AP®︎ U.S. Government & Politics: Topic 2.3 Practice Test
Prepare for your quiz, test, or the AP exam with focused practice questions on Topic 2.3 of AP U.S. Government & Politics – Congressional Behavior.
Questions List
Topic 2.3
Question 1 Easy
This question tests the following: EK 2.3.A.1
What is the main consequence of ideological divisions in Congress?
What You’re Being Tested On:
Explore the learning objectives taken directly from the College Board’s AP® U.S. Government & Politics Curriculum. Ensure you’re prepared for the exact topics covered on the AP® exam, in-class tests, and quizzes, and gain confidence in your mastery of the material.
Congressional Behavior
Learning Objective: LO 2.3.A
Explain how congressional behavior is influenced by election processes, partisanship, and divided government.
Review: EK 2.3.A.1
Congressional behavior and governing effectiveness are influenced by ideological divisions between political parties. Partisan voting (when members of Congress vote based on their political party affiliation) and polarization (when political attitudes move toward ideological extremes) can lead to gridlock (a situation in which no congressional action on legislation can be taken due to a lack of consensus).
Review: EK 2.3.A.2
Gerrymandering, redistricting, and unequal representation of constituencies have been partially addressed by Supreme Court cases that opened the door for equal protection challenges to redistricting.
Review: EK 2.3.A.3
Elections that have led to a divided government (when one party controls the presidency and the other party controls at least one of the chambers of Congress) can lead to more intense partisanship. This partisanship can result in members of Congress voting against presidential initiatives and appointments, especially those of a lame duck president.
Review: EK 2.3.A.4
Accountability to constituents in each chamber is affected by how representatives perceive their roles. i. A representative who conceives of their role as a trustee will vote on issues based on their own knowledge and judgement. ii. A representative acting as a delegate sees themselves as an agent of those who elected them and will vote on issues based on the interests of their constituents. iii. A politico uses a combination of these role conceptions.
