AP Success - AP Gov & Pol: Comprehensive Set 2
3 questions below refer to this excerpt from Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.Speech is an essential mechanism of democracy, for it is the means to hold officials accountable to the people. The right of citizens to inquire, to hear, to speak, and to use information to reach consensus is a precondition to enlightened self-government and a necessary means to protect it. The First Amendment 'has its fullest and most urgent application' to speech uttered during a campaign for political office. For these reasons, political speech must prevail against laws that would suppress it, whether by design or inadvertence. Laws that burden political speech are 'subject to strict scrutiny,' which requires the Government to prove that the restriction 'furthers a compelling interest and is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest.' ... We return to the principle ... that the Government may not suppress political speech on the basis of the speaker’s corporate identity. No sufficient governmental interest justifies limits on the political speech of nonprofit or for-profit corporations.
Question 1
Regarding the federal bureaucracy, the concept of "rule-making" is significant because:
It highlights the informal amendment process of the Constitution through bureaucratic actions.
It allows bureaucrats unchecked power to interpret laws without oversight.
It is equivalent to lawmaking, which is a power constitutionally reserved for Congress.
It involves the Supreme Court directly in the process of creating administrative regulations.
It represents an extension of executive power, allowing for detailed regulations that have the force of law, thereby raising questions about the separation of powers.
Question 2
Which of the following federalism models best describes the era of New Federalism initiated in the 1980s?
Competitive federalism
Layer cake federalism
Cooperative federalism
Dual federalism
Regulated federalism
Question 3
Enumerated powers of Congress are outlined in the Constitution. Which of the following is NOT considered an enumerated power?
The power to establish and maintain an army and navy.
The power to impeach and remove federal officials.
The power to issue executive orders.
The power to regulate interstate commerce.
The power to declare war.
Question 4
The application of the death penalty in cases involving mentally disabled defendants was addressed in which landmark Supreme Court case?
Furman v. Georgia
Roper v. Simmons
Atkins v. Virginia
Gregg v. Georgia
McCleskey v. Kemp
Question 5
The "gender gap" in politics refers to differences in political preferences and voting behaviors between men and women. Which of the following best illustrates a consequence of the gender gap on electoral outcomes?
The gender gap is effectively bridged by a candidate who adopts a centrist position, appealing equally to both men and women.
An election sees a significant shift in outcomes due to targeted policies that address issues disproportionately affecting women, demonstrating the electoral impact of the gender gap.
A political candidate tailors their campaign messages to appeal specifically to male voters, assuming their preferences represent the majority.
Despite observable differences in policy preferences between genders, the gender gap has little to no impact on the final election results.
A candidate's attempt to exploit the gender gap backfires, leading to a decrease in support from both men and women.
Question 6
The strategy of targeting specific demographic groups during a political campaign is known as microtargeting. Which of the following best describes a potential ethical concern associated with microtargeting?
It reduces the influence of mass media on public opinion
It decreases the overall cost of political campaigns
It can enhance the democratic process by engaging more citizens in political discourse
It may lead to the manipulation of voters by exploiting demographic and psychological data
It increases political polarization by focusing on niche issues
Question 7
Refer to the excerpt from Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. The Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) held that the government:
Must treat nonprofit organizations differently from for-profit corporations in terms of speech restrictions.
May suppress political speech based on the speaker’s corporate identity if it serves a compelling interest.
Has the right to regulate political speech during election periods to ensure fairness.
Cannot limit the political speech of corporations, regardless of their profit status.
Can impose restrictions on political speech to protect public interest.
Question 8
Refer to the excerpt from Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. In applying the "strict scrutiny" standard to laws that burden political speech, as referenced in the Citizens United decision, the Supreme Court requires that such laws:
Be proven by the government to advance a compelling state interest in a manner that is narrowly tailored.
Have a significant public support before enactment.
Ensure that any restrictions are equally applied across different types of media.
Do not differentiate between political speech occurring during and outside of campaign periods.
Provide exemptions for non-profit organizations while applying restrictions to for-profit corporations.
Question 9
Refer to the excerpt from Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. According to the Citizens United ruling, laws that burden political speech must:
Be approved by a majority vote in both houses of Congress.
Be subjected to strict scrutiny, ensuring they further a compelling interest and are narrowly tailored.
Only be applicable to individual citizens, not corporations.
Ensure equal opportunity for all political candidates.
Focus primarily on limiting the influence of foreign entities in American elections.
Question 10
According to the graph on Americans' frustrations with the federal tax system, which of the following concerns is most prevalent among the surveyed population?
Pew Research Center.
The perception that some wealthy individuals do not pay their fair share
The perception that some poor people do not pay their fair share
The amount individuals pay in taxes
The perception that some corporations do not pay their fair share
The complexity of the tax system
Question 11
The data provided in the graph about the federal tax system indicates a public opinion trend. How might this trend influence congressional policy-making?
Pew Research Center.
There may be a legislative push to increase taxes on lower income brackets.
Legislators may prioritize tax reform to simplify the tax code.
Congress is likely to disregard public opinion on tax matters due to budget constraints.
There may be increased advocacy for higher taxes on corporations.
Lawmakers might consider policies to reduce overall tax rates.
Question 12
The graph illustrates varying levels of frustration with aspects of the federal tax system among Americans. What conclusion can be drawn about the role of public opinion in shaping policy agendas?
Pew Research Center.
Minor frustrations, such as the amount paid in taxes, are most likely to drive immediate policy action.
Public opinion has little to no impact on shaping the policy agendas of elected officials.
Greater frustration with corporate tax contributions may not influence policy due to lobbying.
Widespread concerns about equitable tax contributions could result in targeted tax policy changes.
Frustrations with tax complexity may lead to bipartisan support for reform.
Question 13
Voter behavior models that explain how individuals decide to vote often consider the influence of political ideologies. Which scenario best demonstrates the concept of retrospective voting?
Young voters are influenced by social media campaigns to support candidates who advocate for environmental policies.
Voters support a candidate based on their charismatic personality and promises for the future, rather than past performance.
A voter decides to support an incumbent based on the perception that the economy has improved during their term, an example of retrospective voting.
Voters make decisions based on a single high-profile issue that has recently emerged, ignoring other considerations.
Individuals vote for candidates who belong to the same political party as themselves, regardless of the candidates' policies or performance.
Question 14
The right to privacy was most directly established in which of the following Supreme Court cases?
Miranda v. Arizona
Mapp v. Ohio
Griswold v. Connecticut
Gideon v. Wainwright
Roe v. Wade
Question 15
Which of the following does NOT constitute a check on the judiciary by other branches?
Congress has the authority to set the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
The President nominates judges to the federal courts, subject to Senate confirmation.
The judiciary can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional, illustrating a reciprocal check on legislative power.
Congress can pass amendments to the Constitution in response to Supreme Court decisions.
The Executive Branch can refuse to enforce court decisions.
Question 16
The President's Cabinet functions as:
An electoral college that selects the President in the event of an electoral tie.
A formal body with constitutional authority over domestic policy.
A legislative body that assists in drafting bills for Congressional consideration.
An advisory group to the President, comprising the heads of the executive departments and other key officials.
A judicial panel that advises the Supreme Court on constitutional matters.
Question 17
Cooperative Federalism is best illustrated by which of the following policies?
The federal government's exclusive right to negotiate treaties
The Affordable Care Act
State refusal to comply with federal immigration policies
The No Child Left Behind Act
The legalization of cannabis at the state level
Question 18
Which of the following best describes the impact of "Shelby County v. Holder" (2013) on the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
It struck down the requirement for pre-clearance for certain states.
It upheld the constitutionality of the entire act.
It required states to implement voter ID laws.
It expanded the requirement for pre-clearance to all 50 states.
It declared racial gerrymandering unconstitutional.
Question 19
The influence of major political events on individuals' ideologies can be significant. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates how a foreign policy crisis might alter domestic political ideologies?
In response to an international conflict, there is a noticeable shift in public opinion towards isolationism, reflecting a change in political ideologies favoring non-intervention.
Despite intense media coverage of a foreign policy crisis, public opinion and political ideologies remain focused on domestic issues.
A prolonged military engagement abroad results in increased public scrutiny of defense spending, but does not significantly alter the public's foreign policy ideology.
The resolution of a foreign policy crisis leads to increased public confidence in international institutions and cooperation, shifting political ideologies towards globalism.
A foreign policy crisis leads to a temporary rally-around-the-flag effect, but long-term political ideologies remain unchanged.
Question 20
Divided government occurs when:
There is a division within a political party, leading to conflicts in policy making.
Different political parties control the White House and Congress, often leading to legislative gridlock.
The government is divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
States are divided into different districts for electoral purposes.
The Senate and the House of Representatives are controlled by different parties, regardless of the executive branch.
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