Global Politics sample questions


The purpose of this page is to give students practice in answering multiple choice questions used in the quiz and exams in this course. For further help on how to approach exam-taking, students may want to make use of the many test-taking improvement courses and guides, such as those published by Kaplan's. It is extremely unlikely that these particular questions will be asked on any exam this semester. For best results, click on one of the categories of questions BEFORE you click on one of the answer buttons -- A, B, C, or D.

GENERAL ADVICE: Don't rush, don't strain too hard, and don't try to guess "what the professor really wants." Instead, relax, take your time to make sure you understand the questions and the answers, and above all, trust your own instincts. Many students who miss particular exam questions later realize that they really DID know the right answer, but they just weren't applying their minds effectively. For many of the exam questions, you must apply the knowledge you've gained in class and in readings, sometimes in a new context with which you may not be familiar. As long as you have a solid grasp of the basic principles and concepts, you should do just fine. There should be plenty of time for this exam, so you should review the answers you put down before you hand it in.

Definitional

These questions simply ask whether you understand the meaning of the key terms used in this field of study.

2. Which of the following economic activities are NOT counted in calculating gross national product?

Consumer spending Capital investment Business purchases of raw material and intermediate goods Government purchases of goods and services

1. Which of the following is NOT an example of horizontal weapons proliferation?

When the United States sells F-16 fighter jets to Chile. When Pakistan acquires ballistic missile technology from China. When Israel develops nuclear weapons using technology that was obtained via espionage in the United States. When China increases the number of nuclear bombs and missiles in its stockpiles.

Factual

These sorts of questions test your knowledge of the course material. In general, factual questions only cover key facts such as top leaders and major historical turning points. Although some memorization is of course essential, for those questions where you aren't quite sure, it helps to learn how to rule out the obviously wrong answers.

2. With which country did the U.S. have sharp disputes over trade policy during the 1980s?

Brazil Mexico Japan China

1. Which of the following countries has been most cooperative with U.S. foreign policy since the 9/11 attacks?

Germany China France United Kingdom

Comprehending

These sorts of questions test your understanding of WHY or HOW certain political events came to pass.

2. Which of these factors did NOT contribute to the outbreak of the world debt crisis in 1982?

Hikes in world interest rates caused by increased U.S. federal budget deficits. The decontrol of energy prices by the Reagan administration. The recycling by private banks of surplus funds accumulated by oil exporting countries. The fact that many Third World countries were undergoing a transition to democracy.

1. Which of the following statements correctly describes the reunification of Germany in 1990?

The U.S. and U.S.S.R. agreed to a mutual withdrawal of troops and Germany became neutral. The East and West German governments negotiated the terms of a new regime, which blended elements of capitalism and communism. The East German regime collapsed and West Germany absorbed it. The West German regime collapsed and East Germany absorbed it.

Associative

These sorts of questions test your ability to make meaningful connections between political phenomena, which is the first step toward scientific analysis.

2. In which two regions has nationalist spirit motivated neighboring countries to work together?

Latin America and Africa. Europe and the Arab-speaking world. Latin America and the Arab-speaking world. Europe and Africa.

1. In which way is Canada more similar to Great Britain than to the U.S.?

In terms of the political system. In terms of the administrative structure (federal vs. unitary). In terms of total area. In terms of the impact of class conflict on politics.