The topics covered in a 7th-grade history monthly exam in the United States typically include a broad range of historical periods and events. These exams often focus on the following key areas:

1. Colonial America: The early European colonization of North America, including the establishment of colonies, the interactions between European settlers and Native Americans, and the development of colonial society.

2. American Revolution: The causes, key events, and outcomes of the American Revolution, including the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, and the formation of the United States.

3. Early National Period: The formation of the United States government, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the early presidency.

4. Expansion and Reform: The westward expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the Progressive Era, including the reform movements and the development of the industrial economy.

5. World War I and the Roaring Twenties: The causes and effects of World War I, the interwar period, and the economic and social changes of the 1920s.

6. Great Depression and World War II: The causes and effects of the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the events of World War II, including the home front and the atomic bomb.

7. Post-War America: The Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the social and political changes of the late 20th century.

These topics are chosen to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of American history from the colonial period to the late 20th century. The emphasis on these periods is due to their significant impact on the development of the United States as a nation. According to the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), the study of history in grades 6-8 should focus on the "major historical eras, periods, and themes in United States history." This approach ensures that students gain a foundational knowledge of American history that is essential for understanding the country's past and its place in the world.

The inclusion of these topics in the 7th-grade history monthly exam reflects the educational standards set by the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies, which emphasize the importance of understanding the historical context of the United States. By covering these key periods and events, students are better equipped to analyze historical trends, understand the complexities of the past, and make connections between historical events and contemporary issues.