Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What does the Gospel of Wealth justify?

1. The redistribution of wealth

2. The need for stricter regulations on businesses

3. The riches of the wealthy

4. The establishment of social programs for the poor

The correct answer is: The riches of the wealthy

The Gospel of Wealth, articulated by Andrew Carnegie in the late 19th century, justifies the accumulation of wealth by the prosperous members of society, arguing that those who are wealthy have a moral obligation to use their fortunes for the good of others. Carnegie asserts that the rich should act as stewards of their wealth, using it to benefit society through philanthropy and the establishment of institutions such as libraries, schools, and hospitals. He believed that the wealthy were best positioned to make decisions about how money could be used effectively for public benefit, thus making the notion of wealth not just a personal privilege but a responsibility to improve the conditions of society as a whole. This perspective supports the idea that the accumulation of wealth by individuals is justified, particularly when that wealth is put to constructive use in uplifting the community.