AP COPO Unit 2 (Political Institutions) Practice Test
1. Which of the following is a characteristic of a parliamentary system of government?
A) Cabinet members are selected by the Prime Minister
B) Prime minister is responsible for congressional appointments
C) Congressional officials can impeach the Prime Minister
D) Prime Minister serves as head of state and head of government
2. Which of the following best compares separation of powers between two AP COPO Countries?
A) Russia has great separation of powers due to an independent legislature with a Prime Minister and an
independent executive with a selected Cabinet; Nigeria has low separation of powers due to the
president serving as both head of state and head of government.
B) Iran has great separation of powers due to an independent legislature with a Supreme Leader and an
independent executive with a Guardian Council; Nigeria has low separation of powers due to the
president serving as both head of state and head of government.
C) Iran has great separation of powers due to an independent legislature with a Supreme Leader and an
independent executive with a Guardian Council; The United Kingdom has low separation of powers due
to the fusion of legislative and executive systems.
D) Russia has great separation of powers due to an independent legislature with a Prime Minister and an
independent executive with a selected Cabinet; United Kingdom low separation of powers due to the
fusion of legislative and executive systems.
. Which of the following explains why a country would choose a parliamentary system over a presidential
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system?
A) Accountable legislation since the executive branch has veto power.
B) Efficient policy making since the Prime Minister is of the same party as the majority of parliament.
C) Accountable legislation since the parliament can be dissolved in a vote of no confidence.
D) Efficient policy making since the one-house parliament has less bodies to pass legislation.
. Which of the following best compares how the legislature affects political efficacy in Mexico and the United
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Kingdom?
A) Mexico’s legislature is less likely to be less productive, thus undermine political efficacy, since policy
must be approved by federal and local systems and representatives.
B) Mexico’s legislature is more likely to be productive, thus bolster political efficacy, since legislatures have
definite term limits, motivating them to pass effective and desirable policy.
C) The United Kingdom’s legislature is more likely to be productive, thus bolster political efficacy, since it’s
quicker to pass policy addressing local issues.
D) The United Kingdom’s legislature is less likely to be productive since the lower house of Congress is not
directly elected but consists of heredity and life peers.
5. How is the head of government of Russia instated?
A) Direct election by eligible voters
B) Appointment by the legislature
C) Selection by the president
D) Selection by the prime minister
