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AP U.S. Government and Politics: Argument Essay

Question 4 of the AP U.S. Government and Politics free response section will always be the Argument Essay. These questions begin with a brief paragraph about a given topic, such as the balance between federal and state powers. The prompt will then give specific instructions about how you must format your essay, including a list of several required foundational documents that are relevant to the topic at hand. You will need to discuss one of the listed documents as well as another piece of specific evidence from your own knowledge.

Argument Essay Strategies

While the scoring for the first three free-response questions is more straightforward—you earn points (or not) based on fully addressing each part of the prompt—the scoring for the Argument Essay is a little more complex. The following rubric outlines what the AP readers are generally looking for when they grade your Argument Essay; note the various categories and the ways you can earn points.

Sample Question

• Formulate a defensible thesis that establishes a chain of reasoning.
• Federalist 10
• U.S. Constitution
• Take your other piece of evidence from a different foundational document from the list above OR from your own study.
• Logically explain why your evidence supports your thesis.
• Present and reply to an alternative viewpoint using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.

Step 1: Analyze the Prompt

Step 2: plan your response.

You’ll want to create a brief outline before you start writing, just like you would for any other full-length essay. As you saw from the rubric, AP readers are interested in your thesis development, your use of evidence, and your treatment of an alternative view. Everything you write should be toward one or more of those ends.

You will need to state a thesis that specifically addresses the prompt and makes a claim. Avoid rewording the prompt or being too general. A good question to ask yourself is, “Am I actually taking a position on this issue that someone else might argue against?” Also, while the Argument Essay necessitates a longer, more detailed response than the other free-response question types, it does not require a formal introduction; in fact, writing a lengthy introduction can take up valuable time and frustrate the AP reader who is scoring your essay. Assert your thesis as soon as possible, and then move into the rest of your response.

It is important to note that the Argument Essay’s topic and prompt wording will always intentionally allow for multiple positions. Therefore, you should be strategic and choose the position that you can best back up with evidence. You may even advocate for a different position than the one you personally agree with! To that end, no matter how strongly you feel about a topic, always present your evidence and claims in a balanced manner. Throughout your essay, even and especially when responding to an alternative viewpoint, avoid wording that makes it seem like your argument is simply your personal opinion (e.g., “I think” or “I believe,” or any language that is overly emotional).

With all of this in mind, a high-scoring writer might write the following outline:

Thesis: Trustee is the best model (ideals of Constitution)

• Madison’s fear: large country + big gov’t = factions (many groups disagree)
• Trustee can mediate, come to concl, act in best interests
• Needed trustee model to make change
• Civil rights and women’s rights movements
• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965

Response to alternative view: Anti-Feds would fear large repub (Brutus), but pol system in place would keep trustee honest

Step 3: Action! Write Response & Step 4: Proofread

Sample high-scoring response.

The trustee model of legislative representation is the best reflection of the founders’ intentions in setting up American democracy because it offers the best hope for what the Preamble to the Constitution calls “a more perfect union,” one that will bring together war- ring factions and increase harmony.

As James Madison pointed out in Federalist 10, it is inevitable that a republic will contain many groups which vehemently disagree. The bigger a country grows, the more frequent and violent factional clashes are likely to become. Madison was looking ahead to the U.S. that would burst the bounds of the original colonies and create more factionalism. This vision of an expanding, clashing nation makes the trustee model very appealing. A trustee Congressperson is one who will listen to all sides, make an independent judgment, but then go on to explain it so that opponents may be persuaded to change their minds, thus bringing resolution to conflicts.

A trustee is a representative willing to do the principled thing even if the public thinks otherwise. Many issues in our history have seemed so polarized that they were beyond resolution and could not wait for popular consensus. This was the case with civil rights issues and legislation in the 1960s. Technically, African Americans had the right to vote since the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870. However, this right was violently suppressed through intimidation tactics and a variety of restrictive measures such as poll taxes and literacy tests. It was not until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that substantial voting protections were extended to all black people. The Voting Rights Act outlawed literacy tests and other tactics; under this act, federal officials were sent to the South to ensure that African Americans were allowed to vote free from fear and intimidation, and the election practices of local governments were held under greater scrutiny. Civil rights movement leaders had challenged discriminatory practices for decades, but due to intense polarization in society, there was no public consensus on how to address racism in voting practices or even agreement as to whether to address it at all. Legislators had to go against the opinions of the majority in order to act in a way that advanced American ideals for all citizens, and the public eventually caught up.

Similarly, legislators pushed through the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which was supported by people within social movements but not by the general populace. Additionally, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 touched on the goals of not just the civil rights movement but also the women’s rights movement; for example, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibited sex discrimination in public accommodations. Members of these movements had been working for years to get society at large to expand rights and protections to all people. However, if legislators had waited to act until a majority of their constituency approved of these civil rights bills, the bills may never have passed. In this way, the trustee model can be used to uphold the rights of the minority despite majority resistance.

The trustee idea would have been opposed by Brutus and other Anti-Federalists. Brutus 1 warns that a large republic would necessarily be disconnected from its people. Following this logic, a concern with the trustee model would be that the representative would deviate too far from the will of the people and become despotic. But it is important to note that the people have the ultimate voice if they disagree with the trustee’s judgments: the power of the ballot. The legislator’s desire to stay in power is a strong check on him or her, acting as an incentive to listen to constituents.

All in all, the trustee is in the best position to reduce the intense factionalism Madison feared. Even before the advance of mass media, the trustee had many means to learn of the people’s different views and to explain why the legislator was voting a certain way, or advancing this or that philosophy. This give and take of ideas surely helped to get the republic through its rocky early decades, and also helped the country to recover from the volatile growing pains and changes in the mid-twentieth century by finding ways to bring people together and advance equal rights for all.

Sample Response Explanation and Scoring

• Thesis (0–1 pt): The writer sets up a clear X because Y sentence to introduce the thesis, which could be paraphrased as, The trustee model brings about harmony. Everything that follows is connected to the founders’ ideal of harmony. The writer would therefore earn 1 point for Thesis.
• Support (0–3 pts): There is more than enough evidence to gain the full 3 points for Support, as the writer explains Madison’s argument in Federalist 10 and elaborates upon relevant historical examples of disharmony that those acting as trustees helped to fix through assertive actions. In addition, the references to the Constitution and Brutus 1 (while unnecessary for earning full credit in Support) show a strong command of course material.
• Reasoning (0–1 pt): The writer earns the 1 point for Reasoning by clearly explaining how a trustee offers the best hope for Madison’s vision. Specifically, the writer asserts in paragraphs 3 and 4 how trustees could not wait for public opinion in order to act.
• Reply to Alternative Viewpoint (0–1 pt): There is a whole paragraph at the end dedicated to rebutting the Anti-Federalists’ objections. In this way, the writer makes it clear that this requirement has been met and earns the final 1 point.

Question-Specific Rubric: 6 points (1 + 3 + 1 + 1)

Learn more about the other free response questions on the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam. Concept Application   •   Quantitative Analysis   •   SCOTUS Comparison

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2024 AP US Government & Politics Exam Guide

12 min read • july 11, 2024

Your Guide to the 2024 AP US Government & Politics Exam

We know that studying for your AP exams can be stressful, but Fiveable has your back! We created a study plan to help you crush your AP Government and Politics exam. This guide will continue to update with information about the 2024 exams, as well as helpful resources to help you do your best on test day.  Unlock Cram Mode for access to our cram events—students who have successfully passed their AP exams will answer your questions and guide your last-minute studying LIVE! And don't miss out on unlimited access to our database of thousands of practice questions.

Format of the 2024 AP US Gov Exam

Going into test day, this is the format to expect:

• 📃 55 multiple-choice questions with 80 minutes to complete them.- - There will be ~30 individual, stand-alone questions.- - All the other questions will be put together into sets. You may be asked to complete a quantitative, qualitative, or visual analysis in these questions.
• ✍ 4 free-response questions with 100 minutes to complete them. You should devote ~20 minutes to each response.- - Question 1 is always a  concept application question.- - Question 2 is a  quantitative analysis question, where you will analyze data and come to a conclusion.- - Question 3 is a  Supreme Court case comparison  essay. You will compare a required court case with a nonrequired one, explaining how they are related.- - Lastly, question 4 is an  argumentative essay . 👉 Check out the 2023 AP US Government and Politics Free-Response Section posted on the College Board site. 

Scoring Rubric for the AP US Government Exam

View an example set of questions and the corresponding  scoring guidelines (page 186) from the College Board to get an idea of what they look for in your responses! You can also focus in on the argumentative essay (free response #4) and take a look at that  rubric here .

Check out our study plan below to find resources and tools to prepare for your AP US Government exam. 

When is the 2024 AP Gov Exam and How do I Take it?

Tests will be taken in person at your school. Here is what we know from College Board so far:

• The exam date will be in-person and on paper at your school on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 8 am, your local time. You have 3 hours to take the exam. We will have more updates from College Board soon, but as of now, this is what we know!

How Should I Prepare for the AP Gov Exam?

• First, you need to take stock of your progress in the course so far so that you can build your study plan according to your needs. Download the  AP Government and Politics Cheatsheet PDF —a single sheet that covers everything you need to know—so that you can see a map of the entire course and quickly spot the weak areas that you need to focus on.
• Then, create your study plan by focusing on your learning styles and areas to improve. Which types of questions do you need to practice more? We've put together the study plan found below to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam. Pay special attention to the units that you need the most improvement in.
• Study, practice, and review for test day with other students during our live cram sessions via  Cram Mode . Cram live streams will teach, review, and practice important topics from AP courses, college admission tests, and college admission topics. These streams are hosted by experienced students who know what you need to succeed.
• Finally, build your study schedule in advance! We highly suggest making your study schedule ahead of time so that you can easily join interactive study sessions such as live streams, voice chats, and study groups.

Pre-Work: Set Up Your Study Environment

Before you begin studying, take some time to get organized. 

🖥 Create a study space.

Make sure you have a designated place at home to study. Somewhere you can keep all of your materials, where you can focus on learning, and where you are comfortable. Spend some time prepping the space with everything you need and you can even let others in the family know that this is your study space. 

📚 Organize your study materials.

Get your notebook, textbook, prep books, or whatever other physical materials you have. Also create a space for you to keep track of review. Start a new section in your notebook to take notes or start a Google Doc to keep track of your notes. Get yourself set up!

📅 Plan designated times for studying.

The hardest part about studying from home is sticking to a routine. Decide on one hour every day that you can dedicate to studying. This can be any time of the day, whatever works best for you. Set a timer on your phone for that time and really try to stick to it. The routine will help you stay on track.

🏆 Decide on an accountability plan.

How will you hold yourself accountable to this study plan? You may or may not have a teacher or rules set up to help you stay on track, so you need to set some for yourself. First set your goal. This could be studying for x number of hours or getting through a unit. Then, create a reward for yourself. If you reach your goal, then x. This will help stay focused!

AP US Government & Politics 2024 Study Plan

🏛️unit 1: foundations of american democracy, big takeaways:.

Unit 1 introduces the concept of democracy and its various forms. The documents that first started the United States are analyzed by looking at the challenges and promises associated with each. The division of power within our government: individual rights vs government authority and state vs federal government powers are at the heart of this unit and discussed within each founding document. 

Definitely do this:

🎥 Watch these videos:

Intro to American Government, models of Representative Democracy : A full review of the types of democracy, the difference between government and politics as well as the functions of government are discussed.

Foundational Documents Review : A deep dive into the foundational documents you need to know for the exam.

Ratification of the Constitution: Constitutional Convention : A review of the compromises leading to the ratification of the Constitution. 📰 Check out these articles:

• Unit 1 Overview: Foundations of American Democracy 
• 1.1 Ideals of Democracy
• 1.2 Types of Democracy 
• 1.3 Federalist No. 10 & Brutus 1 Summary 
• 1.4 Challenges of the Articles of Confederation
• 1.5 Ratification of the US Constitution
• 1.6 Principles of American Government
• 1.7 Relationship Between States and the Federal Government
• 1.8 Constitutional Interpretations of Federalism
• 1.9 Federalism in Action 
• 1.10 Required Founding Documents ✍️ Practice:
• Best Quizlet Deck:   AP Gov Unit 1 by bryce_s

If you have more time or want to dig deeper:

• 👻 Check out  Too Late to Apologize: An Ode to the [object Object] (YouTube)
• Types of Federalism Part 1 - Dual vs Cooperative
• Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland and US v. Lopez
• The Powers - Expressed, Implied, Concurrent, Denied...

⚖️ Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government

Unit 2 dives into the separation of powers between our three branches of government. It looks at the specific powers of each branch as outlined in the Constitution and how each branch has grown in power through the years. The system of checks and balances and the role each branch plays in holding the other accountable is analyzed. 

Legislative and Judicial Branch Review : This stream provides a review of the legislative and judicial branches including their powers and role within the federal government.

• Powers of the Presidency : This stream provides a review of the executive branch including its powers and role within the federal government.

Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances : This video from Crash Course reviews the separation of powers between the three branches of government. It also looks at the ways each branch “checks” the other. 📰 Check out these articles:

Unit 2 Overview: Interactions Among Branches of Government

• 2.1 Congress : The Senate and the House of Representatives

2.2 Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress

2.3 Congressional Behavior

2.4 Roles and Power of the President

2.5 Checks on the Presidency

2.6 Expansion of Presidential Power

2.7 Presidential Communication

2.8 The Judicial Branch

2.9 Legitimacy of the Judicial Branch

2.10 The Court in Action

2.11 Checks on the Judicial Branch

2.12 The Bureaucracy

2.13 Discretionary and Rule-Making Authority

2.14 Holding the Bureaucracy Accountable

2.15 Policy and the Branches of Government ✍️ Practice:

Best Quizlet Deck:   Unit 2 – AP Gov by k8te13

• Bill to Law Process
• Review and Application of Iron Triangles and Issue Networks
• Selection and Nomination of Federal Judges

✊ Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

Unit 3 takes the principles of our government established in Units 1 and 2 to analyze maintaining those principles while balancing liberty and order. The role of the  Bill of Rights and the 14th amendment in guaranteeing civil rights and liberties for all citizens is at the heart of this unit.  

🎥  Watch these videos:

First and Second Amendments : This stream looks at what the first and second amendments say, how they have been interpreted and some of the major Supreme Court cases around them.

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights : This video from crash course provides a review of the civil liberties and civil rights guaranteed to US citizens. It also looks at the way the  Bill of Rights has been interpreted since its inception in relation to liberties and rights.

The 14th Amendment : This stream breaks down the 14th amendment and many of the key terms associated with it: due process, equal protection, incorporation, citizenship, and privileges or immunities clause.

Required Supreme Court Cases from 1st-10th Amendments : This stream reviews Supreme Court cases about the 1st-10th Amendments and how they protect civil liberties today! 📰 Check out these articles:

• Unit 3 Overview: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
• 3.1 The Bill of Rights
• 3.2 First Amendment: Freedom of Religion
• 3.3 First Amendment: Freedom of Speech
• 3.4 First Amendment: Freedom of the Press
• 3.5 Second Amendment: Rights to Bear Arms
• 3.6 Amendments: Balancing Individual Freedom with Public Order and Safety
• 3.7 Selective Incorporation & the 14th Amendment
• 3.8 Amendments: Due Process and the Rights of the Accused
• 3.9 Amendments: Due Process and the Right to Privacy
• 3.10 Social Movements and Equal Protection
• 3.11 Government Responses to Social Movements
• 3.12 Balancing Minority and Majority Rights
• 3.13 Affirmative Action ✍️ Practice:

Best Quizlet Deck:   AP Gov – Civil Liberties and Rights by Sandy_Midgley

• 📜 Check out  Bill of Rights and  Bill of Rights (YouTube)
• Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (Fiveable stream)

🐘Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs

Unit 4 focuses on political ideology - the idea that there are different and consistent patterns of beliefs about political values and the role of government within the context that we live in. This unit will discuss the different American ideologies and how major parties influence them.

Political Socialization and Political Ideology :  This stream discusses what influences people's political views and a few different dominant political ideologies.

Political Parties and Their Platforms :  This stream dives into the major beliefs and ideologies of the Republican and Democratic party platforms, the history of political parties, their impact on voters and the government, and third parties were also discussed.

Economic Ideology - Keynesian vs Supply Side :  In this stream we dived into fiscal economic theory and policy, looking at the liberal take on Keynesian theory and the conservative look at supply-side theory. 📰 Check out these articles:

Unit 4 Overview: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs

4.1 American Attitudes about Government and Politics

4.2 Political Socialization

• 4.4 Influence of Political Events on Ideology

4.5 Measuring Public Opinion

4.6 Evaluating Public Opinion Data

4.7 Ideologies of Political Parties

4.8 Ideology and Policy Making

4.9 Ideology and Economic Policy

4.10 Ideology and Social Policy ✍️ Practice:

Best Quizlet Deck:   AP GOV Unit 4 by MARGARET_CYLKOWSKI

• A Review of Public Policy (Social Policy)
• A Review of Public Policy (Economic Policy)
• Social Security, Healthcare, and Education Policy

🗳Unit 5: Political Participation

This unit focuses on how we, citizens, can participate in politics as well as how the media, finance and other factors play a part in our government and policy-making. 

Voting and Voter Behavior : Who votes and why do they vote? This stream answers these questions and explains the process of voting in the US in this stream.

Campaign Finance : Campaign finance isn't as scary as you think! This stream looks at the Federal Elections Campaign Act, hard vs soft money, Buckley vs Valeo, Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, Citizens United vs FEC, 501(c)s, and more!

Media Ownership and Bias :  This steam discusses the growing concentration of media companies and how bias in media affects both policy-making and public interest.

• Critical Elections: Realignments and Dealignment :  Often, students are confused on the differences between a party realignment and dealignment. This stream covers those around the five critical elections in US history. 📰 Check out these articles:
• Unit 5 Overview: Political Participation
• 5.1 Voting Rights and Models of Voting Behaviour 
• 5.2 Voter Turnout 
• 5.3 Political Parties 
• 5.4 How and Why Political Parties Change 
• 5.5 Third-Party Politics
• 5.6 Interest Groups Influencing Policy Making 
• 5.7 Groups Influencing Policy Outcomes 
• 5.8 Electing a President 
• 5.9 Congressional Elections
• 5.10 Modern Campaigns
• 5.11 Campaign Finance 
• 5.12 The Media 
• 5.13 Changing Media ✍️ Practice:

Best Quizlet Deck:   AP Government - Political Participation by Carpenter-Economics

🧐AP US Government - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

📰 Check out these articles:

• AP US Government Multiple Choice Questions
• AP US Government Multiple Choice Help (MCQ)

🏛️AP US Government - Free Response Questions (FRQ)

Breaking Down the Supreme Court Case Comparison Essay : This stream discusses how exactly to write the Supreme Court Case Comparison Essay, FRQ #3, on the AP Gov exam! We talked about the elements of a good response, and wrote one ourselves!

Writing Workshop on the Argumentative Essay : This stream explores the Argumentative Essay, looking at the rubric and then using the remainder of the time to practice our skills. 📰 Check out these articles:

AP US Government Free Response Help - FRQs

FRQ: Conceptual Analysis

FRQ: SCOTUS Application

AP Gov FRQ: Argument Essay Review (2020)

AP Gov FRQ: Quantitative Analysis Review (2020) ✍️ Practice:

AP Gov SAQ Practice Prompt Answers & Feedback

AP GoPo Free Response Questions (FRQ) – Past Prompts

• AP Gov Federalism Practice Prompt Answers & Feedback

As you're studying for the AP exam, make sure that you have a handle on all of the Required Cases.  Check out this comprehensive study guide that outlines all the Supreme Court Cases you have to know to do your best in May!

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Lesson Plan: AP Government: Argumentative Essay Practice

The Federalist Papers

Boston College professor Mary Sarah Bilder gives a brief overview backgrounding the Federalist Papers

Description

This is intended as an end-of-course review activity for practice with the argumentative essay format included on the AP United States Government and Politics exam since the 2018 redesign. Eleven practice prompts are provided, reflecting content from Units 1-3.

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY PROMPT ANALYSIS

• Review the provided Argumentative Essay Prompts in either an individual or jigsaw format.
• Write a thesis statement for your selected prompt(s) and identify the selection you would make from the provided list and the second piece of evidence you would choose.
• If there are prompts for which you struggle to develop a thesis, or items on the bulleted lists with which you are not conversant, use the hyperlinked C-SPAN Classroom resources to extend your understanding of the required founding documents and SCOTUS cases that you found challenging.

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

• Chose one or more of the provided Argumentative Essay Prompts , as assigned, and use the planning and exploration you did above to write a full essay in response to your designated prompt(s) in 25 or fewer minutes , since that's the time limit you'll face on the AP Exam!
• Exchange essays with a classmate and evaluate each others' work.
• 1st Amendment
• Branches Of Government
• Constitution
• House Of Representatives
• Separation Of Powers
• Supreme Court

AP US Government FRQ

Ap government free response.

Check out the following resources for the AP Gov FRQ. Be sure to watch these strategy videos and work through all of the free response practice questions.

Official Sample FRQ

Frq strategy videos, how to write ap gov frqs, argumentative essay.

AP Government | Practice Exams | FRQ | Notes | Videos |  Flashcards |  Study Guides

Sample Prompts for the Argument Essay FRQ- AP government

Below are 16 topics, each of which includes:

• A sample essential question which introduces the prompt
• A draft prompt including three founding documents that could help shape the students’ arguments.

Each prompt is crafted to encourage deep analysis and aligns with key AP Government concepts, ensuring your students are well-prepared for exam success.

AP Government Argument Essay Samples

• NEW ! Media censorship: Should the government play an active role in the censorship of social media?  
• Independent judiciary:   Is an independent judiciary a threat to or a savior for democracy?  
• Congressional roles:   Does the delegate or trustee model of Congressional representation best serve the needs of the people as the Framers intended?  
• Federalism in the Age of Coronavirus:  Should the federal government or the states be most responsible for responding to the Coronavirus outbreak?  
• Political Parties:  Do political parties hinder or promote democracy?  
• Congressional oversight :  Is congressional oversight healthy or unhealthy for our system of government?
• Interest groups: Do interest groups hinder or promote democracy? 
• Civil Rights:  Should the federal government have power over states in the shaping of civil rights policies?
• Citizen participation: Does citizen participation really matter? 
• Photo IDs and federalism:   Do states have the authority to pass photo identification laws which restrict people’s ability to vote?  
• Presidential power:   Do executive orders give the president too much power?      
• Gridlock:   Is gridlock healthy or unhealthy for our system of government?
• Term limits:   Do congressional term limits violate or honor popular sovereignty?
• Primaries and caucuses: Is the presidential nominating process democratic? 
• Social Media :  Is social media a healthy way for citizens to participate in our political system?  
• Electoral College:   Should the electoral college be abolished?
• Representative versus direct democracy: Which is a better vehicle to serve citizen needs– a representative or direct democracy?  

Enhance Your Classroom Experience! You understand the challenges of keeping students engaged and preparing them for the AP exam. Our carefully curated essay prompts are designed to align with AP standards, fostering critical thinking and discussion in your classroom. Get ready to inspire your students with materials that cater to the dynamic world of government and politics.

For more resources for AP government, visit HERE

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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., guide to the ap u.s. government and politics exam.

Can you discuss the strengths of the Constitution? Do you understand the role of PACs in our political process? The AP ® U.S. Government & Politics exam tests the topics and skills discussed in your AP Gov course. If you score high enough, your AP score could earn you college credit !

Check out our AP U.S. Government Guide for what you need to know about the exam:

• Exam Overview
• Sections & Question Types
• How to Prepare

AP Government Exam Overview

The College Board is very detailed in what they require your AP teacher to cover in his or her AP U.S. Government & Politics course. You should be familiar with the following topics:

• Foundations of American Democracy: Ideals of Democracy; Types of Democracy; Government Power and Individual Rights; Challenges of the Articles of Confederation; Ratification of the U.S. Constitution; Principles of American Government; Relationship Between the States and Federal Government; Constitutional Interpretations of Federalism; Federalism in Action
• Interactions Among Branches of Government: Congress: The Senate and the House of Representatives; Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress; Congressional Behavior; Roles and Powers of the President; Checks on the Presidency; Expansion of Presidential Power; Presidential Communication; The Judicial Branch; Legitimacy of the Judicial Branch; The Court in Action; Checks on the Judicial Branch; The Bureaucracy; Discretionary and Rule-Making Authority; Holding the Bureaucracy Accountable; Policy and the Branches of Government
• Civil Liberties and Civil Rights: The Bill of Rights; First Amendment: Freedom of Religion; First Amendment: Freedom of Speech; First Amendment: Freedom of the Press; Second Amendment: Right to Bear Arms; Amendments: Balancing Individual Freedom with Public Order and Safety; Selective Incorporation; Amendments: Due Process and the Rights of the Accused; Amendments: Due Process and the Right to Privacy; Social Movements and Equal Protection; Government Responses to Social Movements; Balancing Minority and Majority Rights; Affirmative Action
• American Political Ideologies and Beliefs: American Attitudes About Government and Politics; Political Socialization; Changes in Ideology; Influence of Political Events on Ideology; Measuring Public Opinion; Evaluating Public Opinion Data; Ideologies of Political Parties; Ideology and Policy Making; Ideology and Economic Policy; Ideology and Social Party
• Political Participation: Voting Rights and Models of Voting Behavior; Voter Turnout; Political Parties; How and Why Political Parties Change and Adapt; Third-Party Politics; Interest Groups Influencing Policy Making; Groups Influencing Policy Outcomes; Electing a President; Congressional Elections; Modern Campaigns; Campaign Finance; The Media; Changing Media

For a comprehensive content review, check out our book,  AP U.S. Government & Politics Prep

AP U.S. Government & Politics Required Supreme Court Cases

For information regarding required Supreme Court cases to know for the course and potentially the exam, refer to the AP U.S. Government & Politics Course and Exam Description, Effective Fall 2022 .

Read More: Review for the exam with our AP Government Cram Courses 

AP U.S. Government & Politics Sections & Question Types

The AP U.S. Government and Politics exam is 3 hours long and has two sections: a multiple-choice section and a free response section.

Multiple-Choice Questions

The AP U.S. Government & Politics multiple-choice questions test the following skills:

• Application of political concepts and processes in hypothetical and authentic contexts
• Application of SCOTUS decisions in authentic contexts
• Analysis and interpretation of quantitative data
• Analysis and interpretation of sources

AP Gov Free Response Questions (FRQ)

For success on the AP U.S. Government & Politics FRQs, you'll need to:

• Compare: provide a description/explanation of similarities and/or differences
• Define: provide a specific meaning of a word or concept
• Describe: provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic
• Develop an argument: articulate a claim and support it with evidence
• Draw a conclusion: use available information to formulate an accurate statement that demonstrates understanding based on evidence
• Explain: provide info about how/why a relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome occurs using evidence or reasoning.
• Identify: Indicate or provide information about a specified topic, without elaboration or explanation.

Interpreting AP U.S. Government & Politics Scores

AP scores on the are reported from 1 to 5. Colleges are generally looking for a 4 or 5 on the AP U.S. Gov & Politics exam, but some may grant credit for a 3. Here’s how students scored on the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam in May 2022: 

Source: College Board

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The Complete Guide to AP US Government FRQs

Advanced Placement (AP)

Free-response questions, or FRQs, on the AP US Government exam are more straightforward than those on some other AP tests, but they can still be tough if you're not ready for them. In this guide, we will lay out a simple step-by-step method for answering AP Government FRQs , go through a real example, and tell you where you can find additional practice resources.

AP Government Free-Response Section Format

The free-response section lasts one hour and 40 minutes and consists of four questions , each of which is worth 12.5% of your total score. So as a whole, the free-response section accounts for half your total AP Gov score (the other 50% comes from the multiple-choice section). Each FRQ is worth 3-6 raw points.

Here are the four types of FRQs you'll get on the AP Government exam:

• Concept Application (3 raw points)
• Quantitative Analysis (4 raw points)
• SCOTUS Comparison (4 raw points)
• Argument Essay (6 raw points)

The free-response questions will ask you to integrate your knowledge of the various content areas covered by the course. This includes analyzing political events in the US, discussing examples, and demonstrating your understanding of general principles of US government and politics. You'll also be asked to examine data from charts, define key terms, and explain the roles that different parts of our government play in the political system.

The following chart shows specifically what you must do for each FRQ on the AP Government test. All info below comes from the 2020 AP US Government and Politics Course and Exam Description .

AP Government FRQs: 5-Step Solution Process

This section provides a step-by-step process for answering any question on the AP US Government exam. Here's a sample question from the 2020 AP Gov Course and Exam Description that I'll reference throughout so you can see how these steps might work in practice:

Step 1: Read the Introductory and Concluding Sentences

Free-response questions #1 and #3 will include passages, while question #2 will have an image or a chart with data. Skim the first and final sentences of the passage (or title of the graphic for #2) before you get to the tasks (labeled A-C or A-D). This will help you get a rough sense of what to expect in the rest of the question.

It's a good idea to read the intros and conclusions to all the FRQs before choosing which one to begin with. Doing this might help build up your confidence and improve your efficiency to start with a question that's easier for you.

In the sample question above, you would read the title of the graphic ("Public Education Spending: Amount Spent per Pupil by State in 2014") and then skim the image itself to get a sense of what it's asking you to analyze.

Step 2: Identify (and Underline, If You Want) the Command Verb

For each task in each FRQ, you're given specific instructions on the type of answer that is expected; these instructions include command verbs that tell you what to do. It's important to be aware of exactly what the question is asking so you can earn full points.

These command verbs are the first words you should zero in on as you approach a question. If you think it'll help keep you focused, you can underline these verbs .

Here are the most commonly used task verbs, as described in the AP Gov Exam Description :

Compare: Provide a description or explanation of similarities and/or differences.

Define: Provide a specific meaning for a word or concept.

Describe: Provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic.

Develop an argument: Articulate a claim and support it with evidence.

Draw a conclusion: Use available information to formulate an accurate statement that demonstrates understanding based on evidence.

Explain: Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning. Explain "how" typically requires analyzing the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome, whereas explain "why" typically requires analysis of motivations or reasons for the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome.

Identify: Indicate or provide information about a specified topic, without elaboration or explanation.

In part A of the sample question, the command verb is "identify," indicating that you need to correctly interpret the data in the image. In part B, the command verb changes to "describe," which means you'll need to go one step further and interpret and analyze data in the graphic that you have found.

Part C starts with "draw a conclusion," meaning that you will need to tie together the evidence you found in part B to come up with a final (accurate) statement on what this means. Finally, part D begins with the task verb "explain," showing that you must make a clear connection between the data in this graphic as a whole and the principle of federalism.

Step 3: Know Where You'll Earn Your Raw Points

In general, each part in a question (A, B, C, and D) will correspond to 1 raw point , but not all questions are like this.

After finding the task verb in the part of the question you're answering, take note of how many examples or descriptions you need to provide , as each will likely correspond to a point in your raw score for the question. There might also be more than one task verb in a question, in which case you'll likely get at least 2 raw points for it.

As a reminder, here is the maximum number of raw points you can earn for each question (don't forget that each question is still worth the same percentage of your score: 12.5%):

Take care to answer the question thoroughly but directly , addressing all points in a way that will make it easy for graders to assess your response. Remember that you don't need to write an essay for the first three FRQs, so just go straight for the answer to avoid any ambiguity.

In the sample question, we know there will be 4 raw points you can earn. And since the tasks are divided into four parts (labeled A-D), we can assume that each part will be worth 1 raw point .

You can see more sample FRQs and how they're graded with the official scoring guidelines here .

Step 4: Reread Your Answer

Once you've come up with an answer, reread what you wrote to ensure it makes sense and addresses the question completely . Did you give the correct number of descriptions or examples asked of you? Does your answer directly respond to what the question is asking?

If you're satisfied, move on to the next part of the question and return to step 2!

Step 5: Pace Yourself

The final step is to keep track of time so you can be sure you're pacing yourself effectively and are not spending too much time on any one question. As a reminder, you'll have one hour and 40 minutes for the entire free-response section of the AP Government exam.

It's suggested that you spend the following amounts of time on each FRQ:

As you can see, you should spend about an equal amount of time on the first three FRQs and save most of your time for your essay , which will likely require the most effort of the four.

A Real AP Government FRQ Example + Analysis

Now, let's go through the answers to a real AP Government free-response question from the 2019 released questions to show you what your responses should look like. This question is an example of a Concept Application question on the exam, meaning it's worth 3 raw points (1 point each for parts A, B, and C).

This question is all about the Johnson Amendment, which does not allow religious organizations to engage in political activities and contribute money to political campaigns. As this passage explains, the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious group, encourages pastors to challenge this law by participating in an annual event called Pulpit Freedom Sunday.

Below, we go through how to answer each of the three parts correctly using the scoring guidelines .

Part A—1 Point

Part A asks you to come up with an example of a specific action Congress could take to address the concerns of the Alliance Defending Freedom. In other words, what could Congress do to allow groups such as the Alliance Defending Freedom to speak freely about political campaigns?

Note that the command verb used here is "describe," meaning you must "provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic," or elaborate on what you're proposing and why it would work.

There are two possible answers you could put down here, according to the scoring guidelines:

• Congress could pass a law that would reverse the Johnson Amendment.
• Congress could pass a law to allow religious organizations to participate more directly in politics.

Part B—1 Point

Part B asks you to go into more detail about what you proposed in part A . You must talk about how partisan divisions (i.e., differences in political parties among politicians) could stop whatever you proposed in part A from going into effect (whether that's a new law altogether or a reversal of the original Johnson Amendment).

The task verb used here is "explain," so you must use evidence to show how the action you wrote down in part A could be blocked or reversed.

Here are two possible answers , according to the scoring guidelines:

• Partisan divisions make it more difficult to pass a law because parties adhere to different ideological points of view.
• If Congress and the president are from different political parties, the president might threaten to veto the legislation.

Part C—1 Point

The final part of this free-response question asks you to examine the scenario again, this time from the perspective of the Alliance Defending Freedom , or the religious group in question.

How might the Alliance argue that the Johnson Amendment, which prevents them from speaking on political issues and contributing money to political campaigns, is taking away their rights?

The key here is to first think about what rights these could be . Perhaps freedom of speech or freedom of religion? As you probably noticed, the task verb is "explain," so once again you must use plenty of evidence to show why this contentious relationship exists between the Alliance and the Johnson Amendment/the US government as a whole.

Here are examples of answers you could write, according to the official scoring guidelines:

• The Alliance Defending Freedom and other religious groups might argue that their First Amendment rights are being violated.
• The Alliance Defending Freedom and other religious groups might argue that their freedom of speech/religion is being violated.

Essential Resources for Practicing AP US Government FRQs

There are several resources you can use to hone your skills for answering AP Government FRQs.

Official College Board Resources

The College Board website hosts free-response questions from previous tests that you can use for practice. I recommend starting with the 2019 FRQs (unfortunately, they don't come with sample student responses), as these will look the most like the questions you'll get on test day.

Once you've used those, you can look at FRQs from the 2018 test and earlier; most of these come with sample student responses so you can see what a good response looks like.

If you're hoping to practice FRQs in the context of a full-length test, here are some links to past AP Government exams you can download (as always, prioritize the most recent tests):

• 2018 Practice Test
• 2013 Practice Test
• 2012 Practice Test
• 2009 Practice Test
• 2005 Practice Test
• 1999 Practice Test

These are by far the best sample AP US Government free-response questions you can get because they most accurately represent what you'll see on the real test.

AP Government Review Books

AP Government review books are also solid resources for free-response practice, though they vary a lot in quality.

The Princeton Review's prep book for AP Gov includes five full-length practice tests , so there should be tons of free-response questions you can use to hone your skills. Barron's AP US Gov review book also has some useful practice tests and free-response questions.

If you use these unofficial free-response questions for practice, just be sure to intersperse them with official questions from the College Board so that you maintain an accurate sense of what to expect on the real test.

Recap: Everything to Know About AP US Government FRQs

The four free-response questions on the AP US Government and Politics exam can be approached methodically to earn the maximum number of points.

Read the intro and conclusion to the question first so you can get your bearings. Then, for each of the separate parts, identify the task verb, figure out where you'll earn your raw points, and double-check your answer for any missing pieces or careless errors.

You should also pace yourself so that you're spending no more than 20 minutes each on the first three questions and 40 minutes on the essay.

I suggest practicing at least a few free-response questions before heading into the AP exam. The best resource to use is the College Board website, which contains an archive of past questions accompanied by scoring guidelines and sample student responses. These questions are pretty simple compared to the free-response questions on other AP tests once you get the hang of them!

What's Next?

Not sure where to begin in your AP prep? Our five-step plan will prepare you to take on any AP test .

If you're missing some of your notes that you need to study for AP Gov, check out this article with links to all the content you need to know for the test . You can also learn about the test as a whole with our comprehensive AP Government and Politics review guide .

Do you have a target score in mind for this exam? Learn more about what it takes to earn a 5 on an AP test and whether you should aim for one yourself.

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

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10 Hardest AP U.S. Government and Politics Questions

What’s covered:, how will ap scores impact my college chances, overview of the ap u.s. government and politics exam, preparing for the exam.

This post will cover some of the harder AP U.S. Government and Politics questions. We will go through both the multiple choice and the free-response questions to give an overview of what to expect. We also offer a walkthrough of the exam: what kind of questions you’ll see on the test, what you’ll need to study, and which questions are trickiest for most students. Then, we’ll show you how you can ace your AP Government and Politics exam!

AP scores have little to no effect on the college admissions process . You aren’t required to report your AP scores on your application, and even if you self-report your scores they won’t really increase your chance of admissions. 

With that said, colleges do care about course rigor. The AP classes you take and your grades in these classes are much more important to the admissions process than your AP exam scores. Earning good grades in several AP classes shows admissions officers that you challenged yourself and are prepared to take on rigorous college classes.  

Want to see if your AP classes and course rigor will help you get into your dream school? Try our free chancing engine ! This tool will allow you to see your chances of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the country. In addition to course rigor, our chancing engine also factors in your GPA, extracurriculars, demographics, and outside involvement, and will even provide tips for how to improve your profile!

The AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam (a.k.a. AP Government Exam) is made up of two sections, each worth half the final score of the exam. Section I consists of 55 multiple choice questions with an allotted 80 minutes, and Section II consists of 4 free-response questions with an allotted 100 minutes. In total, the exam is three hours long. This may seem intimidating, but don’t worry, we here at CollegeVine have you covered!

The AP Government questions in Section I can be difficult, but are ultimately straightforward. These multiple choice questions are all about knowing your vocab! Section II can be especially confusing for some students, so check out the breakdown below to better understand what you’re in for.

Section II Breakdown:

• Question 1 is a concept application question. This section will require the student to apply political concepts to real-life and presupposed situations.
• Question 2 is a Quantitative Analysis question. A supplied graphic is the focal point of this question. It could be a line graph to read, a chart to interpret, or a table to explain.
• Question 3 is a Supreme Court Case Comparison Essay. This will have the test-taker apply Supreme Court decisions to real-life situations.
• Question 4 is an Argumentative Essay. You will use foundational documents to support an essay asserting your stance on a prompt.

The most important thing to do is study, but how do you know where to start? By the time you are preparing for your AP exam, you should know what your current grade is in AP Government. Start by studying the topics and areas where your scores dip down below your average grade. 

Knowing your progress is paramount to doing well on the exam. If you can’t pinpoint which areas you struggle in, ask your teacher for advice and walk through your grades together. Once you know where to start, create a study plan for the areas you want to work on and decide which days you’ll study what content. It may be helpful to study with your classmates too! They’ll be able to offer advice on their test-taking strategies and you can all benefit from the shared knowledge. 

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The AP Government and Politics Exam Questions do not scaffold in difficulty. The most challenging questions may be placed right before the easiest one on the test. This can be tricky for students that are expecting the first few questions to be a breeze. It is important to treat each multiple choice question as its own separate challenge.

The following section is a preview of some of the more difficult AP Government and Politics questions, both multiple choice and free-response. Each answer will be provided along with an explanation. These questions were sourced directly from previous administrations of the exam.

The answers for the multiple choice section are indisputable, but there is much gray area for valid free-response answers. For this reason, the provided answer may not be exactly what you’re thinking, however your answer can still be correct.

Multiple Choice Questions

Correct Answer: C

The reason that there are fewer Department of Education bureaucrats employed by the federal government is because their issues are localized by state, whereas the Department of Homeland security primarily addresses national issues.

Correct Answer: B

The correct answer is B because Hamilton is wary of a government overstepping its boundaries. It is not C because there is ultimately little talk of the press in this passage. It is not D because Hamilton is against listing the Bill of Rights. Many students may think that the correct answer is A, but it is not because Hamilton does not find these exceptions reasonable.

Correct Answer: D

The correct answer is D. This grouping together of similar voters is called Gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is when a congressional district is drawn to distort the real proportion of voters in an area. If there is a small majority of voters in one area, it can often be divided into smaller and oddly contorted districts that give the minority a slim but valid victory.

This question can be tricky because it could be argued that A is a good answer since it could be true in some situations. Ultimately, however, D is the most correct answer. This answer has been proven repeatedly in American politics when popular candidates have won races because of their charisma rather than their policies. 

Getting this question takes an in-depth understanding of bureaucratic procedures. You must know each piece of vocab used in this question to know which answers do not fit. For example, presenting a cloture doesn’t make sense in this situation because it is not the correct time for that procedure. Conversely, filing for a discharge petition is the correct answer because it makes sense in context.

Correct Answer: A

This question is purely a vocabulary-based question. If you know all of these models, you are good to go. An important tip to remember is that the trustee model is typically contrasted with the delegate model, so if you know one, you automatically know the other! This question can be difficult because the politico model is a combination of the trustee model and the delegate model.

Free-Response Questions

A student can score up to three points on this question by addressing each prompt correctly. For part A, the student should describe a political institution, behavior, or process connected with the scenario. For part B, they should explain how political processes, government entities, or citizens’ behavior can affect the policy mentioned in part A. The final part asks the student to use course content to relate the political institutions to the scenario.

There are four possible points to reap from this section. The first is from interpreting the graphic  correctly, $8,000 to $9,999. The second part asks for any trend in the graphic. You could talk about how there is more spending in the north, or relatively less in the west, or another trend that you see. However, you must then support this assertion with evidence, which is worth two points. The final point is gained from a correct explanation of the principle of federalism as it relates to the graphic. For example, one could talk about the constitutional division of governmental powers and how it relates to public school funding.

The third question in the free-response section, worth four points, is the Supreme Court Case question. The question above focuses on Town of Greece v. Galloway (2014). The first point is acquired by finding the similar constitutional clause between these two cases. The second and third points are earned by explaining the nuances of holding differences between the two cases. You must also explain why the information is relevant. The final point is obtained by describing the interaction between the holding in the non-required Supreme Court case and a relevant political institution, behavior, or process.

The final question is the argumentative essay. The prompt above allows for many different answers. A student could choose any of the three options and, if presented well enough, earn all six available points. In order to get a perfect score, you must: present a thesis statement, support your claim with at least two relevant pieces of information (one of the two coming from foundational documents), use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim, and respond to possible refutations.

Know what to expect

After reading this article, you’ll be much more prepared for what you’ll see on the test. First, you’ll answer multiple choice questions based on charts, graphs and vocab. After that, you’ll write about Supreme Court Cases, do some data analysis, and create an argument based on a given prompt. That doesn’t sound too bad, huh! As always, consult your teacher if you have questions that were not answered in this article.

Study the vocabulary

Because the multiple choice section is so large, most of the questions can be done quickly, as long as you are able to quickly recall the vocab definitions. Make flashcards, highlight your textbook, and form study groups so that you know the difference between the Commerce clause and the Supremacy clause like the back of your hand.

You can’t start too early!

The earlier you start studying, the better you’ll feel. We’ve all had the experience of cramming for a test the night before – it’s not fun! For a test as big as the AP Government and Politics Exam, it’s best to start as early as you can so the night before you can relax and get a good night’s sleep. A rested brain is a test-ready brain!

Check out these CollegeVine resources for more help with your studying:

• Ultimate Guide to the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam
• 2021 AP Exam Schedule + Study Tips
• How to Understand and Interpret Your AP Scores
• How Long Is Each AP Exam? A Complete List

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Guide to the AP® U.S. Government and Politics Exam

Why take ap ® u.s. government and politics.

When faced with the choice of whether or not to take AP ® U.S. Government and Politics, the benefits often outweigh the costs for most students.

Maybe you’re a political junkie looking for a way to learn more about the government, or maybe you’re just really into taking AP ® tests (if you are, you’re on the perfect website).

Whether you’re considering taking the course this year for credit or if you’re just curious about the inner workings of the U.S. government, here are some good reasons to take the class.

Many colleges require students to fulfill a history or social science course before they can graduate. However, if you take the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam and attain a high score while you are in high school, you may be able to qualify for credit toward that requirement and not have to take another social sciences course in college.

A more recent argument for taking AP ® Exams, is that more colleges are going test-optional . This means that SAT ® and ACT ® scores are potentially holding less weight when it comes to college applications, and a good AP ® score could help tip the scale in your favor when it comes to college admissions.

Besides creating the opportunity to earn college credit for the work you do, AP ® Gov courses also help you to develop crucial skills, challenge you academically, and help round out your knowledge in ways you wouldn’t otherwise be able to. In addition to that, preparing for and taking the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam provides excellent practice for college-level exams you may take in the future. Still unsure? This article goes into more detail about the benefits of taking AP® U.S. Government and Politics .

How to sign up for AP ® U.S. Government and Politics

To register for the AP® U.S. Government Exam, you need to contact your school’s AP ® Coordinator, who can help facilitate your courses and exams.

Bear in mind you’ll likely need to complete requirements to be eligible to enroll in an AP ® course. In order to register for the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam, you have to join your class section online, on College Board’s My AP ® Portal . Some schools will automatically register you for the exam if you’re enrolled in an AP ® U.S. Government and Politics class, but others won’t and you will have to register online through the portal. If you are unsure whether or not you are registered for the AP® U.S. Government and Politics Exam, check with your AP ® Coordinator.

For the 2020-21 school year, College Board is waiving their cancellation fees, so if you are unsure about taking the exam, you are better off registering for it anyway, and cancelling for free if you later decide not to take the exam. There is however, still a deadline for exam registration on November 13th, 2020, so definitely make sure you register through your AP ® Coordinator by then to avoid paying any late fees.

Specific deadlines may vary by the school—always be sure to check with your teacher or AP ® Coordinator what date you need to register by in line with your school’s policies.

How much does the AP ® Exam cost?

Each AP ® Exam costs a total of $96—if you’re in the mainland United States and its territories and commonwealths, Canada, or a U.S. Department of Defense Dependents School.

If you’re outside of those areas, the AP ® Exam will cost $126 per exam.

The College Board has a financial aid program that offers a $3 fee reduction in the exam. Read more about exam fees here .

You cannot use the My AP ® Portal to pay fees – they will be collected by your AP ® coordinator.

When you take into account the cost of a college course versus the cost of the exam, though, you’ll see that the AP ® Exam is actually a bargain. With a passing score, you may be able to earn college credit and save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

When can I take the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam?

The AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam date in 2022 is Monday, May 2nd. You can find more information about dates and late-testing schedules for the 2022 AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam in our 2022 AP ® Exam Dates article.

What’s on the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam?

The AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam covers a breadth of topics surrounding the cultural, political, and social changes in U.S. history.

The AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam will test you on the subjects of “constitutionalism, liberty and order, civic participation in a representative democracy, competing policy-making interests, and methods of political analysis.” ( College Board )

To get the best score possible, you’re going to want to make sure you know what to expect when you sit down to take the test.

That’s why we want to break down exactly what’s on the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam—as well as give you a few good tips on how to study for it.

The AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam tests students on their knowledge of a wide variety of topics surrounding the United States’ governmental bodies and institutions. The course itself will go over five units covering the following topics:

• Foundations of American Democracy
• Interactions Among Branches of Government
• Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
• American Political Ideologies and Beliefs
• Political Participation

It is also important to become familiar with all of the required Supreme Court cases. They are, after all…required! In the free-response section of your AP® U.S. Government Exam, you will have to answer four essay questions. The third of these questions is a SCOTUS comparison essay, in which you will be required to compare a non-required Supreme Court case with a required Supreme Court case, so get to know each case as well as possible!

The required Supreme Court cases for the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam  in 2021 are:

Marbury v. Madison (1803) McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) Schenck v. the United States (1919) Brown v. Board of Education (1954) Engel v. Vitale (1962) Baker v. Carr (1962) Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969) New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) Roe v. Wade (1973) Shaw v. Reno (1993) United States v. Lopez (1995) McDonald v. Chicago (2010) Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

What is the test format for the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam?

Students have 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam. There is a 1 hour and 20-minute multiple-choice section, followed by a 1 hour and 40-minute free-response section. A full breakdown of each section is provided below:

There are four questions students must answer with an essay on the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam. The questions are:

• Concept Application. Students are given a political scenario and must explain the impact of a political “institution, behavior, or process.”
• Quantitative Analysis. Students are given a piece of quantitative data, and they must show how that data relates to a political process.
• SCOTUS Comparison. Students are tasked with comparing a non-required Supreme Court case with a required one and showing how they’re relevant to one another.
• Argument Essay. Students must craft an argumentative essay based on required documents and evidence.

College Board suggests that students take at least 20 minutes to answer each question during the allotted time.

How is the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam scored?

The free-response and multiple-choice sections are scored differently. The multiple-choice section is scored by a computer that scans your answer sheet and records the total number of correct responses.

It’s worth noting that incorrect answers aren’t deducted from your score. So be sure to answer every question even if you’re unsure!

The free-response section is scored during an annual event called the AP ® Reading. This occurs during the first two weeks of June. Professors and high school teachers from all over the country gather to help read and score thousands of essays from the free-response section of every AP ® test.

The AP ® Exam’s scoring system is on a scale of one to five—with five being the best and one being the worst.

Here’s a good table that breaks down the score you could get and what it means.

When it comes to the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam, you’ll want to aim for 3 or higher. Most colleges will give you college credit if you score within that range. But it does vary from school to school, so if you want to find out the score you’ll need, you should contact the school’s registrar’s office and ask for information about their AP ® credit policies. Alternatively, you can check the school’s website for more information.

NOTE: Schools sometimes change the score required for AP ® college credit. So be sure to check in with the school to make sure you have the most recent information.

What can I bring to the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam?

Below is a list of all the things you can bring with you into the exam room. Note: It’s possible that not all of the items will apply to you (e.g., the Student Accommodations Letter).

• Two No. 2 pencils with erasers. These will be used on the multiple-choice portion of the exam.
• Two black or dark blue ink pens. These will be used for the free-response questions. Be sure to bring black or dark blue ink pens only. Leave your gold glitter pens at home.
• A watch. This is a simple analog or digital watch with no internet access or alarms. Don’t even try to bring your smart watch in the room.
• The AP ® Student Pack. This is given to you just before you take your exam and contains a label that you need to place on your exam. Follow the labeling instructions carefully.
• Government- or school-issued ID. If you don’t attend the school where you’re taking the AP ®  U.S. Government and Politics Exam, you must also bring a government- or school-issued ID.
• College Board SSD Student Accommodation Letter. If you require accommodations beyond the regular exam, you’ll receive a letter that verifies this (e.g., you need a braille or large-type exam).
• Remember, you won’t have to bring all these things—but it’s in your best interest to be as prepared as you can for the exam.

Take a look at our Test Day Checklist to make sure you are 100% prepared to take your AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam when the time comes!

How do I study for AP ® U.S. Government and Politics?

Here are the best study tips for AP® U.S. Gov:

The best way to prepare for what’s on the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam is through proper study tactics. Here are a few of the best ones you should employ to make sure you get the best score possible:

Study Tip #1: Talk to someone who’s been there before

One of the best ways to learn any topic is by talking to someone who has experience taking AP ® exams—and asking them questions.

It might seem simple, but many students often ignore this step and try to learn things on their own. While it’s possible to get a good score by studying by yourself, you’re actually short changing yourself by not drawing on the experience and expertise of others.

That’s why it’s a good idea to get mentorship from someone with experience in the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam—preferably a former student who scored high on the test themselves.

Sit down with them and ask them different questions on what to expect. Some suggestions:

How did you go about studying the topics?

What was the most difficult part of the exam and course?

If you could go back, what would you change about the way you studied and the topics you looked over?

These questions will give you a wealth of insight into the exam you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Study Tip #2: Read (and re-read) as much as possible

A big portion of the exam covers the reading and interpreting of foundational documents, Supreme Court cases, and multiple data sets. That’s why it’s so important that you’re both familiar with these readings and know how to interpret them.

The best way to do that is through good old-fashioned reading.

Make sure you read through all of your course material and review it frequently. Frequent reviewing is actually one of the most crucial factors when it comes to learning and retention.

It’s scientifically proven that the more consistently you review and repeat information to yourself each day, the better you remember it. So make sure you take time out of each day to read and review your material.

Study Tip #3: Take a lot of practice tests

The best way to get better at something is by practicing.

That’s why it’s so important that you take practice tests to help you get better at the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam. Only then can you expect to get a good score—and even improve your score.

If you don’t have much experience taking practice tests, check out John Moscatiello’s Step-by-Step Guide to taking a practice test like a pro .

Study Tip #4: Find resources that work

When it comes to studying for your exam, there is no “one size fits all”. Just because your older sister studied best with flashcards doesn’t necessarily mean that flashcards are right for you. We encourage you to take some time to figure out what study methods you are most comfortable with; it could be a mixture of everything!

We know it can be overwhelming starting from scratch. If you feel stuck, we suggest downloading our free AP® U.S. Government and Politics study guide as a jumping off point and going from there.

If you’re looking for live video reviews before the AP ® Exams, we will host live AP ® review sessions on our YouTube channel . As well as live sessions, you can review content for the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam here: AP ® Gov Content Review .

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FREE AP Government Resources! 

1. the declaration of independence, 2. the articles of confederation , 3. the constitution of the united states, 4. federalist no. 10, 5. brutus no. 1, 6. federalist no. 51, 7. federalist no. 70, 8. federalist no. 78, 9. letter from a birmingham jail , final thoughts.

Published March 15, 2024

9 Foundational Documents You HAVE to Know for AP Government

High School Sophomore from West Virginia, Avid Classics Enthusiast, Marketing Intern and Blog Writer at Knowt :)

Preparing for your AP Government exam can be a daunting task, but with the right AP resources and study strategies, you can conquer it with confidence. Whether you're diving into AP test prep a few months in advance or looking for AP study guides to streamline your review sessions, understanding foundational documents is crucial. But don't worry, we're here to help! In this AP guide, we'll navigate through the 9 Foundational Documents crucial for your AP exam study guides. Each document discussed in this article has been carefully selected to enhance your understanding of U.S. history and government, making them indispensable for your AP test review.

To support your last-minute AP test prep, we've compiled essential AP resources and AP study notes. These tools are designed to help streamline your studying process, offering clear, concise, and relevant information that aligns with your AP test study guides.

The ULTIMATE AP Government Study Guide : A comprehensive review tool covering key topics and cases, perfect for anyone looking for effective AP study guides.

AP Government Flashcards : Handy for memorizing key facts, dates, and legal principles, these flashcards are an essential part of any AP resources kit.

Our Favorite YouTube channel for all things AP Gov - Heimler’s : complements online AP notes and AP study guides.

As you delve into each Foundational Document, consider using AP flashcards to remember crucial dates and outcomes. Engage with online AP notes to reinforce your understanding and participate in AP test review sessions to discuss these cases' implications. By incorporating these strategies into your AP test study guides, you'll be better prepared to tackle the AP government exam with confidence.

Remember, the key to AP test prep success is utilizing a variety of AP resources, including AP study guides, AP flashcards, and AP exam study guides. By doing so, you'll ensure a well-rounded review and a deeper understanding of the material. Good luck on your AP Government exam!

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, is a foundational document in American political history and ideology, crucial for understanding the principles underlying the United States' system of government. Crafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it articulates the colonies' reasons for separating from Great Britain, emphasizing natural rights and the concept of government by consent.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about the Declaration of Independence include the adoption year (1776), the lead author (Thomas Jefferson), and its primary concepts (natural rights, social contract, and the right of the people to overthrow an unjust government). This document is crucial for its role in establishing the philosophical basis for American democracy and the notion of sovereign power residing with the people, not a monarch.

To study the Declaration of Independence for AP Government, thoroughly read the text to grasp its arguments and the historical context of its creation. Create flashcards highlighting key phrases and principles such as "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness," "consent of the governed," and "inalienable rights." Engage in discussions about how these principles have shaped American political thought and institutions. Review the Declaration's influence on American political identity and its relevance in contemporary issues regarding rights and governance. Understanding the Declaration's impact on American government will deepen your comprehension of the country's foundational principles and their continued significance in political debates and policies.

The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1781, served as the first constitution of the United States, establishing the functions of the national government after declaring independence from Britain. This document created a confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, leaving most of the power with state governments. The lack of a strong central authority led to numerous economic and diplomatic problems, highlighting the need for a more robust federal system.

For your AP Government exam, essential facts to remember about the Articles of Confederation include the year they went into effect (1781), the main weaknesses (lack of central authority, inability to levy taxes, no executive branch, and difficulties in passing laws due to the requirement for a unanimous vote), and their significance (they represented the first attempt at a national government and underscored the challenges of federalism).

To study the Articles of Confederation, start by understanding why they were created and the context of American resistance to a strong central government stemming from colonial experiences. Create flashcards with key terms and concepts, such as "state sovereignty," "confederation," and "unanimous consent." Discuss the implications of the Articles' weaknesses on the early United States with classmates to explore different perspectives and understand the transition to the Constitution. Review how these challenges led to the Constitutional Convention and the writing of a new Constitution. Engaging with the material through diverse methods and perspectives will help you better understand the significance of the Articles of Confederation in shaping the American political system and the evolution of American government principles.

The Constitution of the United States, ratified in 1788, serves as the supreme law of the country and outlines the framework for its government. It replaced the Articles of Confederation to create a stronger federal government while balancing power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The Constitution also delineates the rights and responsibilities of the states and includes mechanisms for amendments, allowing it to evolve with the nation.

For your AP Government exam, essential facts to remember about the Constitution include the year it was ratified (1788), the structure of government it established (separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism), and the importance of the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments that guarantee individual freedoms and rights). This document is fundamental for understanding the American political system, the distribution of power, and the rights of citizens.

To study the Constitution for AP Government, begin by thoroughly reviewing each article and amendment to understand the structure and functions of the government it creates. Create flashcards with key terms and principles such as "bicameralism," "judicial review," "federalism," and "the Elastic Clause." Discuss the significance of landmark constitutional amendments and Supreme Court cases with classmates to explore their impacts on American politics and society. Review how the Constitution has been interpreted and applied in different historical contexts to grasp its flexibility and enduring relevance. Engaging deeply with the text and its implications will help you appreciate the Constitution's role in shaping American governance and legal principles.

Federalist No. 10, written by James Madison, is one of the most important and enduring pieces of political writing in American history. It addresses the problem of factions, which Madison defines as groups of citizens with interests contrary to the rights of others or the interests of the whole community. In this essay, Madison argues that a large republic is the best form of government for controlling the mischiefs of faction because it can break and control the violence of faction, making it less likely for any single group to dominate others.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about Federalist No. 10 include the author (James Madison), the main issue addressed (the dangers of factions and how to control them), and the solution proposed (a large republic to dilute the influence of any single faction). This essay is crucial for understanding the rationale behind the structure of the U.S. government and the importance of a large, diverse republic in maintaining stability and protecting individual freedoms.

To study Federalist No. 10 for AP Government, start by reading the text thoroughly to understand Madison's arguments about the nature of factions and their threats to democratic government. Create flashcards with key concepts and terms, such as "faction," "republic," and "majority tyranny." Discuss with classmates how Madison's ideas influenced the design of the American political system, particularly the importance of a large republic and the system of checks and balances. Review how the concepts in Federalist No. 10 are reflected in the Constitution and in contemporary American politics. Engaging with the essay's arguments and examining their application in modern governance will deepen your understanding of the foundational ideas behind the U.S. political system and their relevance today.

"Brutus No. 1" is a significant political essay from the anti-Federalist papers, attributed to likely being written by Robert Yates. It articulates the concerns of those opposed to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. The essay expresses worry over the vast power granted to the federal government, fearing it would lead to tyranny and the erosion of state and individual rights. Central themes include the dangers of a large republic, the necessary limitations of government powers, and the importance of a Bill of Rights to protect citizens' liberties.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about "Brutus No. 1" include its authorship (likely Robert Yates), the main issues addressed (the potential for governmental overreach and the threats to state sovereignty and individual freedoms under the proposed Constitution), and the stance of the author (opposition to the ratification of the Constitution without significant safeguards). This document is crucial for understanding the arguments against the Constitution's ratification and the concerns that led to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.

To study "Brutus No. 1" for AP Government, begin by reading the essay to grasp the core arguments presented by the anti-Federalists. Create flashcards with key concepts such as "states' rights," "federal tyranny," and "Bill of Rights." Discuss with classmates the impact of anti-Federalist thought on the formation of the U.S. political system, particularly in terms of the debates that led to the amendment process and the creation of the Bill of Rights. Review how the concerns raised in "Brutus No. 1" have been addressed in American government over time and how they continue to influence political discourse and constitutional interpretation. Engaging deeply with the text and its historical context will help you understand the balance of power and the ongoing tension between federal and state authorities in the United States.

Federalist No. 51, written by James Madison, is a foundational document in understanding the principles behind the U.S. Constitution's structure, particularly the system of checks and balances and the separation of powers. In this essay, Madison explains how the Constitution's framework is designed to prevent any one branch of government from gaining too much power. He argues that each branch should be independent and have wills of its own, but also that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about Federalist No. 51 include the author (James Madison), the main themes (the necessity of checks and balances and the separation of powers to prevent tyranny), and the significance of the essay (it provides a rationale for the structure of government laid out in the Constitution). This document is crucial for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of American governmental design and the methods by which it aims to secure political liberty and prevent abuse of power.

To study Federalist No. 51 for AP Government, begin by thoroughly reading the text to understand Madison's arguments about the importance of dividing governmental power. Create flashcards with key terms and concepts such as "checks and balances," "separation of powers," and "faction." Discuss with classmates how these principles are embodied in the Constitution and how they function in practice within the U.S. government. Review how Madison's ideas in Federalist No. 51 have been applied and interpreted in different historical and contemporary contexts. Understanding the arguments and ideas presented in Federalist No. 51 will deepen your appreciation of the complexities of American government and the foresight of the Founding Fathers in addressing the challenges of governance.

Federalist No. 70, written by Alexander Hamilton, focuses on the importance of having a single, energetic executive as opposed to a plural executive in the form of a council. Hamilton argues that a single president can respond more effectively to crises, maintain secrecy where necessary, and take decisive action. He believes that a single executive would be more accountable to the people and less likely to engage in corruption than a group of leaders, where responsibility can be obscured and action can be delayed due to disagreements.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about Federalist No. 70 include the author (Alexander Hamilton), the main issue addressed (the benefits of a single executive over a plural executive), and the significance of the essay (it provides a rationale for the presidential system established in the U.S. Constitution). This document is crucial for understanding the theoretical framework behind the American presidency and the executive branch's role in the federal government.

To study Federalist No. 70 for AP Government, begin by reading the essay to grasp Hamilton's arguments for a strong, unitary executive. Create flashcards with key terms and concepts such as "energy in the executive," "accountability," and "unity." Discuss with classmates the implications of Hamilton's ideas for modern presidential power and how these concepts have played out in historical and contemporary contexts. Review how the presidency as envisioned in Federalist No. 70 compares with the actual operation of the executive branch over time, including discussions on executive orders, presidential power, and checks and balances. Engaging with the material and understanding Hamilton's justification for a strong executive will help you appreciate the balance of power within the U.S. government and the continuing debates over the scope of presidential authority.

Federalist No. 78, authored by Alexander Hamilton, is a key document in understanding the United States' judicial branch, particularly the concept of judicial review and the importance of an independent judiciary. In this essay, Hamilton argues for the necessity of a separate judicial branch to uphold the Constitution and protect individual rights against legislative encroachments. He emphasizes that the judiciary must be independent to perform its role as the guardian of the Constitution, and introduces the idea that the courts have the duty to declare void any laws that are contrary to the Constitution.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about Federalist No. 78 include the author (Alexander Hamilton), the main themes (the need for judicial independence and the introduction of judicial review), and the essay's significance (it outlines the reasoning behind the lifetime appointment of judges and establishes the judiciary's role in the system of checks and balances). This document is crucial for understanding the foundation of the American legal system and the judiciary's function within the broader structure of government.

To study Federalist No. 78 for AP Government, start by thoroughly reading the text to understand Hamilton's justification for an independent judiciary and the concept of judicial review. Create flashcards with key terms and principles, such as "judicial independence," "judicial review," and "checks and balances." Discuss with classmates how these principles have been applied in landmark Supreme Court cases and how they affect the balance of power among the branches of government. Review how the judiciary, as envisioned by Hamilton, has evolved and impacted American democracy and governance. Understanding the arguments presented in Federalist No. 78 will deepen your comprehension of the U.S. judicial system's role and the importance of an independent judiciary in maintaining the rule of law and constitutional government.

"Letter from a Birmingham Jail," written by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963, is a seminal document in American history and civil rights literature. King wrote the letter in response to a public statement of concern and caution issued by eight white Southern religious leaders of the time. In his letter, King defends the strategy of nonviolent resistance to racism, argues against the slow approach to racial equality, and explains the moral imperative for nonviolent direct action.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" include the author (Martin Luther King Jr.), the main themes (the justification for nonviolent protest, the importance of civil disobedience to combat unjust laws, and the interconnectedness of communities), and the significance of the letter (it articulates fundamental principles of civil rights activism and moral reasoning behind the civil rights movement). This document is crucial for understanding the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of the civil rights movement and its impact on American laws and society.

To study "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" for AP Government, start by reading the text to grasp King's arguments and the historical context of the civil rights movement. Create flashcards with key concepts such as "nonviolent direct action," "unjust laws," and "civil disobedience." Discuss with classmates the implications of King's ideas for understanding the relationship between laws, morality, and civil rights. Review how the themes in the letter have influenced subsequent civil rights legislation and social movements, and how they continue to impact discussions on justice and equality in the United States. Engaging with the letter's content and context will help you appreciate its significance in American political thought and its relevance to contemporary issues surrounding civil rights and social justice.

Remember that diving into these 9 Foundational Documents is more than just a step towards acing your AP Government exam—it's a journey into the heart of American democracy itself. Each document, from the revolutionary ideals in the Declaration of Independence to the civil rights discourse in "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," offers unique insights into the principles and challenges that have shaped the United States. As you explore these texts, you're not just studying history; you're connecting with the voices and visions that continue to define our nation's path. Good luck, stay positive, and remember that your hard work and dedication are the true marks of a committed student and a responsible citizen. You've got this!

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