AP Gov Exam Practice Test #1 2026 Questions Answers [PDF]

Last Updated on March 23, 2026

AP Gov Exam Practice Test #1 2026 Questions Answers [PDF]: Boost your AP Government and Politics Exam preparation with our sample practice test, featuring 55 multiple-choice questions and a 1-hour 20-minute time limit. Enhance your knowledge, hone your time management skills, and gain confidence for the official exam.

AP Gov Exam Practice Test #1 2026

Get a taste of the AP Government and Politics Exam with this sample practice test, designed to provide a realistic testing experience. Featuring 55 carefully selected multiple-choice questions covering essential topics in U.S. government and political systems, this practice test has a 1-hour, 20-minute time limit.

This sample test will help students sharpen their time management skills, pinpoint knowledge gaps, and build confidence before the official AP exam.

Practice Tests

AP Government and Politics Practice Test

AP Government and Politics Practice Test 1
Total Items: 55
Section: 1 - Multiple Choice
Time Limit: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

1 / 55

Which of the following choices represent the information provided in the chart?

U.S. adults who are the oldest use more social media sites than any other age group.

There was a sharp increase in the use of social media by all age groups from 2006 to 2008

Adults between 18 and 29 use social media in higher percentages than adults between 50 and 65 and older.

In 2016, adults between 30 and 49 use social media in the same number as those between 18 and 29.

2 / 55

Which of the following best explains the movement found in the results of the graph?

Turnout by GOP voters in New Hampshire and South Carolina increased in each election cycle.

GOP voter turnout in New Hampshire saw a greater increase than in South Carolina from 2008 to 2016

There has been a growing lack of interest in GOP primary voting in New Hampshire and South Carolina since 2008.

GOP voters were not enthusiastic about their candidate choices.

3 / 55

Which of the following occurred as a result of the data presented in the graph?

Russian use of social media sites was aimed at adults 65 and over.

Candidates for office increasingly relied on social media to get their message out.

The U.S. government began to regulate social media sites.

Social media sites offered free advertisements to candidates running for office.

4 / 55

Which of the following is an accurate statement about presidential elections in New Hampshire and South Carolina?

New Hampshire and South Carolina usually vote Republican in presidential elections.

New Hampshire usually votes Republican while South Carolina votes Democratic.

As early primary states, South Carolina and New Hampshire usually predict the eventual Republican nominee for president.

New Hampshire is the first caucus state in the nation to vote.

5 / 55

Which of the following is an accurate statement about the pie chart?

There is a greater percentage of mandatory spending compared to non-mandatory spending.

An example of non-mandatory spending is Social Security.

The percentage of discretionary spending is equal to the percentage of mandatory spending.

The percentage of Defense Department mandatory spending is greater than health care spending

6 / 55

Which of the following best describes who has the power to create the amount of federal spending found in the chart?

The president

Congress

The bureaucracy

Special-interest groups

7 / 55

Which of the following statements is accurate based on the information presented in the graph?

The United States economy was facing a very low inflationary period between 1979 and 1982.

The United States economy was facing a very high inflationary period between 1979 and 1982.

The United States economy was facing a very low unemployment rate in 2009

The United States economy was facing a very high inflationary period between 2009 and 2012

8 / 55

Which of the following reflects what a supporter of Keynesian economics would advocate as a response to high inflation in the United States?

The Federal Reserve lowering the prime interest rate so that the economy would be stimulated

The Federal Reserve raising the prime interest rate so that the economy would be stimulated

Congress passing a stimulus bill that also raises the national debt

The president issuing an executive order that would freeze wages and prices

9 / 55

Based on the information in the table, which geographic area was most closely aligned with the Republican candidates for president in 2000– 2008?

Voters from the East

Voters from the Midwest

Voters from the South

Voters from the West

10 / 55

Based on the information in the table, which of the following is an accurate statement about demographic trends from 2000 to 2008?

Political socialization is a contributing factor in determining party identification.

The African-American vote has been taken for granted by the Democratic party.

Younger voters are turning more Republican.

Voting coalitions stay the same from election to election.

11 / 55

“It is equally evident, that the members of each department should be as little dependent as possible on those of the others, for the emoluments annexed to their offices. Were the executive magistrate, or the judges, not independent of the legislature in this particular, their independence in every other would be merely nominal. But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others. The provision for defense must in this, as in all other cases, be made commensurate to the danger of attack. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”

—James Madison, Federalist No. 51

Which of the following best represents the point of view in Federalist No. 51?

Each branch of government should be dependent on each other.

Those in power get the right to govern from a higher authority.

The best security against the concentration of power would be a Bill of Rights.

Dividing power helps to check the power of government.

12 / 55

—James Madison, Federalist No. 51

Which of the following constitutional provisions is reflected in Federalist No. 51?

Federalism

Separation of powers

Supremacy clause

The Senate filibuster

13 / 55

—James Madison, Federalist No. 51

Why did Madison claim that “if men were angels, no government would be necessary”?

Madison believed the goodness of people would ensure that government would make good policies.

Madison believed there was no need for free elections.

Madison believed religion would guide the wisdom of those who governed

Madison believed it was the nature of those who governed to need a check on their power.

14 / 55

—James Madison, Federalist No. 51

What could have happened if the ideas expressed in Federalist No. 51 were ignored?

Majorities would not have threatened the rights of minorities.

There would not have been three branches of government.

The legislature, executive branch, and judiciary would have been independent from each other.

Minorities would have threatened the rights of the majority.

15 / 55

Defense of Marriage Act (1996) An Act to define and protect the institution of marriage. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “Defense of Marriage Act.”

“No State, territory, or possession of the United States, or Indian tribe, shall be required to give effect to any public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other State, territory, possession, or tribe respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under the laws of such other State, territory, possession, or tribe, or a right or claim arising from such relationship.”

Definition of “marriage” and “spouse” “In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ‘marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ‘spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.”

Which of the following explains the purpose of this law?

Marriages from one state must be recognized as legal in other states.

Marriage is defined as any relationship between spouses.

States can deny rights and benefits of same-sex couples married in another state.

Gay people cannot serve in the military.

16 / 55

Opponents of this law would make which of the following arguments?

Same-sex couples whose marriages are not recognized are being denied equal protection under the law.

Same-sex couples can still get married in states that allow it.

Congress should pass a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman.

Same-sex couples who get married should be prohibited from receiving federal and state benefits

17 / 55

Which constitutional provision is the basis for the Supreme Court ruling this law unconstitutional?

The reserved power clause of the Tenth Amendment

The Full Faith and Credit clause of Article IV Section 1

The Necessary and Proper clause of Article 1 Section 8

The Freedom of Association clause of the First Amendment

18 / 55

The map shows the percent change in resident population for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico 2000–2010. Which of the following explains why these changes are reported every ten years?

Congress passed a law in 2000 directing the census bureau to measure the population growth of the United States.

The Supreme Court ruled that population changes must be reported every ten years.

State legislatures requested this information from the Census Bureau.

The Constitution requires a census to be taken, and Congress passed a law establishing a ten-year interval between census taking.

19 / 55

Which of the following happens after this map is released?

Congress decides how many electoral votes each state has in the next presidential election.

States must reapportion their legislative and congressional districts.

States with population decreases lose federal funding.

States with population increases pass new voter-identification laws.

20 / 55

Which of the following illustrates the main idea of the cartoon?

Immigrants are saluting Uncle Sam to gain admittance to the United States.

Congress should pass legislation mandating educational standards for immigrants

”Build the wall” was a campaign slogan used to gain political support for anti-immigration legislation.

Literacy tests should be used if immigrants want to vote.

21 / 55

When President Obama issued an executive order, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), exempting children of undocumented immigrants from being deported under specific conditions, which of the following statements explains why he issued the order?

Obama believed presidents needed congressional authority to issue the order.

Obama believed undocumented immigrants should be allowed to enter the United States with their children.

Obama believed in a more expansive presidency to achieve policy goals.

Obama wanted to prevent states from deporting undocumented immigrants.

22 / 55

Based on the information in this graphic, what would be the impact on the 2016 presidential election?

Voting would be less convenient in 2016.

Voter registration would be limited without proof of a valid identification.

Early voters would be more knowledgeable about the campaign than same-day voters.

More voters would be encouraged to vote early.

23 / 55

Based on the information in this graphic, which of the following describes the campaign plan a presidential candidate would adopt?

Candidates would reduce advertising the week before Election Day.

Candidates would challenge early votes in a close election.

Candidates would track who is requesting early ballots and who has voted early

Candidates would urge the debate commission to move up the dates of the 2016 presidential debates.

24 / 55

Which of the following describes a consequence of the 2010 Citizens United v FEC ruling that dealt with campaign-finance laws?

Corporate soft money donations to political parties is banned.

Corporate hard money donations to political candidates is banned.

Unions were allowed to collect dues from their members for the purpose of political action.

Corporate funding of independent political advertisements is protected by the First Amendment.

25 / 55

No Labels is an organization that supports “a bloc of elected officials who combine ideological independence and common sense with a willingness to reach across the aisle to get things done.” Which of the following models of democracy does this philosophy represent?

Elitist

Pluralism

Trustee

Majoritarian

26 / 55

Standing House committees such as the Ways and Means are important because they

do not engage in partisan behavior.

mark-up bills before they go to the entire House for debate.

receive conference committee reports.

are equally divided in membership between Democrats and Republicans.

27 / 55

One way Congress can respond to a Supreme Court ruling that declares a law unconstitutional is to

pass new legislation that addresses the issues raised by the court.

appoint new justices.

pass a law limiting the terms of the justices.

reargue the case in a state court.

28 / 55

The principle of presidential executive privilege was limited by the Supreme Court ruling in U.S. v Nixon (1974) and resulted in the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon. Which of the following is an accurate statement that explains the ruling?

The Supreme Court ruled that the president’s use of executive authority was unconstitutional

The Supreme Court ruled that privacy rights found in the Fourth Amendment applied to the president.

The Supreme Court ruled that the separation of powers doctrine limited the president’s use of executive privilege.

The Supreme Court ruled that Congress can proceed with impeachment hearings as defined in the Constitution.

29 / 55

A major difference between a freshman member and a five-term member of the House of Representatives is that the

freshman was allowed to get a committee chairmanship.

five-term representative could not run for reelection because of term limits.

freshman representatives could not offer amendments to bills.

five-term representative had greater opportunities to receive PAC money.

30 / 55

Based on precedents regarding affirmative action, in which of the following situations would the Supreme Court agree to hear oral arguments?

Bakery owners refusing to make a cake for a same-sex marriage

A college mandates that 10 percent of African Americans be admitted

A high school refuses to fund a Bible club

The president issues an executive order banning transgenders from serving in the military

31 / 55

Which interrelationship best illustrates the concept of the “iron triangle”?

The president, the Congress, and bureaucracies

The federal government, state, and city governments

Special-interest groups, political parties, and voters

Bureaucracies, interest groups, and congressional committees

32 / 55

Which of the following situations would rely on the principle of selective incorporation?

A captured foreign-born terrorist is given due process rights.

Federal funds are given to charter schools.

The police get evidence from a search without a valid warrant.

A court denies bail for a person accused of using an illegal weapon.

33 / 55

In attempting to gain public support for his policy agenda, which of the following methods does the president use?

The bully pulpit

Holds a private meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Threatens to fire a federal civil service employee who speaks out against the policy

Lobbies a Supreme Court justice to speak out about the policy

34 / 55

Which of the following actions taken by an individual or group would violate the Supreme Court ruling Schenk v United States (1919)?

Creating a panic in a crowded amusement park

Deciding to participate in a white supremacy march

Heckling a speaker you disagree with

Handing out anti-American propaganda on a street corner

35 / 55

The Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 was passed to streamline the budget process. A secondary objective of the measure was to place controls on the president’s ability to determine allocations without appropriate congressional checks. What is the constitutional basis of this law?

Override a president’s veto

Congressional power to borrow money

Appropriations power of Congress

Congress passing a continuing resolution

36 / 55

Which of the following situations would be a violation of the due process section of the Sixth Amendment?

A person arrested not told he has the right to an attorney

The police finding evidence without a search warrant

The police tell you that unless you confess you will not have a jury trial.

The police use the stop-and-frisk practice that results in an arrest.

37 / 55

The president gets a budget passed by Congress. He decides to sign it even though he disagrees with parts of the proposed law. What action can the president take without a formal veto of the bill?

Ask the Supreme Court for an advisory ruling on the legality of the bill

Send the bill back to Congress to change the provisions the president does not like

Issue a line item veto

Issue a signing statement

38 / 55

Which of the following is an example of political socialization?

Parents who vote Democratic influencing their children to vote Democratic

College graduates deciding to attend law school because they want to run for political office

Political parties influencing voters through political ads

A newspaper endorses a candidate for president

39 / 55

A special-interest group favoring equal pay for women would probably have the greatest success lobbying Congress for that law if

the public was against the bill.

it was supported by the president and members of the president’s party.

bureaucracies were against the bill.

it had previously been defeated by Congress.

40 / 55

John Jones wants to get an appointment to West Point. His representative reviews the application and recommends John. Which of the following models of congressional behavior does this represent?

The Trustee model

The Politico model

The Constituent Service model

The Delegate model

41 / 55

Two polls were taken asking the respondents whether they approved of the job President Trump was doing. Both polls used a random sample of 1,200 individuals.

Poll 1: Do you approve of the job President Trump is doing as President:
35 percent approval
Margin of error: 3.5 percent.

Poll 2. Do you approve of the job President Trump is doing as President:
42 percent approval
Margin of error 5.5 percent.

Which conclusion can you reach about the polls?

Poll 2 was not accurate because it did not include cell phones.

Poll 2 was more accurate than Poll 1.

Poll 1 and Poll 2 had results that could be identical.

Poll 1 was more scientific than Poll 2.

42 / 55

Southern states that created majority-minority districts did so because

The Supreme Court ruled in Shaw v Reno (1963) that they had to create them in order to achieve a racial balance

States were attempting to follow the provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

States were responding to a presidential executive order.

States were following the guidelines established in Baker v Carr (1962).

43 / 55

What is an accurate comparison between the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

44 / 55

What is an accurate comparison between Schenck v United States (1919) and Tinker v Des Moines (1969)?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

45 / 55

What is an accurate comparison between the formal and informal powers of the president?

46 / 55

What is an accurate comparison between characteristics of special- interest groups and political parties?

47 / 55

What is an accurate comparison of the constitutional powers of the president and the constitutional powers of the Senate?

48 / 55

When Green Party candidate Ralph Nader ran for president in 2000, some said we should have a third major political party in the country in addition to the Democrats and Republicans.
Which of the following most accurately describes why someone would support a third political party over the two major parties?

The media’s coverage of the parties has resulted in an increase in third party registration.

Voters do not seem to detect major differences between the Democratic and Republican parties.

Third political parties will have a better chance to elect their candidates.

Voter registration has been on the decline.

49 / 55

Which of the following actions would the Federal Reserve take if the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was negative for two consecutive quarters?

Raise the discount rate

Lower the discount rate

Raise the reserve requirements of banks

Sell government bonds increasing the money supply

50 / 55

Which of the following would a person who believes in free enterprise believe in compared to a person who believes in equality of opportunity? A person believing in free enterprise favors

supply-side economics.

the government redistributing economic wealth.

taxing the wealthy.

affirmative action programs.

51 / 55

Which of the following principles in the First Amendment was found in the New York Times Company v United States (1971)?

The guarantee that a reporter can protect the anonymity of sources used in a story

The principle that prior review of a story is allowed by the government

The principle that a newspaper cannot be censored even if there are national security concerns

The principle that if there is a clear and present danger the government can prevent a newspaper from printing a story

52 / 55

The president is most likely to use executive privilege to

protect the president from standing trial while in office.

keep secret who is meeting with the president.

prevent sensitive presidential materials from being handed over to Congress.

rally public opinion over an action taken by the president.

53 / 55

An advantage bureaucrats in the federal government have over the president in the policy-making process is that bureaucrats

usually have a continuity of service in the executive branch that the president lacks

find it easier to gain public support than the president.

control the budgetary process.

have oversight responsibility for bureaucratic policy.

54 / 55

Which of the following best explains why presidential appointments can be held up?

Presidential appointments must be confirmed by the majority of the Senate.

Presidential staff appointments are more controversial than judicial appointments.

Presidential appointments outside of the White House staff must be approved by a senate committee before the full Senate can vote.

Presidential appointments must also be reviewed by the House of Representatives.

55 / 55

Liberal activists would probably support which of the following cases heard by the Supreme Court?

An abortion case ruling there should be a 24-hour waiting period before a woman could get an abortion

A search-and-seizure case limiting the Miranda restrictions placed on the police

A free-press case giving school officials greater latitude in censoring school newspapers

A free-speech case concerning a provision of a congressional act restricting access to obscene sites on the Internet declared unconstitutional

Your score is

Full-length Practice Tests

Chapterwise Tests