Cumulative Exam — Cumulative exam

Question 20 • AP US Government and Politics

A Supreme Court is divided, having decided cases with 1-vote majorities. One justice is nearing retirement.

Answer

The election would likely go to whichever candidate promised to maintain the status quo on the court.

The impending vacancy on the court would have little effect on voter turnout, as the judiciary operates independently of the executive branch.

The impending vacancy on the court would likely provide powerful motivation for voters to swing the election to their party.

The election would most likely go to whichever candidate promised a new court justice to the weaker side of the court division.

Explanation

With the Court split closely enough that cases are decided by one-vote majorities, replacing one justice could change the balance and influence future rulings. Since the president helps nominate justices, voters who care about the Court’s direction may be strongly motivated to support their party’s candidate. This makes C the best choice; a candidate cannot simply promise to appoint a justice specifically to the weaker side, as D suggests.

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