AP Government - Chapter 1

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  • 1/12 Questions

    Which theory of government and politics in America today asserts that public policy is controlled by an the upper-class who ensure that the wealthy and big business benefit more than the lower classes from government actions?

    • Hyperpluralism
    • Pluralism
    • Traditional
    • Class/elite
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About This Quiz

One of the most important subjects you can study as a US citizen is AP Government, which gives you the knowledge of how your country is being run. Know everything you should already? Take this quiz on AP Government – Chapter 1 to find out once and for all. Good luck!

AP Government - Chapter 1 - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    The idea that the public can influence the policy agenda through groups that share a common interest is known as:

    • Pluralist theory

    • Hyperpluralist theory

    • Class/elite theory

    • Traditional theory

    Correct Answer
    A. Pluralist theory
    Explanation
    Pluralist theory suggests that the public can influence the policy agenda through groups that share a common interest. This theory believes that power is dispersed among various interest groups, and that these groups compete with one another to shape public policy. Pluralist theory emphasizes the importance of citizen participation and the ability of diverse groups to influence decision-making processes. It stands in contrast to the traditional theory, which assumes that power is concentrated in the hands of a few elites, and the hyperpluralist theory, which argues that the influence of interest groups is excessive and leads to policy gridlock.

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  • 3. 

    In general, political knowledge and participation:

    • Is greatest among those just graduating from college

    • Increases with age until age 40, then decreases

    • Increases with age and education

    • Decreases with age

    Correct Answer
    A. Increases with age and education
    Explanation
    Political knowledge and participation tend to increase with age and education. As individuals grow older, they accumulate more life experiences, which often includes exposure to various political events and issues. This exposure, coupled with a better understanding of the world, can lead to an increase in political knowledge. Additionally, education plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's political awareness and engagement. Higher levels of education provide individuals with the tools to critically analyze political information and develop informed opinions. Therefore, as individuals age and acquire more education, their political knowledge and participation are likely to increase.

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  • 4. 

    What condition results when diverse and conflicting policy goals make it impossible for a coalition of interests to form a majority?

    • Political parties dominate the policy agenda

    • Policy gridlock

    • Partisanship and polarization

    • Multilateralism

    Correct Answer
    A. Policy gridlock
    Explanation
    Policy gridlock is the condition that results when diverse and conflicting policy goals make it impossible for a coalition of interests to form a majority. In this situation, different groups or parties have opposing views and are unable to reach a consensus or make progress on policy decisions. This can lead to a stalemate and a lack of effective governance, as no significant policies or reforms can be implemented.

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  • 5. 

    A fundamental principle of traditional democratic theory is that:

    • The will of the majority must always predominate

    • The majority will must be consistently mistrusted

    • The majority's desire must be respected while acknowledging the rights of the minority

    • A small minority, even if elected, should not speak for the whole of society

    Correct Answer
    A. The majority's desire must be respected while acknowledging the rights of the minority
    Explanation
    The correct answer states that in traditional democratic theory, the majority's desire must be respected while acknowledging the rights of the minority. This means that while the will of the majority should be taken into account and respected, it is also important to protect the rights and interests of the minority. This principle ensures that the democratic system remains fair and inclusive, preventing the majority from dominating and disregarding the needs and perspectives of the minority. It promotes a balance between majority rule and minority rights, fostering a democratic society that values both representation and protection of individual rights.

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  • 6. 

    All of the following are channels, or linkage institutions, through which people's concerns are translated into issues on the policy agenda EXCEPT:

    • Congress

    • Media

    • Interest groups

    • Political Parties

    Correct Answer
    A. Congress
    Explanation
    Congress is not a channel or linkage institution through which people's concerns are translated into issues on the policy agenda. While Congress plays a crucial role in the policy-making process, it is not directly involved in translating people's concerns into issues on the policy agenda. Instead, Congress is responsible for enacting laws and making policy decisions based on the concerns and issues that are brought to its attention through other channels such as interest groups, the media, and political parties.

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  • 7. 

    Of the total value of all goods and services produced annually (GDP) in the United States, about how much is spend by the national, state, and local governments in total?

    • One-quarter

    • One-third

    • One-half

    • One-tenth

    Correct Answer
    A. One-third
    Explanation
    The correct answer is one-third. This means that approximately one-third of the total value of all goods and services produced annually in the United States is spent by the national, state, and local governments combined.

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  • 8. 

    The process by which we select our governmental leaders and the policies these leaders pursue is known as:

    • Constitutionalism

    • Electoral government

    • Politics

    • Republicanism

    Correct Answer
    A. Politics
    Explanation
    Politics refers to the process of selecting governmental leaders and the policies they implement. It involves activities such as campaigning, voting, and decision-making within a government. Constitutionalism refers to the adherence to a constitution, electoral government refers to a system where leaders are chosen through elections, and republicanism refers to a system where power is held by the people and their elected representatives. However, politics encompasses all of these concepts and is the broadest term that encompasses the selection of leaders and the policies they pursue.

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  • 9. 

    Which of the following factors has had a primary impact on the relatively small scope of the American government?

    • Belief in republican principles

    • The constraints imposed by the Constitution

    • The Tenth Amendment

    • A belief in individualism that discourages dependence on government assistance

    Correct Answer
    A. A belief in individualism that discourages dependence on government assistance
    Explanation
    A belief in individualism that discourages dependence on government assistance has had a primary impact on the relatively small scope of the American government. This belief promotes self-reliance and limited government intervention, which in turn limits the size and reach of the government. It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own welfare and discourages reliance on government programs or assistance. This belief has shaped the American political culture and has influenced the structure and functioning of the government, leading to a relatively small scope of government compared to other countries.

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  • 10. 

    Which of the following is true of American democracy?

    • It consistently supports the majority

    • Voters are a distorted sample of the American public because so few vote

    • The policy agenda rarely changes since solutions to public problems cannot be legislated

    • Other than voting, there are limited avenues for individuals to participate in politics

    Correct Answer
    A. Voters are a distorted sample of the American public because so few vote
    Explanation
    The answer suggests that voters in American democracy are a distorted sample of the American public because only a small percentage of the population actually votes. This means that the views and preferences of the voting population may not accurately represent the views and preferences of the entire American public.

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  • 11. 

    Equality in voting, effective participation of citizens, an informed citizenry, citizen control of the policy agenda, and an inclusive definition of citizenship are all elements of a traditional ideal of democracy identified by:

    • Alexis de Tocqueville

    • Harold Lasswell

    • James Q. Wilson

    • Robert Dahl

    Correct Answer
    A. Robert Dahl
    Explanation
    Robert Dahl is the correct answer because he is known for his work on democracy and political theory. In his book "Polyarchy: Participation and Opposition," Dahl outlines the elements of a traditional ideal of democracy, which include equality in voting, effective citizen participation, an informed citizenry, citizen control of the policy agenda, and an inclusive definition of citizenship. Dahl's theories have had a significant impact on the study of democracy and his work is widely cited in the field.

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  • 12. 

    Public policy can be established by all of the following EXCEPT:

    • Executive legislation

    • Regulations adopted by government bureaucracies

    • Supreme Court decisions

    • Executive actions by the President

    • Congressional statute

    Correct Answer
    A. Executive legislation
    Explanation
    Public policy refers to the decisions and actions taken by the government to address societal issues. Executive legislation is not a term commonly used in political science or public administration. It is likely a combination of two separate concepts - executive orders or actions by the President, and legislation passed by the executive branch. Therefore, executive legislation is not a valid term and does not contribute to the establishment of public policy.

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  • Sep 12, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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  • May 15, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Jjonesed
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