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AP United States Government and Politics: Sample FRQs

1. Question:

The Structure of the U.S. Congress
The U.S. Congress plays a central role in the federal government, but the legislative process can often be complex and influenced by various factors. In your response, be sure to:

  • Describe the organizational structure of Congress.
  • Explain how the division of Congress into two chambers (House and Senate) affects the legislative process.
  • Discuss one advantage and one disadvantage of this bicameral structure.

Response Guidelines:

  • Organizational Structure: Describe the roles of the House of Representatives (435 members, shorter terms, more directly responsive to public opinion) and the Senate (100 members, longer terms, designed to represent states as equals).
  • Bicameral System: The division of Congress into two chambers ensures broader representation and serves as a check on hasty decisions. It also helps represent both the population (House) and states (Senate).
  • Advantages and Disadvantages: Advantages may include a more thorough review of legislation, while disadvantages could include gridlock or a more complex and time-consuming process.

2. Question:

Political Parties and Elections
Political parties play a significant role in U.S. elections. In your response, be sure to:

  • Define the role of political parties in U.S. elections.
  • Explain how political parties help organize elections and influence voter behavior.
  • Discuss how the two-party system impacts third-party candidates in the U.S.

Response Guidelines:

  • Political Parties Role: Political parties help structure electoral choices, organize campaigns, and mobilize voters.
  • Influence on Voter Behavior: Parties help communicate their platforms to voters, which can influence voting decisions.
  • Two-Party System Impact: The two-party system often makes it difficult for third-party candidates to win elections, as they face obstacles in gaining media coverage, fundraising, and achieving ballot access.

3. Question:

The Role of the Judiciary in the U.S. System
The judicial branch plays an essential role in interpreting the Constitution and laws. In your response, be sure to:

  • Explain the role of judicial review in the U.S. system of government.
  • Discuss the principle of judicial independence and why it is important.
  • Provide an example of a case in which judicial review was used to check the power of the other branches of government.

Response Guidelines:

  • Judicial Review: Judicial review is the power of the courts to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional, ensuring that the other branches do not exceed their constitutional authority.
  • Judicial Independence: The judiciary must remain free from political pressures to make impartial decisions, ensuring a fair interpretation of laws.
  • Example Case: One example is Marbury v. Madison (1803), where the Supreme Court asserted its authority to review and declare a law unconstitutional, establishing judicial review as a fundamental principle.

Grading Rubric for AP United States Government and Politics FRQs

The AP United States Government and Politics FRQs are graded on a scale of 0-6, based on how well the response meets the exam's expectations for clarity, accuracy, and application of relevant concepts. Below is an example rubric:

1. The Structure of the U.S. Congress (0-6 points)

  • 0-1 points: The response demonstrates little to no understanding of the structure of Congress and does not address the question properly.
  • 2 points: The response provides some information about Congress but lacks a detailed or accurate explanation of the bicameral system and its effects.
  • 3 points: The response adequately explains the structure of Congress and the effects of its bicameral system, but may be lacking in detail or analysis.
  • 4 points: The response clearly describes the organizational structure of Congress and provides a thoughtful explanation of how the bicameral system affects the legislative process, including both advantages and disadvantages.
  • 5 points: The response is thorough and provides clear, detailed explanations of the structure, the impact of the bicameral system, and thoughtful analysis of both the advantages and disadvantages.
  • 6 points: The response is comprehensive, demonstrating a deep understanding of the U.S. Congress, the legislative process, and bicameralism, with clear examples and detailed analysis.

2. Political Parties and Elections (0-6 points)

  • 0-1 points: The response demonstrates little understanding of the role of political parties or how they affect elections.
  • 2 points: The response describes some aspects of political parties but lacks clear explanation of their role in elections or the challenges third-party candidates face.
  • 3 points: The response defines the role of political parties and explains how they influence elections, with some mention of third-party challenges but may lack depth.
  • 4 points: The response clearly defines the role of political parties in organizing elections and influencing voter behavior, and discusses the impact of the two-party system on third-party candidates.
  • 5 points: The response provides detailed and accurate explanations of political parties' roles in elections, including a nuanced discussion of how the two-party system affects third-party candidates.
  • 6 points: The response is comprehensive, providing in-depth analysis of political parties, their influence on elections, and how the two-party system affects third-party candidates, supported by specific examples.

3. The Role of the Judiciary in the U.S. System (0-6 points)

  • 0-1 points: The response demonstrates little understanding of the judiciary's role in U.S. government or judicial review.
  • 2 points: The response briefly explains judicial review and judicial independence but lacks a clear example or a detailed analysis of their importance.
  • 3 points: The response provides a general explanation of judicial review and judicial independence, with an example of a case where judicial review was applied but lacks depth.
  • 4 points: The response accurately explains the concept of judicial review and judicial independence, providing a relevant case example.
  • 5 points: The response demonstrates a clear understanding of judicial review and judicial independence, providing a strong case example and discussing its significance in checking other branches of government.
  • 6 points: The response is comprehensive, thoroughly explaining judicial review and judicial independence, with a detailed, well-chosen case example, and discussing its importance in protecting constitutional checks and balances.

Sample Grading Breakdown (for one FRQ)

  • The Structure of the U.S. Congress: 5 points
  • Political Parties and Elections: 6 points
  • The Role of the Judiciary in the U.S. System: 6 points
  • Total: 17 points (for all three FRQs combined)

These sample FRQs assess core concepts in AP United States Government and Politics, including the structure of Congress, the role of political parties, and the role of the judiciary. Let me know if you need more questions or further clarification!