AP Comparative

Government and Politics

Practice Exam #2
and Notes
For the
Spring 2020
Exam
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2 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Contents

I. Practice Exam
Exam Content and Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Administering the Practice Exam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Answer Sheet for Multiple-Choice Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
AP® Comparative Government and Politics Practice Exam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

II. Notes on the Practice Exam

Multiple-Choice Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Answer Key and Question Alignment to Course Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Free-Response Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Contact Us. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 3

 Practice Exam

Exam Content and Format

The AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes
long. There are two sections:
• Section I is 1 hour and consists of 55 multiple-choice questions, accounting
for 50 percent of the final score.

• Section II is 1 hour, 30 minutes and consists of 4 free-response questions

accounting for 50 percent of the final score.

Administering the Practice Exam

This section contains instructions for administering the AP Comparative
Government and Politics Practice Exam. You may wish to use these instructions
to create an exam situation that resembles an actual administration. If so, read
the indented, boldface directions to the students; all other instructions are for
administering the exam and need not be read aloud. Before beginning testing,
have all exam materials ready for distribution. These include test booklets and
answer sheets. (Reminder: Final instructions for every AP Exam are published in
the AP Exam Instructions book.)

SECTION I: Multiple Choice

When you are ready to begin Section I, say:

Section I is the multiple-choice portion of the exam. Mark all of your

responses on your answer sheet, one response per question. If you
need to erase, do so carefully and completely. Your score on the
multiple-choice section will be based solely on the number of questions
answered correctly.

You have 1 hour for this part. Open your Section I booklet and begin.

Note Start Time ________. Note Stop Time ________. After 50 minutes, say:

There are 10 minutes remaining.

After 10 minutes, say:

Stop working. I will now collect your Section I booklet and

multiple-choice answer sheet.

There is a 10-minute break between Sections I and II.

4 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

SECTION II: Free Response

After the break, say:

Section II is the free-response portion of the exam.

You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete Section II. You may use
any blank space of the page the questions or documents are printed on
to organize your answers and for scratch work, but you must write your
answers on the lined pages provided for the free-response questions.

The suggested writing time for Question 1 is 10 minutes. After

10 minutes, you will be advised to go on to the next question. The
suggested writing time for questions 2 and 3 is 20 minutes each. After
20 minutes, you will be advised to go on to the next question. The
suggested writing time for Question 4 is 40 minutes. Open your
Section II booklet and begin.

Note Start Time ________. Note Stop Time ________. After 10 minutes, say:
It is recommended that you now move on to the next question.

Note Start Time ________. Note Stop Time ________. After 20 minutes, say:
It is recommended that you now move on to the next question.

Note Start Time ________. Note Stop Time ________. After 20 minutes, say:
It is recommended that you now move on to the next question.

After 30 minutes, say:

There are 10 minutes remaining.

After 10 minutes, say:

Stop working and close your exam booklet. Put your exam booklet on
your desk, face up. Remain in your seat, without talking, while the exam
materials are collected.

Collect a Section II booklet from each student and check that each student wrote
his or her answers on the lined pages corresponding to each question. Then say:
The exam is over. You are now dismissed.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 5

 Name:

AP® Comparative Government and Politics

Answer Sheet
for Multiple-Choice Section

No. Answer No. Answer

1 29
2 30
3 31
4 32
5 33
6 34
7 35
8 36
9 37
10 38
11 39
12 40
13 41
14 42
15 43
16 44
17 45
18 46
19 47
20 48
21 49
22 50
23 51
24 52
25 53
26 54
27 55
28

6 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

AP Comparative Government and
®

Politics Exam
SECTION I: Multiple Choice

DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO.

Instructions
At a Glance
Section I of this exam contains 55 multiple-choice questions.
Total Time
1 hour Indicate all of your answers to the multiple-choice questions on the answer sheet. No credit
Number of Questions will be given for anything written in this exam booklet, but you may use the booklet for
55 notes or scratch work.
Percent of Total Score
50% Use your time effectively, working as quickly as you can without losing accuracy. Do not
Writing Instrument spend too much time on any one question. Go on to other questions and come back to
Pencil required the ones you have not answered if you have time. It is not expected that everyone will
know the answers to all of the multiple-choice questions.
Your total score on the multiple-choice section is based only on the number of questions
answered correctly. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers or unanswered
questions.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 7

 The inclusion of source material in this exam is not intended as an
endorsement by the College Board or ETS of the content, ideas, or
values expressed in the material. The material has been selected by
the government and politics faculty who serve on the AP
Comparative Government and Politics Development Committee. In
their judgment, the material printed here reflects various aspects of
the course of study on which this exam is based and is therefore
appropriate to use to measure the skills and knowledge of this
course.

8 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

 COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
SECTION I
Time—1 hour
55 Questions
Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete statements below is followed by four suggested answers or
completions. Select the one that is best in each case and then enter the letter in the corresponding space on the
answer sheet.

1. Which of the following describes an accurate 3. Which of the following accurately compares
difference between executive term limits in Iran political culture and political ideology?
and in Mexico?
(A) Political culture is composed of a set of
(A) The Iranian president may serve unlimited broadly shared attitudes and values,
terms, whereas the Mexican president is whereas political ideology is a more
limited to one term. specific set of beliefs or values about
(B) The Iranian president is limited to one government and politics.
term, whereas the Mexican president is (B) Political ideology can be transmitted by the
limited to two terms. process of political socialization, but
(C) The Iranian president is limited to two political culture cannot.
consecutive terms, whereas the Mexican (C) Political culture frames policy choices
president may serve unlimited terms. made by governments, but political
(D) The Iranian president is limited to two ideology influences only individual
terms, whereas the Mexican president is decisions about elections.
limited to one term. (D) Both political culture and political
ideologies play a more significant role in
democratic regimes than they do in
2. Which of the following actions would a authoritarian regimes.
government take as part of an economic
liberalization program?
4. Which of the following accurately describes the
(A) Increasing tariffs Chinese government’s imposition of restrictions
(B) Redistributing wealth on civil society groups?
(C) Strengthening regulations on the private
(A) The government is transparent in the
sector
regulations that it applies to civil society
(D) Privatizing government-owned groups.
corporations
(B) The government’s actions contradict
guarantees of civil liberties in its
constitution.
(C) The government restricts groups protesting
living standards more than it restricts
those opposing party rule.
(D) The government faces severe repercussions
from the international community.

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AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 9

 5. Which of the following best explains the effect 7. In which of the following two countries do
of the president’s combined role as both head regional cleavages play a larger role than
of state and head of government in countries religious cleavages do in politics?
such as Nigeria and Mexico?
(A) Iran and the United Kingdom
(A) The president is responsible for both (B) Mexico and Iran
executing the laws and representing
(C) China and Russia
the state.
(D) Mexico and the United Kingdom
(B) The president both acts as the chief
executive and serves in the legislature,
which facilitates policy making.
8. Which of the following is an accurate
(C) The president has a smaller role in foreign explanation of state sovereignty?
policy due to the combination of the roles
of head of state and head of government. (A) A state is sovereign when it makes
(D) The president has more independence from independent, binding decisions for its
the demands of political parties population and territory.
and coalitions. (B) A state is sovereign when it relies on other
states to protect its borders.
(C) A state is sovereign when it is forced to
6. Which of the following best describes abide by decisions made by another state.
democratic consolidation?
(D) A state is sovereign when the international
(A) When a political party is able to control community does not recognize it.
both the legislative branch and executive
branch, thereby consolidating its power
9. In comparing the legislatures of the United
(B) When a democratic regime matures in its
Kingdom and Mexico, which of the following
protections of civil rights and liberties
statements is true?
and is thereby unlikely to revert to an
authoritarian regime (A) In both countries, the lower house is
(C) When a president is popularly elected by a popularly elected.
majority of the population, thereby (B) The upper house in each legislature has
establishing a mandate greater power than the lower house.
(D) When multiparty system gives way to a (C) Women are more likely to be elected to the
two-party system, thereby consolidating British legislature than the Mexican
the number of political parties legislature.
(D) Both legislatures select the head of
government.

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10 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

10. For citizens involved in legal disputes with the 12. Which of the following explains why a country
government in China and the United Kingdom, would choose a parliamentary system over a
which of the following best explains the likely presidential system?
outcome?
(A) A parliamentary system fuses its branches
(A) Citizens are unlikely to receive a fair trial of government, which increases citizen
in both countries because both countries’ participation since there are more elected
judicial systems are controlled by the offices.
ruling party. (B) A parliamentary system divides
(B) Citizens are likely to receive a fair trial in governmental power between a central
both countries because both countries’ power and regional governments, so
judicial systems hold government and policy making is more effective.
citizens to the same standards. (C) A parliamentary system allows citizens to
(C) Citizens in China are less likely to receive directly elect its head of government, so it
a fair trial because the judicial system is offers more accountability.
governed by rule by law, whereas the (D) A parliamentary system does not divide
United Kingdom’s judicial system is powers among as many branches of
governed by rule of law. government, so it is more efficient.
(D) Citizens in China are more likely to receive
a fair trial because Chinese courts are an
important part of the Chinese 13. Which of the following best demonstrates that a
government’s program to suppress country has transitioned from an authoritarian
corruption, while British courts have not government to a democratic government?
been given the same task.
(A) Elected officials are better able to influence
judicial rulings.
11. Which of the following statements accurately (B) Multiple political parties join to form a
describes the military in both China and Iran? single dominant political party.
(C) The chief executive has greater authority
(A) The military was responsible for the
than the legislature.
establishment of the current regime.
(D) Elections for public office are more
(B) The military is apolitical and does not
transparent and competitive.
engage in political activities.
(C) The military is under the direct control of
the president as commander-in-chief. 14. Which of the following two governments have
(D) The military has been used to suppress most significantly limited citizens’ media access
public demonstrations. to maintain political control?

(A) China and Mexico

(B) Iran and Russia
(C) Nigeria and the United Kingdom
(D) Mexico and Russia

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AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 11

 15. Which of the following best explains why the 16. Which two countries use both first-past-the-post
policy-making process in the United Kingdom is and proportional representation systems in
usually more efficient than in Mexico? elections to the lower house of the legislature?

(A) The separation of the roles of head of state (A) Mexico and Nigeria
and head of government in the United (B) Mexico and Russia
Kingdom, unlike the combination of the
(C) Nigeria and Russia
roles in Mexico, creates fewer
institutional obstacles to enacting policy. (D) Nigeria and the United Kingdom
(B) The presence of two significant political
parties in the United Kingdom, rather
than three as in Mexico, creates fewer
political obstacles to enacting policy. 17. Austerity measures are usually adopted by
(C) The presence of a greater number of countries that are seeking to
significant social cleavages in Mexico
than in the United Kingdom makes it (A) control rapid growth of the economy
difficult to achieve policy-making (B) reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels
consensus. (C) lower budget deficits and publicly held
(D) The fusion of executive and legislative debt
power in the United Kingdom leads to (D) expand social welfare policies that address
fewer institutional obstacles to enacting poverty
policy, whereas the divided branch
powers in Mexico make it more difficult.

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12 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Questions 18 - 20 refer to the passage.

Civil society organizations and broad movements of protest can facilitate collective action by popular groups of the
poor and disenfranchised endowing them with a greater capacity to shape institutions and policy agendas. . . . With
the growth of inequality in many countries . . . conditions for the empowerment of and civic action by popular
groups are much less [positive]. . . . [T]he material insecurity provoked by deindustrialization and labor market
deregulation have contributed to the loss of the material and organizational resources essential for collective
action. . . .” Some argue, “that growing inequalities not only “inevitably install large resource disparities in the
political arena,” they also “inhibit coalition formation. . . .”

[T]hese conditions have had a particularly profound impact in the democracies that have emerged since the 1970s,
most of which inherited highly inegalitarian social and political structures caused by prolonged periods of
authoritarianism. In many new democratizing settings. . . globalization and austerity policies reinforced inherited
patterns of inequality. . . . Thus, socioeconomic inequality itself makes it harder for the poor to organize and contest
the growth of inequality. This trap affects many new democracies and, at its root, is caused by the fact that they have,
on average, weaker civil societies compared to older, established democracies.
Source: “Civil Society and Democracy in an Era of Inequality,” Comparative Politics (April 2017), pp.
391-409

18. Which of the following best describes the 19. Which of the following recommendations would
author’s claim in the passage? the author most likely agree with in regard to
democratic transitions?
(A) The author argues that preexisting
inequalities negatively affect civil society (A) Domestic economic and international
during democratization. development policies that do not address
(B) The author argues that civil society economic inequality will negatively affect
systematically strengthens in the emergence of civil society groups.
democratizing countries. (B) Policy makers in new democracies should
(C) The author argues that reversals of continue to focus on deindustrialization
democracy are primarily due to the and labor market deregulation, which will
impact of globalization. positively affect the emergence of civil
society groups.
(D) The author argues that democratization
allows the poor to organize and gain (C) International development actors such as
access to the political system. the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
should continue to support economic
liberalization, which will positively affect
the emergence of civil society groups.
(D) New democracies should work to globalize
their economies, which will positively
affect economic growth and the
emergence of civil society groups.

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AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 13

 20. According to the author, which of the following
economic policies is most likely to successfully
address the problems discussed in the passage?

(A) Social welfare

(B) Austerity
(C) Neoliberalism
(D) Trade liberalization

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14 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

21. Political diversity in Iran’s Majles is most 22. Which of the following best explains why,
constrained by which of the following? between general elections, the British prime
minister is more likely than the president of
(A) The vetting of candidates by the Guardian Mexico to be replaced between general
Council elections?
(B) The unwillingness of Iranians to support
candidates who would challenge the (A) British civil society typically protests more
government than Mexican civil society and often
demands the resignation of the prime
(C) The use of a single-member district (SMD)
minister.
electoral system in Iran
(B) The Mexican president can only be
(D) The dominance of a single party in the
removed by a confidence vote, so the
Majiles
Mexican president tends to stay in power
longer, as those votes are infrequent in
Mexico.
(C) The British government is more prone to
corruption than the Mexican government,
so British prime ministers are more often
removed from office for criminal activity.
(D) The British prime minister can be removed
by members of Parliament (MPs), while
the Mexican president can be removed
only by the impeachment process.

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AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 15

 Questions 23 - 25 refer to the table.

POPULATION GROWTH RATE, 2016

Country Growth Rate %
China 0.43

Iran 1.18

Mexico 1.15

Nigeria 2.44

Russia −0.06

United Kingdom 0.53

Source: World Bank, 2016

23. Which of the following is an accurate statement 24. Which of the following correctly describes an
about population in 2016 according to the table? implication of the data in the table?

(A) Nigeria had the largest population of all the (A) The policies of the United Kingdom have
countries listed. continually failed to increase their
(B) Russia is the only country listed that had a population growth rate.
shrinking population. (B) Iran’s population growth rate will lead to
(C) In China the number of births was lower more migration from the east to the west.
than the number of deaths. (C) Nigeria will face challenges in providing
(D) The population of the United Kingdom employment for its growing population.
grew at the slowest rate. (D) China’s birth rate will create a labor
surplus.

25. Which of the following is the greatest limitation

to using this data to decide whether government
should pursue population growth policies?

(A) Population growth rates in 2016 are

irrelevant to population structures in
subsequent years.
(B) It indicates that authoritarian countries
have a greater population growth rate than
do democratic countries.
(C) It does not provide information about the
current population size of a country.
(D) It does not account for the cost of goods
and services in each country.

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16 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

26. Which of the following describes a policy 28. Which of the following issues from the past ten
employed by the Chinese government to years have led to significant public protests in
establish legitimacy with ethnic minorities? Russia?

(A) Use of military force to suppress popular (A) The firing of Prime Minister Medvedev by
uprisings President Putin
(B) Creation of special economic zones (SEZs) (B) The nationalization of the oil industry by
to reduce inequality the government
(C) Representation in the National People’s (C) The election fraud and corruption of the
Congress government
(D) Promotion of migration from western (D) The privatization of state-run media
provinces to more prosperous coastal
regions

29. Why do single-member district (SMD) electoral

systems tend to promote two-party systems?
27. Which of the following accurately describes a
similarity between the parliamentary system of (A) Parties in a SMD electoral system have to
the United Kingdom and the presidential system build coalitions after elections to form a
of Mexico? government, and these coalitions often
develop into larger parties.
(A) Both systems have separate popular (B) SMD electoral systems always require
elections for the chief executive and for runoff elections, which discriminate
the national legislature. against minor parties.
(B) Both systems have a cabinet that advises (C) Only one candidate can win in a SMD
the chief executive. electoral system, so minor parties are less
(C) Both systems combine the lawmaking and likely to win.
executive functions into a single branch. (D) A representative in a SMD electoral system
(D) Both systems have a chief executive that is more accountable to voters, so
serves as head of state and head of representatives need larger parties to
government. support their constituency service efforts.

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AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 17

 30. Which of the following best explains a
characteristic of elections in Mexico and
Nigeria?

(A) Mexico and Nigeria both have thresholds

for parties to win seats in the legislature,
which have reduced the number of parties
that win seats.
(B) Mexico and Nigeria both have rules that
require the president to earn a minimum
percentage of votes in each state, which
has reduced the impact of regional
differences upon electoral results.
(C) Mexico and Nigeria both have
single-member district (SMD) electoral
systems, which increases the number of
parties in the legislature.
(D) Mexico and Nigeria both have independent
electoral commissions to reduce the
impact of corrupt practices upon election
results.

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18 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Questions 31 and 32 refer to the passage.

Latin America’s two biggest economies are in their first 100 days under new management. During the presidential
campaigns in Brazil and Mexico, democracy’s champions worried most about Brazil, given Jair Bolsonaro’s
nostalgia for military rule. Yet today it is Mexico’s democracy that is under greater threat: President Andrés Manuel
López Obrador, known as AMLO, is systematically concentrating power in an already strong executive.

From the start, AMLO has undermined democratic norms and checks and balances. Despite controlling a
constitutional majority in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies and sizable majority in its Senate, he has often chosen to
work outside the formal legislative process. Instead he has relied on dubious public “referendums,” sampling small
and politically skewed groups to set agricultural policy, boost pensions, authorize infrastructure projects and create
scholarships.

He has attacked and stacked the courts. He quickly moved to cut judges’ salaries and take control of court officials’
evaluations and promotions. His first nominations to the highest bench include the wife of a favored contractor and
party loyalists.
Source: Shannon K. O’Neil, “López Obrador is Dismantling Democracy in Mexico,” Bloomberg Opinion,
March 11, 2019

31. Which of the following assertions is used by the 32. López Obrador’s actions best reflect which of
author to support the claim in the passage? the following ideologies?

(A) López Obrador is attempting to eliminate (A) Individualism, because of López Obrador’s
the judicial system. interactions with the courts.
(B) López Obrador is attempting to control (B) Neoliberalism, because of López Obrador’s
judicial decision making. authorization of infrastructure projects.
(C) López Obrador is moving to establish more (C) Communism, because of López Obrador’s
constitutional checks on the judiciary. agricultural policies.
(D) López Obrador intends to protect the (D) Populism, because of López Obrador’s use
power of the Senate to approve Supreme of referenda.
Court magistrates.

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AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 19

 33. Which of the following is a correct explanation 35. Different political parties can control the
of the limited power of the Iranian Majles? legislative and executive branches in Mexico and
Nigeria because both countries have
(A) The power of the Majles is limited because
the Iranian Constitution created a (A) federal systems
theocratic state with democratic (B) presidential systems
characteristics, with religious leaders
(C) democratic systems
having more power in the system.
(D) unicameral systems
(B) The power of the Majles is limited because
only the Supreme Leader can ensure that
legislation is compatible with Islamic law.
(C) The power of the Majles is limited because
Iran is a federal system and state 36. Which of these countries has had a
legislatures have an important voice in dominant-party system since 2000 ?
national policy.
(A) Iran
(D) The power of the Majles is limited because
the Iranian Constitution gives the (B) China
Expediency Council the power to approve (C) Mexico
candidates for elective office. (D) Russia

34. Which of the following statements accurately 37. The power of the Russian prime minister is more
describes how Mexico and Russia have limited than the power of the prime minister in
responded to market forces regarding ownership the United Kingdom because
of their oil and natural gas industry?
(A) only in the United Kingdom does the prime
(A) Mexico and Russia have privatized their oil minister act as head of government
and natural gas industry.
(B) the Russian prime minister is limited by a
(B) Mexico has privatized some of its oil and much more powerful head of state
natural gas industry, while Russia has
(C) the parliament in the United Kingdom has
renationalized its oil and natural gas
the power to pass laws, whereas the
industry.
Russian parliament does not
(C) Mexico and Russia have recently
(D) the United Kingdom has an unwritten
nationalized their oil and natural gas
constitution, whereas Russia has a written
industry.
constitution
(D) Mexico has renationalized its oil and
natural gas industry, while Russia has
privatized its oil and natural gas industry.

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20 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Questions 38 - 40 refer to the map.

Source: Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, 2019

38. Which of the following describes a pattern in the 39. Which of the following explains the potential
unemployment rate, according to the data on the effects of unemployment, as shown on the map?
map?
(A) Nigeria’s economic policies have
(A) The southern region of Nigeria has the decreased unemployment overall,
highest levels of unemployment. increasing regime legitimacy.
(B) Those who have just reached working age (B) High levels of unemployment can
are most likely to be unemployed in negatively impact the legitimacy of the
Nigeria. government in Nigeria.
(C) Major cities in Nigeria are most likely to (C) Nigerians are migrating to rural areas in
experience the highest levels of search of employment.
unemployment. (D) Recent economic policies from the
(D) The overall unemployment rate in Nigeria Nigerian government have focused on
is 40% across most of the country. economic liberalization, generating job
growth.

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AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 21

 40. Which of the following correctly explains an 42. Which of the following is the best explanation of
important limitation of the data on the map? how natural resources have affected political
development in Nigeria?
(A) The map does not give unemployment
figures for states in eastern Nigeria. (A) Oil extraction in Nigeria has allowed the
(B) The map does not allow for a comparison government to diversify its economy.
of state levels of unemployment. (B) Oil extraction in Nigeria has allowed the
(C) The map indicates that southern Nigeria government to redistribute funds to
has lower levels of unemployment citizens, limiting economic inequality and
overall. promoting democracy.
(D) The map does not indicate the overall level (C) Oil extraction in Nigeria has motivated
of unemployment in Nigeria. political elites to seek government control
of these resources, deepening corruption
and impeding democratic consolidation.
41. Which of the following accurately compares (D) Oil extraction in Nigeria has helped the
social movements in AP Comparative economy and allowed the government to
Government and Politics course countries? focus on increasing transparency.

(A) In Nigeria, the Movement for the

Emancipation of the Niger Delta 43. Which of the following policies to limit
(MEND) protested unjust methods of population growth is more likely to be adopted
extraction and distribution of oil, while by authoritarian regimes than by democratic
Iran’s Green Movement protested regimes?
electoral corruption.
(B) Both Iran’s Green Movement and Mexico’s (A) Restricting access to birth control
Zapatista movement primarily responded (B) Restricting family size
to socioeconomic inequality. (C) Providing education about family planning
(C) Mexico’s Zapatista movement primarily (D) Providing health care for all citizens
advocated for free and fair elections,
while Nigeria’s Movement for the
Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) 44. Which of the following best describes a pluralist
favored the establishment of an Islamic interest-group system’s policy-making process?
state.
(D) Iran’s Green Movement primarily favored (A) Competition among autonomous groups
separatism, while Nigeria’s Boko Haram (B) Equal representation of key economic
advocates for Shari‘a law. sectors
(C) Government-controlled accessibility to
policy makers
(D) Representation of multiple parties in the
legislature

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22 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

45. Which of the following policies would a 48. The main duty of China’s Standing Committee
government be likely to undertake to address of the National People’s Congress (NPC) is to
gender equity in a political system?
(A) oversee
(A) Limiting access to family planning (B) draft and pass
and education
(C) manage
(B) Implementing gender equity wage policies
(D) operate
and reducing taxes
(C) Increasing access to family planning and
limiting access to education 49. The primary difference between a commander in
(D) Implementing gender quotas in legislative chief in a democratic regime and a commander
elections and improving access to in chief in an authoritarian regime is that only in
education
(A) an authoritarian regime is the commander
in chief in charge of the military
46. Which of the following correctly describes the (B) a democratic regime is the commander in
relationship between the Mexican Supreme chief accountable to the citizens
Court of Justice and other political institutions in (C) an authoritarian regime can the commander
Mexico? in chief use the military to enforce
domestic law
(A) The president has the constitutional power
to overrule decisions made by the (D) a democratic regime can the commander in
National Supreme Court of Justice. chief be removed
(B) The president has the power to appoint or
nominate members to the National
Supreme Court of Justice.
(C) Mexico’s constitution does not provide for
an independent judiciary.
(D) Mexico’s National Supreme Court of
Justice has had its powers restricted by
the legislative branch.

47. When a government shares information about

policy making with citizens to ensure
accountability, this is referred to as

(A) democratization
(B) political socialization
(C) regime stability
(D) transparency

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AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 23

 Questions 50 and 51 refer to the line graph.

Source: Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), 2019

50. Using the data from the chart above, which of 51. Which of the following statements best explains
the following is an accurate statement about the change in voter turnout in both presidential
voter turnout in Nigerian elections? and legislative elections between 2003 and
2011 ?
(A) Voter turnout in parliamentary elections is
consistently lower than voter turnout in (A) The government’s inability to effectively
presidential elections. respond to political violence
(B) Voter turnout in parliamentary elections (B) The government’s effective anti-corruption
was higher than voter turnout in the campaign and increase in transparency
presidential election in 2011. (C) The government’s successful effort to gain
(C) Voter turnout for both parliamentary and admission into the Organization of the
presidential elections declined from 2011 Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
to 2015. (D) The government’s inability to maintain
(D) Voter turnout in parliamentary elections civilian control of the military
has consistently decreased in the Fourth
Republic.

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24 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

52. Which of the following accurately compares 54. Which of the following would most likely
interest groups and social movements? increase legitimacy in Iran?

(A) Interest groups are organized to advocate (A) A disputed transfer of power
for a specific policy issue, whereas social (B) Jailing of religious leaders
movements advocate for broad social
(C) Selection of a less charismatic leader
change.
(D) Economic growth
(B) Interest groups only function in a pluralist
system, whereas social movements only
function in a corporatist system.
55. Which of the following best describes the role of
(C) Interest groups are more effective in an civil society organizations in the AP
authoritarian state, whereas social Comparative Government and Politics course
movements are more effective in a countries?
democratic state.
(D) Interest groups have more access to the (A) Civil society organizations are mostly free
policy-making process in a unitary state, of government interference.
whereas social movements have more (B) Civil society organizations resist
access in a federal system. involvement in international issues.
(C) Civil society organizations are focused on
reducing government regulations.
53. Which of the following is a consequence of
one-party rule in China? (D) Civil society organizations vary in their
ability to expose government corruption.
(A) Minor parties have formed coalitions to
challenge the dominance of the Chinese
Communist Party (CCP).
(B) Corporations have fought to change
restrictive regulations imposed by the
CCP.
(C) Minor parties have limited influence on
policy making in China.
(D) Civil society has become increasingly
stronger as the CCP made concessions to
many social movement demands.

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AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 25

 END OF SECTION I

IF YOU FINISH BEFORE TIME IS CALLED, YOU MAY

CHECK YOUR WORK ON THIS SECTION.

DO NOT GO ON TO SECTION II UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO.

____________________________________________________________________________

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE DONE THE FOLLOWING:

• PLACED YOUR AP ID LABEL ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET

• WRITTEN AND GRIDDED YOUR AP ID CORRECTLY ON YOUR
ANSWER SHEET
• TAKEN THE AP EXAM LABEL FROM THE FRONT OF THIS BOOKLET AND
PLACED IT ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET

26 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

AP Comparative Government and
®

Politics Exam
SECTION II: Free Response

DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO.

At a Glance Instructions
The questions for Section II are printed in this booklet. You may use the pages in this
Total Time
1 hour and 30 minutes
booklet to organize your answers and for scratch work, but you must write your answers
Number of Questions
on the lined pages provided for each question.
4 Write clearly and legibly. Do not skip lines. Begin your response to each question at the top
Percent of Total Score of a new page; completely fill in the circle at the top of each page that corresponds to the
50% question you are answering. Cross out any errors you make; crossed-out work will not be
Writing Instrument scored.
Pen with black or dark
blue ink Manage your time carefully. The proctor will announce the suggested time for each
Questions 1 3 question, but you may proceed freely from one question to the next. You may review your
responses if you finish before the end of the exam is announced.
Suggested Time
10 minutes for
question 1, and
20 minutes each for
questions 2 and 3.

Question 4
Suggested Time
40 minutes
Weight
Question 1: 22%
Question 2: 25%
Question 3: 25%
Question 4: 28%

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 27

 COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
SECTION II
Time—1 hour and 30 minutes
4 Questions

Directions: You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer one conceptual analysis question, one quantitative analysis
question, one comparative analysis question, and one argument essay. Unless the directions indicate otherwise,
respond to all parts of all four questions. It is suggested that you take a few minutes to plan and outline each answer.
It is also suggested that you spend approximately 10 minutes total on question 1, 20 minutes each on questions 2 and
3, and 40 minutes total on question 4. These suggested times do not reflect the weight of the questions as part of
your AP exam score. In your responses, use substantive examples where appropriate. You may plan your answers in
this Questions booklet, but no credit will be given for anything written in this booklet. You will only earn credit for
what you write in the Free Response booklet.
1. A. Describe democratization.
B. Describe an electoral measure that a country could use to become more democratic.
C. Explain how a policy could help a country address political inequality.
D. Explain why an authoritarian regime would resist citizen participation in the policy-making process.
__________________________________________________________
Begin your response to this question at the top of a new page in the Free Response booklet
and fill in the appropriate circle indicating the question number.

GO ON TO THE NEXT PAGE.

28 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

 Source: “Chinese officials use hotlines to take the public’s pulse,” The Economist (4 February 2017)
2. A. Using the data in the graph, identify the total number of protests (to the nearest thousand) when Xi
Jinping became leader.
B. Using the data in the graph, describe the change in protests resulting in detentions after Xi Jinping
became leader.
C. Explain why an authoritarian government might try to prevent protests.
D. Based on the data in the graph, draw a conclusion as to why the Chinese government allows a certain
number of protests to occur without detention.
E. Explain how the Chinese government has responded to a specific protest movement in China that has
occurred between 2009 and 2016.
__________________________________________________________
Begin your response to this question at the top of a new page in the Free Response booklet
and fill in the appropriate circle indicating the question number.

GO ON TO THE NEXT PAGE.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 29

 3. Compare proportional representation in two different AP Comparative Government and Politics course
countries. In your response, you should do the following:
a. Define proportional representation.
b. Describe proportional representation in two different AP Comparative Government and Politics
course countries.
c. Explain how proportional representation affects party systems for each of the two AP Comparative
Government and Politics course countries described in Part (B).
__________________________________________________________
Begin your response to this question at the top of a new page in the Free Response booklet
and fill in the appropriate circle indicating the question number.

GO ON TO THE NEXT PAGE.

30 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

4. Develop an argument as to whether a country should or should not join a supranational organization.
Use one or more of the following course concepts in your response.

• Sovereignty
• Globalization
• Economic liberalization
In your response you should do the following.

✓ Respond to the prompt with a defensible claim or thesis that establishes a line of reasoning using one or
more of the provided course concepts.
✓ Support your claim with at least TWO pieces of specific and relevant evidence from one or more course
countries. The evidence should be relevant to one or more of the provided course concepts.

✓ Use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim or thesis, using one or more provided
course concepts.
✓ Respond to an opposing or alternate perspective using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.
__________________________________________________________
Begin your response to this question at the top of a new page in the Free Response booklet
and fill in the appropriate circle indicating the question number.

GO ON TO THE NEXT PAGE.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 31

 STOP

END OF EXAM
________________________________

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE FILLED IN THE CIRCLE THAT CORRESPONDS TO THE QUESTION
YOU ANSWERED ON EACH PAGE IN THE FREE RESPONSE BOOKLET.

THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS APPLY TO THE FRONT COVER OF THE SECTION II: FREE
RESPONSE BOOKLET. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE DONE THE FOLLOWING:

• COMPLETED THE IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION AS REQUESTED

• CHECKED THAT YOUR AP EXAM LABEL IS IN THE BOX AT THE TOP
• CHECKED THAT YOUR AP ID LABEL IS IN THE BOX AT THE BOTTOM

32 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Important: Completely fll in the circle Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4
that corresponds to the question you
are answering on this page.

Begin your response to each question at the top of a new page. Do not skip lines.

Page 2

Use a pen with black or dark blue ink only. Do NOT write your name. Do NOT write outside the box.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 33

 Important: Completely fll in the circle Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4
that corresponds to the question you
are answering on this page.

Begin your response to each question at the top of a new page. Do not skip lines.

Page 3

Use a pen with black or dark blue ink only. Do NOT write your name. Do NOT write outside the box.

34 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Important: Completely fll in the circle Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4
that corresponds to the question you
are answering on this page.

Begin your response to each question at the top of a new page. Do not skip lines.

Page 4

Use a pen with black or dark blue ink only. Do NOT write your name. Do NOT write outside the box.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 35

 Important: Completely fll in the circle Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4
that corresponds to the question you
are answering on this page.

Begin your response to each question at the top of a new page. Do not skip lines.

Page 5

Use a pen with black or dark blue ink only. Do NOT write your name. Do NOT write outside the box.

36 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Important: Completely fll in the circle Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4
that corresponds to the question you
are answering on this page.

Begin your response to each question at the top of a new page. Do not skip lines.

Page 6

Use a pen with black or dark blue ink only. Do NOT write your name. Do NOT write outside the box.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 37

 Important: Completely fll in the circle Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4
that corresponds to the question you
are answering on this page.

Begin your response to each question at the top of a new page. Do not skip lines.

Page 7

Use a pen with black or dark blue ink only. Do NOT write your name. Do NOT write outside the box.

38 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Important: Completely fll in the circle Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4
that corresponds to the question you
are answering on this page.

Begin your response to each question at the top of a new page. Do not skip lines.

Page 8

Use a pen with black or dark blue ink only. Do NOT write your name. Do NOT write outside the box.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 39

 Important: Completely fll in the circle Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4
that corresponds to the question you
are answering on this page.

Begin your response to each question at the top of a new page. Do not skip lines.

Page 9

Use a pen with black or dark blue ink only. Do NOT write your name. Do NOT write outside the box.

40 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Important: Completely fll in the circle Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4
that corresponds to the question you
are answering on this page.

Begin your response to each question at the top of a new page. Do not skip lines.

Page 10

Use a pen with black or dark blue ink only. Do NOT write your name. Do NOT write outside the box.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 41

 Important: Completely fll in the circle Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4
that corresponds to the question you
are answering on this page.

Begin your response to each question at the top of a new page. Do not skip lines.

Page 11

Use a pen with black or dark blue ink only. Do NOT write your name. Do NOT write outside the box.

42 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Important: Completely fll in the circle Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4
that corresponds to the question you
are answering on this page.

Begin your response to each question at the top of a new page. Do not skip lines.

Page 12

Use a pen with black or dark blue ink only. Do NOT write your name. Do NOT write outside the box.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 43

 Notes on the AP Comparative
Government and Politics Practice Exam
Multiple-Choice Section
Course Framework Alignment and Rationales

Question 1
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.A: Compare two or more PAU-3.C: Explain the Executive
course countries based on their structure, function, and Systems
political systems, principles, change of executive
institutions, processes, policies, leadership in course
and behaviors. countries.
(A) Incorrect. The Iranian president may serve only two terms. The Mexican
president is limited to one term.
(B) Incorrect. The Iranian president may serve only two terms. The
Mexican president is limited to one term.
(C) Incorrect. The Iranian president may serve only two terms. The Mexican
president is limited to one term.
(D) Correct. The Iranian president is limited to two terms. The Mexican
president is limited to one term.

Question 2
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.A: Describe political systems, IEF-3.D: Describe economic Policies and
principles, institutions, processes, and political liberalization Economic
policies, and behaviors. policies. Liberalization
(A) Incorrect. Economic liberalization programs seek to reduce
government intervention in the economy. Tariffs are imposed by
government and would not be used to liberalize the economy.
Privatizing government-owned corporations would reduce the role of
government in the economy.
(B) Incorrect. Economic liberalization programs seek to reduce government
intervention in the economy. Wealth redistribution would require the
government to take significant action in the economy and would not
be adopted to liberalize the economy. Privatizing government-owned
corporations would reduce the role of government in the economy.
(C) Incorrect. Economic liberalization programs seek to reduce government
intervention in the economy. Regulations are imposed by governments
and therefore strengthening them would not be used to liberalize the
economy. Privatizing government-owned corporations would reduce the
role of government in the economy.
(D) Correct. Economic liberalization programs seek to reduce government
intervention in the economy. Privatizing government-owned
corporations would reduce the role of government in the economy.

44 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 3
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.C: Compare political systems, IEF-1.C: Explain how Political
principles, institutions, processes, political culture relates to Culture
policies, and behaviors. citizen behavior and the role
of the state.
(A) Correct. Political culture is the collective attitudes, values, and beliefs
of the citizenry and the norms of behavior in political systems. Political
ideology is a set of beliefs or values about government and politics.
(B) Incorrect. Both political ideology and political culture can be
transmitted through political socialization, which is the lifelong process
of acquiring one’s beliefs, values, and orientations. Political culture is the
collective attitudes, values, and beliefs of the citizenry and the norms
of behavior in political systems. Political ideology is a set of beliefs or
values about government and politics.
(C) Incorrect. Both political culture and political socialization can frame
policy choices, while political culture, political socialization, and
political ideology can all influence election choices. Political culture is
the collective attitudes, values, and beliefs of the citizenry and the norms
of behavior in political systems. Political ideology is a set of beliefs or
values about government and politics.
(D) Incorrect. In both democratic and authoritarian regimes, political
culture and political ideology are important in shaping the relationship
between a state and its citizens. Political culture is the collective
attitudes, values, and beliefs of the citizenry and the norms of behavior
in political systems. Political ideology is a set of beliefs or values about
government and politics.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 45

 Question 4
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.D: Describe political systems, IEF-1.B: Explain the role of Civil Society
principles, institutions, processes, civil society among course
policies, and behaviors of a countries.
course country.
(A) Incorrect. Transparency refers to a government allowing information
about it to circulate openly. The Chinese government is not noted for
its transparency, particularly in regards to civil society groups. While
the Chinese state may not follow the restrictions put upon it by the
Constitution, the Chinese Constitution does protect some civil liberties
such as the right to protest.
(B) Correct. While the Chinese state may not follow the restrictions put
upon it by the Constitution, the Chinese Constitution does protect some
civil liberties, such as the right to protest.
(C) Incorrect. The Chinese government has tolerated some protests about
the environment and other living standards concerns, but it has not
tolerated any protest about party rule. While the Chinese state may
not follow the restrictions put upon it by the Constitution, the Chinese
Constitution does protect some civil liberties such as the right to protest.
(D) Incorrect. While some in the international community do raise concerns
about human rights violations in China, repercussions have not been
severe. While the Chinese state may not follow the restrictions put upon
it by the Constitution, the Chinese Constitution does protect some civil
liberties such as the right to protest.

46 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 5
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.B: Explain the implications of PAU-3.C: Explain the Executive
the similarities and differences structure, function, and Systems
between countries with similar change of executive
political systems, principles, leadership in course
institutions, processes, policies, countries.
and behaviors.
(A) Correct. In a system where the president serves as both head of state
and head of government, the president is responsible for both executing
the laws and representing the state.
(B) Incorrect. The president serves as the chief executive but does not
serve in the legislature. In a system where the president serves as both
head of state and head of government, the president is responsible for
representing the state and executing the laws which facilitates policy
making.
(C) Incorrect. The president is more likely to have a larger role in foreign
policy. In a system where the president serves as both head of state and
head of government, the president is responsible for both executing the
laws and representing the state.
(D) Incorrect. The president is more likely to have a larger role in foreign
policy. In a system where the president serves as both head of state and
head of government, the president is responsible for both executing the
laws and representing the state.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 47

 Question 6
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.A: Describe political systems, PAU-1.C: Explain the Democratization
principles, institutions, processes, process and goals of
policies, and behaviors. democratization.
(A) Incorrect. Although control of all branches consolidates power, this is
known as unified government. Democratic consolidation refers to the
process by which a democratic regime matures in terms of election
rules, separation of powers, and protection of civil liberties, making it
unlikely to revert to authoritarianism without an external shock.
(B) Correct. Democratic consolidation refers to the process by which a
democratic regime matures in terms of election rules, separation of
powers, and protection of civil liberties, making it unlikely to revert to
authoritarianism without an external shock.
(C) Incorrect. A president who is elected by a majority of the electorate has
a mandate but democratic consolidation refers to the process by which
a democratic regime matures in terms of election rules, separation of
powers, and protection of civil liberties, making it unlikely to revert to
authoritarianism without an external shock.
(D) Incorrect. Reducing the number of viable political parties is not
connected to democratic consolidation. Democratic consolidation
refers to the process by which a democratic regime matures in terms
of election rules, separation of powers, and protection of civil liberties,
making it unlikely to revert to authoritarianism without an external
shock.

48 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 7
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.A: Compare two or more LEG-2.A: Describe Political
course countries based on their politically relevant social and Social
political systems, principles, cleavages. Cleavages
institutions, processes, policies,
and behaviors.
(A) Incorrect. In Iran there is tension between the Shi’a majority and various
religious minorities; however, in the United Kingdom national identities
play a larger role in politics than does religious affiliation. In Mexico
cleavages are based on regional differences in economic development,
not religion.
(B) Incorrect. In Mexico regional economic differences between the North
and South play a significant role, but in Iran the cleavage between
religious groups remains significant. In Mexico cleavages are based
on regional differences in economic development, not religion. In the
United Kingdom national identities play a larger role in politics than
does religious affiliation.
(C) Incorrect. In China cleavages are primarily regional and ethnic and not
religious, but in Russia there is a growing religious cleavage between
Orthodox Christians and religious minorities. In Mexico cleavages are
based on regional differences in economic development, not religion. In
the United Kingdom national identities play a larger role in politics than
does religious affiliation.
(D) Correct. In Mexico cleavages are based on regional differences in
economic development, not religion. In the United Kingdom national
identities play a larger role in politics than does religious affiliation.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 49

 Question 8
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.B: Explain political systems, PAU-1.A: Describe Defining
principles, institutions, processes, differences between Political
policies, and behaviors. regimes, states, nations, and Organizations
governments.
(A) Correct. A state is sovereign when it makes independent, binding
decisions for its population and its territory.
(B) Incorrect. States that are not able to maintain their borders are unlikely
to be sovereign. A state is sovereign when it makes independent,
binding decisions for its population and its territory.
(C) Incorrect. A key component of sovereignty is the ability to make
independent decisions for itself. A state is sovereign when it makes
independent, binding decisions for its population and its territory.
(D) Incorrect. A component of sovereignty is international recognition. A
state is sovereign when it makes independent, binding decisions for its
population and its territory.

Question 9
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.A: Compare two or more PAU-3.E: Describe Legislative
course countries based on their legislative structures Systems
political systems, principles, and functions in course
institutions, processes, policies, countries.
and behaviors.
(A) Correct. The House of Commons in the United Kingdom and the
Chamber of Deputies in Mexico are both popularly elected in direct
national elections.
(B) Incorrect. In the United Kingdom, the House of Commons has more
power than the House of Lords. In Mexico, chambers in the bicameral
legislature share legislative power and are granted separate and unique
powers. The House of Commons in the United Kingdom and the
Chamber of Deputies in Mexico are both popularly elected in direct
national elections.
(C) Incorrect. The Mexican electoral rules include a gender quota for
parties, which increases the likelihood of women being elected to the
legislature, whereas the United Kingdom does not have a gender quota
rule for its legislative electoral system. The House of Commons in the
United Kingdom and the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico are both
popularly elected in direct national elections.
(D) Incorrect. Only in the United Kingdom does the House of Commons
select the head of government. In Mexico, the head of government is
popularly elected in a direct national election. The House of Commons
in the United Kingdom and the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico are
both popularly elected in direct national elections.

50 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 10
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.C: Explain the implications of PAU-3.G: Describe the Judicial Systems
the similarities and differences structure and functions of
between countries with different judiciaries.
political systems, principles,
institutions, processes, policies,
and behaviors.
(A) Incorrect. Citizens in China are not likely to receive a fair trial because
the judicial system is controlled by the ruling communist party; whereas
citizens in the United Kingdom are more likely to receive a fair trial
because the judiciary is independent. China practices “rule by law,”
whereas the United Kingdom practices “rule of law.”
(B) Incorrect. Citizens in China are not likely to receive a fair trial because
the judicial system does not uniformly apply the law, whereas citizens
in the United Kingdom are more likely to receive a fair trial because
the judiciary is independent. China practices “rule by law,” whereas the
United Kingdom practices “rule of law.”
(C) Correct. “Rule by law” refers to the Chinese practice of subordinating
the judiciary to the decisions of the Chinese Communist party. The
party uses the judiciary to rule the people by means of the legal system.
“Rule of law” refers to the British practice of holding governing officials
and the people to the same standards as enshrined in common law
precedents and interpretation. China practices “rule by law,” whereas
the United Kingdom practices “rule of law.”
(D) Incorrect. While China’s courts can be a part of the anticorruption
campaign, this does not mean citizens will receive a fair trial. Citizens
in the United Kingdom are more likely to receive a fair trial because
the judiciary is independent. China practices “rule by law,” whereas the
United Kingdom practices “rule of law.”

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 51

 Question 11
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.B: Explain the implications of PAU-1.D: Explain sources Sources of
the similarities and differences of power and authority in Power and
between countries with similar political systems. Authority
political systems, principles,
institutions, processes, policies,
and behaviors.
(A) Incorrect. While the military (PLA) was responsible for establishing the
People’s Republic of China in 1949, the Islamic Revolution of 1979 was
a popular movement and not a military action. In both China and Iran,
the military has been used to suppress public demonstrations.
(B) Incorrect. In both China and Iran, the military is directly connected to
political offices and is used as a political tool. In both China and Iran,
the military has been used to suppress public demonstrations.
(C) Incorrect. In China the military (PLA) is under the direct control of
the president, while in Iran, the military is accountable to the supreme
leader. In both China and Iran, the military has been used to suppress
public demonstrations.
(D) Correct. In both China and Iran, the military has been used to suppress
public demonstrations such as the Uighur protests in China and the
Green Movement protests in Iran.

52 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 12
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.B: Explain political systems, PAU-3.B: Compare Comparing
principles, institutions, institutional relations among Parliamentary,
processes, policies, and parliamentary, presidential, Presidential,
behaviors. and semi-presidential and Semi-
systems. Presidential
Systems
(A) Incorrect. Although a parliamentary system does fuse the legislative
and executive branches, the result is that citizens have fewer offices to
vote for since they do not separately elect the chief executive. Because
a parliamentary system fuses branches of government, it has fewer
institutional obstacles to enacting policy, and so is more efficient.
(B) Incorrect. The difference between presidential and parliamentary
systems is about the division of power between branches of government
and not between different levels of government. Because a parliamentary
system fuses branches of government, it has fewer institutional obstacles
to enacting policy, and so is more efficient.
(C) Incorrect. Because a parliamentary system fuses the legislative and
executive branches, the legislature, and not the citizens, select the head
of government. Because a parliamentary system fuses branches of
government, it has fewer institutional obstacles to enacting policy, and
so is more efficient.
(D) Correct. Because a parliamentary system fuses branches of government,
it has fewer institutional obstacles to enacting policy, and so is more
efficient.

Question 13
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.C: Compare political systems, PAU-1.C: Explain the Democratization
principles, institutions, processes, process and goals of
policies, and behaviors. democratization.
(A) Incorrect. In democracies, the rule of law and independent judiciaries
are important. Democracies are characterized by competitive, free, fair,
and transparent elections.
(B) Incorrect. In democracies, multiple political parties exist to reflect a
variety of citizen viewpoints, whereas a dominant political party is
more likely to exist in an authoritarian government. Democracies are
characterized by competitive, free, fair, and transparent elections.
(C) Incorrect. While a powerful executive does not necessarily mean that
the government is not democratic, consolidation of power in a single
office is indicative of an authoritarian government. Democracies are
characterized by competitive, free, fair, and transparent elections.
(D) Correct. Democracies are characterized by competitive, free, fair, and
transparent elections.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 53

 Question 14
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.A: Compare two or more DEM-1.C: Explain the Civil Rights and
course countries based on their extent to which civil rights Civil Liberties
political systems, principles, and civil liberties are
institutions, processes, policies, protected or restricted in
and behaviors. different regimes.
(A) Incorrect. While China significantly limits citizens’ access to media,
media freedom is relatively high in Mexico. Iran and Russia most
significantly limit citizens’ access to media.
(B) Correct. In Iran the courts have used restriction of media licenses to
enforce a policy of censorship of antireligious materials, while in Russia
much of the media has been nationalized, which allows the government
to restrict information that citizens receive.
(C) Incorrect. Nigeria does not severely restrict media freedom, and the
United Kingdom has a high degree of media freedom. Iran and Russia
most significantly limit citizens’ access to media.
(D) Incorrect. Media freedom is relatively high in Mexico, while Russia
more significantly limits citizens’ access to media.

54 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 15
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.C: Explain the implications of PAU-3.B: Compare Comparing
the similarities and differences institutional relations Parliamentary,
between countries with different among parliamentary, Presidential,
political systems, principles, presidential, and semi- and Semi-
institutions, processes, policies, presidential systems. Presidential
and behaviors. Systems
(A) Incorrect. The roles of head of state and head of government are
separated in the United Kingdom, unlike in Mexico, but this has little
bearing on the policy-making process. Fused powers in the United
Kingdom create fewer obstacles to enacting policy than do divided
branch powers in Mexico.
(B) Incorrect. Although Mexico does have three significant parties rather
than two, as in the United Kingdom and may make policy-making more
challenging, it does not explain the United Kingdom’s relative efficiency.
Fused powers in the United Kingdom create fewer obstacles to enacting
policy than do divided branch powers in Mexico.
(C) Incorrect. Mexico is not clearly a more divided society than the United
Kingdom. Institutional features are a better explanation for measuring
the policy-making efficiency within each county. Fused powers in the
United Kingdom create fewer obstacles to enacting policy than do
divided branch powers in Mexico.
(D) Correct. Fused powers in the United Kingdom create fewer obstacles to
enacting policy than do divided powers in Mexico. Laws in Mexico must
be approved by the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate, and the President.
In the United Kingdom, laws must be approved mainly by the House of
Commons, of which the Prime Minister serves as a member.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 55

 Question 16
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.A: Compare two or more DEM-2.A: Describe Electoral
course countries based on their electoral systems and Systems and
political systems, principles, election rules among Rules
institutions, processes, policies, course countries.
and behaviors.
(A) Incorrect. Nigeria uses only first-past-the-post for elections to the lower
house of the legislature. Mexico and Russia use both first-past-the-post
and proportional representation systems in elections to the lower house
of the legislature.
(B) Correct. Mexico and Russia use a combination of first-past-the-post
and proportional representation systems in elections to the lower house
of the legislature.
(C) Incorrect. Nigeria uses only first-past-the-post for elections to the lower
house of the legislature. Mexico and Russia use both first-past-the-post
and proportional representation systems in elections to the lower house
of the legislature.
(D) Incorrect. Nigeria and the United Kingdom use only first-past-the-post
for elections to the lower house of the legislature. Mexico and Russia
use both first-past-the-post and proportional representation systems in
elections to the lower house of the legislature.

Question 17
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.B: Explain political systems, LEG-3.C: Explain how Impact of
principles, institutions, processes, rapid industrialization Industrialization
policies, and behaviors. and economic and Economic
development have Development
produced radical changes
in governmental policies.
(A) Incorrect. The goal of austerity measures is to lower budget deficits and
debt. Countries would not adopt austerity measures to slow economic
growth.
(B) Incorrect. Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels is likely in a
country that has limited natural resources; however, this is unrelated to
austerity. The goal of austerity measures is to lower budget deficits and
debt.
(C) Correct. The goal of austerity measures is to lower budget deficits and
debt.
(D) Incorrect. The goal of austerity measures is to lower budget deficits and
debt. Social welfare policies that address poverty require spending by the
government that can increase deficits and debt.

56 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 18
Skill Learning Objective Topic
4.A: Describe the author’s PAU-1.C: Explain the Democratization
claim(s), perspective, evidence, process and goals of
and reasoning. democratization.
(A) Correct. The author’s core argument is that if preexisting inequalities
are not addressed during democratization, citizens will not have the
resources necessary to participate in and grow civil society.
(B) Incorrect. The author is concerned that civil societies of new
democracies are systematically weaker than those in old democracies.
The author’s core argument is that if preexisting inequalities are not
addressed during democratization, citizens will not have the resources
necessary to participate in and grow civil society.
(C) Incorrect. The author does not discuss democratic reversals. The
author’s core argument is that if preexisting inequalities are not
addressed during democratization, citizens will not have the resources
necessary to participate in and grow civil society.
(D) Incorrect. The author argues that inequality prohibits full participation
in the political system by the poor. The author’s core argument is that
if preexisting inequalities are not addressed during democratization,
citizens will not have the resources necessary to participate in and grow
civil society.

Question 19
Skill Learning Objective Topic
4.C: Explain how the implications PAU-1.C: Explain the Democratization
of the author’s argument or process and goals of
perspective may affect political democratization.
systems, principles, institutions,
processes, policies, and behaviors.
(A) Correct. Domestic economic policies and international development
policies that focus on growth and do not address inequality will affect
citizens’ ability to participate in civil society, which in turn weakens
democratization.
(B) Incorrect. Deindustrialization and labor market deregulation increase
inequality, which negatively affects citizens’ ability to participate in civil
society, which in turn weakens democratization.
(C) Incorrect. Economic liberalization policies that do not address
inequality perpetuate the growth of inequality, which negatively affects
citizens’ ability to participate in civil society, which in turn weakens
democratization.
(D) Incorrect. Economic globalization without attention to inequality
negatively affects citizens’ ability to participate in civil society, which in
turn weakens democratization.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 57

 Question 20
Skill Learning Objective Topic
4.B: Explain how the author’s LEG-3.B: Explain how Adaptation of
argument or perspective relates governments adapt social Social Policies
to political systems, principles, policies to address political,
institutions, processes, policies, cultural, and economic
and behaviors. changes.
(A) Correct. The author’s core argument is that if pre-existing inequalities
are not addressed during democratization, that citizens will not have
the resources necessary to participate in and grow civil society. Social
welfare policies are designed to address income inequalities.
(B) Incorrect. Austerity programs result in funding cuts to state programs
which could increase income inequality. Social welfare policies are
designed to address income inequalities.
(C) Incorrect. Neoliberalism supports limited government intervention
which could increase income inequality. Social welfare policies are
designed to address income inequalities.
(D) Incorrect. Trade liberalization focuses on eliminating trade barriers
rather than addressing income inequality. Social welfare policies are
designed to address income inequalities.

Question 21
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.E: Explain how political DEM-2.A: Describe Electoral
systems, principles, institutions, electoral systems and Systems and
processes, policies, and behaviors election rules among Rules
apply in a course country. course countries.
(A) Correct. The Guardian Council routinely prevents potential candidates
from standing for election to the Majles.
(B) Incorrect. Support for the Green Movement and other reformists
generally suggests that many Iranians do support candidates who want
to challenge the government and want greater changes. Vetting of
candidates by the Guardian Council is the most powerful constraint on
the political diversity of candidates.
(C) Incorrect. Iran uses both single-member and multi-member districts.
SMD tends to reduce the number of parties but vetting of candidates by
the Guardian Council is the most powerful constraint on the political
diversity of candidates.
(D) Incorrect. One party does not dominate the Majiles, as political parties
are weak in Iran. Instead, the vetting of candidates by the Guardian
Council is the most powerful constraint on the political diversity of
candidates.

58 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 22
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.C: Explain the implications of PAU-3.D: Describe Removal of
the similarities and differences procedures for the removal Executives
between countries with different of executive leadership by
political systems, principles, other institutions.
institutions, processes, policies,
and behaviors.
(A) Incorrect. It is not necessarily true that civil society protests would
lead to the removal of either the Mexican president or the British
prime minister. The British prime minister can easily be removed by
a vote of confidence, whereas a president can be removed only by the
impeachment process, which requires an accusation and conviction.
(B) Incorrect. The reverse is true. The British prime minister can easily be
removed by a vote of confidence, whereas a president can be removed
only by the impeachment process, which requires an accusation and
conviction.
(C) Incorrect. The British government is less prone to corruption, so it is
less likely for the British prime minister to be removed. The British
prime minister can easily be removed by a vote of confidence, whereas
a president can be removed only by the impeachment process, which
requires an accusation and conviction.
(D) Correct. The British prime minister can easily be removed by a
vote of confidence, whereas a president can be removed only by the
impeachment process, which requires an accusation and conviction.

Question 23
Skill Learning Objective Topic
3.A: Describe the data presented. MPA-1.A: Explain The Practice
how political scientists of Political
construct knowledge and Scientists
communicate inferences
and explanations about
political systems,
institutional interactions,
and behavior.
(A) Incorrect. The table provides information about growth rates but not
about the total population.
(B) Correct. The table shows that Russia’s population declined by -0.06%.
(C) Incorrect. The table does not provide data on the number of births and
deaths.
(D) Incorrect. The United Kingdom grew at 0.53%, which was higher than
China at 0.43%.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 59

 Question 24
Skill Learning Objective Topic
3.D: Explain what the data LEG-4.A: Explain political Causes and
implies or illustrates about causes and consequences of Effects of
political systems, principles, demographic changes. Demographic
institutions, processes, policies, Change
and behaviors.
(A) Incorrect. The United Kingdom’s population policies have had a
minimal impact on its population growth rate.
(B) Incorrect. Iran’s population policies have not encouraged east to west
migration patterns.
(C) Correct. If Nigeria’s population growth rate continues to be high, it will
create challenges for providing employment.
(D) Incorrect. Because China’s birth rate is so low, they are more likely to
have a labor shortage.

Question 25
Skill Learning Objective Topic
3.E: Explain possible limitations LEG-4.A: Explain political Causes and
of the data provided. causes and consequences of Effects of
demographic changes. Demographic
Change
(A) Incorrect. The population growth rate in subsequent years is relevant
because it could help a government develop population policy by
identifying trends in population growth.
(B) Incorrect. The statement is inaccurate, and it would not be relevant to
population growth policies in a given country.
(C) Correct. The data on current population would be relevant because it
provides a starting point to better determine which population growth
policies to pursue.
(D) Incorrect. While the cost of goods and services is not given in the table,
that information is irrelevant to population growth policies.

60 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 26
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.D: Describe political systems, LEG-1.B: Explain how Sustaining
principles, institutions, processes, governments maintain Legitimacy
policies, and behaviors of a legitimacy.
course country.
(A) Incorrect. The Chinese government has used military force to suppress
protests and popular uprisings, which has reduced legitimacy with
ethnic minority groups. The government has given representation in the
national parliament to ethnic minorities.
(B) Incorrect. The SEZs have been primarily established in southern coastal
regions to attract foreign investment and not to reduce inequality. The
government has given representation in the national parliament to
ethnic minorities.
(C) Correct. The government has given representation in the national
parliament to ethnic minorities.
(D) Incorrect. The government has not promoted migration of ethnic
minorities from western provinces to more prosperous coastal regions.
The government has given representation in the national parliament to
ethnic minorities.

Question 27
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.A: Compare two or more PAU-3.A: Describe Parliamentary,
course countries based on their parliamentary, presidential, Presidential,
political systems, principles, and semi-presidential and Semi-
institutions, processes, policies, systems. Presidential
and behaviors. Systems
(A) Incorrect. In Mexico, separate popular elections are held for the chief
executive and for the national legislature. In the United Kingdom,
popular elections are held for the national legislature, which in turn
selects the chief executive. In both systems, an appointed cabinet helps
to advise the chief executive in policy proposals and implementation.
(B) Correct. In both systems, an appointed cabinet helps to advise the chief
executive in policy proposals and implementation.
(C) Incorrect. In Mexico, the lawmaking and executive functions are divided
among an executive branch and a legislative branch. In the United
Kingdom, the lawmaking and executive functions are combined into a
single branch. In both systems, an appointed cabinet helps to advise the
chief executive in policy proposals and implementation.
(D) Incorrect. In Mexico, the chief executive serves as both head of state and
head of government. In the United Kingdom, the head of government
is different than the head of state. In both systems, an appointed
cabinet helps to advise the chief executive in policy proposals and
implementation.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 61

 Question 28
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.D: Describe political systems, IEF-2.A: Explain how Impact
principles, institutions, processes, social movements and of Social
policies, and behaviors of a interest groups affect socialMovements
course country. and political change. and Interest
Groups
(A) Incorrect. President Putin has not fired Prime Minister Medvedev.
The domestic public protests that occurred in the past ten years have
happened because of the election fraud and corruption by the Russian
government.
(B) Incorrect. There were no significant domestic public protests in
opposition to the nationalization of the Russian oil industry. The
domestic public protests that occurred in the past ten years have
happened because of the election fraud and corruption by the Russian
government.
(C) Correct. The domestic public protests that occurred in the past ten
years have happened because of the election fraud and corruption by the
Russian government.
(D) Incorrect. In Russia, the state-owned media has not been privatized.
The domestic public protests that occurred in the past ten years have
happened because of the election fraud and corruption by the Russian
government.

Question 29
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.B: Explain political systems, DEM-2.B: Explain how Objectives of
principles, institutions, election rules serve Election Rules
processes, policies, and different regime objectives
behaviors. regarding ballot access,
election wins, and
constituency accountability.
(A) Incorrect. Coalitions are more typical of electoral systems that use
proportional representation (PR) and have multiple parties. Parties
operating in coalition do not often merge. Only one candidate can win
in a SMD (Single-Member District) electoral system, so minor parties
are less likely to win.
(B) Incorrect. Some SMD electoral systems feature runoff elections, but not
all. Only one candidate can win in a SMD (Single-Member District)
electoral system, so minor parties are less likely to win.
(C) Correct. Minor parties do not usually win districts in SMD elections
(unless they are regionally concentrated), so the SMD electoral
system tends to discriminate against minor parties and force them to
consolidate into larger parties to have a chance to win.
(D) Incorrect. Representatives in SMD are more accountable to voters,
but it’s not clear that larger parties better support constituency service
efforts. Only one candidate can win in a SMD (Single-Member District)
electoral system, so minor parties are less likely to win.

62 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 30
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.B: Explain the implications of DEM-2.B: Explain how Objectives of
the similarities and differences election rules serve Election Rules
between countries with similar different regime objectives
political systems, principles, regarding ballot access,
institutions, processes, policies, election wins, and
and behaviors. constituency accountability.
(A) Incorrect. Neither Mexico nor Nigeria has a threshold for parties to
win seats in the legislature. Mexico and Nigeria have both created
independent electoral commissions to reduce corrupt practices upon
election results.
(B) Incorrect. A rule regarding a minimum percentage of votes for a
president in each state exists in Nigeria, but not in Mexico. Mexico and
Nigeria both have created independent electoral commissions to reduce
corrupt practices upon election results.
(C) Incorrect. Mexico and Nigeria do have SMD electoral systems, but
this would normally be expected to reduce the number of parties, not
increase it. Mexico and Nigeria both have created independent electoral
commissions to reduce corrupt practices upon election results.
(D) Correct. Mexico and Nigeria both have created independent electoral
commissions to reduce corrupt practices upon election results.

Question 31
Skill Learning Objective Topic
4.A: Describe the author’s PAU-3.H: Explain the Independent
claim(s), perspective, evidence, importance of independent Judiciaries
and reasoning. judiciaries relative to other
political institutions.
(A) Incorrect. The author does not imply that López Obrador wants
to eliminate the judicial system. The author’s evidence of power
consolidation in the executive is that López Obrador is attempting to
control judicial decision making.
(B) Correct. The author’s evidence of power consolidation in the executive
is that López Obrador is attempting to control judicial decision making.
The author describes specific actions that López Obrador has taken to
gain more control over the judiciary.
(C) Incorrect. The author does state that López Obrador is taking specific
actions to control the judiciary, but these actions are not changing the
Mexican constitution. The author’s evidence of power consolidation
in the executive is that López Obrador is attempting to control judicial
decision making.
(D) Incorrect. The author does not imply that López Obrador is
attempting to protect the power of the Senate to approve Supreme
Court magistrates. The author’s evidence of power consolidation in
the executive is that López Obrador is attempting to control judicial
decision making.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 63

 Question 32
Skill Learning Objective Topic
4.C: Explain how the IEF-1.C: Explain how Political
implications of the author’s political culture relates to Ideologies
argument or perspective citizen behavior and the
may affect political systems, role of the state.
principles, institutions,
processes, policies, and
behaviors.
(A) Incorrect. López Obrador’s interactions with the courts are an attempt
to gain more control of the judiciary, not to institute individualism. The
use of referenda is consistent with populism.
(B) Incorrect. López Obrador’s authorization of infrastructure projects is
not an attempt to move Mexico to neoliberal ideology, as this would
imply limited governmental intervention in the economy. The use of
referenda is consistent with populism.
(C) Incorrect. López Obrador’s agricultural policies are not an attempt to
move Mexico to a communist ideology because Mexico is not abolishing
private property with near total governmental control of the economy.
The use of referenda is consistent with populism.
(D) Correct. López Obrador’s use of referenda is consistent with populism
because he claims that they better represent the interests and rights of
the common people over those of the elites.

Question 33
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.E: Explain how political PAU-3.E: Describe Legislative
systems, principles, institutions, legislative structures Systems
processes, policies, and behaviors and functions in course
apply in a course country. countries.
(A) Correct. The power of the Majles is limited because the Iranian
Constitution created a theocratic state with democratic characteristics,
with religious leaders having more power in the system.
(B) Incorrect. It is not the Supreme Leader but rather the Guardian Council
that is constitutionally charged with ensuring that legislation from
the Majles is compatible with Islamic law. The power of the Majles is
limited because the Iranian Constitution created a theocratic state with
democratic characteristics, with religious leaders having more power in
the system.
(C) Incorrect. Iran is not a federal system; there are no state legislatures. The
power of the Majles is limited because the Iranian Constitution created
a theocratic state with democratic characteristics, with religious leaders
having more power in the system.
(D) Incorrect. The Iranian constitution gives the Guardian Council the
power to approve candidates for elective office in the Majles. The power
of the Majles is limited because the Iranian Constitution created a
theocratic state with democratic characteristics, with religious leaders
having more power in the system.

64 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 34
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.A: Compare two or more IEF-3.B: Compare political Political
course countries based on their responses to global market Responses to
political systems, principles, forces. Global Market
institutions, processes, policies, Forces
and behaviors.
(A) Incorrect. Although Mexico has privatized some of its oil and natural
gas industry, Russia has renationalized its oil and natural gas industry.
(B) Correct. In response to market forces, Mexico privatized some of its oil
and natural gas industry and Russia renationalized its oil and natural gas
industry.
(C) Incorrect. Mexico is privatizing its oil and natural gas industry. In
response to market forces, Mexico privatized some of its oil and natural
gas industry and Russia renationalized its oil and natural gas industry.
(D) Incorrect. Mexico has not renationalized its oil and natural gas
industry, and Russia has not privatized its oil and natural gas industry.
In response to market forces, Mexico privatized some of its oil and
natural gas industry and Russia renationalized its oil and natural gas
industry.

Question 35
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.B: Explain the implications of PAU-3.A: Describe Parliamentary,
the similarities and differences parliamentary, presidential, Presidential,
between countries with similar and semi-presidential and Semi-
political systems, principles, systems. Presidential
institutions, processes, policies, Systems
and behaviors.
(A) Incorrect. Federalism refers to the divisions of authority between levels
of government not branches of government. In presidential systems,
the legislative and executive branches are elected separately by different
constituencies, which can result in differences in party control.
(B) Correct. In presidential systems, the legislative and executive branches
are elected separately by different constituencies, which can result in
differences in party control.
(C) Incorrect. Democracies can include both presidential and parliamentary
systems. In presidential systems, the legislative and executive branches
are elected separately by different constituencies, which can result in
differences in party control.
(D) Incorrect. The number of houses in the legislature is not related to
partisan control of the executive. In presidential systems, the legislative
and executive branches are elected separately by different constituencies,
which can result in differences in party control.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 65

 Question 36
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.D: Describe political systems, PAU-4.A: Describe Political Party
principles, institutions, characteristics of political Systems
processes, policies, and party systems and party
behaviors of a course country. membership.
(A) Incorrect. Iran does not have a strong party system. Russia has had a
dominant-party system in the twenty-first century.
(B) Incorrect. China is a one-party state rather than a dominant-party
system. Parties other than the Communist Party are not permitted to
hold meaningful power. Russia has had a dominant-party system in the
twenty-first century.
(C) Incorrect. Mexico had a dominant-party system under the PRI, but
it ended at the turn of the century. Power in Mexico has alternated
between parties in the twenty-first century, so there is no dominant
party. Russia has had a dominant-party system in the twenty-first
century.
(D) Correct. Russia’s United Russia has been a dominant-party in the
twenty-first century, as it has won successive elections by large margins
and has regulated elections and political participation in order to
maintain its position.

Question 37
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.C: Explain the implications of PAU-3.C: Explain the Executive
the similarities and differences structure, function, and Systems
between countries with different change of executive
political systems, principles, leadership in course
institutions, processes, policies, countries.
and behaviors.
(A) Incorrect. Both the British prime minister and the Russian prime
minister are head of government. The Russian president is the head of
state, and the constitution grants the president greater authority than
that of the prime minister.
(B) Correct. The Russian president is the head of state, and the constitution
grants the president greater authority than that of the prime minister.
(C) Incorrect. Both the British and the Russian parliaments have the
power to pass laws. The Russian president is the head of state, and the
constitution grants the president greater authority than that of the prime
minister.
(D) Incorrect. Whether the constitution is written or not is not related to the
assignment of powers in the executive branch of a given country. The
Russian president is the head of state, and the constitution grants the
president greater authority than that of the prime minister.

66 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 38
Skill Learning Objective Topic
3.B: Describe patterns and MPA-1.A: Explain The Practice
trends in data. how political scientists of Political
construct knowledge and Scientists
communicate inferences
and explanations about
political systems,
institutional interactions,
and behavior.
(A) Correct. The map depicts that unemployment tends to be the highest in
the South.
(B) Incorrect. The map shows unemployment by region, not by age. The
map depicts that unemployment is highest in the South.
(C) Incorrect. Unemployment is not the highest in major cities. The map
depicts that unemployment is highest in the South.
(D) Incorrect. Unemployment is not 40 percent across Nigeria. The map
depicts that unemployment is highest in the South.

Question 39
Skill Learning Objective Topic
3.C: Explain patterns and trends LEG-1.B: Explain how Sustaining
in data to draw conclusions. governments maintain Legitimacy
legitimacy.
(A) Incorrect. Nigeria’s economic policies have failed to address the
corruption that impedes systematic economic growth, decreasing
regime legitimacy.
(B) Correct. The Nigerian government’s failure to stimulate and maintain
long-term economic growth and job creation has negatively impacted
regime legitimacy.
(C) Incorrect. Nigerians are not systematically migrating to rural areas. The
government’s failure to stimulate and maintain long-term economic
growth and job creation has negatively impacted regime legitimacy in
Nigeria.
(D) Incorrect. The Nigerian government has periodically promised to
focus on economic diversification but has mostly failed to do so. The
government’s failure to stimulate and maintain long-term economic
growth and job creation has negatively impacted regime legitimacy in
Nigeria.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 67

 Question 40
Skill Learning Objective Topic
3.E: Explain possible limitations LEG-4.A: Explain political Causes and
of the data provided. causes and consequences of Effects of
demographic changes. Demographic
Change
(A) Incorrect. The map illustrates unemployment in all Nigerian states. The
map illustrates unemployment at the state level. National-level data are
not presented.
(B) Incorrect. The map illustrates unemployment in all Nigerian states.
This allows for comparison across the states. The map illustrates
unemployment at the state level. National-level data are not presented.
(C) Incorrect. The map indicates that unemployment is highest in the three
southernmost states. The map illustrates unemployment at the state level.
National-level data are not presented.
(D) Correct. The map illustrates unemployment at the state level. National-
level data are not presented.

Question 41
Skill Learning Objective Topic
2.A: Compare two or more IEF-2.A: Explain how Impact
course countries based on their social movements and of Social
political systems, principles, interest groups affect social Movements
institutions, processes, policies, and political change. and Interest
and behaviors. Groups
(A) Correct. In Nigeria, MEND protested unjust methods of extraction and
distribution of oil, while the Green Movement in Iran protested electoral
corruption.
(B) Incorrect. Iran’s Green Movement primarily favored removing
corruption from elections and was not formed in response to
socioeconomic inequality. Mexico’s Zapatista movement was primarily
a response to socioeconomic inequality. In Nigeria, MEND protested
unjust methods of extraction and distribution of oil, while the Green
Movement in Iran protested electoral corruption.
(C) Incorrect. Mexico’s Zapatista movement primarily favored the rights of
the poor, not removing corruption from elections. Nigeria’s MOSOP
and MEND movements protested unjust methods of extraction and
distribution of oil, while the Green Movement in Iran protested electoral
corruption.
(D) Incorrect. Iran’s Green Movement primarily favored removing
corruption from elections, not separatism. Nigeria’s Boko Haram does
favor Shari‘a law.

68 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 42
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.E: Explain how political LEG-5.A: Explain how Impact of
systems, principles, institutions, natural resources affect Natural
processes, policies, and behaviors political and economic Resources
apply in a course country. development.
(A) Incorrect. The Nigerian government has not used oil revenues to
diversify its economy. Extensive and valuable oil reserves have motivated
political actors to seek to control these resources for financial reasons,
deepening corruption and impeding democratic consolidation.
(B) Incorrect. The Nigerian government has not redistributed oil revenues
to citizens in a way that reduces poverty and increases political
participation. Extensive and valuable oil reserves have motivated
political actors to seek to control these resources for financial reasons,
deepening corruption and impeding democratic consolidation.
(C) Correct. Extensive and valuable oil reserves have motivated political
actors to seek to control these resources for financial reasons, deepening
corruption and impeding democratic consolidation.
(D) Incorrect. Although Nigerian oil extraction has the potential to help the
economy, it has not increased governmental transparency. Extensive
and valuable oil reserves have motivated political actors to seek to
control these resources for financial reasons, deepening corruption and
impeding democratic consolidation.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 69

 Question 43
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.C: Compare political systems, LEG-4.A: Explain political Causes and
principles, institutions, causes and consequences of Effects of
processes, policies, and demographic changes. Demographic
behaviors. Change
(A) Incorrect. Restricting access to birth control is not a policy that would
be more likely to be adopted by an authoritarian regime, as democratic
regimes can also restrict access to birth control. Restricting family size
would be more likely adopted by authoritarian regimes, as this method
is an example of how authoritarian regimes might choose to restrict civil
liberties in order to limit population growth.
(B) Correct. Restricting family size would limit population growth and
would be more likely to be adopted by authoritarian regimes, as this
method is an example of how authoritarian regimes might choose to
restrict civil liberties in order to limit population growth.
(C) Incorrect. Providing education about family planning is not more likely
to be adopted by an authoritarian regime, as democratic regimes often
provide education about family planning services. Restricting family size
would be more likely adopted by authoritarian regimes, as this method
is an example of how authoritarian regimes might choose to restrict civil
liberties in order to limit population growth.
(D) Incorrect. Providing health care for all citizens is not more likely to be
adopted by authoritarian regimes than by democratic regimes.

Question 44
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.A: Describe political systems, IEF-2.B: Describe pluralist Pluralist and
principles, institutions, and corporatist interest Corporatist
processes, policies, and group systems. Interests
behaviors.
(A) Correct. To facilitate effective policy making, pluralist systems promote
competition among autonomous groups not linked to the state.
(B) Incorrect. Corporatist systems rely on state-sanctioned groups, which
may represent key economic systems. To facilitate effective policy
making, pluralist systems promote competition among autonomous
groups not linked to the state.
(C) Incorrect. Corporatist systems control access to policy makers by
sanctioning groups. To facilitate effective policy making, pluralist
systems promote competition among autonomous groups not linked to
the state.
(D) Incorrect. Neither corporatism nor pluralism prioritizes representation
of multiple parties in the legislature. To facilitate effective policy making,
pluralist systems promote competition among autonomous groups not
linked to the state.

70 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 45
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.B: Explain political systems, LEG-3.B: Explain how Adaptation of
principles, institutions, governments adapt social Social Policies
processes, policies, and policies to address political,
behaviors. cultural, and economic
changes.
(A) Incorrect. Limited access to family planning services and education
decreases women’s chances of being employed outside of the home and
can prevent them from achieving gender equity in the political system.
Implementing gender quotas for legislative elections increases female
representation in lawmaking bodies and creates opportunities for
legislators to make policies that impact women, including improving
their access to education.
(B) Incorrect. Gender equity addresses inequalities in the economic system
and may benefit women in the political system. However, a policy to
reduce taxes is not intended to address gender equity in the political
system. Implementing gender quotas for legislative elections increases
female representation in lawmaking bodies and creates opportunities
for legislators to make policies that impact women, including improving
their access to education.
(C) Incorrect. Increasing access to family planning may help address gender
equity in a political system but limiting access to education does not
help achieve gender equity because it limits the ability of women to
become gainfully employed outside the home. Implementing gender
quotas for legislative elections increases female representation in
lawmaking bodies and creates opportunities for legislators to make
policies that impact women, including improving their access to
education.
(D) Correct. Implementing gender quotas for legislative elections increases
female representation in lawmaking bodies and creates opportunities
for legislators to make policies that impact women, including improving
their access to education.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 71

 Question 46
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.D: Describe political systems, PAU-3.G: Describe the Judicial Systems
principles, institutions, structure and functions of
processes, policies, and judiciaries.
behaviors of a course country.
(A) Incorrect. The president in Mexico does not have the constitutional
power to overrule decisions made by the National Supreme Court of
Justice. The Mexican constitution provides for separation of powers and
checks and balances, which includes an independent legislature and
judiciary. The president does have the power to nominate members to
the National Supreme Court of Justice.
(B) Correct. The president has the constitutional power to nominate
members to the National Supreme Court of Justice. Although the
president has this power, the constitution also provides for checks and
balances and requires the approval of the nominations by the legislature.
(C) Incorrect. Mexico’s constitution established separation of powers and
checks and balances, which includes an independent legislature and
judiciary. The president does have the power to nominate members to
the National Supreme Court of Justice.
(D) Incorrect. The legislature has not restricted the powers of the National
Supreme Court of Justice. The president does have the power to
nominate members to the National Supreme Court of Justice.

72 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 47
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.A: Describe political systems, PAU-1.B: Describe Democracy vs.
principles, institutions, processes, democracy and Authoritarian-
policies, and behaviors. authoritarianism. ism
(A) Incorrect. Democratization is the process whereby an authoritarian
government makes substantive political changes, such as implementing
free, fair, and competitive elections, transitioning to a democratic
government. Transparency refers to the ability of citizens to monitor
their government. When a government is open with its policy-making
process, citizens are able to hold the government accountable for its
actions.
(B) Incorrect. Political socialization is the process whereby citizens acquire
their beliefs about government. Transparency refers to the ability of
citizens to monitor their government. When a government is open with
its policy-making process, citizens are able to hold the government
accountable for its actions.
(C) Incorrect. Regime stability refers to the unlikelihood that a government
will be toppled even during a domestic crisis. Transparency refers to the
ability of citizens to monitor their government. When a government
is open with its policy-making process, citizens are able to hold the
government accountable for its actions.
(D) Correct. Transparency refers to the ability of citizens to monitor their
government. When a government is open with its policy-making
process, citizens are able to hold the government accountable for its
actions.

Question 48
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.D: Describe political systems, PAU-3.F: Explain how Independent
principles, institutions, legislative powers are Legislatures
processes, policies, and constrained by other
behaviors of a course country. institutions and/or
processes, which can affect
legislative independence.
(A) Incorrect. The Standing Committee of the NPC is not powerful enough
to oversee the actions of the president. One of the primary duties of the
Standing Committee is to draft and pass legislation.
(B) Correct. The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress
(NPC) assumes legislative duties most of the year when the NPC is not
in session; one of its primary duties is to draft and pass legislation.
(C) Incorrect. Just like other legislatures, the NPC is not involved in running
the day-to-day activities of the bureaucracy. One of the primary duties
of the Standing Committee is to draft and pass legislation.
(D) Incorrect. China’s Politburo Standing Committee is the actual center of
power in the Chinese state. One of the primary duties of the Standing
Committee of the NPC is to draft and pass legislation.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 73

 Question 49
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.C: Compare political systems, PAU-3.C: Explain the Executive
principles, institutions, processes, structure, function, and Systems
policies, and behaviors. change of executive
leadership in course
countries.
(A) Incorrect. In both regime types, the commander in chief is in charge
of the military. A key component of democracy is civilian control of
the military. This means that the commander in chief is ultimately
accountable to the citizens.
(B) Correct. A key component of democracy is civilian control of the
military. This means that the commander in chief is ultimately
accountable to the citizens.
(C) Incorrect. In both regime types, the commander in chief may call on
the military to enforce domestic law, although in a democracy there
are more constraints on a commander in chief ’s ability to do so. A key
component of democracy is civilian control of the military. This means
that the commander in chief is ultimately accountable to the citizens.
(D) Incorrect. In both regime types, it is possible for the commander in chief
to be removed. For example, a military leader could be removed by a
coup or an authoritarian leader who had overseen the military could be
replaced by another leader. A key component of democracy is civilian
control of the military. This means that the commander in chief is
ultimately accountable to the citizens.

Question 50
Skill Learning Objective Topic
3.B: Describe patterns and trends DEM-1.A: Explain the Nature and
in data. nature and role of political Role of Political
participation as related to Participation
a regime’s use of authority
and power.
(A) Correct. Voter turnout is consistently higher in presidential elections
than in parliamentary elections.
(B) Incorrect. Voter turnout in the presidential election was 55%, while
voter turnout in the parliamentary elections was 30% in 2011.
Voter turnout is consistently higher in presidential elections than in
parliamentary elections.
(C) Incorrect. Voter turnout between 2011 and 2015 increased in
parliamentary elections. Voter turnout is consistently higher in
presidential elections than in parliamentary elections.
(D) Incorrect. Voter turnout in the parliamentary elections increased from
1999 to 2003 and then began to decline. Voter turnout is consistently
higher in presidential elections than in parliamentary elections.

74 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 51
Skill Learning Objective Topic
3.D: Explain what the data DEM-1.A: Explain the Nature and
implies or illustrates about nature and role of political Role of Political
political systems, principles, participation as related to Participation
institutions, processes, policies, a regime’s use of authority
and behaviors. and power.
(A) Correct. Groups using political violence, such as Boko Haram, have
been one of the greatest challenges for the Nigerian government. The
inability of both the president and the legislature to end the violence has
resulted in decreasing voter turnout.
(B) Incorrect. Although making promises to do so, the government has
been unable to effectively end corruption, and voters still believe the
government lacks transparency. The inability of both the president
and the legislature to end the violence has resulted in decreasing voter
turnout.
(C) Incorrect. Nigeria gained admission into OPEC prior to 2003, and
membership in OPEC is viewed as a positive and would not be
responsible for a decrease in voter turnout. The inability of both
the president and the legislature to end the violence has resulted in
decreasing voter turnout.
(D) Incorrect. Despite its problems ending political corruption problems,
the government remains a republic with civilian control of the
government. The inability of both the president and the legislature to
end the violence has resulted in decreasing voter turnout.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 75

 Question 52
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.C: Compare political systems, IEF-2.A: Explain how Impact
principles, institutions, processes, social movements and of Social
policies, and behaviors. interest groups affect social Movements
and political change. and Interest
Groups
(A) Correct. Interest groups are organized to represent and advocate for
a specific interest or policy issue in contrast to social movements that
represent multiple groups and individuals advocating for broad social
change.
(B) Incorrect. Interest groups and social movements can be as effective
in a pluralist or corporatist system. Interest groups are organized to
represent and advocate for a specific interest or policy issue in contrast
to social movements that represent multiple groups and individuals
advocating for broad social change.
(C) Incorrect. Interest groups are not able to achieve their goals more
effectively in an authoritarian state. Social movements are likely more
effective in a democratic state. Interest groups are organized to represent
and advocate for a specific interest or policy issue in contrast to social
movements that represent multiple groups and individuals advocating
for broad social change.
(D) Incorrect. Social movements and interest groups are able to have more
access in a country with a federal system because there are multiple
access points to affect policy. Interest groups are organized to represent
and advocate for a specific interest or policy issue in contrast to social
movements that represent multiple groups and individuals advocating
for broad social change.

76 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 53
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.E: Explain how political PAU-4.B: Explain how Role of Political
systems, principles, institutions, political party systems and Party Systems
processes, policies, and behaviors memberships link citizen
apply in a course country. participation to policy-
making.
(A) Incorrect. Although minor parties are allowed to exist in the one-party
state of China, they have not been able to form coalitions to challenge
the dominance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP does
allow for minor parties to fill minor political offices but limits their
overall policy-making power.
(B) Incorrect. Corporations have not significantly challenged government
regulations that the CCP has placed on economic practices. The CCP
does allow for minor parties to fill minor political offices but limits their
overall policy-making power.
(C) Correct. The CCP does allow for minor parties to fill minor political
offices but limits their overall policy-making power.
(D) Incorrect. Although civil society has grown in China in recent years, the
CCP has made concessions to some social movement demands while
repressing many others. The CCP does allow for minor parties to fill
minor political offices but limits their overall policy-making power.

Question 54
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.D: Describe political systems, LEG-1.B: Explain how Sustaining
principles, institutions, processes, governments maintain Legitimacy
policies, and behaviors of a legitimacy.
course country.
(A) Incorrect. A disputed transfer of power would reduce Iran’s legitimacy
because it would undermine constituents’ belief that their government
has the right to govern. Economic growth would likely increase a
government’s legitimacy.
(B) Incorrect. The jailing of religious leaders could affect legitimacy in Iran,
but it would depend on circumstances. Economic growth would likely
increase a government’s legitimacy.
(C) Incorrect. Selection of a less charismatic leader would reduce legitimacy
in Iran because it would undermine constituents’ belief that their
government has the right to use power. Economic growth would likely
increase a government’s legitimacy.
(D) Correct. Economic growth would likely increase legitimacy in Iran
because it would reinforce constituents’ belief that their government has
the right to govern.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 77

 Question 55
Skill Learning Objective Topic
1.A: Describe political systems, IEF-1.B: Explain the role of Civil Society
principles, institutions, processes, civil society among course
policies, and behaviors. countries.
(A) Incorrect. Civil society organizations experience government
interference depending on the type of regime. Civil society
organizations work to increase governmental transparency but their
ability to do this varies depending on the regime type.
(B) Incorrect. Civil society organizations exist across the spectrum of policy
areas, including international topics. Civil society organizations work
to increase governmental transparency but their ability to do this varies
depending on the regime type.
(C) Incorrect. Civil society organizations might be either in favor of,
or against, regulations depending on their ideology. Civil society
organizations work to increase governmental transparency but their
ability to do this varies depending on the regime type.
(D) Correct. Civil society organizations work to increase governmental
transparency but their ability to do this varies depending on the regime
type.

78 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Answer Key and Question Alignment to Course Framework
Multiple-Choice Answer Skill Learning Topic
Question Objective
1 D 2.A PAU-3.C Executive Systems
2 D 1.A IEF-3.D Policies and Economic
Liberalization
3 A 1.C IEF-1.C Political Culture
4 B 1.D IEF-1.B Civil Society
5 A 2.B PAU-3.C Executive Systems
6 B 1.A PAU-1.C Democratization
7 D 2.A LEG-2.A Political and Social Cleavages
8 A 1.B PAU-1.A Defining Political Organizations
9 A 2.A PAU-3.E Legislative Systems
10 C 2.C PAU-3.G Judicial Systems
11 D 2.B PAU-1.D Sources of Power and Authority
12 D 1.B PAU-3.B Comparing Parliamentary,
Presidential, and Semi-Presidential
Systems
13 D 1.C PAU-1.C Democratization
14 B 2.A DEM-1.C Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
15 D 2.C PAU-3.B Comparing Parliamentary,
Presidential, and Semi-Presidential
Systems
16 B 2.A DEM-2.A Electoral Systems and Rules
17 C 1.B LEG-3.C Impact of Industrialization and
Economic Development
18 A 4.A PAU-1.C Democratization
19 A 4.C PAU-1.C Democratization
20 A 4.B LEG-3.B Adaptation of Social Policies
21 A 1.E DEM-2.A Electoral Systems and Rules
22 D 2.C PAU-3.D Removal of Executives
23 B 3.A MPA-1.A The Practice of Political Scientists
24 C 3.D LEG-4.A Causes and Effects of Demographic
Change
25 C 3.E LEG-4.A Causes and Effects of Demographic
Change
26 C 1.D LEG-1.B Sustaining Legitimacy
27 B 2.A PAU-3.A Parliamentary, Presidential, and
Semi-Presidential Systems
28 C 1.D IEF-2.A Impact of Social Movements and
Interest Groups
29 C 1.B DEM-2.B Objectives of Election Rules
30 D 2.B DEM-2.B Objectives of Election Rules

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 79

 Multiple-Choice Answer Skill Learning Topic
Question Objective
31 B 4.A PAU-3.H Independent Judiciaries
32 D 4.C IEF-1.C Political Ideologies
33 A 1.E PAU-3.E Legislative Systems
34 B 2.A IEF-3.B Political Responses to Global
Market Forces
35 B 2.B PAU-3.A Parliamentary, Presidential, and
Semi-Presidential Systems
36 D 1.D PAU-4.A Political Party Systems
37 B 2.C PAU-3.C Executive Systems
38 A 3.B MPA-1.A The Practice of Political Scientists
39 B 3.C LEG-1.B Sustaining Legitimacy
40 D 3.E LEG-4.A Causes and Effects of Demographic
Change
41 A 2.A IEF-2.A Impact of Social Movements and
Interest Groups
42 C 1.E LEG-5.A Impact of Natural Resources
43 B 1.C LEG-4.A Causes and Effects of Demographic
Change
44 A 1.A IEF-2.B Pluralist and Corporatist Interests
45 D 1.B LEG-3.B Adaptation of Social Policies
46 B 1.D PAU-3.G Judicial Systems
47 D 1.A PAU-1.B Democracy vs. Authoritarianism
48 B 1.D PAU-3.F Independent Legislatures
49 B 1.C PAU-3.C Executive Systems
50 A 3.B DEM-1.A Nature and Role of Political
Participation
51 A 3.D DEM-1.A Nature and Role of Political
Participation
52 A 1.C IEF-2.A Impact of Social Movements and
Interest Groups
53 C 1.E PAU-4.B Role of Political Party Systems
54 D 1.D LEG-1.B Sustaining Legitimacy
55 D 1.A IEF-1.B Civil Society

80 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Free-Response Section
Scoring Guidelines

Question 1: Conceptual Analysis 4 points

Learning Objectives: PAU-1.C DEM-1.B

(A) Describe democratization. 1 point

1.A
Acceptable descriptions include:
• A process in which an authoritarian regime transitions to a democratic
regime
• A country that is democratizing would be adopting and protecting civil
liberties and civil rights for citizens.
• A country that is establishing greater transparency and increasing popular
sovereignty in the political system
• A country that is establishing rule of law
(B) Describe an electoral measure that a country could use to become more 1 point
democratic. 1.A

Acceptable descriptions include:

• Gender or ethnic quotas in legislatures
• Proportional representation
• Universal suffrage
• Reforms that protect the right to vote and respect the outcome of citizens’
voting
• Independent electoral commissions
• Adoption of referendums and initiatives as legitimate citizen participation
(C) Explain how a policy could help a country address political inequality. 1 point
1.B
Acceptable explanations include:
• Universal suffrage or quotas in legislatures or proportional representation
would allow more citizens access to the political system, giving them the
chance to have greater influence on public policy.
• Policies that allow citizens greater access to the system allow for a greater
chance at political reform, as citizens have greater access to the governing
structures.
• Some policies could provide greater acceptance and increased freedom of
independent civil society groups.
• Certain reforms would establish and protect the freedom of the press and
media.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 81

 (D) Explain why an authoritarian regime would resist citizen participation in the 1 point
policy-making process. 1.B

Acceptable explanations include:

• Authoritarian regimes resist citizen participation in the policy-making process
as a way of maintaining control over the political system.
• In a more open political system, authoritarian regimes run the risk of ceding
some (or all) power to the citizens involved in the policy-making process.
• Regimes seek to protect the national sovereignty against the possibility of
foreign influence in domestic affairs.
Total for question 1 4 points

82 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 2: Quantitative Analysis 5 points
Learning Objectives: MPA-1.A LEG-1.B DEM-1.B

(A) Using the data in the graph, identify the total number of protests (to the 1 point
nearest thousand) when Xi Jinping became leader. 3.A

An identification includes the following:

• 5,000
• Between 4,000 and 6,000
(B) Using the data in the graph, describe the change in protests resulting in 1 point
detentions after Xi Jinping became leader. 3.B

Acceptable descriptions include:

• There was an increase in the number of protests resulting in detentions after
Xi took power.
• The total number of protests increased between 2014 and 2016 at a faster
rate than the number of detentions.
(C) Explain why an authoritarian government might try to prevent protests. 1 point
1.B
Acceptable explanations include:
• Authoritarian governments might try to prevent protests because they seek
to maintain stability in the country.
• Authoritarian governments might try to prevent protests because they do
not want to lose control over the government.
• Authoritarian governments might try to prevent protests because they
do not want to be seen as vulnerable to criticism from citizens and other
members of civil society.
• Authoritarian governments might try to prevent protests in order to maintain
legitimacy.
• Authoritarian governments might try to prevent protests to protect national
sovereignty by a show of domestic force.
• Authoritarian governments only negotiate if they do not have the actual
capacity to put down protests.

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 83

 (D) Based on the data in the graph, draw a conclusion as to why the Chinese 1 point
government allows a certain number of protests to occur without detention. 3.C

Acceptable explanations include:

• The Chinese government allows some groups to protest without detaining
them in order to maintain the illusion in China that there is some degree of
free speech.
• The Chinese government allows some groups to protest without detaining
them because some of these protests occur at the local level, possibly over
minor issues, and are not seen as threatening to the Chinese government.
• The Chinese government is becoming more sensitive to how it is perceived
on the word stage, so it allows some protests to happen without detentions
to show the rest of the world that it respects human rights.
• The Chinese government allows some groups to protest without detaining
them in order to identify and track dangerous dissidents.
• The Chinese government allows some groups to protest without
consequences in order to collect information on citizen interests and
demands.
• The Chinese government allows some groups to protest in order to co-opt
and recruit citizen leaders and movements into the established political
system.
• The Chinese government allows some protests to provide an escape valve for
public discontent with certain policies.
• The Chinese government allows some protests to avoid future large revolts
against the government.
(E) Explain how the Chinese government has responded to a specific protest 1 point
movement in China that has occurred between 2009 and 2016. 3.D

Acceptable explanations include:

• The Chinese government has set up reeducation camps in Xinjiang for the
purpose of interning Uighur Muslims and reducing the potential of organized
movements seeking greater autonomy and religious freedom.
• The Chinese government has been involved in encouraging mass migration
of ethnic Han to areas that have been traditionally occupied by Uighur
Muslims in order to dilute the region’s dominant ethnic group and reduce
unrest.
• The Chinese government has been involved in cracking down on mass civilian
protests in Hong Kong in order to exert greater control over a nominally
autonomous region.
• The Chinese government has at times co-opted an incipient green/
environmental movement in many regions by recognizing and legitimizing
their concerns in order to reinforce the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist
Party.
Total for question 2 5 points

84 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

Question 3: Comparative Analysis 5 points
Learning Objectives: DEM-2.A

(A) Define proportional representation. 1 point

1.B
Acceptable descriptions include:
• Electoral system that awards seats in a legislature by the percentage of the
vote won by each party
(B) Describe proportional representation in two different AP Comparative 2 points
Government and Politics course countries. 1.E

Acceptable descriptions include the following (max one point per country):
• The 2011 elections for Russia’s Duma were conducted by proportional
representation, with a threshold for victory set at 7 percent.
• Russia elects members to the Duma using a combination of single-
member districts and proportional representation, with a set threshold for
proportional seats.
• Mexico elects members to its Chamber of Deputies using a combination of
single-member districts and proportional representation. Three hundred
seats are filled by single-district voting, while 200 are elected using
proportional representation.
(C) Explain how proportional representation affects party systems for each of the 2 points
two AP Comparative Government and Politics course countries described in 2.A

Task (B). 2.B

Acceptable explanations include the following (max one point per country):
• Russia’s dominant-party system was reinforced by the proportional system
used in the 2011 elections because the 7 percent threshold eliminated
smaller parties from the Duma.
• Despite including proportional representation in the legislature, Russia has a
dominant party system, with a threshold that prevents smaller parties from
gaining access to seats in the Duma.
• In Mexico, the allocation of seats based on proportional representation
in the legislature has allowed the country to shift from a dominant party
system to a multiparty system.
• PRI, PAN, PRD, MORENO, and the Greens reliably compete for seats in
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies.
• Although the allocation of proportional seats in the legislature in Mexico has
allowed the inclusion of more political parties, the remaining first-past-the-
post seats and the threshold in the proportional system have continued to
restrict the number of major parties.
Total for question 3 5 points

AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam 85

 Question 4: Argument Essay 5 points
Learning Objectives: LEG-3.A IEF-3.C LEG-4.A

Reporting
Scoring Criteria
Category
Row A 0 points 1 point
Claim/Thesis Does not meet the criteria for one point. Responds to the prompt with a defensible claim or thesis that establishes a line
(0–1 points) of reasoning.
Decision Rules and Scoring Notes
5.A
Responses that do not earn this point: Responses that earn this point:

86 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

• Only restate the prompt. • Responds to the prompt rather than restating or rephrasing the prompt and
• Do not make a claim that responds to the prompt. establishes a line of reasoning.
• Provide a defensible claim or thesis that establishes a line of reasoning about
whether a country should or should not join a supranational organization,
using one or more of the provided course concepts: sovereignty;
globalization; or economic liberalization.
Examples that do not earn this point: Examples that earn this point:
Restate the prompt • “A country should not join a supranational organization because that would
• “A country should join a supranational organization.” undermine its sovereignty.”
• “A country should not join a supranational organization.” • “A country should join a supranational organization because it will help them
connect to global markets.”
Do not respond to the prompt
• “Globalization has been a force that has harmed the environment and been • “Joining a supranational organization would be harmful to a country as it
very destructive to the world.” would result in economic dislocation and inequality caused by globalization.”
• “Mexico has not adopted the proper economic liberalization policies to see its • “A country will benefit from joining a supranational organization because
economy successfully grow.” growth resulting from economic liberalization will increase its legitimacy.”

Additional Notes:
• The claim or thesis must consist of one or more sentences that can be located anywhere in the response.
• The claim or thesis that meets the criteria can be awarded the point whether or not the rest of the response successfully conveys that line of reasoning.
 Reporting
Scoring Criteria
Category
Row B 0 points 1 point 2 points
Evidence Does not meet the criteria for one point. Provides one piece of specific and relevant evidence Provides two pieces of specific and relevant evidence
(0–2 points) from a course country relevant to one of the course from one or more course countries relevant to one or
concepts in the prompt. more of the course concepts in the prompt.
5.B
Decision Rules and Scoring Notes
Responses that do not earn points: Responses that earn 1 or 2 points:
• Do not provide any accurate evidence. • Provide specific and relevant evidence from required course countries, relevant to the course concepts
• Provide evidence that is not relevant to the course in the prompt.
concepts in the prompt.
Examples that do not earn points: Examples of acceptable specific and relevant evidence (one example is one piece of evidence):
Not specific • “The UK gave up some of its sovereignty when it joined the EU, agreeing to abide by decisions made by the EU
• “There is inequality in Mexico.” such as allowing the free movement of citizens across EU borders.”
• “In joining the WTO, Russia surrendered some of its sovereignty in accepting WTO rules.”
Provide evidence that is not relevant to course
concepts in the prompt • “China is increasingly integrated into the global marketplace as part of the WTO.”
• “The United Kingdom is a democratic system of • “Nigeria lost the ability to set its own tariff policy by joining and agreeing to abide by trade policies set by
government.” ECOWAS.”
• “As a member of the WTO, Mexico’s government adopted policies of economic liberalization.”
• “In China, the regime is a communist system of
government.” • “Nigeria followed a program of economic liberalization as part of its membership in the WTO.”
• “In joining the EU, the United Kingdom became part of a much larger, integrated market.”
• “Russia was able to increase its access to foreign direct investment when it joined the WTO.”
• “China joined the WTO to participate in free trade.”
• “Economic liberalization in Nigeria was connected to belonging to the WTO and ECOWAS.”

Additional Notes:
• A response does not need to earn the point in Row A to earn points in Row B.
• A response does not need to explain the relationship between the evidence and the claim or thesis to earn points in Row B. (That explanation is evaluated in Row C.)

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 Reporting
Scoring Criteria
Category
Row C 0 points 1 point
Reasoning Does not meet the criteria for one point. Explains how or why the evidence supports the claim or thesis.
(0–1 points)
Decision Rules and Scoring Notes
5.C
Responses that do not earn this point: Responses that earn this point:
• Include evidence but offer no reasoning to connect the evidence to the claim • Explain the relationship between the evidence provided and the claim or
or thesis. thesis.
• Restate the prompt without explaining how the evidence supports the claim
or thesis.
Examples of reasoning that explain how evidence supports the claim or
thesis:
• “The UK gave up some of its sovereignty when it joined the EU, agreeing to abide
by decisions made by the EU such as allowing the free movement of citizens
across EU borders. This led to political turmoil domestically and a successful
referendum to leave the EU by UK citizens.”
• “In joining the WTO, Russia surrendered some of its sovereignty in accepting WTO
rules, which limited its ability to protect its own industry.”

88 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

• “China’s increasing integration into the global marketplace as part of the WTO
has undermined Chinese culture and state legitimacy.”
• “Nigeria lost the ability to set its own tariff policy by joining and agreeing to
abide by trade policies set by ECOWAS. This has caused economic dislocation and
greater unemployment in Nigeria.”
• “As a member of the WTO, Mexico’s economic liberalization has resulted in
increased economic inequality and led to political unrest.”
• “Nigeria’s membership in the WTO has led to increasing environmental
degradation caused by economic liberalization.”
• “In joining the EU, the United Kingdom enjoyed the benefits of free trade and
economic growth created by becoming part of a much larger, integrated market.”
• “Russia was able to increase its access to foreign direct investment when it joined
the WTO, which led to more efficient industries and decreased corruption.”
• “China joined the WTO to participate in free trade, which helped promote their
domestic program of economic liberalization and growth.”
• “Economic liberalization in Nigeria was connected to belonging to the WTO
and ECOWAS. This resulted in greater political stability, democratization, and
increased political legitimacy.”
Additional Notes:
• To earn this point, the response must have a defensible claim or thesis (earned the point in Row A).
• The explanation of the relationship between one piece of evidence and the claim or thesis is sufficient to earn this point.
 Reporting
Scoring Criteria
Category
Row D 0 points 1 point
Responds Does not meet the criteria for one point. Responds to an opposing or alternate perspective using refutation, concession,
to Alternate or rebuttal.
Perspectives Decision Rules and Scoring Notes
(0–1 points)
Responses that do not earn this point: Responses that earn this point:
5.D • Restate the opposite of the claim or thesis. • Must describe an alternate perspective AND refute, concede, or rebut that
• May identify or describe an alternate perspective but do not refute, concede, perspective.
or rebut that perspective.

Examples of responses that do not earn the point: Examples of acceptable responses to an alternate perspective may include:
Restate the opposite of the claim or thesis • “Although joining supranational organizations can be beneficial in terms
• “Even with evidence to the contrary, many try to argue that countries should of granting greater access to foreign markets, countries can be forced to
not join supranational organizations.” abide by policies that threaten their sovereignty, ultimately weakening the
legitimacy of the regime in spite of any economic growth created by free
Describe an alternate perspective but does not refute, concede, or rebut that
trade.”
perspective
• “There are those who argue that countries should not join supranational • “While joining a supranational trading organization can be detrimental to
organizations and that joining would be a negative thing for that country. a country by causing increased unemployment and pollution, the resulting
globalization boosts a nation’s economy and creates wealth that can be used
for social welfare and environmental protection programs.”
• “The truth is that the benefits of exposure to new ideas and beliefs from
globalization have an overall positive impact on national governments
and economies in spite of some fears that belonging to a supranational
organization may diminish the importance of national culture.”
• “Joining a supranational organization may be seen as threatening national
sovereignty by tying the country to rules set outside the government, but in
reality, the recognition from other members of the organization as well as
the power and wealth gains from resulting economic growth will encourage
greater respect for a nation’s government, not less.”
Additional Notes:
• To earn this point, the response must have a defensible claim or thesis (earned the point in Row A).
• Responses that demonstrate an incorrect understanding of the alternate perspective do not earn this point.

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90 AP Comparative Government & Politics Practice Exam

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