AP Government Final
Q: The bar graph shows the National Rifle Association's spending on Democratic and Republican candidates over several decades of election cycles in support of gun ownership rights. How could a visual best be created to better understand how the spending of the NRA compares to that of gun control proponents? (A) A line graph that compares the amount that gun control proponents gave to Democrats over time (B) A table that shows how much each member of Congress received in contributions from both gun control advocates and the NRA (C) A pie chart that tallies total spending by both the NRA and gun control proponents since 1992 (D) The graph that includes information regarding important gun control laws that have been passed since 1992
A: A pie chart that tallies total spending by both the NRA and gun control proponents since 1992 (C)
Q: 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 (A)
Q: Which of the following criticisms of political campaigns is the author of the political cartoon most likely to agree with? (A) Political campaigns have not adequately adapted to the increase in social media usage in modern society. (B)Rising campaign costs and intensive fund-raising efforts make running for office too expensive for the average citizen. (C) The duration of election cycles is too long. (D) Candidates rely too heavily on professional consultants.
A: Candidates rely too heavily on professional consultants. (D)
Q: Which of the following Supreme Court cases is most related to the topic in the cartoon? (A) United States v. Lopez (1995) (B) McDonald v. Chicago (2010) (C) Shaw v. Reno (1993) (D) Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission (2010)
A: Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission (2010) (D)
Q: Which of the following best explains the ideological shifts of the Southern Democrats, as shown in the line chart? (A) Republicans have become more liberal over time, forcing Southern Democrats to also become more liberal. (B)Voters have been less willing to identify as Republican or Democrat, leading to a greater number of partisan candidates. (C)Conservative Republicans have been more successful at winning seats in the South, replacing many of the conservative Democrats. (D) Ideology has become less important to voters during elections, permitting Southern Democrats to endorse more conservative positions over time.
A: Conservative Republicans have been more successful at winning seats in the South, replacing many of the conservative Democrats. (C)
Q: Which of the following statements is true based on the data in the line graph? (A) In 1988 and 1992, voters 18-29 years old favored the Democratic candidate more than voters 65 and older did. (B) In the 2000 election, the gap between voters 65 and older and 18-29 years old was 2%, with voters older than 65 preferring the Democratic candidate. (C) In 1972 and 1984, voters 65 and older favored the Democratic candidate more than voters 18-29 years old did. (D) In the 2012 election, the gap between voters 65 and older and 18-29 years old was 8%, with 18-29-year-old voters preferring the Democratic candidate.
A: In the 2000 election, the gap between voters 65 and older and 18-29 years old was 2%, with voters older than 65 preferring the Democratic candidate. (B)
Q: The data in the graph best illustrate which of the following common criticisms of the electoral college? (A) Small states have fewer electoral votes than large states and therefore have no impact on presidential elections. (B) Individuals in small-population states have a greater impact on the electoral college than individuals in large-population states. (C) Candidates from states with a large number of electoral votes have a major advantage in the electoral college. (D) Smaller states have more electoral votes than larger states, which distorts the popular vote.
A: Individuals in small-population states have a greater impact on the electoral college than individuals in large- population states. (B)
Q: Based on the table, which of the following political action committees (PACs) is most partisan in its allocation of contributions to candidates? (A) AT&T Inc. (B) National Beer Wholesalers Association (C) International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (D) Lockheed Martin
A: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (C)
Q: Which of the following is the best interpretation of the political cartoon? (A) Members of Congress are richer than the people they represent. (B) Members of Congress represent a wide diversity of political and economic interests. (C) Members of Congress receive political contributions from many special interest groups. (D) Members of Congress are specialists in economic policy issues.
A: Members of Congress receive political contributions from many special interest groups. (C)
Q: Which of the following statements can be supported by the data in the line graph? (A)Democratic members of Congress are reelected at a higher rate than Republican members of Congress. (B) The overall rate at which members of Congress are reelected is less than 30 percent. (C) Senators are more likely to be reelected than members of the House of Representatives. (D) Members of the House of Representatives are more likely to be reelected than defeated.
A: Members of the House of Representatives are more likely to be reelected than defeated. (D)
Q: 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
A: Nineteenth Amendment (D)
Q: According to the bar graph, which of the following statements will be true in the year 2060? (A) The percentage of those identifying as Asian alone will be less than it was in 2012. (B) Those identifying as White alone will remain a majority. (C) Those identifying as Hispanic White will be 31% of the population. (D) The percentage of those identifying as Black alone will be less than it was in 2012.
A: Those identifying as White alone will remain a majority (B)
Q: For which of the following tasks would using the bar graph as currently designed be the LEAST helpful? (A) Comparing whether the National Rifle Association (NRA) prefers Democrats or Republicans (B) Tracking the campaign spending of the NRA over time (C) Calculating the election cycle spending based on the intervals shown on the vertical axis (D) Determining which years the NRA spent the most money on elections
Calculating the election cycle spending based on the intervals shown on the vertical axis (C)
Q: The practice of "microtargeting" described in the passage is an even more powerful campaign tool for parties if they are able to (A) command greater loyalty to their party platform (B) attract a large audience for their national party conventions (C) develop a unified message that appeals to a majority of voters (D) collect and manage large databases of information on specific groups of voters
collect and manage large databases of information on specific groups of voters (D)
Q: Which of the following statements is true regarding political advertisements in 2012 based on the information graphic? (A) Taxpayers paid over 2 billion dollars for political advertisements. (B) Political action committees aired 3 million political ads. (C) Fewer than 2 million advertisements were aired in 2012. (D) Few advertisements appealed to positive emotions.
A: Few advertisements appealed to positive emotions. (D)
Q: Which of the following statements about interest groups would the author most likely agree with? (A) Interest groups play the important function of including more people in elections. (B) Interest groups undermine stability by creating too much conflict and polarization in politics. (C) Interest groups tend to over-represent elite interests. (D) Interest groups have less power in American government than political parties have.
A: Interest groups tend to over-represent elite interests. (C)
Q: Supporters of voting restrictions are most likely to make which of the following arguments? A) Voting restrictions are needed to reduce the length of time it takes to vote. (B) Voting restrictions are needed to prevent voter fraud. (C) Voting restrictions help reduce the cost of elections. (D) Voting restrictions increase the accuracy of tracking polls.
A: Voting restrictions are needed to prevent voter fraud. (B)
Q: Given the information in the graph, in which of the following states would an individual's vote likely have more influence? (A) Wyoming (B) West Virginia (C) Alabama (D) California
A: Wyoming (A)
Q: If a researcher were interested in understanding how much the NRA spent in each state, what visual could be created to accurately display this information in the bar graph? (A) A table that gives details about the home states of candidates receiving money from the NRA in 1994 (B) An infographic that explains how the NRA has helped Republicans win elections in the South (C) A pie chart that shows the amount of money the NRA spent in each state since 1992 (D) A map showing the dollar amounts spent by the NRA in each state since 1992
A map showing the dollar amounts spent by the NRA in each state since 1992 (D)
Q: Which of the following factors contributes most to the data in the line graph? (A) Challengers have easier access to television, magazines, and newspapers. (B) Incumbents have an advantage over challengers because of name recognition. (C) Incumbents are often at a disadvantage because they are too busy working on legislation to campaign. (D) Challengers are often given larger donations from interest groups and can outspend incumbents.
A: Incumbents have an advantage over challengers because of name recognition. (B)
Q: Based on the data in the chart and your knowledge of presidential elections, which of the following is the best strategy that Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump could have used to pull votes away from the third-party candidates, Jill Stein and Gary Johnson? (A) Trump or Clinton could have promised to work with members of third parties in Congress if elected. (B) Trump or Clinton could have agreed to appoint Stein or Johnson to Cabinet positions after the election. (C) Trump or Clinton could have adopted issues that were popular with Stein's and Johnson's voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin as part of their campaigns. (D) Trump and Clinton could have agreed to include Stein and Johnson in presidential debates to show that they were open to discussing issue important to third parties.
A: Trump or Clinton could have adopted issues that were popular with Stein's and Johnson's voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin as part of their campaigns. (C)
Q: Based on the map above, a prediction that could be made about the 2016 election in Texas (TX) is that (A) voter turnout increased in the 2016 election (B) the number of eligible voters decreased in the 2016 election (C) Democrats won the popular vote for president in 2016 (D) the electoral college vote was split between Democrats and Republicans
A: the number of eligible voters decreased in the 2016 election (B)
Q: 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.
A: It generally decreased over time. (C)
Q: Which of the following is most directly related to the large amount of money spent by outside groups in the 2012 election? (A) The reliance on professional consulting firms to help run candidate-centered campaigns (B) The emergence of social media as a campaign tool to mobilize supporters to make large donations (C) The use of super PACs as a mechanism to raise money and influence elections (D) Strict regulations on campaign spending by political parties
A: The use of super PACs as a mechanism to raise money and influence elections (C)
Q: Which of the following activities would the author most likely be concerned about interest groups engaging in? (A) Educating and mobilizing citizens around their cause (B) Introducing legislation that limits the power of others (C) Representing broad segments of society and sparking emotional political debates (D) Forming iron triangles with bureaucratic agencies and congressional committees
A: Forming iron triangles with bureaucratic agencies and congressional committees (D)
Q: Which of the following is a likely effect of the trend depicted in the bar graph on voting and elections? (A) There will be fewer restrictions placed on voting. (B) Voter turnout is likely to increase among non-Whites. (C) The Democratic Party will win more elections, based on current voting trends. (D) There will be more retrospective voting among young voters.
A: The Democratic Party will win more elections, based on current voting trends. (C)
Q: Which of the following is a likely effect of the trend depicted in the bar graph on voting and elections? (A) There will be fewer restrictions placed on voting. (B) Voter turnout is likely to increase among non-Whites. (C) The Democratic Party will win more elections, based on current voting trends. (D) There will be more retrospective voting among young voters.
A: The Democratic Party will win more elections, based on current voting trends.(C)
Q: Which of the following describes the activities represented by data in the table? (A) Interest groups form political action committees (PACs) to nominate candidates during elections. (B) Government agencies receive a large portion of their funding from private interest groups, which affects their decisions. (C) Groups in American society form political action committees (PACs) so they can influence policy. (D)There are no limits on the amount of money an individual may contribute to a political action committee (PAC).
A: Groups in American society form political action committees (PACs) so they can influence policy. (C)
Q: Which of the following best explains why eligibility criteria vary by state as shown on the information graphic? (A) The Twenty-Sixth Amendment is not incorporated to the states. (B) States can create criteria for voting rights so long as they do not violate the United States Constitution. (C)The president is selected through the electoral college process, and therefore citizens do not actually have a real vote in presidential elections. (D) The Voting Rights Act guarantees that each state may determine its own procedures for elections.
A: States can create criteria for voting rights so long as they do not violate the United States Constitution. (B)
Q: Which of the following is most likely an effect of the data reported in the chart? (A) Younger voters were more likely to vote in the 2016 presidential election. (B) The California state government is more likely to address issues that affect older voters. (C) Political parties will work to recruit more younger candidates to run for office. (D) The media will likely be skeptical of the general election results.
A: The California state government is more likely to address issues that affect older voters. (B)
Q: 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.
A: The Republican Party initially emerged as an antislavery political party. (B)
Q: Which of the following statements about the trend is correct according to the line chart? (A)The ideological difference between Southern and Northern Democrats in the House of Representatives has decreased since 1973. (B) Republicans in the House of Representatives have gradually become more liberal since 1981. (C) Southern Democrats in the House of Representatives have historically always been more conservative than Northern Democrats. (D) There are less regional differences in the House of Representatives among Republicans than Democrats.
A: The ideological difference between Southern and Northern Democrats in the House of Representatives has decreased since 1973. (A)
Q: Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the graphs? (A) Political efficacy is a major factor in shaping political views about government, but political ideology also plays a role. (B) Regardless of party, there is a great deal of ideological agreement about the role of government among those with greater political efficacy. (C) While trust in government has declined over time, this is due to a decrease in political efficacy. (D) Republicans promote trust in government, which increases political efficacy.
A: Political efficacy is a major factor in shaping political views about government, but political ideology also plays a role. (A)
Q: Which of the following statements about the bar graph on voter turnout in the 2014 California general election is correct? (A) Each age group voted at a higher rate than all of the younger age groups below it. (B) The majority of voters ages 25-34 voted in the election. (C) The age group that voted at a rate closest to the average is 45-54. (D) Voters ages 35-44 voted at a rate higher than average.
A: The age group that voted at a rate closest to the average is 45-54. (C)
Q: Which of the following statements can best be supported by the survey data displayed in the bar graphs? (A) Democrats with a high level of political efficacy are the most likely group to trust government most of the time. (B) Democrats with a high level of political efficacy are the most likely group to be angry with government. (C) Republicans with a low level of political efficacy are the most likely group to say that government often does a better job than given credit for. (D) Republicans with a low level of political efficacy are the most likely group to say that government needs major reforms.
A: Republicans with a low level of political efficacy are the most likely group to say that government needs major reforms. (D)
Q: Based on the data in the chart, which of the following strategies would best help third-party candidates like Jill Stein and Gary Johnson increase their chances of winning elected office? (A) Allowing third-party candidates to create political action groups to raise money when campaigning in swing states (B) Employing campaign managers to develop get-out-the-vote strategies for campaigns in swing states (C) Developing strong party platforms that would attract independent and undecided voters in swing states (D) Lobbying state legislatures to shift from a winner-take-all system to a proportional voting system
A: Lobbying state legislatures to shift from a winner-take-all system to a proportional voting system (D)
Q: Which of the following is the best explanation for the trend in voting behavior after the 2000 election? (A) Many states lowered their voting age after 2000, which led to an increase in Democratic Party voters. (B)Most younger voters who were Democrats in the 1980s became more conservative as they grew older and ended up supporting Republicans after 2000. (C) The events that shaped the generation turning 18 after the year 2000 tended to create more liberal-minded voters who supported Democrats. (D) Most younger voters after 2000 adopted political positions that were opposed to their parent's point of view.
A: The events that shaped the generation turning 18 after the year 2000 tended to create more liberal-minded voters who supported Democrats. (C)
Q: Which of the following factors that influence voters' decision-making during an election is the cartoonist poking fun at? (A) The party identification and ideological orientation of the candidate (B) The candidate's personal characteristics (C) The education and age of the candidate (D) The candidate's knowledge of contemporary political issues
A: The candidate's personal characteristics (B)
Q: Which of the following best describes César Chávez' view on the use of violence versus nonviolence? (A) The use of violence should be the primary tactic as it will address the feelings of frustration and anger throughout the movement. (B) The use of violence will motivate the American people as people everywhere still yearn for justice. (C) The use of nonviolent actions, such as demonstrations and marches, does not bring honor to the cause and will negatively impact the movement. (D) The use of nonviolent actions allows more people to be involved in the movement and effect change.
A: The use of nonviolent actions allows more people to be involved in the movement and effect change. (D)
Q: 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.
A: 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. (C)
Q: Which of the following political processes or behaviors is most directly affected by the development described in the passage? (A) Party-line voting in Congress (B) Voter mobilization (C) Campaign finance reform (D) Regional party realignments
A: Voter mobilization (B)
Q: Which of the following is true based on the information graphic? (A)All citizens over 18 years old are eligible to vote regardless of where they live, but only about 56% actually do vote. (B)Voters from 18 and 54 are far more likely to vote than voters over 54, but this can depend on which state they live in. (C)Over 75% of the population is eligible to vote, but only about half the electorate actually voted in the 2016 presidential election. (D) Voters ages 18-35 are less likely to vote because some states restrict voting only to citizens over the age of 21.
A: Over 75% of the population is eligible to vote, but only about half the electorate actually voted in the 2016 presidential election. (C)
Q: Which of the following best explains how political parties are likely to respond to the data in the chart? (A)Political parties are likely to continue to stand by their traditional positions and not bother to appeal to groups that have not previously been included in their base. (B)Political parties will adapt their positions and find ways to appeal to voters from growing demographic groups. (C) Political parties will adapt by switching from candidate-centered campaigns to campaigns that strategically mobilize voters across the country with a consistent message. (D) Political parties will advocate for proportional representational systems so that groups with larger populations are able to win seats and be represented more fairly in government.
A: Political parties will adapt their positions and find ways to appeal to voters from growing demographic groups. (B)
Q: Which of the following scenarios reflects the most direct effect of the practice described in the passage on the electoral process? (A) State legislatures will redraw the boundaries of electoral districts to group like-minded voters together. (B) Political parties will rely increasingly on social media advertising to reach different coalitions of voters. (C) Political campaigns will operate with greater transparency regarding the sources of their financing and advertising. (D) Political parties will play a greater role in recruiting qualified candidates capable of effectively communicating their party's policy agenda to potential voters.
A: Political parties will rely increasingly on social media advertising to reach different coalitions of voters. (B)
Q: Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the data in the graphs? (A) Those with greater political efficacy are Republicans; as a result, they hold more conservative views on how the government needs to be reformed. (B)Those with greater political efficacy have a more positive view of government; as a result, they are more likely to vote in elections. (C) Those who are angry with government are more likely to be Republicans and vote in elections. (D) Those who know more about government and politics tend to be more skeptical of both.
A: Those with greater political efficacy have a more positive view of government; as a result, they are more likely to vote in elections. (B)
