AP GOV 2019 Practice Exam
Which best describes a likely reason for the information depicted in the graph? A An increase in concerns over media bias B An increase in the median age of the population C A decrease in the number of media outlets D A decrease in ideological news coverage
A An increase in concerns over media bias
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the checks held by the legislative and judicial branches? A Legislative checks to the judicial branch Judicial checks to the legislative branch Impeaching and removing federal judges Declaring an entire law unconstitutional B Legislative checks to the judicial branch Judicial checks to the legislative branch Confirming federal judges Reviewing laws prior to enactment C Legislative checks to the judicial branch Judicial checks to the legislative branch Appointing federal judges Striking down a portion of a law D Legislative checks to the judicial branch Judicial checks to the legislative branch Establishing the number of Supreme Court justices Removing the Speaker of the House
A Legislative checks to the judicial branch Judicial checks to the legislative branch Impeaching and removing federal judges Declaring an entire law unconstitutional
Which of the following is a correct comparison of the positions of libertarians and conservatives on matters of social policy? A Libertarians Conservatives Support the right of same-sex marriage Oppose the right of same-sex marriage B Libertarians Conservatives Oppose the criminalization of recreational drug use Support stricter gun control laws C Libertarians Conservatives Support the use of the death penalty Oppose the use of the death penalty D Libertarians Conservatives Support laws to restrict abortion Oppose affirmative action programs
A Libertarians Conservatives Support the right of same-sex marriage Oppose the right of same-sex marriage
In May of 2015, a federal appeals court ruled that the National Security Agency's collection of Americans' phone records was in violation of the USA PATRIOT Act. Which of the following core values are involved in the national debate regarding the surveillance program referred to in this scenario? A Liberty versus stability and order B Majority rule versus minority rights C States' rights versus federal authority D Common good versus freedom of expression
A Liberty versus stability and order
Which of the following scenarios best explains the inclusion of Title IX as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 ? A Members of Congress added the amendment to the bill in response to social movements seeking to address inequality in education for women. B Paid lobbyists added the amendment on behalf of teachers unions in order to increase pay and tenure for public school teachers. C President Lyndon Johnson used the power of the bully pulpit to pressure members of Congress to pass a bill that would legally desegregate schools. D The Department of Justice added the amendment in order to provide legal guidance to states to enforce the Equal Rights Amendment.
A Members of Congress added the amendment to the bill in response to social movements seeking to address inequality in education for women.
A person votes for Democratic candidates based on the belief that the policies of the Democratic Party will be personally beneficial. This type of voting matches which of the following voting behavior models? A Prospective voting B Retrospective voting C Split-ticket voting D Sociological voting
A Prospective voting
Which of the following is an example of the executive branch implementing a public policy passed by Congress? A The Department of Health and Human Services determines eligibility requirements for government assistance. B As chief diplomat, the president negotiates a treaty that is then ratified by the Senate. C A Federal Trade Commission official is asked to testify before Congress about the agency's activities. D Congress passes a law reorganizing the structure of the federal bureaucracy.
A The Department of Health and Human Services determines eligibility requirements for government assistance.
Which of the following factors most likely led to shifts in Supreme Court decision making over time? A The ideological composition of the justices on the Supreme Court shifted to become less liberal over time. B Rather than pass new legislation, Congress was inclined to refer civil rights legislation to the Supreme Court. C After 1960, the Supreme Court deferred to the wishes of state and local governments rather than voting to expand the authority of the federal government. D Constitutional amendments enabled the Supreme Court to issue more liberal decisions.
A The ideological composition of the justices on the Supreme Court shifted to become less liberal over time.
Which statement best explains the information in the graphic? A The secretary was confirmed by a party-line vote. B Confirmation was blocked by one party. C Independents swayed the vote for the majority. D Attempts at compromise were unsuccessful.
A The secretary was confirmed by a party-line vote.
Which of the following scenarios explains how demographic factors affect voter participation in elections? A Wealthier individuals are more likely to become involved in campaigns because they believe that their actions may influence the candidates. B Individuals who belong to marginalized groups are likely to participate in elections because their issues are often highlighted by political party leaders. C Political action committees (PACs) raise money from their donors, which they use to run television advertisements during campaigns. D Gerrymandered districts are likely to produce competitive districts, which leads to lower turnout rates in elections.
A Wealthier individuals are more likely to become involved in campaigns because they believe that their actions may influence the candidates.
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the text by Schlesinger and The Federalist 70 ? A While Schlesinger views centralization of power in the presidency as dangerous, The Federalist 70 views it as vital to the presidency's effectiveness. B While The Federalist 70 views centralization of power in the presidency as dangerous, Schlesinger views it as vital to the presidency's effectiveness. C Both Schlesinger and The Federalist 70 view centralization of power in the presidency as dangerous. D Both Schlesinger and The Federalist 70 view centralization of power in the presidency as vital to the presidency's effectiveness.
A While Schlesinger views centralization of power in the presidency as dangerous, The Federalist 70 views it as vital to the presidency's effectiveness.
Which of the following rulings is most likely to cite the Supreme Court's decision in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969) as a legal precedent in support of the decision? A) A ruling in favor of students to print their opinions in a school newspaper B) A ruling against a public school's practice of having prayer at school assemblies C) A ruling supporting the creation of gun-free zones in public schools D)A ruling enforcing mandatory vaccinations for all children before attending school
A) A ruling in favor of students to print their opinions in a school newspaper
Which of the following scenarios is most closely related to the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) ? A A member of Congress establishes a political action committee to gain influence within the chamber. B A labor union spends millions of dollars to independently run negative advertisements about a presidential candidate shortly before the election. C A state senator receives a large cash donation from a corporate executive in exchange for specific political favors. D A lobbyist writes the language of a bill that is later introduced into both chambers of Congress.
B A labor union spends millions of dollars to independently run negative advertisements about a presidential candidate shortly before the election.
Which of the following is an example of checks and balances? A An unpopular Supreme Court ruling can be overturned by a majority vote of both houses of Congress. B A rule issued by a bureaucratic agency may be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. C A filibuster in the Senate can be ended with a cloture motion that has the support of 60 senators. D A treaty negotiated by the president with a foreign government must be approved by a majority vote of the House.
B A rule issued by a bureaucratic agency may be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Which of the following accurately compares the powers of Congress and the president? A Congress Has Greater Control President Has Greater Control Judicial appointments Foreign policy B Congress Has Greater Control President Has Greater Control Budgetary policy Cabinet appointments C Congress Has Greater Control President Has Greater Control The bureaucracy Fiscal policy D Congress Has Greater Control President Has Greater Control Military leadership Foreign treaties
B Congress Has Greater Control President Has Greater Control Budgetary policy Cabinet appointments
Based on the passage above, which of the following constitutional provisions would the author most likely identify as a solution to the problem of the imperial presidency? A Congress exercising the power to regulate commerce B Congress insisting that it declare war prior to the use of international force C The president making stronger use of bureaucratic discretion D Congress creating term limits for all members of government
B Congress insisting that it declare war prior to the use of international force
Which constitutional principle best explains the differences in poverty rates presented in the map? A Checks and balances B Federalism C Equal protection D Enumerated powers
B Federalism
Which of the following is an accurate description of the powers of the House of Representatives and the Senate? A House of Representatives Senate Conducts impeachment trials Passes articles of impeachment B House of Representatives Senate Initiates all revenue bills Confirms presidential appointments C House of Representatives Senate Ratifies treaties submitted by the president Ratifies executive orders submitted by the president D House of Representatives Senate Deploys troops for foreign combat Negotiates treaties with foreign countries
B House of Representatives Senate Initiates all revenue bills Confirms presidential appointments
The Supreme Court ruled in McDonald v. Chicago (2010) that a citizen's right to keep and bear arms at home for self-defense is protected from state and federal infringement. Which of the following is most relevant to that decision? A Full faith and credit B Selective incorporation C Equal protection D Eminent domain
B Selective incorporation
The language in the first paragraph of the selection most closely parallels that of which of the following documents? A The Preamble to the United States Constitution B The Declaration of Independence C The Federalist 10 D Brutus 1
B The Declaration of Independence
Which of the following statements regarding political parties is true based on the graphic? A The Democratic Party has consistently favored states' rights. B The Republican Party initially emerged as an antislavery political party. C Regional interests have not played a major role in any of the party systems. D The Democratic and Republican Parties were the two major parties during the First Party System.
B The Republican Party initially emerged as an antislavery political party.
Which of the following is a limitation of the data when drawing a conclusion about the most important problem facing the country in 2017 ? A The results are incomplete, as only 3% of respondents were taken into account when the list was compiled. B The data were collected in a short time frame, which does not reveal full-year trends. C The data were compiled from an exit poll; therefore, the data reflect only the views of registered voters. D Respondents were presented with a list of problems from which they could choose more than one.
B The data were collected in a short time frame, which does not reveal full-year trends.
Based on the data in the chart, which of the following is true? A The percentage of liberal decisions made by the federal district courts on civil rights and civil liberties cases increased between 1900 and 1928. B The percentage of liberal decisions made by the Supreme Court on civil rights and civil liberties cases decreased between 1964 and 1996. C The number of civil rights and civil liberties cases heard by the Supreme Court declined between 1944 and 1952. D The number of civil rights and civil liberties cases heard by the federal district courts decreased between 1972 and 1992.
B The percentage of liberal decisions made by the Supreme Court on civil rights and civil liberties cases decreased between 1964 and 1996.
Which of the following situations best reflects the author's concern about an "imperial" presidency? A The Senate ratifying treaties without executive approval B The president issuing an increasing number of executive agreements C Congress declaring war independent of the president D The president appointing a new secretary of education
B The president issuing an increasing number of executive agreements
A political science professor is researching the effects that the Fifteenth and Twenty-Sixth Amendments have had on the American political system. Which of the following is the most likely reason the professor is researching these amendments? A To study the expansion of the right to equal protection under the law B To study the expansion of voting rights C To study the expansion of due process rights D To study the expansion of federal authority over states
B To study the expansion of voting rights
Which of the following is a correct comparison between the United States Constitution and the Articles of Confederation? A United States Constitution Articles of Confederation Favored stronger national government Favored a federal system B United States Constitution Articles of Confederation Granted Congress the power to levy taxes Granted states alone the power to levy taxes C United States Constitution Articles of Confederation Required approval by three-fourths of Congress for a constitutional amendment Required unanimity of Congress to amend D United States Constitution Articles of Confederation Granted Congress the power to declare war Granted the Congress power to regulate trade
B United States Constitution Articles of Confederation Granted Congress the power to levy taxes Granted states alone the power to levy taxes
The case United States v. Lopez (1995) struck down the Gun-Free School Zones Act because A it violated Fourth Amendment protections against unwarranted searches B Congress exceeded its authority in the use of the commerce clause C the Second Amendment is a right incorporated to the states D students retain their First Amendment rights while attending public schools
B) Congress exceeded its authority in the use of the commerce clause
A woman is arrested for possessing illegal substances that were obtained after a warrantless search of her home by local police. Which of the following best explains whether the evidence could be used in a criminal trial? A The due process rights of the Fifth Amendment require that the evidence be reviewed by the prosecution before being admitted as evidence in court. B The exclusionary rule, derived from the Fourth Amendment, prevents the evidence from being used against the suspect. C Since the evidence obtained suggests illegal activity, the evidence may be used against the defendant in a criminal trial. D If the case is in the state court system, the evidence can be used against the defendant.
B) The exclusionary rule, derived from the Fourth Amendment, prevents the evidence from being used against the suspect.
A member of Congress votes in favor of a bill as a result of receiving many letters of support for the bill from constituents. Which form of democratic representation best describes this voting decision? A)Trustee B)Delegate C)Elite D)Pluralist
B)Delegate
Which of the following illustrates a situation that would not be protected by the First Amendment due to time, place, and manner restrictions? A A student is expelled from school for wearing a black T-shirt expressing opposition to a law recently passed by the state legislature. B An organization regarded as a hate group is not able to obtain a permit to march through a major city because of its message. C Antibusiness protestors are arrested and prosecuted for shutting down major intersections in New York City's Times Square during rush hour. D An independent political advocacy organization is prevented by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from running political advertisements on television.
C Antibusiness protestors are arrested and prosecuted for shutting down major intersections in New York City's Times Square during rush hour.
Which of the following describes the origin of the United States court system presented in the diagram? A Article II of the Constitution established the three-tiered court system and the jurisdiction of each court in each tier. B McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) allowed the Supreme Court to establish other federal courts. C Article III of the Constitution established a Supreme Court, while other federal courts were established by Congress. D Marbury v. Madison (1803) allowed Congress to create other federal courts.
C Article III of the Constitution established a Supreme Court, while other federal courts were established by Congress.
Which of the following statements best explains the diagram? A The United States District Court is the starting place for all cases going to the United States Supreme Court. B State supreme courts have the final say in all cases arising in the states. C Cases arising at both the state and federal level may be appealed to the United States Supreme Court. D The number of federal courts is greater than the number of state courts.
C Cases arising at both the state and federal level may be appealed to the United States Supreme Court.
Which of the following scenarios best explains how the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment has influenced political behavior? A Grassroots libertarian advocacy organizations have advocated in favor of less economic regulation of the marketplace. B The Supreme Court has ruled that Fifth Amendment prohibition on double jeopardy was made applicable to the states. C Civil Rights leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., cited constitutional arguments as a basis for opposing segregation and inequality. D President Franklin D. Roosevelt's State of the Union address urged Congress to pass legislation that would ensure greater economic security for the American people.
C Civil Rights leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., cited constitutional arguments as a basis for opposing segregation and inequality.
South Carolina passed a law to increase the state tax on gasoline to help fund repairs on highways and bridges. The state tax is in addition to the federal tax on every gallon of gasoline that is sold. Which of the following constitutional provisions does this scenario illustrate? A Delegated powers B Reserved powers C Concurrent powers D Exclusive powers
C Concurrent powers
Which of the following is an example of Congress using its implied powers? A Congress changing the tax code so that individuals making more than $350,000 per year have to pay higher taxes B Congress requesting that the Supreme Court review the constitutionality of a state gun-control law C Congress passing occupational safety regulations for the private sector D Congress ratifying a new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada
C Congress passing occupational safety regulations for the private sector
Which of the following represents the most likely way the information in the table will be used? A The media will use the data to present horse race coverage of elections. B Political action committees (PACs) will use the data to determine which candidates for elected office they will support. C Congress will use the data to suggest that there is support for their legislative proposals. D Social movements will use this data in their legal briefings before the federal courts.
C Congress will use the data to suggest that there is support for their legislative proposals.
In 2013 a parliamentary procedure was implemented in the Senate that allowed a simple majority vote to end debate on Cabinet member confirmations. Which of the following best explains how the procedural change relates to the information in the graphic? A If the procedural change had not occurred, the nomination of Tom Price would have been approved without delay. B The procedural change resulted in Democratic senators adding pork barrel legislation to the appropriations bill that funds the Department of Health and Human Services. C If the procedural change had not occurred, Republican senators would not have been able to immediately invoke cloture of a filibuster. D The procedural change required Republican senators to nominate a different person for secretary of Health and Human Services.
C If the procedural change had not occurred, Republican senators would not have been able to immediately invoke cloture of a filibuster.
A member of Congress who advocates for a more Keynesian approach to solving a recession will likely support which of the following policies? A Lowering taxes on the wealthy to increase business investment B Doing nothing and letting the recession work itself out C Increasing federal spending on infrastructure programs D Increasing interest rates and reducing the money supply
C Increasing federal spending on infrastructure programs
Which of the following statements about Americans' trust in the mass media is best supported by the data in the graph? A It generally increased over time. B It experienced its largest increase in 2013. C It generally decreased over time. D It experienced its largest decrease in 2016.
C It generally decreased over time.
Congress passes a law requiring that all public accommodations provide access for people with disabilities. The United States Supreme Court rules that the law does not apply to the airline industry. Which of the following is the best way for Congress to provide people with disabilities access to the airline industry in light of the Court's ruling? A Appeal the ruling to the United States Court of Appeals B Override the court with a two-thirds majority in both chambers C Pass a new law that specifies that the airlines must provide access for people with disabilities D Remove members of the Supreme Court who ruled against the law and have the president appoint new justices
C Pass a new law that specifies that the airlines must provide access for people with disabilities
The Washington Post receives a top secret report that details how the executive branch mishandled a deal made with a foreign nation regarding nuclear weapons. The executive branch attempts to stop the publishing of the report, but the publishers cite the precedent in New York Times Company v. United States (1971) establishing which of the following legal rules? A The application of strict scrutiny B The exclusionary rule for evidence C The heavy presumption against prior restraint D Time, place, and manner restrictions
C The heavy presumption against prior restraint
Which of the following statements is a correct implication of the author's argument? A The modern president has abused the power of the executive branch through the use of the bully pulpit. B Federal courts play a substantial role in the American political system, but they have been unable to check the executive. C The perception of multiple crises has led to the growth of an executive branch that is undermining the separation of powers in the government. D The Constitution has failed to protect the separation of powers by giving the executive branch and the president too much power.
C The perception of multiple crises has led to the growth of an executive branch that is undermining the separation of powers in the government.
The graphic illustrates which of the following statements about political parties? A Federalism leads to a multiparty system in which at least three parties generally compete for control of local, state, and national governments. B The founders refused to join political parties because they agreed that parties were contrary to the public interests, so parties did not form until well after the ratification of the Constitution. C There is an ongoing debate between political parties over the power and scope of the federal government, even as economic and demographic changes have altered party coalitions. D The Constitution settled the debate over the power of the federal government, but political parties formed nonetheless to help Congress organize itself over regional interests.
C There is an ongoing debate between political parties over the power and scope of the federal government, even as economic and demographic changes have altered party coalitions.
Which of the following best captures a portion of the author's argument? A Women elected officials have not done enough to pass laws promoting women's rights. B Men and women are legally equal, but women are morally superior to men. C The government has made women subservient by denying them the right to vote. D Women have faced too much suffrage due to the actions of the government.
C) The government has made women subservient by denying them the right to vote.
Which of the following statements represents a trend supported by the data in the bar graph? A Both party caucuses in the House consisted of more moderate members in 2012 than in 2002. B The Republican caucus consisted of more ideologically conservative members in 1982 than in 2012. C The number of House members between the most liberal Republican and the most conservative Democrat decreased between 1982 and 2012. D The party caucuses in the Senate are more ideologically diverse than those in the House of Representatives.
C) The number of House members between the most liberal Republican and the most conservative Democrat decreased between 1982 and 2012.
Based on the data, which of the following is the most likely consequence for the legislative process in Congress? A More competitive races for House seats in the general election B A decrease in party-line voting on important legislation introduced in the House C An increase in gridlock and failure to compromise on legislation D Greater cooperation between Congress and the president on nominations
C)An increase in gridlock and failure to compromise on legislation
On November 2, 2014, a Gallup poll reported that 51 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana, while 47 percent oppose legalization. The reported margin of sampling error was +/- 4 percent. Which of the following inferences can be made from the poll? A More people support marijuana legalization than oppose it. B More states are passing laws in support of marijuana legalization. C A majority of people under 35 years of age support legalizing marijuana. D It is unclear whether more people support marijuana legalization than oppose it.
D It is unclear whether more people support marijuana legalization than oppose it.
In The Federalist 78, Alexander Hamilton argued that the federal judiciary "is beyond comparison the weakest of the three departments of power." Which of the following statements represents a reason he gave for this argument? A It has the power of the sword and the power of judgment but lacks the power of the purse. B Each branch must be given the ability to defend its power and check the others. C The federal government is further from the people and thus less accountable. D It must depend on the executive for enforcement of its decisions.
D It must depend on the executive for enforcement of its decisions.
Which of the following amendments to the United States Constitution addresses the grievance that a woman is not permitted "to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise"? A Fourteenth Amendment B Fifteenth Amendment C Seventeenth Amendment D Nineteenth Amendment
D Nineteenth Amendment
Which of the following situations is an example of the president using the bully pulpit as a tool for agenda setting? A President Clinton invoking executive privilege in resisting a subpoena by the United States Senate during the Whitewater investigation B President Bush issuing a signing statement in the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 that considerably weakened its provisions C President Obama issuing an executive order delaying the deportation of at least five million undocumented immigrants D President Reagan delivering a televised address urging a reduction in federal taxes
D President Reagan delivering a televised address urging a reduction in federal taxes
Arizona enacted an immigration law in 2010, claiming the legislation complemented existing federal law. The Obama administration disagreed, claiming the state law conflicted with national law. Which clause of the Constitution did the Supreme Court most likely use to strike down a section of the state law? A Commerce clause B Necessary and proper clause C Full faith and credit clause D Supremacy clause
D Supremacy clause
A person claiming that the House can pass legislation with a simple majority, but the Senate is unlikely to pass legislation unless a bill has the support of a 60-vote supermajority is most likely to cite which of the following institutional differences as the cause of this trend? A The House has fewer legislative committees than the Senate does. B Members of the House often represent a much narrower constituency than senators do. C Party leadership in the House is highly formalized, while leadership in the Senate is much more informal. D The House has strict limits on debate, while the Senate allows unlimited debate.
D The House has strict limits on debate, while the Senate allows unlimited debate.
Which of the following is true based on information on the map? A The number of people living in poverty is lower in Maine (ME) than in New Jersey (NJ). B Northern states tend to have higher poverty rates than Southern states. C The poverty rate in the United States has increased since the last census was taken. D The poverty rate in the United States varies by state and region.
D The poverty rate in the United States varies by state and region.
Critics of the winner-take-all aspect of the electoral college are most likely to make which of the following arguments? A The winner-take-all system of the electoral college undermines the rights of states. B A state's presidential election results rarely mirror a state's congressional election results. C The winner-take-all system of the electoral college drives presidential candidates to focus on winning states that are considered to be part of their core supporters. D The winner-take-all system of the electoral college encourages presidential candidates to focus their time and effort disproportionately on battleground states with larger populations.
D The winner-take-all system of the electoral college encourages presidential candidates to focus their time and effort disproportionately on battleground states with larger populations.
Which of the following was a direct outcome of the Three-Fifths Compromise? A The number of senators increased in slaveholding states. B Slavery quickly declined, especially in larger cities in the South. C Slaveholding states were able to count slaves to determine their number of senators. D The number of representatives in the House of Representatives from slaveholding states increased.
D)The number of representatives in the House of Representatives from slaveholding states increased.
