AP US Government and Politics · Exam guides

AP US Government and Politics Exam Guides

Free plain-language guides to the AP US Government and Politics exam: how each section is scored, worked examples with weak and strong answers, and the mistakes that cost points. Start with the overview, then open the guide for the question you want to practice.

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• AP US Government FRQ Guide: The Four Free-Response Questions Explained
  Concept application, quantitative analysis, SCOTUS comparison, and the argument essay, with points, timing, and strategy for each.

Free-response and writing

• AP Gov Concept Application FRQ Explained: How the 3 Points Are Scored
  How the three points are scored, a sample scenario with weak and strong answers, and common mistakes.
• AP Gov Quantitative Analysis FRQ Explained: How the 4 Points Are Scored
  How the four points are scored, a sample data table with weak and strong answers, and common mistakes.
• AP Gov SCOTUS Comparison FRQ Explained: How the 4 Points Are Scored
  How the four points are scored, how to study the required cases, a sample answer with Tinker v. Des Moines, and common mistakes.
• AP Gov Argument Essay Rubric Explained: How the 6 Points Are Scored
  What earns each of the 6 points, a sample prompt with Federalist No. 10 and Brutus No. 1, a 40-minute plan, and common mistakes.

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