1.On what continent is Belarus located?
Africa North America South America Europe
2.What is the largest ethnic group in Belarus?
Portuguese Belarusians Turks Russian
3.What is the official language in Belarus?
Russian English Arabic Belarusian
4.What ethnicity is the basis for their language?
Arabic Portuguese Slavic English
5.What is the predominant church in Belarus?
the Russian Orthodox Church the Eastern Orthodox Church the Roman Orthodox Church the Roman Catholic Church
6.What is the origin of present-day Belarus?
it was originally part of the Turkey prior to the Russian invasion it was the first East Slavic state in the late ninth century CE of Kyivan Rus' all of the above none of the above
7.When did Belarus split off?
after the death of Kyivan Rus, Prince Yaroslav the Wise following the Eastern War in Russia after 42 years of civil unrest and violent disruptions all of the above
8. In 1240, after the Tatar overthrow of Kyiv, the dominant principality of Kyivan Rus', Byelorussia and part of Ukraine came under the control of Lithuania. What was/were the resulting state[s] called?
Samogitia the Grand Duchy of Lithuania all of the above none of the above
9.What was the prominant ethnicity of this resulting state?
East Slavs Russian Astonian Lithuanian
10.In what language was official business conducted?
the Queen's English Russian Lithuanian a Slavic language based on Old Church Slavonic
11.What was the law code based on?
Russian law British law that of Kryvan Rus' all of the above
12.What was the Union of Krevo?
provided for the administration of the entire eastern block of Russian countries joined Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Rus', and Samogitia in a confederation created the Republic of Russia privatized the industry Belarus
13.What contingencies were attached to the Union of Krevo?
the Lithuanian Grand Duke Jogaila had to convert from paganism to Roman Catholicism and then marry Queen Jadwiga of Poland. the release of all political prisoners and substantial aid for rehabilitation of war-torn areas in Belarus a complete recall of all current government officials and free and open elections all of the above
14.What agreement united Poland and the Grand Duchy into a single state called the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth?
the Union of Krevo the Agreement de Duchy the Union of Lublin the Polish Agreement
15.What was the name of the church which resulted from the blending of beliefs by the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church?
the Lutheran Church the Uniate Church the Linament Church none of the above
16.What was Polonization?
the process of changing the national identity of non-Poles to one culturally similar to that of Poles an effort to revitalize the economy a method of ethnic genocide the president's plan for reorganization
17.What happened to the Orthodox Church?
was wiped out by Polonization it died with its followers continued due to resistance by traditionalist to accept the new ideas? it was abolished by the Czar in 1723
18.When did Belarus become part of the Russian empire?
1795 1723 1645 1623
19.Who abolished the Uniate Church?
The King of England Prime Minister Yabola Czar Nicholas I of Russia Czar Alexander the Great
20.What name was given to Byelorussia?
Lorussia Little Siberia Lestonia Northwest Territory
21.When was serfdom abolished in the Russian Empire?
1861 1803 1645 1234
22.What was life like under Russian rule?
highly oppressive slightly oppressive a free democracy none of the above
23. What medium did Kastus Kalinowski use to inspire an uprising in solidarity with the Polish-Lithuanian insurrection against Russia in January 1863?
through regular radio broadcasts he held huge public rally's to spread the word his clandestine newspaper Muzhytskaya Prawda (Peasants' Truth), television
24.What happened to Kalinowski?
he was assassinated as he was entering the parliament he was hung in Vilnius he went into to hiding to escape the rebels he fell overboard on a journey and his body was never recovered
25.What is Kalinowski know as?
the founding father of Balarusian nationalism the "father of revolutionary ideas" the "new world savior" all of the above
26.What caused large-scale migrations out of Belarussia in the 1880's and 1890's?
fighting and disruption hunger and starvation widespread unemployment and poverty all of the above
27.What effect did the outbreak of World War I in 1914 have on Byelorussia?
it turned it into a zone of strict martial law and military operations there were large German and Russian armies fighting fiercely within the country fighting caused the expulsion or departure of more than one million civilians from the country all of the above
28.What were the effects of the Russian government's inept war efforts and ineffective economic policies?
high food prices, shortages of goods, and many needless deaths strikes, riots, and the eventual downfall of the czarist government. all of the above none of the above
29.What were the two revolutions of 1917 called?
the White and the Black Revolution the Bolshevik Revolution and the Black Revolution the Red Revolution and the February Revolution the February Revolution and the Bolshevik Revolution
30.What were the results of those two revolutions?
independence none - there were no results - nothing changed gave nationally conscious Belarusians an opportunity to advance their political cause. full-scale incorporation of Belarus into communism
31.What group(s) advocated moderate forms of socialism in the Belarusian political cause at this time?
the Belarusian Socialist Party the Socialist Revolutionary Party the Leninist Social Democratic Party all of the above
32.What provisions were included in the Treaty of Brest-Litosvk?
the installation of a communist government in Belarus the promotion of several military leaders to government positions Belarus' independence it put most of Belarus under German control
33.How was the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic (Belarusian SSR) established?
Belarusian Bolsheviks supported by the Bolshevik government in Moscow was established by force of arms. by constitutional amendment by presidential decree established as an independent entity following the skirmish in the capital
34.What were the provisions of the Treaty of Riga in 1921?
Belarusian Independence Belarus was divided into three parts: the western portion, which was absorbed into Poland central Belarus, which formed the Belarusian SSR; and the eastern portion, which became part of Russia. the inclusion of the state of Riga into the Belarusian SSR a peaceful agreement for independence of Belarus
35.What was the NEP and what was its effect on Belarus?
the New Economic Policy - stimulated economic recovery the National Environmental Project - an effort toward conservation of natural resources the National Education Program - built over 600 schools thoughout the country the Northern Economic Pact - allowed for open trade with others in the region
36.What were the results of the resistance to the Bolshevik Revolution in Byelorussia?
farmers were allowed to starve in some areas, and so-called troublemakers were deported to Siberia. Because farmers slaughtered their livestock rather than turn it over to collective farms, agriculture suffered serious setbacks. thousands were killed thousands of refuges left Byelorussia none of the above
37.How did the Soviet Union try to "Russify" the people and culture of Belarus in the 1930's?
the language was transformed to bring it closer to the Russian language, and history books were rewritten to show that the Belarusian people had strived to be united with Russia throughout their history political persecutions in the 1930s reached genocidal proportions, causing population losses as great as would occur during World War II-more than two million people all of the above
38.How was Belarus different under Polish rule?
began as a democracy Belarusians were able to open their own primary schools, high schools, and teachers' colleges the government supported cultural activities all of the above
39.Why were most schools closed and publications in the Belarusian language banned under Polish control in 1924?
in an effort to control the general population by keeping them ignorant lack of funding by by the Polish government under the guise of combating communism fighting and violence interfered with every part of society
40.Why did most Belarusians welcome the Stalin's Red Army?
Ignorant of, or disbelieving the existence of, mass persecutions they thought Stalin was their savior Stalin had promised them the moon none of the above
41.Arrests and deportations were common. Where were people deported to during the period from 1939-1941?
to Siberia to the Elusian Islands to Soviet labor camps between September 1939 and June 1941, when Germany attacked the Soviet Union. to Fire Island
42.Why did some people welcome the Nazis' in Belarus in 1941?
they thought that the Nazis would free the Belarusian people from their communist oppression. they figured anything was better than what they had they brought food and water with them they thought they were the British at first
43.What was the result of the Nazi invasion of Belarus?
they "Germanized" and assimilated 25 percent of the Belarusians and either ousted or destroyed the remaining 75 percent. enormous devastation was caused by guerrilla warfare and retaliatory burnings of entire villages by the occupiers mass executions of the Jewish population and two movements of the front through the area. More than two million lives were lost and more than one million buildings destroyed all of the above
44.What was one of the political consequences of the German occupation?
large-scale political uprisings an increase in rebel guerilla groups an upsurge of Belarusian nationalism none of the above
45.What choice were many Belarusians forced to make as the eastern front began moving westward?
life with the Soviets or departure into exile with the Nazis stay with their families or leave with the dream of freedom all of the above none of the above
46.In total, what was included in the wartime devastation of Belarus?
the loss of people, homes, animals, public buildings educational and cultural resources roads, communications, health care facilities, and the entire industrial base all of the above
47.What did Stalin do to make up for the industrial loss caused in Belarus?
gave billions of dollars in aid to Belarus ordered the building of new, more efficient factories and plants built a major transportation system into Belarus to speed the transportation of goods into the country all of the above
48.How did Stalin try to shield Belarus against possible Western influences?
a program of intensive Russification the Belarusian language was unofficially banned from official use, educational and cultural institutions, and the mass media Moscow suppressed Belarusian national culture. all of the above
49.What two events occured in Belrus during the early days of Mikhail S. Gorbachev's perestroika?
Chornobyl and a petition sent to Gorbachev expressing the Belarusian people' fundamental grievances the "Rebellion" and the opening of communications with Moscow widespread food shortages and a total power outage the Middle Earthquake and the signing of the Declaration of Independence
50.How many people are believed to suffer every day from the Chornobyl Catastrophe?
less than 100 more than seven million more than 30 million none of the above
51.What are the medical results of the Chornobyl Catastrophe?
the U.N. has estimated that three million children would require treatment it is believed that many children will die prematurely because of Chornobyl its effect on the entire population may never be known all of the above
52.What discovery in June 1988 fueled denunciations of the old regime and brought demands for reforms?
mass graves, allegedly with up to 250,000 of Stalin's victims, were found near Minsk at Kurapaty. the location of the headquarters of the Russian generals in Minsk a major quantity of arms and ammunitions in bunkers in Belarus none of the above
53.When did Belarus gain sovereignty from Moscow?
1923 1942 1991 1999
54.What provisions were included in the constitution of 1994?
created the office of president and a constitutional court declared Belarus a democracy with separation of powers granted freedom of religion proclaimed Belarus' goal of becoming a neutral, non-nuclear state. all of the above
55.Under the March 1994 constitution, how is the government organized?
into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. like the British government a combination federalist republic as a democracy
56.What authority does the Supreme Soviet have?
to call for a national referenda, adopt, revise, and interpret the constitution schedule parliamentary and presidential elections, determine guidelines for domestic and foreign policy elect members of high-level courts, the procurator general, and the chairman and members of the board of the National Bank of Belarus confirm the state budget, supervise currency issues, ratify international treaties, and determine military policy all of the above
57.How did the government's behavior during the 1995 parliamentary elections demonstrate the less-than-democratic nature of the state?
continuing censorship of the media's campaign coverage the imprisonment of the leaders of the opposition party they were accused of fraud, vote buying and illegal election politics none of the above
58.What were the ultimate results of this less-than-democratic nature?
nothing really changed a prime minister could not be seated in two elections the government is still not trusted and guerrilla groups make sporadic attacks an all-out revolt occurred and was successful
59.What criticisms were lodged at President Lukashenko?
human rights abuses control of the media control over Belarusian political life all of the above
60. Who claimed responsibility for the bombing of the Minsk District Court in September 1997?
the Red Army the Belarusian Liberation Army the Russian Orthodox Militia none of the above
61.What is the average life expectancy at birth in Belarus?
43.5 years 52.4 years 68.13 years 86.23 years
62.What is the infant mortality rate?
3.4 deaths per 1,000 live births 8.9 deaths per 1,000 live births 14.39 deaths per 1,000 live births 23.39 deaths per 1,000 live births
63.What is the literacy rate in Belarus?
67% 84% 98 percent none of the above
64. What is the official name of Belarus?
Republic of Belarus the Grand States of Belarus the Belarus Union of States Federal Belarus Republic
65.What is the current form of government in place in Belarus?
Monarchy Democratic Republic Socialist
66.What is the title of the head of state in Belarus?
Prime Minister King President Grand Minister
67.What is the name for the Belarus' parliament?
Natsionalnoye Sobranie Belarus National Parliament Belarus Sobranie none of the above
68.What two groups comprise parliament in Belarus?
Soviet Respubliki and the Palata Predstaviteley Council of the Republic and House of Representatives all of the above none of the above
69.Who holds judicial power in Belarus?
the Supreme Court the Constitutional Court the Court of Ministers the Prime Minister
70.Several different state officials may request a Constitutional Court review of the constitutionality of international agreements or obligations to which Belarus is a party. Who are they?
the president and the chairman of the Supreme Soviet the permanent committees of the Supreme Soviet and a group of at least seventy deputies of the Supreme Soviet the Supreme Court, the Supreme Economic Court, and the Procurator General all of the above
71.What other responsibilities does the Constitutional Court have?
reviews the constitutionality of domestic legal acts; presidential edicts; regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers; the constitution; laws; legal documents; and regulatory decisions of the Supreme Court, the Supreme Economic Court, and the Procurator General. all of the above
72.Who can change decisions of the Constitutional Court?
the President the Council of Ministers the Supreme Council no one
73.What do recent reports on the status of human rights in Belarus reveal?
Belarusian President Lukashenko has tightened his grip on society by curtailing human rights limiting opposition demonstrations and arresting key dissidents Lukashenko continues to exercise total control over most aspects of government. all of the above
74.What actions has Amnesty International called for in Belarus?
It urged prompt and impartial investigations into allegations of ill treatment and for anyone responsible for abuses to be brought to justice. the immediate and unconditional release of all Belarusian prisoners of conscience, including demonstrators detained solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of assembly. stop the practice of censuring and silencing human rights lawyers by taking away their licenses and attempting to disbar key activists. appealed to the authorities to reinstate all human rights lawyers, who had previously been disbarred solely because of their human rights activities. insisted that the government abolish the death penalty and to declare a moratorium on executions and it called on the Lukashenko to grant clemency to all those under sentence of death. all of the above
75.What effect did the government have on the media in Belarus?
they virtually destroyed the ability of independent media to operate and has hampered opposition access to the press. there was a chilling pattern of press intimidation, harassment and censorship. all of the above none of the above
76.How have things in Belarus affected women there?
unbearable economic hardship due to their dual roles as wage earners and family caregivers women are among the most vulnerable social groups and face a serious unemployment problem the economic crisis, disruption of economic and political ties, the transition to a market economy, shortages of consumer goods, inflation, the decline in real income and rising social tensions are having a very negative impact on the situation of women. more women than men in Belarus have been laid off as a result of the closing and downsizing of enterprises all of the above
77. What have the results been from the Belarus government's attempt to maintain a centrally controlled economy?
the economy is recovering disappointing the economy is now flourishing none of the above
78.What is the current economic state in Belarus?
It falls behind the other Confederation of Independent States (CIS) It is in the top 10 economically productive governments a disaster in complete chaos
79.Why can't Belarus use its production capacity?
there isn't enough power in the area because it relies heavily on CIS members for its supply of energy and raw materials the government has put such strict controls on imports and exports that their hands are tied the facitilities fell into such disrepair that it is no longer cost effective to even try to repair them
80.What has been the economic result of currency system and price controls imposed by the Lukashenko regime?
food shortages export barter arrangements the establishment of a currency black market all of the above
81.What has detered investors, both domestic and foreign, from engaging in business in Belarus?
contradictory and arbitrary legal and regulatory structure human rights and democratic process concerns all of the above none of the above
82.What environmental concerns does Belarus face today?
the deleterious effects of heavy industrialization. the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster in 1986 which decimated approximately twenty percent of the entire country, both economically and in terms of the potential for human habitation. Belarus' most acute environmental problems are the following: nuclear radiation negatively affects up to one-fifth of the country oncology, bio-genetic disorders, as well as a host of other illnesses plague a substantial portion of the national population (up to 20 percent) all of the above
83.How has the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster affected Belarus?
the nuclear fallout continues to affect Belarus in the form of an overall deterioration in human health, with up to 20 percent of all human llnesses attributable to environmental factors. as a result of exposure to nuclear radiation overall deterioration in air quality as a consequence of environmental degradation land and water contamination as a result of mining activities, the use of toxic chemicals and petrochemicals, as well as industrial effluent from the construction sector soil pollution from pesticide use all of the above