Final answer:
The subject of the question is Social Studies, and it is referring to construction or substantial improvement after the effective date of the Flood Insurance Rate Map. The Flood Insurance Rate Map is a tool used by FEMA to determine flood risk in different areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the question, the subject is Social Studies. The question is referring to construction or substantial improvement that occurred after the effective date of the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) of the community or after December 31, 1974, whichever is later. The Flood Insurance Rate Map is a tool used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to determine the flood risk in different areas. If construction or substantial improvement started after the effective date of the FIRM, it means that it was done with knowledge of the flood risk in that area.