AP Human Geography : Patterns of Local & Regional Governance

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Human Geography

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Patterns Of Local & Regional Governance

Why is “Gerrymandering” often controversial?

Possible Answers:

It forces immigrants to assimilate quickly into American society or be forcibly deported.

It enables immigrants into America to settle illegally and still receive social welfare benefits.

It allows politicians to draw up voting districts to serve their own electoral interests.

It encourages interstate conflict by providing unequal shares of federal taxes to the various states.

It allows the Federal government to spy on the private lives of American citizens.

Correct answer:

It allows politicians to draw up voting districts to serve their own electoral interests.

Explanation:

The term “gerrymandering” is used to refer to the re-structuring of electoral districts so as to provide a benefit to one group over another. It is so often controversial because it allows politicians, or a political party, to draw up voting districts that ensure they will receive the majority of the vote for that district.

Example Question #53 : Political Organization Of Space

Which of the following best describes the definition of reapportionment?

Possible Answers:

The process by which two states may peacefully resolve a border dispute through international arbitration

The process of redistributing electoral seats to various states based on the results of the census

None of the other answers is correct

The process by which electors in the electoral college vote for the candidate who garnered the highest proportion of the votes in the electors’ state

The process by which new states can apply for membership in an existing international or supranational organization

Correct answer:

The process of redistributing electoral seats to various states based on the results of the census

Explanation:

Every ten years in the United States, the government conducts a census, or a survey of the population. The census determines how much representation each state will get in the House of Representatives. The process by which representation is reallocated to the various states is called “reapportionment.”

Example Question #221 : Ap Human Geography

The Electoral College is used to determine __________.

Possible Answers:

representation in the U.S. Senate

taxation rates for different income levels in the United States

the U.S. Presidency

the members of the United Nations Security Council

which country will lead the United Nations each year

Correct answer:

the U.S. Presidency

Explanation:

The Electoral College is an institution that is unique to the United States of America. When citizens vote in an American presidential election, they are actually voting for who they want the electors from their state to cast their votes for. In almost every state, the candidate who receives the most votes will garner the entirety of the electoral college votes for that state. It is used to determine the U.S. Presidency.

Example Question #1 : Patterns Of Local & Regional Governance

Which of these cities is an example of a forward-thrust capital?

Possible Answers:

London, the United Kingdom

Lisbon, Portugal

Montevideo, Uruguay

Tehran, Iran

Brasilia, Brazil

Correct answer:

Brasilia, Brazil

Explanation:

A “forward-thrust capital” is a capital city that has been re-located from one region (Rio de Janeiro) to another region (Brasilia) in order for the government to accomplish some goal.

Example Question #61 : Political Organization Of Space

Which of these descriptions best matches an “anocracy”?

Possible Answers:

A system of government where elements of democracy and autocracy are employed

None of the other answers is correct

A system of laws based on religious doctrine

An absence of government and the rule of law

A system of government designed to give preferential status to one ethnicity over another

Correct answer:

A system of government where elements of democracy and autocracy are employed

Explanation:

An “anocracy” is a system of government that combines elements of democracy and autocracy, often in confusing or chaotic fashion. An “anocracy” is usually highly unstable and inefficient.

Example Question #61 : Political Organization Of Space

There are many different forms of government throughout the world. Within each form of government there can be sub-forms as well. For example, there are many different types of democratic governments in the world, all of which have the power rest on the people, but in different ways.  Theocratic is one form of government that is often mixed with a monarchy or dictatorship in certain countries.

Which of the following is an example of a theocratic government?

Possible Answers:

The Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran

The Landlocked government of Lesotho

Nazi Germany

King Henry the 8th's rule over England

Ivan the Terrible's rule over Russia

Correct answer:

The Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran

Explanation:

A Theocratic government is one that holds a diety, or god, as where all authority comes from.

The Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran held Khomeini as a religious leader ruling of the Islamic Republic of Iran throughout most of the 20th century. The ultimate power of the Khomeini's came from Allah, according to the beliefs of the country. The ruler was a religious authoritarian.

The Landlocked government of Lesotho has a constitutional monarchy form of government. While this country is landlocked, that is not a form of government.

King Henry the 8th's rule over England was a Monarchy which took over the authority of the Church, becoming supreme over the Church's powers. This, in many ways, is the opposite of a theocratic government.

Nazi Germany was a dictatorship under the rule of Adolf Hitler. Though Hitler cited religious and ethnic supremacy over the Jews, his government was not theocratic as he did not rule the power any god as having authority. Hitler was the supreme authority under his Nazi regime.

Ivan the Terrible's rule over Russia was essentially a monarchy, that turned more into a dictatorship. Ivan created a centrally controlled government and named himself the Tsar of Russia.

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