Modern Issues in Latin America

Question 1

Describe at least three effects of the drug war in Mexico.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:
The drug war in Mexico began in the 2000s when drug cartels began fighting for control of the drug trade into the US. This has been very difficult to stop. Police officials are bribed to ignore violence; those who refuse bribes are at risk of being assassinated or having their families murdered. As a result, the Mexican government has sent thousands of soldiers to the area to try to stop the violence. Soldiers often must wear hoods to keep their identities secret. Journalists who have exposed corruption and bribery have been killed. Thousands of Mexican citizens have been killed as well. The US spends more than $500 million a year helping Mexico fight the cartels.

Question 2

Which of the following groups is most responsible for deforestation caused by harvesting trees such as mahogany for their timber? A. government-owned logging companies B. large, privately-owned logging companies C. illegal loggers who ignore limits and permits D. small, family-owned businesses Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: C

Question 3

Which of the following industries depends on the cultivation of sugar and has been most closely linked with increased deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest? A. biofuel B. chocolate C. candy D. soda Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: A

Question 4

Why is protecting biodiversity in the Amazon Rainforest so important?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: 
 The Amazon Rainforest is home to some of the world’s greatest biodiversity. The Amazon is home to thousands of different species of trees, plants, animals, and insects. New species are continually being discovered, and many of these have proven to be beneficial to humans. Over 25% of prescription drugs sold in the US are made with ingredients found in the rainforest. These drugs help treat diseases such as leukemia, breast cancer, asthma, and high blood pressure.

Question 5

Why has Mexico’s government made little progress in eliminating the drug cartels in Mexico? A. There is widespread police corruption. B. The government won’t provide army troops to stop the violence. C. The drug cartels are well established and difficult to eliminate. D. They have received no international aid. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: A

Question 6

Which of the following commonly occurs in Mexico and is putting freedom of speech rights at risk? A. Demonstrators are commonly jailed for weeks or months without trial. B. Journalists who report on corruption are often targeted and threatened. C. Newspapers are censored by the government. D. The government limits access to the Internet. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: B

Question 7

What are countries like Brazil doing to protect rainforest resources?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: 
 Brazil has placed more than 100 million acres of rainforest under a protected status to prevent development and to limit deforestation. This appears to be working, as deforestation peaked in 2004 and is down about 60%. Laws protecting endangered animals also have been passed, but these can be difficult to enforce. Some animals, like the jaguar, kill livestock, prompting farmers to kill them when they have the chance.

Question 8

In recent years, the war on drugs has centered on the border between Mexico and the United States. Which of the following statements about this war is false? A. The amount of violence has been decreasing, so few people have been killed. B. The United States spends more than $500 million a year to fight the cartels. C. Most of the violence occurs near the US-Mexican border. D. Most police officers are dedicated to ending the drug smuggling. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: A

Question 9

Write a short letter to the president explaining why we should protect the rainforest.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: 
 Dear Mr. President,  It is very important that we work harder to protect the rainforest. Although it is far away, it is important to us. The plants in the Amazon have provided drugs for fighting cancer. The Amazon is also home to about 20% of the world’s water. The trees release that water into the atmosphere, preventing drought. Rainforest trees store carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Scientists are concerned that cutting down these trees could lead to global warming. Finally, the rainforest is home to about half a million people who depend on it to survive.  Sincerely,  Suzy Student

Question 10

What are the three major causes of deforestation, and which is the most significant?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: 
 80% of all land is cleared for cattle grazing, which is the most important cause of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest. Brazil is one of the world’s biggest exporters of beef, and land is cleared for large commercial herds. Commercial and subsistence farming also cause deforestation. Soybeans, sugar, and palms all are grown commercially. Poor residents often practice slash-and-burn agriculture, which can be very damaging. Finally, deforestation occurs when trees are cut down for their wood, often illegally. Much of this wood, including mahogany, is very valuable.

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