AP Political Science Key Concepts: Parties, Interest Groups, Media, Economics, and International Relations

Which type of party would most likely favor nationalizing major industries and promoting social equality?

Left-wing

The Citizens United v. FEC (2010) decision is significant because it:

Allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited funds independently on elections

Which of the following most accurately explains why two-party systems often emerge in countries like the US?

Single-member district, first-past-the-post elections

The process by which parties simplify complex political issues into slogans or talking points primarily serves to:

Provide mental shortcuts for voters

A country with multiple viable parties that must form coalition governments is most likely to have which electoral system?

Proportional representation

A far-right party is most likely to advocate which combination of policies?

Privatization, nationalism, and anti-immigration

In a two-plus party system, what role does the "plus" party play?

Occasionally wins seats but rarely affects government policy

Which statement best captures a key principle of Social Identity Theory?

Group membership influences behavior even without interpersonal relationships

What psychological need does Social Identity Theory propose that group membership fulfills?

The need for belonging and identity

According to Realistic Conflict Theory, intergroup hostility primarily arises due to:

Competition over scarce resources

What is a primary reason young people under 25 vote at lower rates in the US?

They are typically uninterested in politics due to social media distractions

Which factor is most strongly associated with habitual voting for a specific political party?

Party identification influenced by parents

What factor most heavily influences the outcome of US elections?

Party platforms and policy positions

Which of the following statements about gender and voting in the US is true?

Women traditionally voted more conservatively but now often vote more liberal than men

A 22-year-old, unmarried, college student living in a large urban area identifies as LGBT and is nonreligious. Based on typical US voting patterns, which of the following is most likely true?

They are unlikely to vote, but if they do, they will lean Democratic

A 50-year-old married man, highly religious, living in a rural Southern town, has a modest income but high education. Which voting behavior is most probable?

Votes Republican due to religion, rural residence, and marital status

A 30-year-old, unmarried, African American woman lives in the Northeast and is moderately religious. She is deciding whether to vote. Statistically, she is most likely to:

Vote Democratic due to race, gender, urban residence, and marital status

Which factor has the strongest positive correlation with voter turnout in the US?

Age and income

One major distinction between political parties and interest groups is that:

Interest groups seek to win elections, while political parties focus on influencing those in power

What is the single most important factor determining an interest group's success?

Money

The "revolving door" phenomenon refers to:

The movement of individuals between roles in government and lobbying

When interest groups approach the administration, their goal is usually to:

Influence how existing laws or regulations are interpreted

Filing a friend of the court brief allows an interest group to:

Provide legal opinions on cases that may affect its interests

When an interest group lacks financial resources for lobbying or media campaigns, the most likely alternative strategy is:

Engaging in public demonstrations

Which of the following is true of PACs and Super PACs?

Super PACs can spend unlimited amounts independently to support or oppose candidates, while PACs are limited in how much they can donate directly to campaigns

AARP is an example of an interest group whose influence is primarily derived from:

Large membership

Which of the following is generally considered the most influential agent of political socialization?

The family

Which of the following best illustrates priming by the media?

Labeling a political figure as a "terrorist" to shape public opinion

A news outlet refers to the federal "estate tax" as a "death tax." This is an example of which media influence technique?

Framing

An online news story about a minor protest goes viral and dominates public discussion, even though bigger issues are ignored. This scenario best illustrates:

Agenda-setting

A news outlet repeatedly covers a series of corporate scandals, making the public view corporate leaders as untrustworthy. This is an example of:

Agenda-setting

Which of the following best explains why social media does not always lead to a more informed citizenry?

It encourages echo chambers and self-selection of news sources

A news agency inaccurately reports on a political scandal, then quickly issues a correction. This is an example of:

Misinformation

According to Keynesian economics, what is the primary reason for the government to increase spending during a recession?

To create jobs and stimulate demand when private spending is low

During an economic boom, Keynesian economists would likely recommend:

Reducing government spending or raising taxes to slow inflation

Which of the following best distinguishes neoclassical economists from Keynesian economists?

Neoclassical economists believe markets self-correct; Keynesians support active intervention to manage demand

A country faces a balance of payments deficit because its currency is overvalued. Which of the following is a likely unintended consequence of restricting imports to correct this?

Trade disputes and higher domestic prices

Which country is the largest foreign holder of US national debt?

China

What is typically the largest category of discretionary spending in the US federal budget?

Military/Defense

Which program represents the largest portion of mandatory federal spending in the US?

Social Security

Which of the following best illustrates a primordial cause of violence?

Sunni and Shia conflicts in Iraq

Separatist violence differs from primordial violence primarily because:

It specifically aims for political independence of a group

Relative deprivation is most likely to lead to violence when:

Economic conditions improve but some groups notice inequality

Which statement about coups is true?

Coups are often justified as restoring order or stopping corruption

Which principle is central to neorealism?

States operate in an anarchic system and pursue power

What distinguishes offensive realism from defensive realism?

Offensive realism sees power accumulation as essential and conquest as beneficial

Neoliberals argue that cooperation arises primarily because:

Cooperation is in states' self-interest and can be institutionalized

Which concept is central to neoliberalism but rejected by neorealism?

Absolute gains

Constructivism emphasizes that:

National identities are socially constructed

A country increases defense spending because it fears a neighbor's military buildup. Which theory best explains this reaction and why?

Neorealism, because the security dilemma pushes states to balance power