2020 Ap Comparative Government Practice Exam

2020 AP Comparative Government Practice Exam: A Comprehensive Review

The AP Comparative Government and Politics exam is a challenging but rewarding experience for high school students. This rigorous exam tests your understanding of political systems across six different countries: the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Mexico, Iran, and Nigeria. A strong understanding of these countries' political structures, ideologies, and historical contexts is crucial for success. This article provides a comprehensive review of the 2020 AP Comparative Government practice exam, focusing on key concepts, potential questions, and strategies for maximizing your score. Remember, this is not a substitute for studying your course materials, but rather a supplemental resource to bolster your knowledge and confidence.

Understanding the Exam Structure

The AP Comparative Government and Politics exam consists of two sections:

Section I: Multiple Choice Questions

This section accounts for 50% of your total score and includes 55 multiple-choice questions. These questions assess your understanding of key concepts, comparisons between countries, and application of theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios. Expect a wide range of question types, including:

• Definitions and identifications: Knowing the precise meaning of key terms is paramount. For instance, you should be able to define concepts like "parliamentary sovereignty," "authoritarianism," "federalism," and "theocracy."
• Comparisons and contrasts: The exam heavily emphasizes comparative analysis. You'll need to be able to compare and contrast the political systems, institutions, and policies of the six countries studied. For example, compare and contrast the electoral systems of the UK and Mexico.
• Application of concepts: The exam will require you to apply your knowledge of political concepts to specific situations within the six countries. For example, how does the concept of "legitimacy" manifest in China's political system?
• Analysis of data: Expect questions that present data (charts, graphs, excerpts) requiring interpretation and analysis in the context of comparative politics. For example, interpreting a graph showing voter turnout in Mexico over time.

Pro-Tip: Practice answering multiple-choice questions under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment. Focus on understanding the underlying concepts rather than memorizing facts.

Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQs)

This section also accounts for 50% of your total score and consists of three free-response questions:

• Comparative Essay: This question will require you to compare and contrast political institutions, processes, or behaviors across at least two of the six countries. For example, compare and contrast the role of political parties in the UK and Nigeria. A strong comparative essay demonstrates a nuanced understanding of similarities and differences, supporting arguments with specific examples.

• Country-Specific Essay: This question focuses on a single country, testing your in-depth knowledge of its political system. For example, discuss the challenges to democratization in Russia. This question requires a detailed analysis of the chosen country's political landscape, including its history, institutions, and current events.

• Concept Application Essay (often called the "Conceptual Essay"): This question assesses your ability to apply a political concept to a specific country or situation. For example, analyze the impact of political culture on the stability of the Iranian regime. This requires demonstrating an understanding of both the chosen concept and its relevance to a particular case.

Pro-Tip: Practice writing essay responses using a clear structure (thesis statement, supporting arguments, evidence, conclusion). Use specific examples from the six countries to support your claims.

Key Concepts for the 2020 (and Beyond) AP Comparative Government Exam

Mastering the following key concepts is crucial for success:

Political Systems

• Democracy: Understand different types of democracies (parliamentary, presidential, semi-presidential), their strengths and weaknesses, and the challenges they face.
• Authoritarianism: Understand different forms of authoritarianism (totalitarianism, military dictatorship, one-party state), their characteristics, and the methods they use to maintain power.
• Theocracy: Explore the relationship between religion and politics, focusing on the specific example of Iran.
• Federalism vs. Unitarism: Compare and contrast these systems of government, examining their implications for power distribution and regional autonomy. Consider the UK's devolution as an example.
• Presidential vs. Parliamentary Systems: Understand the key differences in executive-legislative relations, including the selection of executives and their accountability.

Political Institutions

• Executive: Understand the role and powers of the executive branch in each of the six countries. Consider factors like executive-legislative relations, presidential versus parliamentary systems, and the influence of bureaucracy.
• Legislative: Analyze the structure and functions of the legislature in each country, considering factors like bicameralism, representation, and lawmaking processes.
• Judicial: Examine the role of the judiciary in each country, considering its independence, powers of judicial review, and its influence on policymaking. Explore the differences between common law and civil law systems.
• Bureaucracy: Understand the role of the bureaucracy in implementing policies and its influence on the political system.
• Military: Analyze the role of the military in politics, particularly in countries with a history of military coups or significant military influence.

Political Processes

• Elections: Understand different electoral systems (proportional representation, plurality, etc.) and their impact on political representation and party systems.
• Political Parties: Analyze the role and influence of political parties in each country, including their organization, ideologies, and electoral performance.
• Interest Groups: Explore the role of interest groups in influencing policymaking, considering their organizational strategies and access to power.
• Social Movements: Understand the role of social movements in challenging the status quo and influencing political change.
• Political Participation: Examine different forms of political participation (voting, protests, lobbying, etc.) and their effectiveness in different political systems.

Political Culture and Ideology

• Political Culture: Understand the shared beliefs, values, and attitudes that shape political behavior in each country.
• Ideology: Analyze the role of different ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, nationalism, etc.) in shaping political systems and policymaking.
• Nationalism: Explore the role of nationalism in shaping political identities and relationships between states.
• Political Cleavages: Analyze the sources of political division in each country, considering factors such as ethnicity, religion, class, and region.

Strategies for Success on the AP Comparative Government Exam

• Develop a strong understanding of the six countries: Don't just memorize facts; strive to understand the complex interplay of factors shaping each country's political system.
• Practice, practice, practice: Use multiple practice exams and questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop strong essay-writing skills: Practice structuring your essays logically, supporting your arguments with evidence, and writing clearly and concisely.
• Utilize comparative analysis: Actively compare and contrast the political systems of the six countries throughout your study.
• Stay updated on current events: Understanding current political developments in the six countries can provide valuable context for exam questions.

Conclusion

The AP Comparative Government and Politics exam requires dedication and a systematic approach to learning. By focusing on key concepts, practicing regularly, and developing strong analytical and writing skills, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to utilize available resources, including textbooks, study guides, and online resources, to supplement your learning. Good luck! This detailed review should help you approach the 2020 AP Comparative Government practice exam with confidence and achieve a high score. Remember that consistent effort and a well-structured study plan are key to mastering this challenging but rewarding subject.