AP Gov unit 4 and 5 Test| Political
Ideology| Election| Governance|
UPDATED Q&A| Verified 2024/2025
1. How does political ideology influence an individual's stance on government intervention in the
economy?
- Individuals with a liberal ideology typically support greater government intervention,
while conservatives favor less intervention.
2. What role do **political parties** play in the electoral process?
- Political parties organize candidates for elections, facilitate campaign financing, and
mobilize voters to participate in the electoral process.
3. How do **voter demographics** impact election outcomes?
- Voter demographics, such as age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status, can
significantly influence voting patterns and party affiliation, affecting election results.
4. What is the significance of **incumbency** in congressional elections?
- Incumbents often have advantages such as name recognition, established donor networks,
and a record of constituent service, making them more likely to be re-elected.
5. How does **the Electoral College** function in presidential elections?
1
, - The Electoral College assigns electors to each state based on congressional
representation, who then cast votes for the president, requiring a majority to win.
6. What impact does **gerrymandering** have on representation in Congress?
- Gerrymandering can create districts that favor one party over another, distorting electoral
competition and affecting overall representation.
7. Explain the concept of **political socialization** and its primary agents.
- Political socialization is the process by which individuals develop their political beliefs,
primarily influenced by family, schools, peers, and media.
8. What is the relationship between **interest groups** and public policy?
- Interest groups advocate for specific policy agendas, influence legislation through
lobbying, and mobilize public support to shape government actions.
9. How do **primary elections** differ from **general elections**?
- Primary elections determine party nominees, while general elections select officeholders
from among the nominees of all parties.
10. What role does **exit polling** play in understanding voter behavior?
- Exit polling collects data on how individuals voted after they leave the polling place,
providing insights into voting patterns and demographic influences.
2
Ideology| Election| Governance|
UPDATED Q&A| Verified 2024/2025
1. How does political ideology influence an individual's stance on government intervention in the
economy?
- Individuals with a liberal ideology typically support greater government intervention,
while conservatives favor less intervention.
2. What role do **political parties** play in the electoral process?
- Political parties organize candidates for elections, facilitate campaign financing, and
mobilize voters to participate in the electoral process.
3. How do **voter demographics** impact election outcomes?
- Voter demographics, such as age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status, can
significantly influence voting patterns and party affiliation, affecting election results.
4. What is the significance of **incumbency** in congressional elections?
- Incumbents often have advantages such as name recognition, established donor networks,
and a record of constituent service, making them more likely to be re-elected.
5. How does **the Electoral College** function in presidential elections?
1
, - The Electoral College assigns electors to each state based on congressional
representation, who then cast votes for the president, requiring a majority to win.
6. What impact does **gerrymandering** have on representation in Congress?
- Gerrymandering can create districts that favor one party over another, distorting electoral
competition and affecting overall representation.
7. Explain the concept of **political socialization** and its primary agents.
- Political socialization is the process by which individuals develop their political beliefs,
primarily influenced by family, schools, peers, and media.
8. What is the relationship between **interest groups** and public policy?
- Interest groups advocate for specific policy agendas, influence legislation through
lobbying, and mobilize public support to shape government actions.
9. How do **primary elections** differ from **general elections**?
- Primary elections determine party nominees, while general elections select officeholders
from among the nominees of all parties.
10. What role does **exit polling** play in understanding voter behavior?
- Exit polling collects data on how individuals voted after they leave the polling place,
providing insights into voting patterns and demographic influences.
2
