Political and Governmental Structures 1900 to Present

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AP World History: Modern › Political and Governmental Structures 1900 to Present

Questions 1 - 10
1

Which of these dictators was not the leader of a fascist movement?

Josef Stalin

Adolf Hitler

Benito Mussolini

Francisco Franco

All of the above were Fascist leaders

Explanation

While Mussolini, Franco, and Hitler all followed Fascist doctrines, Stalin was a follower of communism. Fascism differs in that it promotes staunch nationalism and authoritarianism whereas communism deals with common ownership of property. European Fascism, especially in Italy, was, as opposed to Communism, tied to corporate business interests.

2

Which of these best describes 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 is guided by religious law and which allows only one official state religion.

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

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

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.

3

Which of these best describes the shift in American government policy that took place during the Great Depression and Roosevelt’s New Deal?

The federal government took on a much greater responsibility to protect the economy and provide social welfare

The federal government deemphasized the importance of national defence and focused the additional money on internal infrastructure

The federal government reintroduced tariffs on foreign goods and tried to make the American economy less tied to the global market

The federal government extended greater and greater authority to the states in an attempt to devolve political power

The federal government focused on integrating the American economy tightly with the global market

Explanation

During the Great Depression and the Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt the American government changed policy direction dramatically. The federal government took on a much greater responsibility to protect the economy and provide for social welfare. In many ways we are still living in a world dramatically altered by this policy shift.

4

Which political party took power in Iraq in 1968 and was nearly wiped out completely when the Saddam Hussein regime was toppled?

Ba'athist Party

New Wafd Party

National People's Congress

Likud Party

Arabian Peninsula People's Union

Explanation

The Ba'athist Party became the ruling regime for Iraq in 1968, and Saddam Hussein took the presidency in 1979. The underlying Ba'athist belief is Arab unity, also called Pan-Arabism. The Ba'athist regime continued to dominate Iraq until Saddam was deposed by the American-led coalition.

5

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

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Manmohan Singh

Morarji Desai

Mustafa Kemal

Reza Shah

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.

6

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

Substantial resources were devoted to developing the military

The Ottoman sultan was overthrown

Turkey was declared a republic

Western government institutions were adapted to Turkey's needs

Islamic and secular law were separated into two systems

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.

7

What is the name for the Israeli legislature elected by the people?

The Knesset

The Meretz

The People's Chamber

The National Caucus

The Assembly of Israel

Explanation

The Knessetis Israel's elected parliament, procedurally the center of Israeli political life. The Prime Minister holds the true authority in Israel, and he is appointed by the president; the president is chosen by the Knesset. The Knesset is based on a proportional representation system of government—this means that a variety of parties and interests can gain a seat in the Knesset.

8

What form of government does Jordan have?

Hereditary monarchy

Parliamentary system

Theocracy

Semi Presidential system

Dictatorship

Explanation

Jordan has a hereditary monarchy, with the kingship passing through the family since the formation of Jordan in the early 1920s (then Transjordan). The Hashemites are the ruling family of Jordan, and King Hussein (ruling from 1953–1999) ruled over several decades of modernization and regional warring. Abdullah II, the current King of Jordan, is King Hussein's son.

9

Which nationalist Palestinian group seeks a recognized Palestinian state, and is designated as a terrorist group by several countries?

Hamas

Taliban

Boko Haram

Al-Qaeda

FARC

Explanation

Hamas is the Palestinian organization that arose in he late 1980s, and became labeled an extreme group by the 1990s.

The other groups listed here are also deemed extreme, rebels, or terrorists by much of the international community. No other choice given originated in Palestine with the intention of liberating Palestine besides Hamas.

10

Which of these is NOT an aspect of Kuwait's identity?

A powerful military force

Bedouin culture

Reliance on oil for internal revenue

Reliance on investments for external revenue

The emir as head of state

Explanation

When the questions and answers are complicated, it's important to use your knowledge to eliminate wrong answers and pinpoint the correct one.

Iraq invaded Kuwait in the 1990s, and NATO (the North American Treaty Alliance) intervened on behalf of Kuwait. This intervention, coupled with Iraq's invasion, proves that Kuwait does not have a powerful military, at least historically.

Kuwait's leader is called the emir, and the discovery of oil fields created a massive amount of Kuwaiti business. Realizing that oil is not forever, Kuwait has established considerable investment opportunities abroad to bolster the economy while looking towards the future.

Bedouins are nomadic peoples who have a history across the Middle East. In Kuwait, Bedouins began to move into major cities, especially Kuwait City. The booming oil industry offered jobs and stability.

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