Texes Social Studies Content Practice Exam

Which hemisphere is the United States primarily located in?

1. A) Western Range

2. B) Eastern Hemisphere

3. C) Western Hemisphere

4. D) Eastern Range

The correct answer is: C) Western Hemisphere

The United States is primarily located in the Western Hemisphere, which is a geographical term that refers to the half of the Earth that lies west of the Prime Meridian and east of the International Date Line. This positioning includes most of North and South America, as well as parts of the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands. Identifying the United States within the Western Hemisphere is essential for understanding its geographical context in relation to other countries and continents, as well as its cultural, economic, and political interactions. The reference to the "Western Range" and "Eastern Range" in the incorrect options appears to be conflated terms that generally do not apply to the broader geographic nomenclature used to describe the Earth's hemispheres. The Eastern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that lies east of the Prime Meridian, primarily covering parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, which does not pertain to the location of the United States. Thus, confirming the location of the United States in the Western Hemisphere provides a clear understanding of its global position.