AP US Government Exam Practice Test!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The three-fifths compromise at the Constitutional Convention resolved delegates' differences over the issue of state representation.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The three-fifths compromise at the Constitutional Convention did not resolve delegates' differences over the issue of state representation. Instead, it resolved the issue of how enslaved individuals would be counted for the purposes of determining a state's population and representation in the House of Representatives. The compromise stated that enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for these purposes.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Most governmental policies are made by a single institution.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement contradicts the reality of how governmental policies are made. In most democratic countries, governmental policies are not made by a single institution but are rather the result of a complex process involving multiple branches of government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Additionally, policies are often influenced by public opinion, interest groups, and other external factors. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The Declaration of Independence was written primarily by James Madison.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. The Declaration of Independence was not primarily written by James Madison. It was primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, with some input from other members of the Second Continental Congress. James Madison did not play a significant role in the writing of the Declaration of Independence.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A political issue arises when people disagree about a problem or about a public policy choice made to combat a problem.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
A political issue arises when there is a disagreement among people regarding a problem or a public policy choice made to address a problem. This implies that political issues are a result of differing opinions and perspectives on problems and the solutions proposed to solve them.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Pluralist theory holds that because so many groups compete for power in the United States, none has a majority say and public roughly approximates the public interest.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Pluralist theory suggests that in the United States, numerous groups compete for power and influence, resulting in no single group having a majority say. This means that the public interest is roughly represented as different groups have the opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to decision-making processes. Therefore, the statement that pluralist theory holds that none has a majority say and the public roughly approximates the public interest is true.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The Connecticut Compromise at the Comstitutional Convention led to an agreement that slaves would be counted as three-fifths persons in the census for purposes of determining representation in Congress.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The Connecticut Compromise at the Constitutional Convention did not lead to an agreement that slaves would be counted as three-fifths of a person in the census for determining representation in Congress. It was actually the Three-Fifths Compromise that made this provision, which was a separate agreement reached at the Convention. The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, resolved the conflict between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan by creating a bicameral legislature with representation based on both population (House of Representatives) and equal representation for each state (Senate).Rate this question:
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- 7.
The list of problems to which political leaders are paying serious attention is a
- A.
Legislative package
- B.
Issue constellation
- C.
Policy agenda
- D.
Problem set
Correct Answer
C. Policy agendaExplanation
A policy agenda refers to the list of issues or problems that political leaders are focusing on and giving serious attention to. It represents the priorities and goals that they aim to address and resolve through legislative actions and policymaking. This term is commonly used in the field of political science to describe the specific set of policies and initiatives that are being actively pursued by a government or political party.Rate this question:
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- 8.
An example of public policymaking would be
- A.
The President meeting with the heads of oil companies
- B.
Congress and the President deciding not to act on the Aids crisis.
- C.
A majority of the public supporting the idea of government dealing with unemployment
- D.
The press creating public concern about racial discrimination
Correct Answer
B. Congress and the President deciding not to act on the Aids crisis.Explanation
Public policymaking refers to the process through which decisions are made by government officials or institutions to address public issues or concerns. In this example, Congress and the President deciding not to act on the Aids crisis is an example of public policymaking because it involves the deliberation and decision-making process of government officials regarding a significant public health issue. This decision not to act on the crisis reflects a policy choice made by the government in response to the issue at hand.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A set of institutions and activities that link together government, politics, and public policy is
- A.
Political decision making
- B.
A policymaking system
- C.
A government
- D.
A linkage institution
Correct Answer
B. A policymaking systemExplanation
A policymaking system refers to a set of institutions and activities that connect government, politics, and public policy. This system involves various processes and actors that influence the creation, implementation, and evaluation of policies. It includes government institutions, such as legislative bodies and executive agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations, interest groups, and the media. The policymaking system plays a crucial role in shaping and determining the direction of public policies in a society.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Public policy is defined as a
- A.
Policy directed at more than one person
- B.
Chioce that government makes in response to an issue
- C.
Set of rules and regulations issued by a government agency
- D.
Course of action to solve a problem
Correct Answer
B. Chioce that government makes in response to an issueExplanation
Public policy refers to the decisions and actions taken by the government in response to a particular issue or problem. It involves the choices made by the government to address and resolve societal concerns. These choices can include the implementation of laws, regulations, and programs aimed at achieving specific goals or outcomes. Public policy is a deliberate and systematic approach adopted by the government to address the needs and interests of the public.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following is not a linkage institution?
- A.
Political parties
- B.
The media
- C.
Interest groups
- D.
Congress
Correct Answer
D. CongressExplanation
Congress is not considered a linkage institution because it is a part of the government and not an external entity that connects the people to the government. Linkage institutions are organizations or structures that connect the government to the people, such as political parties, the media, and interest groups. Congress, on the other hand, is a branch of the government that represents the people and creates laws.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of these is a linkage institution?
- A.
USA Today
- B.
The President's cabinet
- C.
The House of Representatives
- D.
The ambassador to France
Correct Answer
A. USA TodayExplanation
USA Today is considered a linkage institution because it serves as a means of connecting the government and the people. As a national newspaper, it provides information and news about political events, policies, and issues to the general public, helping to inform and shape public opinion. Linkage institutions are important for facilitating communication and interaction between the government and the citizens, and USA Today fulfills this role by providing a platform for the dissemination of political information.Rate this question:
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- 13.
the primary author of the Declararion of Independence was
- A.
King George III
- B.
Thomas Jefferson
- C.
Benjamin Franklin
- D.
James Madison
Correct Answer
B. Thomas JeffersonExplanation
The correct answer is Thomas Jefferson. He was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Jefferson was chosen to draft the document because of his eloquence and skill as a writer. His words and ideas played a crucial role in shaping the principles and ideals of the United States of America.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The Declaration of Independence
- A.
Contained completely new ideas on political philosophy
- B.
Took several months to write
- C.
Blamed the British parliament for the abuses on the colonies
- D.
Bacame one of the most important statements of American political philosophy
Correct Answer
D. Bacame one of the most important statements of American political philosophyExplanation
The Declaration of Independence became one of the most important statements of American political philosophy because it outlined the fundamental principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded. It asserted the idea that all men are created equal and have certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It also declared that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and that the people have the right to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive of these rights. The Declaration of Independence laid the groundwork for the American Revolution and continues to be a cornerstone of American political thought.Rate this question:
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- 15.
John Locke believed in each of the following except
- A.
Natural rights
- B.
Consent of the governed
- C.
Divine of right of kings
- D.
Limited government
Correct Answer
C. Divine of right of kingsExplanation
John Locke believed in natural rights, consent of the governed, and limited government. However, he did not believe in the divine right of kings. This concept states that kings are chosen by God and have absolute power over their subjects. Locke argued against this idea, advocating for a government that is based on the consent of the people and limited in its powers to protect individual rights.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The justification for separation from England in the Declaration of Independence was based heavily on the ideas of the English philosopher
- A.
Henry VIII
- B.
Oliver Cromwell
- C.
John Locke
- D.
Lord North
Correct Answer
C. John LockeExplanation
The correct answer is John Locke. The justification for separation from England in the Declaration of Independence was heavily based on the ideas of John Locke, an English philosopher. Locke's ideas of natural rights, limited government, and the social contract heavily influenced the American colonists' belief in their right to rebel against a tyrannical government. His writings on individual liberty and the consent of the governed provided the intellectual foundation for the American Revolution and the establishment of a new nation based on democratic principles.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Thomas Jefferson's phrase "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness" was a modification of John Locke's phrase "life, liberty, ___
- A.
Property
- B.
Health
- C.
Equality
- D.
Heaven
Correct Answer
A. PropertyExplanation
Thomas Jefferson's phrase "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness" was a modification of John Locke's phrase "life, liberty, and property." Jefferson changed the phrase to "pursuit of happiness" to emphasize the individual's right to seek personal fulfillment and happiness, which he believed was an essential aspect of human freedom and well-being. This modification reflects Jefferson's belief in the importance of personal autonomy and the pursuit of one's own interests and goals.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Beginning in 1781, the US was governed under the
- A.
Current US Constitution
- B.
Mayflower Compact
- C.
British Constitution
- D.
Articles of Confederation
Correct Answer
D. Articles of ConfederationExplanation
The correct answer is "Articles of Confederation." The US was governed under the Articles of Confederation from 1781 until the current US Constitution was ratified in 1788. The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government and gave most powers to the individual states. However, it was eventually replaced by the US Constitution due to its limitations and inefficiencies in governing the country.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The US government under the Articles of Confederation can best be described as
- A.
Weak and ineffective
- B.
Dictatorial
- C.
A personal tool of George Washington
- D.
Overly bureaucratic
Correct Answer
A. Weak and ineffectiveExplanation
The US government under the Articles of Confederation can be described as weak and ineffective because it lacked a strong central authority and had limited powers. The central government had difficulty enforcing laws, collecting taxes, and regulating trade, leading to economic instability and political unrest. The lack of a strong executive branch and a unified national government made it difficult to coordinate and make decisions, ultimately leading to the need for the stronger federal government established by the Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Under the Articles of Confederation, most governmental power rested in
- A.
The President
- B.
The state government
- C.
The Congress
- D.
The national government
Correct Answer
B. The state governmentExplanation
Under the Articles of Confederation, most governmental power rested in the state government. The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government and gave more authority to the individual states. This was done to prevent a strong central government that could potentially infringe on the rights and powers of the states. The central government under the Articles of Confederation had limited powers and relied on the states to enforce laws and provide resources. Therefore, the state governments had more control and influence over the governance of the country during this time.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The ___, offered as one possible scheme at the Constitutional Convention called for each state to be equally represented in Congress
- A.
Equal Rights Amendment
- B.
Three-fifths compromise
- C.
New Jersey plan
- D.
Virginia
Correct Answer
C. New Jersey planExplanation
The New Jersey plan, offered at the Constitutional Convention, proposed that each state should have equal representation in Congress. This means that regardless of the state's population or size, each state would have the same number of representatives in Congress. This was in contrast to the Virginia plan, which called for representation based on population. The New Jersey plan aimed to protect the interests of smaller states and ensure that their voices were not overshadowed by larger states.Rate this question:
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- 22.
As originally established by the Constitutional the House of Representatives had how many members from each state?
- A.
Two
- B.
Seven
- C.
It depended on the state's population
- D.
One
Correct Answer
C. It depended on the state's populationExplanation
The number of members in the House of Representatives depended on the population of each state. This was established by the Constitution, which allowed for representation to be proportional to the population of each state. Therefore, states with larger populations would have more representatives in the House, while states with smaller populations would have fewer representatives.Rate this question:
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- 23.
On the issue of slaves, the Constitutional specified
- A.
A boundary, known as the Mason-Dixon line, south of which slavery would be legal
- B.
That slaves would count as three-fifths persons for counting the nation's population and determining seats in the House
- C.
That slavery would be banned beginning in 1800
- D.
Nothing- it was too controversial
Correct Answer
B. That slaves would count as three-fifths persons for counting the nation's population and determining seats in the HouseExplanation
The correct answer is that slaves would count as three-fifths persons for counting the nation's population and determining seats in the House. This provision, known as the Three-Fifths Compromise, was included in the Constitution to address the issue of representation in Congress. It determined that enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of determining a state's population and, consequently, its representation in the House of Representatives. This compromise was a reflection of the contentious debate over slavery during the drafting of the Constitution.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The Constitutional Convention dealt with slavery by
- A.
Counting the slaves as a full part of the population for the purposes of representation in the House
- B.
Recognizing it by providing for the return of escaped slaves
- C.
Prohibiting it after 20 years
Correct Answer
B. Recognizing it by providing for the return of escaped slavesExplanation
The Constitutional Convention dealt with slavery by recognizing it by providing for the return of escaped slaves. This is referring to the Fugitive Slave Clause, which was included in the United States Constitution. This clause required that escaped slaves be returned to their owners, even if they had escaped to a state where slavery was illegal. This provision was included to protect the rights of slave owners and maintain the institution of slavery.Rate this question:
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