AP World History : Political and Governmental Structures

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP World History

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #161 : Political History

After World War II, Germany was divided into two parts: ____________________.

Possible Answers:

the city of Berlin aligned with the United States, and the rest of the country aligned with the Soviet Union

a North aligned with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), and a South aligned with the Soviet Union.

Austria, aligned with the Soviet Union, and Sudetenland, aligned with the United States

an East aligned with the Soviet Union, and a West aligned with the United States.

Bavaria, aligned with the United States, and Prussia, aligned with the Soviet Union

Correct answer:

an East aligned with the Soviet Union, and a West aligned with the United States.

Explanation:

After WWII, Germany was divided between a West Germany aligned with the United States, and an East Germany aligned with the Soviet Union.

The United States and the Soviet Union divided Germany longitudinally; east-west rather than north-south.

Although the city of Berlin is in the east of Germany, and was therefore in East Germany geographically, the city itself was divided between east and west.

Bavaria and Prussia were historically independent regions that German leader Bismarck was able to unify in the 19th century.

Although Austrians are German speaking, Austria has never been part of Germany.

Example Question #162 : Political History

In what decade did the Qing Dynasty abdicate power in China?

Possible Answers:

The 1930s

The 1890s

The 1950s

The 1940s

The 1910s

Correct answer:

The 1910s

Explanation:

The Qing Dynasty had been declining in power for almost a century by the time they finally succumbed in the 1910s. The Qing Dynasty had been heavily weakened by humiliating losses to European powers and were overthrown first in 1912, and then permanently in 1917, and replaced by the Republic of China.

Example Question #881 : Ap World History

Who came to power in Russia in the spring of 1917 following the abdication of Nicholas II?

Possible Answers:

The Provisional Government

Lenin and the Mensheviks

The Imperial Duma

Lenin and the Bolsheviks

Trotsky and the Red Guard

Correct answer:

The Provisional Government

Explanation:

The Russian Revolution actually took place in two phases generally called the February/March Revolution and the October/November Revolution. The first phase of the revolution ushered the Provisional Government into power. They were soon overthrown in the October/November Revolution by the Soviets led by the Bolshevik Party and Lenin.

Example Question #882 : Ap World History

What is the specific term for when the law of the Quran (and the leading party's interpretation of it) overrides the law of government?

Possible Answers:

Islamization

Religiosity

Dogmatic conceptualization

The Bedoon

Sharia Law

Correct answer:

Sharia Law

Explanation:

Sharia Law is when Islam’s most important book is the foundation of law for a society. It requires a strict adherence to the laws of Islam, and any law created by government must coincide with what the Quran says (when strict sharia law is imposed). 

Several countries adhere to sharia law or incorporate elements of it into their culture without completely applying it, including Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

Example Question #883 : Ap World History

Which of these was the first communist country?

Possible Answers:

China

Cuba

Germany

Vietnam

The Soviet Union

Correct answer:

The Soviet Union

Explanation:

The Soviet Union, following the Russian Revolution of 1917, became the world’s first communist country.

Example Question #884 : Ap World History

Which of these statements about the American occupation of Japan is most accurate?

Possible Answers:

It led to rapid industrialization at the expense of Japan’s agricultural production, causing widespread famine

It improved Japanese relations with neighboring countries in East Asia and led to Japan becoming a member of the United Nations Security Council

None of these

It led to a restructuring of society and the emergence of Japan as an economic superpower

It stagnated Japanese economic growth and led to two decades of economic recession in Japan

Correct answer:

It led to a restructuring of society and the emergence of Japan as an economic superpower

Explanation:

The American occupation of Japan lasted from 1945 to 1952. It was highly successful in rebuilding and restructuring Japanese society. The occupation contributed to the emergence of Japan as an economic superpower in the second half of the twentieth century.

Example Question #885 : Ap World History

Which of the following did NOT happen in Turkey under Mustafa Kemal?

Possible Answers:

Substantial resources were devoted to developing the military 

The Ottoman sultan was overthrown

 

Turkey was declared a republic

Islamic and secular law were separated into two systems

Western government institutions were adapted to Turkey's needs

Correct answer:

Substantial resources were devoted to developing the military 

Explanation:

When the Ottoman sultan was overthrown, Mustafa Kemal (Ataturk) set out to modernize Turkey, with the main goal of making Turkey completely independent from outside influences so that he could focus on reform and modernization. Though he adapted the political institutions of Western countries to Turkey's needs, he insisted on doing so in a way that would maintain Turkey's independence. Knowing that he needed to focus on building up Turkey internally, all foreign issues after the revolution were settled peacefully. 

Example Question #886 : Ap World History

Electoral turnover occurs when a country’s leader is replaced by a leader from another political party through a democratic election.

Which country has not ever experienced electoral turnover?

Possible Answers:

Germany

Venezuela

Zambia

Uganda

Mexico

Correct answer:

Uganda

Explanation:

Uganda is the only country of those listed that has not had electoral turnover since its independence. Power has been transferred through military coups or civil wars. All elections in Uganda have been won by the incumbent president. 

Example Question #887 : Ap World History

Which of the following was the first President of Turkey?

Possible Answers:

Turgut  Özal

Ahmet Necdet Sezer

Abdullah Gül

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk 

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Correct answer:

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk 

Explanation:

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was the first President of Turkey and considered the founder of the Republic of Turkey. He was granted the name "Atatürk" in 1934, which means "Father of the Turks".  

Example Question #888 : Ap World History

What were the main two parties/branches of Russian Socialism from 1903 to 1918?

Possible Answers:

Mensheviks and Dumas

Bolsheviks and Dumas

Dumas and Workers' Party

Mensheviks and Bolsheviks

Correct answer:

Mensheviks and Bolsheviks

Explanation:

The Bolsheviks and Mensheviks were the two political parties that began as part of the Social Democratic party. The other options for this question are incorrect. "Dumas" are not parties or branches, but refers to legislative assemblies that worked on a state level. The Workers' Party and the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (SD) refer to the overarching parties in Russia that ultimately split into the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks. These two parties stirred up revolution and were influential in the end of Czarism.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors