AP Gov Practice Questions Day 59-63
D Unmarried persons over the age of 65 are less likely to vote than are married persons in that age group
"Voting is partly a matter of habit: the more frequently a person has voted in the past, the more likely she or he is to vote in the current election." All of the following support the observation above EXCEPT: A Immediately after the Twenty-Sixth Amendment in 1971 gave 18-21 year olds the vote, the proportion of eligible voters who actually voted declined. B Immediately after the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920 gave women the vote, the proportion of eligible voters who actually voted declined. C Immediately after the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the participation rate of Black voters in the South was lower than that of White voters in the South. D Unmarried persons over the age of 65 are less likely to vote than are married persons in that age group E Newly naturalized citizens may need special inducements to vote.
C a closed primary
A primary election in which voters are required to identify a party preference before the election and are not allowed to split their ticket is called A an open primary B a blanket primary C a closed primary D a runoff primary E a presidential preference primary
C The Democratic candidate will receive all 11 electoral votes.
A state has 11 electoral votes. In a presidential election, the Democratic candidate receives 48 percent of that state's popular vote, the Republican candidate receives 40 percent of the vote, and an independent candidate receives 12 percent of the vote. If the state is similar to most other states, how will the electoral votes most likely be allocated? A The Democratic candidate will receive 5 electoral votes, the Republican will receive 4, and the independent will receive 2. B The Democratic candidate will receive 6 electoral votes and the Republican will receive 5. C The Democratic candidate will receive all 11 electoral votes. D The votes will not be allocated until there has been a runoff election between the Democratic and Republican candidates. E The House of Representatives will determine the allocation of the electoral votes.
A get substantial financial support from their party's national committee
All of the following are reasons incumbents in the House of Representatives enjoy an electoral advantage over challengers EXCEPT that incumbents A get substantial financial support from their party's national committee B are better known to voters than are challengers C find it much easier to raise campaign funds than do challengers D can use staff members to do constituent service E often serve on committees that enable them to help the constituency
B Incumbents tend to understand national issues better than do their challengers.
All of the following contribute to the success of incumbent members of Congress in election campaigns EXCEPT: A Incumbents usually raise more campaign funds than do their challengers. B Incumbents tend to understand national issues better than do their challengers. C Incumbents are usually better known to voters than are their challengers. D Incumbents can use staff to perform services for constituents. E Incumbents often sit on committees that permit them to serve district interests.
D low level of political efficacy
Citizens who believe that their votes will have no effect on the outcome of an election have a A high level of trust in elected officials B high level of political participation C high level of political interest D low level of political efficacy E low level of political cynicism
E more ideological
Compared to the general population, delegates to presidential nomination conventions are A less interested in politics B less educated C financially worse off D more likely to register as independent E more ideological
E more likely to be affluent
Compared to voters in a general election, voters in presidential primary elections are A less likely to be members of political parties B less likely to be well educated C likely to be a larger percentage of the voting-age population D more likely to be members of ethnic or racial minority groups E more likely to be affluent
B The majority of the electorate does not vote in most elections.
Considering all elections at all levels of government, which of the following best describes electoral behavior in the United States? A Primary elections tend to elicit a higher voter turnout than do general elections. B The majority of the electorate does not vote in most elections. C Voter turnout plays an insignificant role in election outcomes. D Adult citizens under the age of 30 tend to have the highest rate of voter turnout. E Voters with strong party identification vote less regularly than do independents.
A a decline in party competition in the South
During the past twenty-five years, all of the following changes in public opinion and political behavior have occurred in the United States EXCEPT A a decline in party competition in the South B a decline in the level of trust in government C a drop in voter turnout D an increase in ticket-splitting E an erosion of party loyalties, especially among young people
C laws protecting voting rights for minorities
Explanations for low voter turnout include all of the following EXCEPT A registration requirements B weak party affiliation C laws protecting voting rights for minorities D weekday elections E frequency of elections at the state and local level
E The House chooses a new president by a majority vote of its state delegations.
How is a president chosen when none of the candidates receives a majority of the electoral college vote? A There is a national runoff election between the two candidates with the greatest number of electoral votes. B The United States Supreme Court directly elects the president. C The election is ruled null and void and Congress appoints a new president. D The Senate chooses a new president by a majority vote of its entire membership. E The House chooses a new president by a majority vote of its state delegations.
C The effect of recent economic conditions on the voters
If voters are acting according to the retrospective model of voting, which of the following will be the most important consideration in their decision? A The party affiliations of the candidates B The campaign promises made by the candidates C The effect of recent economic conditions on the voters D Whether the candidates will act in the best interest of the voters if elected
B No person eighteen years of age or older may be denied the right to vote on account of age.
In the United States, which of the following is a rule on voting found in the Constitution or its amendments? A No person may be denied the right to vote merely for lack of either state or federal citizenship. B No person eighteen years of age or older may be denied the right to vote on account of age. C No person may be denied the right to vote merely because he or she has previously served a prison sentence. D A state may not establish a residency requirement for voting. E A state may require a person to pay a poll tax in order to register to vote.
A incumbency
In the last thirty years, the single most important variable in determining the outcome of an election for a member of the House of Representatives has been, A incumbency B personal wealth C previous political offices held in the district D membership in the political party of the President E positions on key social issues
A The young with low education levels
Of the following groups of eligible voters, which is LEAST likely to vote? A The young with low education levels B The middle-aged with low education levels C Middle-aged and older women D Blue-collar workers E Middle-class black people
C Their educational level
Of the following, which best predicts the likelihood that citizens will vote? A Their race B Their religion C Their educational level D Their gender E Their region of residence
C It has traditionally been more difficult to register to vote in the United States than in most other industrial democracies.
Of the following, which is the most important reason that voter turnout is lower in the United States than in most other industrial democracies. A American citizens are more apathetic than are citizens in other democracies. B There are fewer elections in the United States than in other democracies. C It has traditionally been more difficult to register to vote in the United States than in most other industrial democracies. D United States elections receive less media attention than do elections in other democracies. E Unlike other industrial democracies, the United States has a two-party system.
D The number of female delegates and minority-group delegates at Democratic national conventions has grown substantially.
Over the past 20 years, reforms of the presidential nomination process have had which of the following effects? A The nomination process in both parties has become less democratic and open. B The number of Black delegates at Republican national conventions has grown substantially. C The number of candidates willing and able to seek the nomination has decreased dramatically. D The number of female delegates and minority-group delegates at Democratic national conventions has grown substantially. E State and local party organizations have increased their control over the process.
A Retrospective voting
Senator Hoffman is campaigning for reelection in her state. Her campaign message emphasizes how the policies she has supported have benefited her constituents. She has spotlighted job creation and an overall improvement in the standard of living in the state in the past six years. Senator Hoffman is hoping to appeal to which of the following voting behavior models? A Retrospective voting B Prospective voting C Party-line voting D Rational-choice voting
D turnout of votes
Since 1960 the presidential election process has been affected by an increase in all of the following EXCEPT the A proportion of independents in the electorate B influence of political consultants C number of primaries D turnout of votes E role of television
A I and II only
The advantages of incumbency in congressional elections include which of the following? I. Incumbents receive more campaign contributions than do challengers. II. Incumbents are able to provide important services for individual voters. III. The government provides campaign funds for incumbents. IV. The President usually endorses incumbents for reelection. V. Most American voters believe Congress does a good job. A I and II only B III and IV only C I, IV, and V only D II, III, and V only E III, IV, and V only
E decide which issues are important enough to bring to public attention
The agenda-setting function of the media refers to the power to A endorse specific candidates for political office B favor the position of one interest group over another C counter the censorship activities of media watch groups D mobilize economic interests in favor of a particular candidate E decide which issues are important enough to bring to public attention
E right of members of Congress to send mail to their constituents at the government's expense
The franking privilege refers to the A Federal Reserve Board's control over interest rates B practice of permitting senators to preview lists of judicial nominees C practice whereby legislators with the most seniority select the committees on which they want to serve D right of the chair to control the schedule of his or her congressional committee E right of members of Congress to send mail to their constituents at the government's expense
A day-to-day campaign activities
The largest amount of political coverage in newspapers during presidential campaigns is devoted to A day-to-day campaign activities B the platforms of the major parties C candidates' policy stands on domestic issues D candidates' stands on foreign policy issues E candidates' experience and qualifications
A increase voter registration
The main intent of "motor voter" laws is to A increase voter registration B increase voter turnout by providing transportation to polls for people without cars C increase the rate at which incumbents are reelected to office D prevent states from using literacy requirements for voting E allow sixteen year olds to vote if they have a valid driver's license
C influencing which issues the public sees as important
The media's effect on public opinion can best be described as A influencing older citizens' opinions of incumbents B affecting the public's views on domestic policy only C influencing which issues the public sees as important D changing well-educated people's views on foreign policy E influencing the public's views on controversial issues only
B party identification
The most common criterion that people use when voting for a presidential candidate is the candidate's A views on specific issues B party identification C ideological position D personal appearance E fiscal policy
E voting in political elections
The most common form of political activity undertaken by United States citizens is A lobbying to influence decisions by public officials B campaigning for candidates for office C contributing money to a political party D voting in local elections E voting in political elections
C voting in presidential elections
The most widely performed act of political participation in the United States is A writing letters to public officials B voting in local elections C voting in presidential elections D contributing money to political candidates E attending local party meetings
B It has loosened the hold of party leaders over the nomination process.
The primary election system of selecting presidential candidates has had which of the following effects? A It has increased the importance of state party organizations. B It has loosened the hold of party leaders over the nomination process. C It has reduced the role of citizens in the candidate selection process. D It has lowered the cost of running for office. E It has led to a decline in the importance of party voter-registration drives.
C the tendency of states to choose an early date on the primary calendar
The process known as front-loading refers to A presidential candidates raising funds far in advance of the first presidential primary B a presidential candidate seeking endorsements before officially declaring candidacy C the tendency of states to choose an early date on the primary calendar D political action committees (PACs) contributing money to candidates at least one year before the first presidential primary or caucus E the winner-take-all principle of the electoral college
B cover campaigns by emphasizing the relative standings of the candidates in the polls rather than the issues they discuss
The term "horse-race journalism" refers to the tendency of the media to A cover Congress by focusing on committee chairs rather than on the work of the committees B cover campaigns by emphasizing the relative standings of the candidates in the polls rather than the issues they discuss C cover politics by concentrating on scandal and corruption rather than on instances of integrity and honorable action D compete for access to sources rather than to cooperate in gathering news E compete to be first with major breaking stories rather than trying to present full, accurate accounts of such stories
A I and III only
The use of direct primaries instead of the convention system in selecting presidential candidates results in which of the following? I. A weakening of party control over nominations II. A reduction in the costs of election campaigns III. An increase in the number of people involved in the choice of candidates IV. An increase in voter turnout in midterm elections A I and III only B II and IV only C III and IV only D I, II, and III only E I, II, III, and IV
B focusing on larger, competitive states, because they might tip the balance of the electoral college
Typically, presidential candidates implement their campaign strategies by A applying their resources evenly among the states, because they must win popular votes in a majority of the states to be elected B focusing on larger, competitive states, because they might tip the balance of the electoral college C focusing on small states, because these states have proportionally more electoral votes than more populous states have D ignoring the electoral college, because the popular vote determines the outcome of the election E ignoring the electoral college, because more states are moving away from the winner-take-all system
A college-educated voters
Voter turnout tends to be highest among A college-educated voters B working-class voters C African American voters D young voters E low-income voters
C House of Representatives only
When none of the presidential candidates receives a majority of the votes in the electoral college, the winner is chosen by the A Federal Elections Commision B Supreme Court C House of Representatives only D Senate only E majority of the House and Senate combined
B Caucus
When party members meet to nominate a candidate for office, they participate in which of the following? A General election B Caucus C Blanket primary D Open primary E Closed primary
D ticket splitting
When people vote for some candidates from one party and other candidates from another party, it is called A dealignment B realignment C republicanism D ticket splitting E caucusing
B They affect which issues the public thinks are important.
Which of the following best characterizes the influence of the news media on public opinion in the United States? A They alter the public's views on issues. B They affect which issues the public thinks are important. C They determine how citizens will vote. D They are most able to influence people with the highest level of education. E They are most able to influence the urban sectors of society.
D It is the belief that one can make a difference in politics by expressing an opinion and acting politically.
Which of the following best describes the concept of political efficacy? A It is the belief that the average citizen can make little or no difference in an election. B It is the belief that an intelligent voting decision cannot be made without information. C It is the belief that the media must provide unbiased information for citizens to be able to make well-informed choices. D It is the belief that one can make a difference in politics by expressing an opinion and acting politically. E It is the belief that politicians must keep the electorate well-informed if they are to govern efficiently.
C Only voters who register as members of a political party may vote in that party's closed primary, while independents and others may be eligible to vote in open primaries.
Which of the following best describes the difference between an open and closed primary? A Voters must pay a poll tax to vote in a closed primary, but not in an open primary. B Voters are allowed to split their ticket in a closed primary but not in an open primary. C Only voters who register as members of a political party may vote in that party's closed primary, while independents and others may be eligible to vote in open primaries. D Open primaries require a run-off system, while closed primaries do not. E Candidates must seek the approval of the party organization to run in a closed primary, but anyone may be a candidate in an open primary.
B The higher ones socioeconomic status, the greater the probability of active involvement in the political process.
Which of the following best describes the relationship between socioeconomic status and participation in politics? A The lower one's socioeconomic status, the more likely it is that one will run for public office. B The higher ones socioeconomic status, the greater the probability of active involvement in the political process. C Adults who are unemployed have a greater personal interest in policy and tend to participate more actively in politics than do employed adults. D People in the lower middle class are the most likely to participate in politics. E There is no relationship between socioeconomic status and political participation.
C Political activism increases with education levels.
Which of the following best explains why delegates to both the Republican and Democratic Conventions in 1996 were much more likely to have college and postgraduate degrees than was the rest of the voting population? A College education increases the likelihood of holding liberal political positions. B College education increases the likelihood of holding conservative political positions. C Political activism increases with education levels. D Education allows people to have more time to attend conventions. E Some states required delegates to hold college degrees.
B The allocation of electoral votes in the winner-take-all system exaggerates the margin of victory.
Which of the following best explains why the winner of a presidential election usually claims to have a mandate from voters? A The president's party often wins a majority of seats in Congress by riding the president's coattails. B The allocation of electoral votes in the winner-take-all system exaggerates the margin of victory. C Presidents are allowed to implement their legislative agendas without interference during their first term. D The new president is allowed to replace a significant number of justices on the Supreme Court. E The incoming president automatically gains control of Congress.
A African Americans
Which of the following demographic groups has voted most consistently for the Democratic Party in national elections over the last three decades? A African Americans B Hispanics C Protestants D Wealthy White males E Southern White males
E There is increased similarity of network news coverage.
Which of the following describes a consequence of the growing concentration of ownership of the news media? A Newspaper prices have gone down. B Coverage of political events has gotten more liberal over time. C Prices for televised campaign ads have gone down. D Candidates get more free airtime. E There is increased similarity of network news coverage.
E African American Democrats tend to support the more liberal candidates within their party.
Which of the following generalizations about group voting tendencies is true? A Jewish voters tend to vote Republican. B Protestant voters tend to be more liberal than Roman Catholics on economic issues. C More women than men identify themselves as Republicans. D Rural voters are more likely to support Democratic candidates than are urban voters. E African American Democrats tend to support the more liberal candidates within their party.
B A candidate's incumbency status
Which of the following has the most influence on the outcome of a congressional election? A Local performance of a candidate's party in the presidential race B A candidate's incumbency status C The amount of a candidate's campaign spending relative to that of his or her opponent D The level of support from local party leaders E The level of voter turnout
C Laws protecting minority voting rights
Which of the following is NOT an explanation for low voter turnout? A Registration requirements B Low political efficacy among many voters C Laws protecting minority voting rights D Frequent elections at the state and local level E Weekday elections
D Candidates focus on the states with the largest populations.
Which of the following is a result of the electoral college system? A The winner of the presidency often lacks a majority of the popular vote. B Candidates focus on one-party states in which they can win most of the electoral votes. C The House of Representatives frequently chooses the President from the top three candidates. D Candidates focus on the states with the largest populations. E Campaign spending increases because candidates emphasize television advertising.
B Increasing importance of presidential primaries rather than state conventions
Which of the following is a significant trend in the presidential nominating process over the past three decades? A Replacement of national party conventions by national primaries for each party B Increasing importance of presidential primaries rather than state conventions C A sharply declining role for political action committees (PAC's) D Decreasing cost of campaigns E Increasing control by political party leaders over outcomes
B Closed
Which of the following is a type of primary election that requires registration as a party affiliate to vote? A Blanket B Closed C General D Open E Plebiscite
D Similar proportions of eligible men and women vote in presidential elections.
Which of the following is an accurate statement about political participation in the United States today? A A majority of Americans campaign for a candidate in each presidential election. B Over 75% of Americans vote in presidential elections. C People who participate in the political process are usually angry at government. D Similar proportions of eligible men and women vote in presidential elections. E People in their thirties or forties are less likely to be active in politics than are those aged 18-21.
C It is lower than in most other Western democracies.
Which of the following is an accurate statement about the voter turnout rate in the United States? A It is high because of the large numbers of elective offices. B It is significantly higher among men than among women. C It is lower than in most other Western democracies. D It increased sharply when eighteen year olds were given the right to vote. E It has been steady over the last 30 years.
A Results from public opinion polls that indicate which candidates are most likely to win
Which of the following is most frequently reported in the media during a presidential election? A Results from public opinion polls that indicate which candidates are most likely to win B The official platforms of each of the major political parties C Financial strategies and management of the campaigns D Comparisons of candidates' positions on foreign and domestic policy issues E Information about the candidates' experience in government and record in office
C Partisanship
Which of the following is the leading predictor of how an individual will vote in a congressional election? A Newspaper endorsements B Gender C Partisanship D Presidential endorsement E Occupation
A Partisan identification
Which of the following is the most important influence on the choice made by voters in presidential elections? A Partisan identification B Party platform adopted at the national convention C Vice-presidential running mate D Endorsement by political incumbents E Appeal of the candidates' spouses
B It encourages candidates to concentrate their campaigns in competitive, populous states.
Which of the following is true of the electoral college system? A It encourages the emergence of third parties. B It encourages candidates to concentrate their campaigns in competitive, populous states. C It ensures that the votes of all citizens count equally in selecting the President. D It requires that a candidate win a minimum of 26 states to obtain a majority in the college. E It tends to make a presidential elections appear closer than they really are.
E The voter-participation rate is one of the lowest of any industrialized nation.
Which of the following is true of voter turnout in the United States? A Three-fourths of the electorate votes in a presidential election. B The South votes in larger numbers than does any other region of the country. C Men vote in larger numbers than do women. D There is no relationship between the age of the voter and participation rates. E The voter-participation rate is one of the lowest of any industrialized nation.
E Network news coverage is usually dominated by reporters who offer relatively short sound bites from the candidates.
Which of the following most accurately describes media coverage of elections? A Coverage of presidential primaries gives relatively equal power to states regardless of when they hold their primaries. B Coverage tends to focus on issues rather than on which candidate is ahead in public opinion polls. C Reporters who use secret sources in their campaign coverage are shielded by federal law from having to reveal those sources. D Radio and television stations must provide on their news broadcasts equal time for and equal coverage of major party candidates. E Network news coverage is usually dominated by reporters who offer relatively short sound bites from the candidates.
B Consumer-driven media reinforces existing political biases in individuals.
Which of the following provides the most accurate explanation of how consumer-driven media increases partisan polarization? A Consumer-driven media tends to avoid discussing controversial political topics. B Consumer-driven media reinforces existing political biases in individuals. C Consumer-driven media relies heavily on corporate advertising. D Consumer-driven media is overwhelmingly conservative.
C A citizen casts votes for all Republicans based solely on the candidates' affiliation with the Republican Party.
Which of the following scenarios best represents an example of party-line voting? A A citizen always votes for the candidate who supports conservation of the environment. B A homeowner votes for a candidate based on the candidate's promise to lower property taxes. C A citizen casts votes for all Republicans based solely on the candidates' affiliation with the Republican Party. D A citizen votes for the incumbent member of the House of Representatives after receiving help processing his disability claim.
C An eighteen-year-old votes in a presidential election.
Which of the following scenarios is most related to the Twenty-Sixth Amendment? A A primary election is held to determine the candidate who will run as the Republican for the United States Senate. B An interest group purchases a television ad prior to an election. C An eighteen-year-old votes in a presidential election. D A woman votes in a local election.
C Incumbent senators are less likely to be reelected than are incumbent members of the House of Representatives.
Which of the following statements about incumbent senators running for reelection is correct? A The senators with the best chances of reelection are those who have served the longest. B The amount of money spent by a challenger has little bearing on an incumbent's reelection chances. C Incumbent senators are less likely to be reelected than are incumbent members of the House of Representatives. D An incumbent senator is equally likely to be reelected or defeated. E The most important factor influencing the reelection chances of senators is whether they belong to the President's party.
E Senior citizens are more likely to vote than are college students.
Which of the following statements about voting behavior in national elections is most accurate? A Men are more likely to vote than are women. B Blue-collar workers are more likely to vote than are professionals. C Those with less than a high school education are more likely to vote than are college graduates. D Democrats are more likely to vote than are Republicans. E Senior citizens are more likely to vote than are college students.
A College graduates are more likely to vote than are those who have at most a high school diploma.
Which of the following statements about voting behavior in the United States is correct? A College graduates are more likely to vote than are those who have at most a high school diploma. B Voters under the age of 25 are more likely to vote than are those in any other age group. C Registration requirements have no significant effect on voter turnout. D Since 1920, the proportion of women who have voted is approximately the same as the proportion of men who have voted. E During the twentieth century, the proportion of African Americans who voted was approximately the same as the proportion of White Americans who voted.
E Te voter turnout rate in the United States is usually lower
Which of the following statements most accurately compares elections in the United States with those in most other Western democracies? A United States citizens have fewer opportunities to vote in elections. B Political parties exert a stronger influence over voting in the United States C There are fewer obstacles to voting in the United States D There are more political parties in the United States E Te voter turnout rate in the United States is usually lower
C The winning candidate took office after receiving less than 50% of the popular votes cast.
Which of the following took place after presidential candidates Truman in 1948, Nixon in 1968, and Clinton in 1992 won only pluralities of the popular vote? A The election was formally decided in the House of Representatives. B The election was formally decided in the Senate. C The winning candidate took office after receiving less than 50% of the popular votes cast. D The electoral college votes cast by independents were critical in determining the winner. E The results of the popular vote necessitated a runoff.
C Each vote would count equally in determining which candidate won the election.
Which of the following would result from the direct election of presidential candidates? A A national primary would be established. B Party nominating conventions would be abolished. C Each vote would count equally in determining which candidate won the election. D The electoral college would become more influential in the electoral process. E Third-party candidates would have less chance of winning the election.
