AP World History : AP World History

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP World History

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Example Questions

Example Question #891 : Ap World History

Which of these countries is not a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council?

Possible Answers:

Russia

The United Kingdom

Japan

China

The United States

Correct answer:

Japan

Explanation:

The United Nations was formed in the aftermath of the Second World War. The permanent members of the United Nations Security Council reflect the victors of World War Two. They are China, France, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the Soviet Union. Japan is not a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

Example Question #892 : Ap World History

Who was the first Prime Minister of India?

Possible Answers:

Mohandas Gandhi

Manmohan Singh

Indira Gandhi

Jawaharlal Nehru

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Correct answer:

Jawaharlal Nehru

Explanation:

The first Prime Minister of India was Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru was an important figure in the Indian National Congress and in the fight for Indian independence. He is also an important stabilizing figure in the early years of the Indian state. Nehru served as Prime Minister from 1947 until the early 1960s.

Example Question #34 : Political And Governmental Structures 1900 To Present

Which of these best describes the government of Muammar al-Gaddafi during his rule over Libya?

Possible Answers:

Based on westernizing and modernizing principles, but isolationist and determined to avoid pan-arab conflict

Based on fundamentalist Islamic principles, but determined to industrialize and modernize the defense forces

Based on fundamentalist Islamic principles and engaged in sponsoring revolutionary activities in other countries

None of these answers accurately describes the government of Muammar al-Gaddafi

Based on westernizing and modernizing principles and engaged in sponsoring revolutionary activities in other countries

Correct answer:

Based on fundamentalist Islamic principles and engaged in sponsoring revolutionary activities in other countries

Explanation:

Muammar al-Gaddafi’s reign in Libya lasted from 1969 until he was forcefully deposed in the Civil War of 2011. His reign is marked by islamic fundamentalism, as well as a rudimentary form of socialism. During his reign he frequently sponsored revolutionary activities in other countries in North Africa and the Middle East

Example Question #893 : Ap World History

Who is often called “the father of Pakistan” for his role in the creation of the nation?

Possible Answers:

Manmohan Singh

Mustafa Kemal

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Reza Shah

Morarji Desai

Correct answer:

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Explanation:

Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the leader of the Muslim League in India during the campaign for Indian independence from Britain. Following the Great Partition, and the separation of Pakistan from India, Jinnah led the establishment of the state of Pakistan before his death in 1948. He is deeply respected in Pakistan and is considered the Father of the Nation.

Example Question #42 : Political And Governmental Structures 1900 To Present

The Khmer Rouge ruled which country from 1975 until 1979?

Possible Answers:

China

Vietnam

Myanmar (Burma) 

Laos 

Cambodia 

Correct answer:

Cambodia 

Explanation:

The Khmer Rouge, under the leadership of Pol Pot, led Cambodia during the genocidal time period of the 1970s, known as the Killing Fields. A left-wing nationalist and communist party, it largely focused on agrarian socialism and a rejection of modern industry and capitalism. The party was dissolved in 1981 after officially losing power in 1979 to leftists who were unhappy with the ruling style of Pol Pot.

Example Question #894 : Ap World History

Which of the following countries has NEVER been under theocratic governance?

Possible Answers:

England 

Russia 

Persia 

Iran 

Sudan 

Correct answer:

Russia 

Explanation:

Historians and political scientists define a theocracy as a system of government in which a select group of religious officials hold political dominance. It is not enough for a state to have one official religion – in order to be classified as theocracy, a state must also have religious doctrines and/or principles fully integrated into its governmental structure and system of law. Over the course of history, many countries have been ruled by theocracies; for example, England, from 1653 to 1658, was ruled as theocratic one-man dictatorship under the ultra-Anglican Oliver Cromwell. Other historic theocratic examples include Zoroastrian Persia and the Roman Catholic Holy Roman Empire. Today, a few theocracies still exist – the two most prominent modern examples are the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Vatican State, and Sudan.

Example Question #895 : Ap World History

Which of the following political leaders did NOT govern on the basis of charismatic legitimacy?

Possible Answers:

Mao Zedong 

The Ayatollah Khomeini 

Napoleon Bonaparte 

Hirohito (aka Emperor Showa) 

Joseph Stalin 

Correct answer:

Hirohito (aka Emperor Showa) 

Explanation:

According to historians and political scientists, charismatic legitimacy is a type of governing legitimacy in which a nation’s people believe that their leader has the right to govern them on the basis of his or her strength of personality, popularity, and charisma. (This is in contrast to a leader’s right to govern based on fair elections or the systematic rule of law.) Charismatically-legitimate leaders often make use of a cult of personality (reinforced through propaganda and frequent public appearances, speeches, and/or proclamations) in order to maintain their grip on power. It is therefore no coincidence that most such leaders can also be accused of being dictators, since charismatic legitimacy sees the rule of law, constitutional processes, or other legal systems as insufficient (or even irrelevant) bases for political power. Prominent historical leaders who have all ruled, either entirely or at least partially, upon the basis of charismatic legitimacy include: the Soviet Union’s Joseph Stalin, Communist China’s Mao Zedong, France’s Napoleon Bonaparte, and Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini.

Example Question #44 : Political And Governmental Structures 1900 To Present

Which of these best describes a Fascist government?

Possible Answers:

A government in which the state is guided by religious law and which allows only one official state religion.

None of these answers is an accurate description of a Fascist government.

A government in which the state controls all areas of social life and is founded on extreme nationalism.

A government in which the state controls all areas of economic production and focuses on redistributing wealth.

A government in which the state focuses on militarization and allows the people complete autonomy over their social and economic lives.

Correct answer:

A government in which the state controls all areas of social life and is founded on extreme nationalism.

Explanation:

Fascism is a system of government which is founded on an extreme form of nationalism. It usually involves a charismatic leader (like Hitler or Mussolini) and involves state control of all areas of social life. Usually it also involves the control of industry and labor by the state. It always involves the prohibition of opposition parties.

Example Question #1 : Empires, Colonialism, Imperialism, And Decolonization

The decline of Gupta India can be attributed to all of the following except __________.

Possible Answers:

the growing power of local rulers 

White Huns invading

population decreases caused by rapidly spreading disease

internal rebellions

fighting in the ruling family 

Correct answer:

population decreases caused by rapidly spreading disease

Explanation:

Unlike the Han dynasty and the Roman Empire, Gupta India did not fall in part because of population decreases due to epidemic disease. All of the other answer options describe conditions or events that contributed to the decline of Gupta India.

Example Question #2 : Empires, Colonialism, Imperialism, And Decolonization

The Byzantine Empire emerged as an offspring of which other super power?

Possible Answers:

The Roman Empire

The Aztec Empire

Dynastic Egypt

The Maurya Empire

The Ottoman Empire

Correct answer:

The Roman Empire

Explanation:

The Byzantine Empire evolved from the Eastern half of the Roman Empire. When Rome fell, Byzantium continued on for several centuries before falling. Dynastic Egypt, The Aztec Empire, and the Maurya Empire are not geographically accurate, while the Ottoman Empire came after the Byzantines.

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