AP US Government and Politics · Exam guide

AP Gov Concept Application FRQ Explained: How the 3 Points Are Scored

Concept application is the first free-response question. You read a short scenario about a real political situation and answer three labeled parts worth one point each. The question tests whether you can use a political concept to explain what is happening, not whether you can recite a definition. Plan on about 20 minutes.

How the three points are scored

Part	Points	What earns it
(a) describe	1	Describe the institution, behavior, or process named in the prompt, in terms drawn from the scenario rather than a textbook definition offered in isolation.
(b) explain	1	Explain how the institution, behavior, or process relates to the scenario, making the connection explicit instead of restating the scenario.
(c) explain	1	Explain how a second institution, behavior, or process interacts with or constrains the first in this scenario, with the causal link stated.
Total	3

What describe and explain ask for

Task word	What it asks for
Describe	Give specific details about what something was like, such as features, parts, or characteristics.
Explain	Give the reasoning. Say how or why, using "because", "which led to", or "as a result". An example alone does not earn the point.

A sample question, answered

A bill to expand funding for rural broadband has the support of a majority of senators. When the Senate majority leader tries to bring it to the floor, a group of senators begins a filibuster and the bill stalls. (a) Describe the Senate procedure illustrated in the scenario. (b) Explain how this procedure affects the bill's chances of passing the Senate. (c) Explain one way supporters of the bill could respond so that the funding can pass.

Part (a): earns the pointThe senators are using a filibuster, extended debate that delays or blocks a vote on the broadband bill. It can be ended only by a cloture vote of 60 senators.

Part (b): does not earn the pointThe filibuster makes it harder to pass bills.

It is true but general. It does not connect the procedure to this bill or say how or why the bill is affected.

Part (b): earns the pointBecause ending the filibuster requires 60 votes, 41 senators can keep the broadband bill from reaching a vote even though a majority supports it, so the bill will die unless supporters win over enough opponents.

It states the rule, applies it to the scenario's numbers, and states the consequence.

Part (c): earns the pointSupporters could rewrite the funding as part of a budget reconciliation bill, which needs only a simple majority in the Senate and cannot be filibustered, although only provisions that affect spending or revenue qualify.

A method that works

Underline the institution or process each part names, and note whether the task word is describe or explain.
Use the scenario's own details, such as the bill, the body, and the number of votes, in every answer.
For explain parts, write a "because" or "which means" sentence that links cause and effect.
Keep each part to two or three sentences. A longer answer is not worth more points.

Common mistakes

Defining the concept in general and never mentioning the scenario.
Restating the scenario for part (b) instead of explaining how the concept applies.
Giving an example in part (c) with no explanation of how it interacts with the first institution.

Frequently asked questions

How many points is concept application worth?

Three points, one for each of parts (a), (b), and (c). It is worth 12.5 percent of your exam score.

How long should my answers be?

Two or three specific sentences per part is usually enough. Extra sentences do not earn extra points.

Can I use outside examples?

Yes, when they help explain, but the answer should stay tied to the scenario. An example without the connection earns little.

What if I do not know the concept?

Describe what the scenario shows in your own words and connect it to the closest institution or process you know. Do not leave a part blank.

How much time should I spend?

About 20 minutes, which leaves time to check that each part is labeled and answered.

Keep practicing

The AP US Government course has five practice prompts of each of the four free-response types, with writing spaces that score your response against the official rubric for that type, and every unit review ends with two free-response questions and a model answer. These free lessons also build the skills the free-response section tests:

See the AP US Government and Politics course Free lessons and lesson list

Other free-response guides:

AP is a registered trademark of the College Board, which is not affiliated with and does not endorse this site. This guide is our own explanation of the question types and scoring. For the official scoring guidelines, see the College Board.