Political Cartoons

Political Cartoons are always on the GED test.

This lesson is a part of Onsego GED Prep.

Video Transcription

The GED test might include political cartoons, which are special types of drawings that express opinions using five main elements: symbolism, analogy, irony, exaggeration, and stereotypes. These drawings usually come with a short text or label to make the story more understandable.

The GED test typically features political cartoons referring to significant U.S. historical events, aiming to assess whether you can grasp the point behind them. These are comprehension questions, where a particular piece of information from the graphic is slightly restated in an answer choice.

Key Elements of Political Cartoons

Symbolism: Symbolism involves using images or symbols to represent larger concepts or ideas. For example, Uncle Sam represents the U.S. Government, an elephant stands for the Republican Party, and a donkey symbolizes the Democratic Party.

An example of symbolism is a cartoon showing Uncle Sam as a sleeping giant awakening, representing the U.S. government gaining momentum or power.
Analogy: An analogy is a comparison between two things for explanation or clarification.

For instance, corporate power is often depicted as a monster in late 19th-century cartoons, like the 1904 cartoon depicting Standard Oil as a monopoly.

Irony: Irony occurs when there is a contrast between expectation and reality, often highlighting the difference between how things are and how they should be. An example is a cartoonist portraying skeptical Labor and Capital, looking dubiously—although joined by a loose umbilical cord—as The American Twins.

Exaggeration and Stereotypes: Exaggeration involves making something seem more extreme or larger than it is, while stereotypes involve oversimplified and fixed ideas about a particular group of people. An example is a national debt cartoon portraying Uncle Sam with a big belly, saying “New Year resolution:

Lose this Belly.” This cartoon exaggerates Uncle Sam’s belly to indicate that the level of government spending is unsustainable and the financial well-being of the United States is at risk.

How to Approach Political Cartoon Questions

When analyzing political cartoons on the GED test, follow these steps:

Start with reading the question carefully, so you understand exactly what is being asked.

Study the cartoon. Pay close attention to all elements of the cartoon, including any words in the caption or within the drawing.

Analyze the symbols. Identify any symbols and what they represent.

Look for irony and exaggeration. Notice any contrasts between expectation and reality or any exaggerated elements.

Eliminate incorrect answers. Rule out each answer choice that is not supported by the provided cartoon.

Choose the best answer. The correct answer usually restates the content, mood, and topic of the cartoon.

Example Question

Question: What can we infer based on this cartoon?

A) The U.S. government is taking a new step in agricultural reform.
B) The U.S. government is experiencing a financial crisis.
C) Uncle Sam is leading an expedition into new territories.
D) The U.S. government is introducing new educational policies.

Correct Answer: B) The U.S. government is experiencing a financial crisis.

Explanation:

The cartoon depicts Uncle Sam (representing the U.S. government) with his leg trapped by a large object labeled “Matthews Resolution.” The caption at the bottom reads, “The First Step Toward National Bankruptcy.”

This suggests that the actions represented by the “Matthews Resolution” are leading the U.S. government towards financial difficulties.

Options A and D can be eliminated because they do not correspond to the financial context indicated by the cartoon’s caption and imagery.
Option C is not relevant as the cartoon does not depict any exploration or territorial expansion.

By understanding these elements, you can better analyze political cartoons and interpret their messages on the GED test.

Last Updated on October 19, 2025.