Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What kind of relationship did collective bargaining aim to improve?

1. Between government and citizens

2. Between employers and employees

3. Between different labor unions

4. Between political parties

The correct answer is: Between employers and employees

Collective bargaining primarily aimed to improve the relationship between employers and employees. This process involves negotiations between representatives of workers—usually through labor unions—and the employers to establish terms of employment, including wages, working conditions, benefits, and other aspects of workers' rights. The foundation of collective bargaining lies in the recognition of workers' rights to organize and negotiate as a group, which enhances their bargaining power against individual employers. By facilitating dialogue and negotiations, collective bargaining seeks to create a more equitable and fair working environment, addressing the needs and grievances of employees while allowing employers to outline their capabilities and constraints. As for the choices that do not fit, the relationship between government and citizens typically pertains to broader civic rights and regulations rather than employment terms. While labor unions might interact with one another, improving relationships among them does not encompass the primary goal of collective bargaining. The dynamics between political parties concern governance and policy-making rather than employment negotiations. Thus, the focus on employers and employees encapsulates the essential aim of collective bargaining.