AP Gov Exam Prep 2024/2025| Questions
and Answers| A level
1. What principle is established by the **Constitution** that ensures government powers are
divided among branches?
- Separation of powers
2. How does **federalism** benefit governance in the United States?
- It allows states to address local issues while the federal government manages national
concerns.
3. What landmark Supreme Court case established the principle of **judicial review**?
- Marbury v. Madison
4. In what way does the **Electoral College** affect presidential elections?
- It can result in a candidate winning the presidency without winning the popular vote.
5. What is the purpose of the **Bill of Rights**?
- To protect individual liberties against government infringement.
6. How do **interest groups** influence the political process?
- By lobbying lawmakers and mobilizing public opinion around specific issues.
1
,7. What is the primary function of **political parties** in the U.S. system?
- To organize elections, simplify voter choices, and coordinate policymaking.
8. What does the **First Amendment** protect?
- Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
9. How does **gerrymandering** impact elections?
- It manipulates district boundaries to favor one party over another, affecting electoral
competition.
10. What is the significance of the **Supremacy Clause** in the Constitution?
- It establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law.
11. Discuss the concept of **political socialization** and its significance.
- Political socialization is the process through which individuals develop their political
beliefs, shaping their participation in democracy.
12. What is the role of the **media** in a democratic society?
- To inform the public, shape political discourse, and hold government accountable.
13. How does **the right to vote** serve as a cornerstone of democracy?
2
, - It empowers citizens to participate in the political process and influence government
decisions.
14. What effect did the **Voting Rights Act of 1965** have on American elections?
- It aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, significantly increasing voter
registration among African Americans.
15. Explain how **checks and balances** function within the U.S. government.
- Each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the others, ensuring no single branch
becomes too powerful.
16. What is **political efficacy** and why is it important?
- Political efficacy is the belief that one can influence political processes, encouraging
civic engagement and participation.
17. How do **federal mandates** impact state governments?
- They require states to comply with national standards, often without providing additional
funding.
18. Discuss the significance of **the War Powers Resolution**.
- It aims to limit the President's ability to engage U.S. forces in hostilities without
congressional approval.
3
and Answers| A level
1. What principle is established by the **Constitution** that ensures government powers are
divided among branches?
- Separation of powers
2. How does **federalism** benefit governance in the United States?
- It allows states to address local issues while the federal government manages national
concerns.
3. What landmark Supreme Court case established the principle of **judicial review**?
- Marbury v. Madison
4. In what way does the **Electoral College** affect presidential elections?
- It can result in a candidate winning the presidency without winning the popular vote.
5. What is the purpose of the **Bill of Rights**?
- To protect individual liberties against government infringement.
6. How do **interest groups** influence the political process?
- By lobbying lawmakers and mobilizing public opinion around specific issues.
1
,7. What is the primary function of **political parties** in the U.S. system?
- To organize elections, simplify voter choices, and coordinate policymaking.
8. What does the **First Amendment** protect?
- Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
9. How does **gerrymandering** impact elections?
- It manipulates district boundaries to favor one party over another, affecting electoral
competition.
10. What is the significance of the **Supremacy Clause** in the Constitution?
- It establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law.
11. Discuss the concept of **political socialization** and its significance.
- Political socialization is the process through which individuals develop their political
beliefs, shaping their participation in democracy.
12. What is the role of the **media** in a democratic society?
- To inform the public, shape political discourse, and hold government accountable.
13. How does **the right to vote** serve as a cornerstone of democracy?
2
, - It empowers citizens to participate in the political process and influence government
decisions.
14. What effect did the **Voting Rights Act of 1965** have on American elections?
- It aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, significantly increasing voter
registration among African Americans.
15. Explain how **checks and balances** function within the U.S. government.
- Each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the others, ensuring no single branch
becomes too powerful.
16. What is **political efficacy** and why is it important?
- Political efficacy is the belief that one can influence political processes, encouraging
civic engagement and participation.
17. How do **federal mandates** impact state governments?
- They require states to comply with national standards, often without providing additional
funding.
18. Discuss the significance of **the War Powers Resolution**.
- It aims to limit the President's ability to engage U.S. forces in hostilities without
congressional approval.
3
