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AP U.S. Government and Politics Practice Quiz: Congressional Behavior

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

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 11 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 11

A member of Congress learns that a majority of their constituents support a particular bill, even though the member personally believes the bill is flawed. If this member votes for the bill to reflect the will of their constituency, which model of representation are they following?

All Questions (11)

A member of Congress learns that a majority of their constituents support a particular bill, even though the member personally believes the bill is flawed. If this member votes for the bill to reflect the will of their constituency, which model of representation are they following?

A) Trustee

B) Delegate

C) Politico

D) Partisan

Correct Answer: B

The provided text states that a representative acting as a delegate 'sees themselves as an agent of those who elected them and will vote on issues based on the interests of their constituents.'

According to the text, what is a likely consequence when intense ideological divisions and partisan voting dominate Congress?

A) Increased legislative efficiency

B) Gridlock, where no action can be taken

C) Bipartisan compromise on major issues

D) Reduced influence of political parties

Correct Answer: B

The text explicitly states that partisan voting and polarization 'can lead to gridlock (a situation in which no congressional action on legislation can be taken due to a lack of consensus).'

A scenario in which the presidency is controlled by one political party while the Senate is controlled by the opposing party is an example of what?

A) Unified government

B) Lame duck session

C) Divided government

D) Political polarization

Correct Answer: C

The content defines divided government as 'when one party controls the presidency and the other party controls at least one of the chambers of Congress.'

A senator with extensive experience in foreign policy votes in favor of a treaty based on their own expertise, believing it is in the best long-term interest of the nation, despite polls showing their constituents are skeptical. This senator is acting as a...

A) Delegate

B) Politico

C) Partisan

D) Trustee

Correct Answer: D

The provided text explains that a representative who conceives of their role as a trustee 'will vote on issues based on their own knowledge and judgement.'

How has the Supreme Court partially addressed issues like gerrymandering and the unequal representation of constituencies?

A) By completely banning the practice of redistricting.

B) By mandating that all districts be drawn by non-partisan commissions.

C) By allowing for equal protection challenges to redistricting plans.

D) By ruling that political parties have no role in the redistricting process.

Correct Answer: C

The text states that these issues 'have been partially addressed by Supreme Court cases that opened the door for equal protection challenges to redistricting.'

During a period of divided government, a president in the final months of their term nominates a new Supreme Court justice. According to the provided text, which of the following is a likely congressional response?

A) The nomination will be quickly confirmed to ensure government continuity.

B) Members of the opposing party in Congress may vote against the appointment due to partisanship.

C) The president will be praised for their bipartisan outreach.

D) The Supreme Court will rule on the fairness of the confirmation process.

Correct Answer: B

The text notes that intense partisanship in a divided government can result in 'members of Congress voting against presidential initiatives and appointments, especially those of a lame duck president.'

The phenomenon where the political attitudes of members of Congress move toward ideological extremes is best described as...

A) Gerrymandering

B) Polarization

C) The delegate model

D) Divided government

Correct Answer: B

The text defines polarization as 'when political attitudes move toward ideological extremes.'

A representative is considering a vote on a complex trade bill. Their constituents are divided, their own judgment suggests the bill has flaws, but their party leadership is pushing hard for its passage to secure a political victory. The representative ultimately votes with their party to maintain influence for future issues important to their district. This approach is characteristic of which model?

A) Trustee

B) Delegate

C) Politico

D) Lame Duck

Correct Answer: C

The text states that a politico 'uses a combination of these role conceptions' (trustee and delegate). This scenario shows a representative balancing constituent views, personal judgment, and party pressure, which is the essence of the politico model.

According to the text, what is a potential consequence of elections that result in a divided government?

A) A reduction in partisanship as parties are forced to compromise.

B) An increase in the intensity of partisanship.

C) A guarantee of legislative gridlock on all issues.

D) An increase in the power of lame duck presidents.

Correct Answer: B

The text explicitly states, 'Elections that have led to a divided government... can lead to more intense partisanship.'

When a member of Congress votes strictly along the lines of their political party's platform, they are engaging in...

A) The trustee model

B) The delegate model

C) Partisan voting

D) Gerrymandering

Correct Answer: C

The text defines partisan voting as 'when members of Congress vote based on their political party affiliation.'

The way representatives perceive their roles as either a trustee, delegate, or politico directly influences which key aspect of their job?

A) The process of gerrymandering

B) Their accountability to constituents

C) The likelihood of a lame duck presidency

D) The outcome of Supreme Court challenges to redistricting

Correct Answer: B

The text introduces the models of representation by stating, 'Accountability to constituents in each chamber is affected by how representatives perceive their roles.'