AP Comparative Government and Politics Unit 1: Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments Practice Exam

1. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 1.1] Political scientists distinguish between empirical statements and normative statements to analyze political systems. Which of the following comparisons best illustrates this distinction?

2. [Skill: 3.C | Topic: 1.1] A political scientist analyzing data from the six course countries observes that as GDP per capita increases, the level of perceived corruption (as measured by Transparency International) tends to decrease. Based on this data alone, which of the following conclusions is most valid?

3. [Skill: 3.A | Topic: 1.1] Which of the following best explains why a political scientist would rely on the Gini index (coefficient) rather than GDP per capita when analyzing political stability in a developing nation?

4. Which of the following best compares the challenges to political stability posed by internal violent actors in Mexico and Nigeria, and the subsequent state responses?

5. A political scientist observes that in a specific course country, the government has recently intensified its crackdown on separatist groups and labor strikes in resource-rich regions. The government claims these actions are necessary to 'restore order.' Which of the following best explains the connection between these state actions and the country's economic objectives?

6. Which of the following accurately contrasts the outcome of civil society pressure for reform in Mexico during the late 20th century with the outcome of similar pressures in Iran during the early 21st century?

7. Which of the following statements best distinguishes a regime from a government?

8. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of a 'nation' as distinct from a 'state'?

9. A political scientist argues that the Mexican state faces significant challenges to its internal sovereignty. Which of the following observations would best support this argument?

10. Based on the table below, which statement accurately compares the political regimes of Country A and Country B? | Indicator | Country A | Country B | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Selection of Judiciary** | Appointed directly by the executive; subject to removal at will | Appointed through a committee of legal experts; life tenure | | **Media Ownership** | State-owned monopoly | Mix of private and public; high degree of press freedom | | **Election Results** | Ruling party wins 98% of the vote consistently | Power alternates between major parties every few election cycles |

11. Which of the following best explains how the independence of governmental branches distinguishes democratic regimes from authoritarian regimes?

12. A political scientist observes that a specific country holds regular national elections in which multiple political parties participate. However, international monitors report that the state-run media gives 90% of its coverage to the incumbent president, opposition rallies are frequently banned on technicalities, and the electoral commission is staffed by the president's relatives. Which term best classifies this political regime?

13. In a comparative analysis of political regimes, Country X has a Supreme Court that has recently overturned several executive orders issued by the president, citing constitutional violations. In contrast, the judiciary in Country Y frequently approves executive actions and lacks the power of judicial review. Which of the following statements best explains the implication of these differences for the process of democratization?

14. Which of the following electoral system reforms would best assist a developing democracy with deep ethnic and regional divisions in accommodating diversity and increasing multiparty competition?

15. Political scientists distinguish between the initial transition to democracy and the process of democratic consolidation. Which of the following scenarios provides the strongest evidence that a regime has achieved democratic consolidation?

16. [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 1.5] Which of the following accurately compares the role of the military as a source of power in China and Nigeria?

17. [Skill: 1.B | Topic: 1.5] Which of the following best explains how the political elite in Russia have utilized the concept of "managed democracy" to maintain power and authority?

18. [Skill: 2.B | Topic: 1.5] The United Kingdom and Iran both rely on distinct sources of authority to legitimize their heads of state. Which of the following best explains a key difference in these sources?

19. Which of the following best describes the difference between a change in government and a change in regime?

20. Which of the following statements accurately compares the nature of political change resulting from a coup d'état versus a revolution?

21. Which of the following explains why democratic regimes are generally able to maintain sovereignty with less reliance on coercive power than authoritarian regimes?

22. Which of the following accurately compares the vertical distribution of power in Russia and the United Kingdom?

23. Which of the following best explains a primary reason why countries like Nigeria and Mexico adopted a federal system of government?

24. In a unitary system, the degree of centralization can change over time. Which of the following statements best describes the policy of 'devolution' as practiced in the United Kingdom?

25. Which of the following accurately compares a primary source of political legitimacy in the People's Republic of China with a primary source of political legitimacy in the United Kingdom?

26. Which of the following best explains how the Islamic Republic of Iran utilizes conflicting sources of authority to maintain political legitimacy?

27. In 2020, the Russian government held a national vote to approve constitutional amendments that, among other changes, allowed the president to potentially remain in power beyond previous term limits. Which of the following explains why an authoritarian regime would utilize a popular vote for such a change?

28. [Skill: 1.D | Topic: 1.9] Consider the following statement from a government official: 'Our party has lifted 800 million people out of poverty and modernized our infrastructure faster than any other nation. This record of success grants us the mandate to lead.' Which of the following concepts best describes the source of legitimacy illustrated in the statement, and which regime type typically relies heavily on it?

29. [Skill: 2.C | Topic: 1.9] In 2009, allegations of fraud in the Iranian presidential election led to the widespread 'Green Movement' protests. Which of the following best explains how this event impacted the legitimacy of the Iranian government?

30. [Skill: 1.E | Topic: 1.9] Which of the following accurately compares the impact of devolution on political legitimacy in the United Kingdom and Nigeria?