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AP Comparative Government and Politics Practice Quiz: Judicial Systems

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 7 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 7

Which of the following best describes the principle that guides the judicial system in China, according to the provided text?

All Questions (7)

Which of the following best describes the principle that guides the judicial system in China, according to the provided text?

A) Rule of law, where the judiciary independently checks the power of the ruling party.

B) Rule by law, where the judiciary serves as a tool for the Chinese Communist Party.

C) Common law, where judicial decisions are based on precedent and tradition.

D) Sharia law, where legal interpretations are based on religious texts.

Correct Answer: B

The text explicitly states that in China, the concept of 'rule by law (instead of rule of law)' means the judicial system is subservient to the decisions of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), which controls judicial appointments.

Based on the text, the judicial systems in both Russia and China share which of the following characteristics?

A) Judges are appointed by the head of state and confirmed by the legislature.

B) The judiciary is used by the ruling regime to suppress political opposition.

C) The power of judicial review is frequently used to overturn laws passed by the legislature.

D) The legal system is based on common law principles inherited from the United Kingdom.

Correct Answer: B

The text states that 'Russia's government uses the judicial system to target opposition' and that China's judiciary is 'subservient to the decisions of the Chinese Communist Party.' This indicates that in both countries, the judiciary is used as a political tool by the ruling power. While appointments involve the executive and legislature in Russia, the text specifies the CPC controls appointments in China. Judicial review is not effectively used in Russia and is not a feature of the Chinese system described.

The establishment of Islamic Sharia Courts in northern Nigeria is a direct consequence of which feature of its political system?

A) The power of judicial review.

B) The system of federalism.

C) Efforts to reduce judicial corruption.

D) The adoption of common law.

Correct Answer: B

The text states, 'under the system of federalism, Islamic Sharia Courts have been established in the north.' This shows that the division of power in Nigeria's federal system allows for regional differences in the judicial system.

A key difference in the judicial appointment process between Mexico and Russia is that in Mexico, appointments are for a fixed term, whereas in Russia...

A) judges serve for life.

B) the text does not specify the length of judicial terms.

C) judges are recommended by an independent judicial council.

D) appointments are controlled by the ruling party without legislative approval.

Correct Answer: B

The text specifies that in Mexico, Supreme Court magistrates serve a 15-year term. For Russia, it describes the nomination and approval process (president nominates, Federation Council approves) but provides no information about the length of the term. Therefore, the text does not specify the length of judicial terms in Russia.

According to the passage, a major function of the Iranian judiciary is to ensure the legal system is based on what?

A) Common law principles.

B) The will of the Majles.

C) Religious law (Islamic Sharia).

D) The authority of the president.

Correct Answer: C

The text clearly states, 'The Iranian judiciary's major function is to ensure that the legal system is based on religious law, so judges must be trained in Islamic Sharia law.'

Which country's judiciary is described as being 'in transition' with constitutional amendments aimed at increasing its independence and effectiveness?

A) The United Kingdom, as it adapts to devolution.

B) Nigeria, as it works to reduce corruption.

C) Russia, as it constitutionally allows for judicial review.

D) Mexico, as it implements reforms to its Supreme Court.

Correct Answer: D

The text explicitly states that 'The Mexican judiciary is in transition' and that 'subsequent constitutional amendments have been implemented with the intent to make the system more independent and effective.'

Unlike the judiciaries in Russia and China, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is described as having the major function of...

A) enforcing the decisions of the ruling political party.

B) ensuring laws are based on a specific religious code.

C) protecting human/civil rights and liberties.

D) appointing members to the legislative branch.

Correct Answer: C

The text states that a major function of the UK Supreme Court is 'protecting human/civil rights and liberties.' This contrasts sharply with the descriptions of the Russian judiciary being used to 'target opposition' and the Chinese judiciary being 'subservient' to the CPC.