primarily to feed one's family
• C. Farming using advanced technology
• D. Farming on a large industrial scale

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of direct democracy?

• A. Citizens electing representatives to make laws
• B. Citizens voting directly on laws and policies
• C. A monarch ruling by divine right
• D. A small group of elites making all decisions

Question 18

What is the primary goal of sustainable development?

• A. Rapid industrial growth at any cost
• B. Meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs
• C. Prioritizing economic growth over environmental protection
• D. Limiting technological advancement

Question 19

Which social institution is primarily responsible for the upbringing and socialization of children?

• A. Government
• B. Economy
• C. Family
• D. Religion

Question 20

What does 'Gross Domestic Product' (GDP) measure?

• A. The total value of exports only
• B. The total value of goods and services produced within a country in a specific period
• C. The total national debt
• D. The total number of employed citizens

Answer Key

1. B
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. C
6. C
7. B
8. C
9. B
10. A
11. C
12. B
13. B
14. C
15. B
16. B
17. B
18. B
19. C
20. B