AP Success - AP Gov & Pol: Comprehensive Set 5
3 questions below refer to this excerpt from "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr.Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself, and that is what has happened to the American Negro. Something within has reminded him of his birthright of freedom, and something without has reminded him that it can be gained. Consciously or unconsciously, he has been caught up by the Zeitgeist, and with his black brothers of Africa and his brown and yellow brothers of Asia, South America and the Caribbean, the United States Negro is moving with a sense of great urgency toward the promised land of racial justice. If one recognizes this vital urge that has engulfed the Negro community, one should readily understand why public demonstrations are taking place. The Negro has many pent up resentments and latent frustrations, and he must release them. So let him march; let him make prayer pilgrimages to the city hall; let him go on freedom rides—and try to understand why he must do so. If his repressed emotions are not released in nonviolent ways, they will seek expression through violence; this is not a threat but a fact of history. So I have not said to my people: 'Get rid of your discontent.' Rather, I have tried to say that this normal and healthy discontent can be channeled into the creative outlet of nonviolent direct action. And now this approach is being termed extremist.
Question 1
The debate over the ratification of the United States Constitution illustrates a fundamental tension between:
National power and state sovereignty
Majority rule and minority rights
Democratic principles and authoritarian governance
Judicial activism and judicial restraint
Economic freedoms and regulatory controls
Question 2
The Antifederalists' fears about the new Constitution included all of the following EXCEPT:
The direct election of the President leading to mob rule
The possibility of diminished state authority
The absence of explicit protections for individual liberties
The unlimited power of the Supreme Court
The potential for a tyrannical central government
Question 3
Federal bureaucracy's role in policy implementation raises questions primarily because:
It directly participates in the electoral process, influencing outcomes.
It operates with significant discretion in interpreting and applying laws, leading to concerns over accountability and oversight.
It can enact laws without presidential consent.
Its actions can be interpreted as legislative, bypassing Congress.
It has the ability to overturn Supreme Court decisions.
Question 4
A Supreme Court decision that interprets the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause to allow for race-conscious college admissions policies to promote diversity is an example of:
Judicial activism
Judicial restraint
Rational basis review
Intermediate scrutiny
Strict scrutiny
Question 5
The principle that states cannot enact laws that would interfere with federal immigration policies is best described by which constitutional doctrine?
The Supremacy Clause
States' rights
The Necessary and Proper Clause
Dual federalism
Cooperative federalism
Question 6
Refer to the excerpt from "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolent direct action, as a form of political participation, serves which of the following purposes in a democratic society?
To directly influence the outcome of elections through the mobilization of voters.
To demonstrate the strength of a political party's base to policymakers.
To undermine the legitimacy of the political system through civil disobedience.
To prompt a reevaluation of societal norms and policies through peaceful protest.
To replace existing democratic institutions with more progressive ones.
Question 7
Refer to the excerpt from "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr. Public demonstrations have been a key feature of several social movements in U.S. history. Which of the following best explains why such demonstrations are often a chosen method of activism?
They aim to demonstrate the economic leverage of marginalized groups.
They are intended to incite violent reactions that will draw media coverage.
They provide a means for groups to express their grievances and seek policy changes.
They channel societal frustrations and resentments into peaceful, organized actions.
They are seen as a last resort when legislative and judicial avenues have failed.
Question 8
Refer to the excerpt from "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr. The concept of "pent-up resentments and latent frustrations" within a community most closely aligns with which of the following theories of political behavior?
Behavioralism, which studies how individuals in society behave under various political conditions.
Social movement theory, focusing on the conditions under which social movements are likely to emerge.
Pluralist theory, emphasizing how different groups form to press their interests in a democratic society.
Elite theory, which suggests that a small minority controls the majority of power and wealth.
Rational choice theory, which posits that individuals always make decisions that increase their personal benefit.
Question 9
The Federalist Papers' advocacy for a large republic to control the "mischiefs of faction" directly contradicts which political theory?
Participatory democracy's focus on widespread direct involvement in governance
Pluralism's view of faction as a positive force for democracy
Classical republicanism's emphasis on small, homogeneous societies
Elite theory's assertion that a select few should govern
Social contract theory's emphasis on individual rights over communal stability
Question 10
How does the winner-take-all system in U.S. presidential elections impact third-party candidates?
It discourages third-party candidates by making it difficult for them to win electoral votes
It increases political polarization by forcing voters to choose between the two major parties
It has no significant impact, as third-party candidates frequently influence the outcome of presidential elections
It encourages the formation of new parties by ensuring media attention during election cycles
It enhances the viability of third-party candidates by focusing attention on swing states
Question 11
Political participation extends beyond voting in elections. Which of the following is an example of civic volunteerism as a form of political participation?
Volunteering for a nonpartisan organization that works to increase voter registration
Watching a presidential debate on television
Attending a political rally or demonstration
Donating money to a political campaign
Signing an online petition for a cause or policy change
Question 12
The concept of selective incorporation, a key aspect of civil liberties in the United States, has been instrumental in applying the Bill of Rights to the states. Which of the following cases best exemplifies the complexity of applying selective incorporation to balance individual rights with societal needs?
The Eighth Amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment is applied to the states in a case challenging the death penalty, leading to a reevaluation of capital punishment practices.
A Supreme Court decision affirms the right to free speech in a case involving hate speech, sparking a national debate on the limits of the First Amendment.
A state law restricting freedom of assembly is upheld by the courts, citing public safety over individual rights.
A landmark ruling applies the Second Amendment to the states, leading to varied interpretations of gun control laws across different states.
A case challenging a state's voting laws under the Fourteenth Amendment leads to a broader discussion on the balance between state autonomy and individual voting rights.
Question 13
The concept of "double jeopardy" is prohibited by which amendment, and how might it apply to a person who is acquitted of a crime but later confesses to it?
The Second Amendment; the person's right to bear arms cannot be infringed.
The Fifth Amendment; the person cannot be tried again for the same crime.
The Sixth Amendment; the person has the right to a speedy trial.
The Eighth Amendment; the person is protected from cruel and unusual punishment.
The Fourteenth Amendment; the person is guaranteed equal protection under the law.
Question 14
The principle of "stare decisis" significantly influences judicial proceedings by:
Encouraging consistency over time, as courts generally follow previous rulings.
Enabling the President to issue pardons based on past rulings.
Allowing Congress to override judicial decisions.
Limiting the judiciary's review of executive orders.
Mandating that judges adhere strictly to the Constitution, disregarding precedent.
Question 15
The impact of significant national events on political ideology is profound. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates how a major economic crisis could shift political ideologies towards greater support for government intervention in the economy?
A prosperous period results in a decreased interest in politics, with no noticeable change in political ideologies.
A community experiences a slight increase in unemployment but maintains its predominantly libertarian viewpoint.
An economic boom leads to increased support for laissez-faire economic policies among a population previously in favor of strong government regulation.
Following a severe recession, a significant portion of the middle class supports policies for more robust economic safety nets and regulatory oversight of financial markets.
A minor economic downturn causes a temporary increase in charitable donations without altering prevailing economic ideologies.
Question 16
The Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC (2010) had a profound impact on campaign finance. Which of the following best describes a potential consequence of this decision?
Increased transparency in the sources of campaign funding
A leveling of the playing field between incumbent and challenger candidates in terms of campaign financing
A decrease in the importance of interest groups in political campaigns
An increase in the influence of corporate and union money in elections, potentially leading to questions about the integrity of the democratic process
A significant reduction in the amount of money spent in political campaigns
Question 17
A hypothetical law requires all individuals to submit to DNA testing for a national database intended to solve crimes more efficiently. Which of the following amendments would likely serve as the basis for a constitutional challenge to this law?
Tenth Amendment
Fifth Amendment
Second Amendment
Fourth Amendment
First Amendment
Question 18
The provided chart showing undercounts and overcounts in the 2020 census primarily affects which aspect of government?
Six states had undercounts in the 2020 census, while eight had overcounts. Pew Research Center.
The allocation of funds for federal education programs
The nomination process for presidential candidates
The enforcement of the Voting Rights Act
The distribution of party delegates for national conventions
The apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives
Question 19
What potential constitutional issue could arise from the census undercounts and overcounts as illustrated in the chart?
Six states had undercounts in the 2020 census, while eight had overcounts. Pew Research Center.
Violations of the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause
Challenges involving the 4th Amendment's search and seizure protections
Questions regarding the 5th Amendment's due process rights
Disputes related to the 1st Amendment's freedom of assembly
Infringements on the 10th Amendment's reserved powers for states
Question 20
The data displayed in the chart most directly suggests which of the following implications for federalism?
Six states had undercounts in the 2020 census, while eight had overcounts. Pew Research Center.
A decrease in states' influence over national legislation
Enhanced federal oversight of state census procedures
An increase in federal grants to certain states based on population overcounts
State-led initiatives to challenge federal apportionment decisions
Changes in the balance of power between state and federal governments
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