AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam Questions

What is a characteristic of direct democracy?

• Citizens elect representatives to govern for them.

• It is considered efficient in large societies.

• Citizens directly govern and make laws.

• It minimizes public participation.

What type of democracy values broad-based public participation in governing?

• Direct democracy

• Participatory democracy

• Representative democracy

• Authoritarian democracy

What is a key feature of representative democracy?

• It allows citizens to directly make laws.

• It is considered chaotic and inefficient.

• It allows citizens to elect representatives to govern for them.

• It minimizes decision-making speed.

What does elite democracy favor?

• Broad public participation

• Majority rule

• Best educated and qualified members governing

• Power sharing across diverse groups

What is a criticism of majoritarian democracy?

• It promotes minority rule

• It is too efficient

• It can violate minority rights

• It encourages broad participation

What document was created by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776?

• The Constitution

• The Bill of Rights

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation

What are the three basic natural rights proposed by John Locke?

• Life, liberty, and happiness

• Life, liberty, and property

• Liberty, equality, and fraternity

• Freedom, justice, and equality

What is the concept of popular sovereignty?

• Government power comes from the elite

• Government power comes from the people

• Government power is inherited

• Government power is absolute

What was the first constitution of the United States called?

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union

• The Bill of Rights

• The Federalist Papers

What form of government is described as having smaller government units with the highest level of authority?

• Democracy

• Confederation

• Monarchy

• Federalism