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The Ultimate Guide to Acing the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam

By Eric Eng

The Ultimate Guide to Acing the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam

Ready to dive into the fascinating world of U.S. government and politics? Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a budding lawmaker, or just someone curious about how this whole democracy thing works, we’ve got your back! In this blog, we’re spilling the beans on how to ace the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam.

There is no need for fancy words or confusing jargon here – we’re breaking it down in plain and simple terms. So, grab your favorite study snack, kick back, and get ready to conquer the AP exam like a champ!

What is the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam?

The AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam is an Advanced Placement exam offered by the College Board that tests students’ understanding of the political concepts covered in the course units, including their ability to analyze foundational documents and apply Supreme Court decisions to real-life scenarios.

What is on the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam?

The AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam covers various topics related to the U.S. political system. It is designed to test your understanding of the principles, institutions, and processes that shape American government and politics.

The exam consists of two sections:

• Multiple-Choice Questions: This section tests your knowledge of key concepts, institutions, and U.S. government and political policies.
• Free-Response Questions: This section requires you to apply your knowledge and skills to answer questions based on real-world scenarios, analyze data, and write coherent responses.

When you sit for the exam, you can expect to encounter a variety of questions that assess your knowledge and analytical skills in the following areas:

Constitutional Underpinnings of U.S. Government

This section explores the origins and foundations of American government. It delves into the principles and ideas that influenced the creation of the U.S. Constitution, such as federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and individual rights. You will be asked to analyze primary source documents, such as the Constitution and the Federalist Papers, to understand the historical context and significance of these principles.

Political Beliefs and Behaviors

This section examines the factors that shape the political attitudes and behaviors of individuals and groups in the United States. You will explore topics such as political socialization, public opinion, political ideology, and the role of the media in shaping public perception. You may be asked to analyze data from public opinion polls, study the impact of demographic factors on voting patterns, or evaluate the influence of interest groups on policy outcomes.

Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media

In this section, you will study the role and function of political parties, interest groups, and the mass media in the American political system. You will analyze the strategies and tactics employed by political parties to mobilize voters and win elections. Additionally, you will examine the influence of interest groups in shaping public policy and the role of the media in disseminating political information and shaping public opinion.

Institutions of National Government

This section focuses on the three branches of the federal government: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. You will study the powers and responsibilities of each branch, as well as the checks and balances that exist between them. You may be asked to analyze Supreme Court cases, understand the role of Congress in the legislative process, or evaluate the powers of the presidency.

Public Policy

This section explores the policy-making process in the United States. You will study how policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated at the federal level. You may be asked to analyze case studies or evaluate the effectiveness of specific policies in addressing societal issues, such as healthcare, education, or the environment.

Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

This section examines the protection of individual rights and liberties in the United States. You will study landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped the interpretation of the Bill of Rights, such as Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade. You may be asked to analyze the impact of these decisions on society or evaluate the tension between individual rights and public order.

Overall, the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam is designed to assess your understanding of the complexities and nuances of the American political system. It requires thinking critically, analyzing primary and secondary sources, and applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios. By mastering the content and skills covered on the exam, you will gain a deeper understanding of the foundations and workings of the U.S. government and politics.

Format of the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam

How long is the ap u.s. government & politics exam.

The AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates students’ understanding of the principles, institutions, and processes of the U.S. government and political system. The exam is designed to test students’ knowledge and analytical skills in this subject area.

The exam is divided into two sections, each with its own time limit:

• Section 1: Multiple-Choice Questions – In this section, students are required to answer 55 multiple-choice questions within 80 minutes. These questions cover a wide range of topics, including the Constitution, political parties, interest groups, public opinion, and the branches of government. Students must carefully read each question and select the most appropriate answer from the given options.
• Section 2: Free-Response Questions – The second section of the exam consists of 4 free-response questions that must be completed within 100 minutes. These questions assess students’ ability to apply their knowledge of U.S. government and politics to real-world scenarios. Students are expected to analyze political concepts, interpret data, and construct well-reasoned arguments in their responses.

It is essential for students to manage their time effectively during the exam to ensure that they have enough time to complete both sections. Time management is crucial to allocate sufficient time to read and understand each question, formulate thoughtful responses, and review their answers before submitting the exam.

Let’s discuss these sections further in length:

Multiple-Choice Section

The multiple-choice section of the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam consists of 55 questions covering various topics related to the political landscape in the United States. The topics covered in the multiple-choice section include :

• Foundations of American Democracy: The historical and philosophical ideas underpinning the U.S. Constitution, and the compromises and conflicts that have continued to this day.
• Interactions Among Branches of Government: The distribution of power, and the checks and balances that keep each branch under control.
• Civil Liberties and Civil Rights : The freedoms and protections granted through the Constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment, and the balance between liberty and social order.
• American Political Ideologies and Beliefs: The values and ideas held by both individuals and groups, the factors that influence these beliefs, and the impact of these ideologies on political outcomes.
• Political Participation: The role of citizens in the political process, including voting, campaigning, and engaging with political issues.
• Political Parties: The organization, goals, and strategies of political parties, as well as their impact on the political landscape.

The multiple-choice section is divided into two categories:

• Individual questions (no stimulus): Approximately 30 questions
• Set-based questions: Approximately 25 questions

The set-based questions cover the analysis of quantitative material, text-based primary and secondary sources, and qualitative visual information.

Tackling the Multiple-Choice Section

To tackle the multiple-choice section of the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam, several strategies can be helpful. Here are some tips:

• Read the entire question: Read each question thoroughly before reviewing answer options. This will help you understand what the question is asking and prevent you from jumping to conclusions.
• Answer it in your mind first: After reading a question, answer it before reviewing the answer options. This will help you avoid talking yourself out of the correct answer.
• Eliminate wrong answers: Eliminate answer options that you are sure are incorrect before selecting the answer you think is correct. This will increase your chances of selecting the right answer.
• Monitor your time: You will have 80 minutes to complete 55 multiple-choice questions, so keeping track of your time and pacing yourself accordingly is essential.
• Focus on key topics: The multiple-choice questions cover various topics, but units 1, 2, and 5 comprise most of the content. Focus on these units when reviewing for the exam.
• Practice: Practice with sample questions and exams to get a feel for the questions that will be asked and to build your confidence.

Remember that the multiple-choice section is worth 50% of your exam score, so it is vital to approach it with a clear strategy and a solid understanding of the course material.

Free-Response Section

The free-response section of the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam consists of four questions, each of which is worth 12.5% of the total score . The questions cover various topics and require students to demonstrate their understanding of political concepts and ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios .  The types of questions in the free-response section include:

• Concept Application: Students are given a political scenario and must explain the impact of a political “institution, behavior, or process” .
• Quantitative Analysis: This question type requires students to analyze and interpret data related to political concepts and processes .
• SCOTUS Comparison: Students are asked to compare and contrast a Supreme Court case with a current political issue or situation .
• Argument Essay: This question type requires students to construct a well-reasoned argument about a specific political topic or issue .

The free-response section lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes, accounting for 50% of the total AP Gov score, with each question worth 3-6 raw points . To excel in this section, students should practice writing essays that effectively address the prompts and demonstrate a deep understanding of the course material.

Tackling the Free-Response Section

To tackle the free-response section of the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam, consider the following strategies:

• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely. For example, in the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam, you have 60 minutes for the free-response questions, with 10 minutes for reading and planning. This leaves 50 minutes to answer one long question and two short questions .
• Partial Credit: Even if you are unsure of the complete answer, attempt to provide a response for each part of the free-response questions. Partial credit may be awarded for demonstrating some understanding of the concepts .
• Consistency: Remain consistent in your approach. If you encounter difficulty with one part of a free-response question, move on to the next part and maintain a consistent effort throughout the section .
• Connect Text to Self: In the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam, students can use personal experiences to connect to the text, which can help them gain insights about the texts and culture. This strategy can be applied to other free-response questions as well .
• Practice with Past Questions: Utilize past free-response questions from the College Board website to practice and refine your test-taking abilities. This will familiarize you with the format and questions you may encounter on the exam .

Here are some samples from previous exams so you’d know what to expect:

Preparing for the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam involves not only studying the content but also practicing time management and familiarizing oneself with the exam format. By understanding the structure of the exam and developing effective strategies, students can approach the exam confidently and maximize their chances of success.

AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam Scoring Breakdown

The AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam is an assessment that measures students’ understanding of the principles, institutions, and processes of the United States government and political system. This exam plays a crucial role in determining a student’s proficiency in the subject and can potentially earn them college credit.

When scoring the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam, it is essential to understand how the exam is evaluated. The exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score achievable. This scoring system allows colleges and universities to assess a student’s level of mastery in the subject.

The exam has two sections: a multiple-choice section and a free-response section. The scoring breakdown for each section is as follows:

• 50% of the exam score
• Takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete
• Takes 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete

It is crucial for students to perform well in both sections of the exam to maximize their chances of receiving a high score. By thoroughly preparing for the multiple-choice questions and practicing the skills necessary for the free-response section, students can showcase their understanding of U.S. government and politics and increase their likelihood of earning a favorable score.

Scoring well on the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam not only demonstrates a student’s proficiency in the subject but can also lead to various benefits. A high score may result in earning college credit, which can save both time and money by allowing students to bypass introductory courses in college. Additionally, a strong score can enhance a student’s college applications and potentially open doors to scholarships and other academic opportunities.

Therefore, it is crucial for students to approach the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam with dedication, thorough preparation, and a solid understanding of the scoring breakdown. By doing so, students can confidently navigate the exam and increase their chances of achieving a desirable score.

Topics Covered in the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam

The AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam covers a variety of topics that are essential to understanding the U.S. political system. These topics delve into the intricate workings of the American government and provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s political landscape.

The College Board’s AP U.S. Government and Politics framework, as detailed in the Course and Exam Description (CED), highlights specific skills for students to hone over the academic year. These skills are designed to immerse students in the mindset and methodologies of political scientists, fostering their ability to think critically and engage actively in the field.

It is essential to have a solid understanding of these topics and their significance to perform well on the exam. Mastery of these concepts will prepare students for success on the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam and equip them with a deeper understanding of the American political system and their role as engaged citizens.

Why is the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam important?

The AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam is an important assessment tool that can greatly impact your academic and career path. A high score on the exam can help with:

• Acing the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam can earn you college credit. Many colleges and universities recognize high scores on AP exams as equivalent to completing introductory-level courses, allowing you to advance in your academic journey.
• Successfully navigating the exam showcases your ability to handle college-level coursework. It demonstrates skills in critical thinking, analysis, and understanding complex political concepts – all valuable in higher education.
• High scores on AP exams, including U.S. Government & Politics, can enhance your college applications. Admissions officers appreciate students who challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, and AP exams provide tangible evidence of such efforts.
• The exam delves deep into the U.S. government’s structures, processes, and principles. By preparing for and taking the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam, you gain a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape, fostering informed citizenship.
• Studying for this exam encourages civic engagement by promoting awareness of government functions, political processes, and the importance of active participation in a democratic society. It equips students to become informed and responsible citizens.
• The exam is designed to assess your knowledge of facts and your analytical and reasoning skills. This emphasis on critical thinking is crucial for success in higher education and future careers.
• The rigor of the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam mirrors the demands of college-level coursework. Taking and succeeding in AP courses helps you adjust to the academic expectations of higher education.
• A strong performance in the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam can lay a solid foundation and demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject for students considering majors or careers in political science, law, public policy, or related fields.
• Engaging with the material and preparing for the exam fosters a love for learning about the political landscape. This commitment to lifelong learning is an essential trait for success in any field.
• Global Perspectives:
• Understanding the U.S. government’s structure and functions contributes to a broader understanding of global politics. It equips students to analyze the role of the United States on the international stage.

How hard is the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam?

The difficulty level of the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam can vary depending on individual strengths and weaknesses. However, with proper preparation and study habits, the exam is manageable. It is important to start preparing early and develop a study plan that works best for you.

What factors affect the difficulty of the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam?

Several factors can influence the difficulty of the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam, including:

• The exam covers a broad and complex range of content, including government structures, political ideologies, and the functioning of political institutions. The depth and breadth of this content can pose a challenge for some students.
• Success in the exam is not solely dependent on rote memorization; it demands a deep understanding of concepts and the ability to analyze political scenarios critically. Students are expected to apply their knowledge to real-world situations, requiring a higher level of thinking.
• The exam assesses how well students can grasp the interconnectedness of political concepts. Understanding how different branches of government, political ideologies, and public policies interact requires a holistic comprehension of the subject.
• The exam includes various question formats, such as multiple-choice, free-response, and document-based questions. This diversity demands adaptability in test-taking skills and the ability to navigate different types of assessments.
• Historical context is crucial in understanding the U.S. government’s and political institutions’ evolution. Students must integrate historical knowledge with contemporary issues, requiring a multifaceted understanding of the subject.
• Free-response questions often require students to write essays or responses that demand solid analytical writing skills. This includes constructing clear arguments, providing evidence, and articulating well-reasoned conclusions.
• Staying informed about current political events is essential for success on the exam. Questions may reference recent developments, and students are expected to connect their knowledge to ongoing political realities.
• The availability of resources, the quality of teaching, and the depth of coverage in the classroom can impact a student’s preparedness. Schools with robust AP programs and experienced teachers may provide a more supportive learning environment.
• A student’s level of interest and engagement with the subject matter can significantly affect their ability to grasp and retain complex political concepts. Genuine interest often correlates with increased effort and success in learning.
• The effectiveness of a student’s preparation strategies, including study habits, review techniques, and practice exams, plays a vital role. Well-organized and consistent preparation tends to yield better results.
• Students with prior exposure to political science concepts through coursework or personal interest may find certain aspects of the exam less challenging. However, the exam is designed to be accessible to students without formal prior knowledge.
• Time Management Skills:
• The time constraints of the exam can be challenging. Effective time management during the test is critical, especially considering the need to answer various question types within a limited timeframe.

Who should take the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam?

The AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam is well-suited for various students interested in understanding the complexities of the United States government and political processes. Here are the individuals who might find value in taking the exam:

• Those with a genuine interest in political science, government structures, and the functioning of political institutions.
• Students planning to major in political science or related fields in college can benefit from the foundational knowledge provided by the exam.
• Individuals with aspirations for careers in government, public service, or politics, seeking a solid understanding of the U.S. political system.
• Students considering law school may find the exam beneficial as it provides insights into the legal and constitutional foundations of the U.S. government.
• Those passionate about civic engagement and understanding how government decisions impact society.
• Generally, high school seniors who have completed or are currently enrolled in an AP U.S. Government & Politics course wish to challenge themselves academically.
• Individuals who enjoy staying informed about current political events and wish to deepen their understanding of the historical and constitutional context.
• Students preparing for college who want to demonstrate their academic rigor and commitment to challenging coursework on their college applications .
• Those who enjoy social studies want to expand their knowledge of U.S. government structures beyond basic civics.
• Individuals who enjoy critical thinking, analysis, and discussing political issues in depth.
• Students interested in American history, as the exam often contextualizes political developments within a historical framework.
• Anyone curious about how the U.S. government operates, the roles of different branches, and the impact of political decisions.
• Those exploring potential academic interests and wanting exposure to political science before entering college.
• Aspiring policy analysts or individuals interested in understanding the formulation and impact of public policies.
• Those Seeking College Credit:
• Students looking to earn college credit by demonstrating proficiency in U.S. government and politics.

Do colleges care about the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam?

Yes! Colleges often care about the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam, and performance on the exam can impact college admissions in several ways:

• Taking and succeeding in AP courses, including U.S. Government & Politics, demonstrates a commitment to academic rigor. Colleges appreciate students who challenge themselves with advanced coursework.
• A high AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam score may allow students to earn college credit. This can allow them to advance in their college curriculum, potentially saving time and money.
• Including successful completion of AP courses and exams in college applications strengthens a student’s academic profile. It showcases a willingness to engage with challenging material and succeed in a college-level environment.
• Some high schools factor AP course grades into a weighted GPA, allowing students to boost their GPA and demonstrate their ability to excel in more challenging courses.
• Success on the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam signals to colleges that a student is prepared for the demands of college-level coursework. It can serve as an indicator of a student’s readiness for the academic challenges of higher education.
• For students considering majors in political science, law, public policy, or related fields, performing well on the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam demonstrates a genuine interest and foundational knowledge.
• Some colleges have specific course requirements for certain majors or programs. Earning credit through AP exams can help fulfill these requirements, allowing students to dive into more advanced coursework sooner.
• In the competitive landscape of college admissions, excelling in AP courses and exams can provide a competitive edge. It distinguishes students who seek out and thrive in challenging academic environments.
• Some scholarships consider academic achievements, including success in AP courses and exams, as part of their criteria. A solid academic record can enhance a student’s eligibility for various scholarship opportunities.
• Preparation for Future Studies:
• For students considering majors or careers that involve a strong understanding of political structures, law, or public policy, success in the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam can lay a solid foundation for future studies.

It’s important to note that while success on the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam can positively impact college admissions, it is one of many factors considered during the admissions process.

Colleges typically review a holistic set of criteria, including GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. Each college may weigh these factors differently in its admissions decisions.

How to register for the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam

To register for the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam, follow these steps:

• Typically, students take an AP U.S. Government & Politics course at their high school. Speak with your school counselor or AP coordinator to confirm enrollment in the corresponding AP class.
• Your AP teacher or coordinator will provide you with a join code for your class. This code is essential for accessing AP resources and registering for the exam.
• Go to the College Board’s AP website , create a new account, or log in to your existing one. This account will be used to register for the exam and access your scores.
• Once logged in, access the AP Classroom using the join code provided by your teacher. AP Classroom is an online platform that offers resources and information about your AP class.
• In AP Classroom, review the AP Bulletin for Students and Parents. This document provides essential information about exam policies, dates, and what to bring on exam day.
• Your AP teacher or coordinator will guide you through registering for the exam. This may involve completing certain tasks on the AP Classroom platform.
• Exam fees vary, and some schools cover part or all of the costs. Your school will provide information about the fees and the payment process. If applicable, submit the required fees by the deadline.
• Your exam schedule, including the date and time of your AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam, will be provided by your school. Make sure to mark the date on your calendar.
• Review the AP Exam Day policies in the AP Bulletin as the exam date approaches. Ensure you know what to bring, what not to bring, and other important details.
• If you have been approved for accommodations due to a documented disability, confirm with your school that these accommodations will be provided on exam day.
• Many schools offer review sessions or additional support leading up to the exam. Take advantage of these opportunities to reinforce your understanding of the material.
• On the exam day, arrive at the designated location on time. Follow all your school’s exam day instructions, and do your best on the test.

Remember that the specific process may vary slightly from school to school, so it’s crucial to communicate with your AP teacher or coordinator for detailed information about the registration process at your school. Additionally, stay informed about deadlines and any updates regarding exam administration.

How to study for the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam

Studying for the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam requires a strategic and comprehensive approach to cover the broad range of content and develop the analytical skills needed for success. Here’s a guide to help you prepare effectively:

• . Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with the exam format, including the types of questions (multiple-choice, free-response, and document-based questions), time constraints, and scoring guidelines. This understanding will guide your study plan.
• Create a Study Schedule: Develop a study schedule that spans the entire preparation period. Allocate specific times for different topics, and be realistic about your study habits. Consistency is key.
• Review Course Materials: Go through your class notes, textbooks, and any additional materials provided by your teacher. Ensure you have a solid grasp of key concepts, historical events, and the structure of the U.S. government.
• Use Review Books and Resources: Invest in a reputable AP U.S. Government & Politics review book. These resources often provide concise summaries, practice questions, and test-taking strategies. Online platforms like Khan Academy and College Board’s AP Classroom are also valuable.
• Practice with Past Exams: Work through past AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam papers to familiarize yourself with the question formats and time constraints. Analyze your responses using scoring guidelines to identify areas for improvement.
• Create Concept Maps and Diagrams: Visual aids can help reinforce complex concepts. Create concept maps, diagrams, and charts to illustrate relationships between different branches of government, political ideologies, and historical events.
• Form Study Groups: Collaborate with classmates to discuss concepts, share insights, and quiz each other. Explaining concepts to others can enhance your understanding, and group discussions can provide different perspectives.
• Use Flashcards for Key Terms: Create flashcards for essential terms, definitions, and key concepts. Review these regularly to reinforce your memory and quicken recall during the exam.
• Watch Educational Videos: Supplement your reading with educational videos. Platforms like YouTube offer content explaining government processes, historical events, and political theories in an engaging format.
• Stay Informed About Current Events: The exam often includes questions related to current events. Stay updated on political news and analyze how recent developments may connect to broader political concepts.
• Practice Writing Essays: Work on your essay-writing skills by practicing free-response questions. Pay attention to crafting clear, concise, and well-organized responses. Practice under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment.
• Review Supreme Court Cases: Familiarize yourself with landmark Supreme Court cases and their implications. Understand the legal reasoning behind decisions and how they have influenced the U.S. government and society.
• Utilize Online Resources: Explore online resources such as podcasts, blogs, and interactive simulations that cover U.S. government and politics. These can provide additional perspectives and insights.
• Seek Help When Needed: If you encounter challenges with specific topics, don’t hesitate to seek help from your teacher, classmates, or online resources. Understanding foundational concepts is crucial for success.
• Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize self-care, especially as the exam date approaches. Ensure you get adequate sleep, eat well, and manage stress. A healthy mind and body contribute to effective studying.
• Review and Adjust Your Plan: Regularly review your study plan and assess your progress. Adjust your approach based on areas that need more attention. Be flexible and adaptive in your preparation.

The day of the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam can be nerve-wracking, but with these tips, you can approach the exam with confidence:

• Get a good night’s sleep: Make sure you are well-rested the night before the exam to ensure optimal focus and concentration.
• Eat a balanced meal: Fuel your brain with a nutritious meal before the exam to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
• Arrive early: Give yourself ample time to travel to the exam location and avoid any unnecessary stress.
• Read the instructions carefully: Before diving into the exam, thoroughly read the instructions for each section to understand what is expected of you.
• Manage your time: Keep an eye on the time during the exam to ensure you have enough time to complete all sections. Pace yourself accordingly.
• Stay positive and confident: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Remember that you have put in the effort to prepare for this exam.

When is the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam in 2024?

For a complete list of the 2024 AP Exam dates, here’s a full list:

When do AP scores come out?

AP scores are typically released in early to mid-July of the year the exams were taken. The exact release date may vary slightly from year to year, but students who took their AP exams in May can generally expect their scores to become available.

You can check for updates on the College Board’s official AP scores website if you are waiting for your AP scores. They will also email you when your scores are added to your score report. If you haven’t received your scores by mid-August, contacting AP Services for Students is recommended for assistance.

Post-exam tips

Once the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam is over, there are a few things you can do to reflect on your performance and make the most of your experience:

• Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses: Identify areas where you performed well and areas where you can improve. This can guide your future studies and help you focus on necessary skills.
• Seek feedback: Talk to your teacher about your performance and ask for feedback on your essays. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses can inform your future studies in U.S. government and politics.
• Celebrate your hard work: Regardless of the outcome, acknowledge the effort you put into preparing for the exam. Treat yourself to something enjoyable as a reward for your dedication.
• Continue learning: Use the knowledge you gained from studying for the exam as a foundation for further exploration of the U.S. government and politics. Engage in current events and consider taking advanced courses in the subject.

And there you have it, rockstars! You’ve just unlocked the secrets to owning the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam. From understanding the branches of government to answering those tricky essay questions, you’re armed with the knowledge to shine on exam day.

Remember, it’s not just about memorizing facts; it’s about seeing the big picture. So, take a deep breath, believe in yourself, and march into that exam room with confidence. You’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to showcase your brilliance.

Whether you’re dreaming of a future in politics or just curious about the ins and outs of Uncle Sam’s world, this journey has been about more than just passing a test. It’s about becoming an informed citizen ready to tackle the challenges of our ever-changing world.

So go on, give yourself a high-five, take a well-deserved break, and know that you’re stepping into that exam room as a superhero of U.S. Government & Politics. Best of luck, and remember – you’re destined for greatness!

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By following this ultimate guide, you can approach the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam with confidence and maximize your chances of success. Remember to be diligent in your preparation, manage your time effectively during the exam, and maintain a positive mindset throughout the process. Good luck!

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How To Answer the AP® United States Government And Politics Free Response Questions (FRQs)

The AP® U.S. Government and Politics exam consists of two sections: Section I: multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and Section II: free-response questions (FRQs). In this guide, we will look at the FRQ section of the exam.

We will start by examining the format of the writing section of the AP U.S. Gov exam, giving you tips to score well on the FRQs. In the following sections, we have also included a few examples of AP U.S. Gov FRQ writing prompts that have been used on past exams. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to confidently prepare for the FRQ portion of the AP U.S. Gov exam.

Format of the AP U.S. Government FRQ section

Section II consists of four FRQs you need to answer in 100 minutes (1 hour and 40 minutes) and is worth 50% of your overall exam score (1 FRQ is worth 12.5%). Each FRQ in this section tests you on specific practices and skills you’re expected to master by the end of AP U.S. Gov.

Remember to plan your time wisely when practicing for the FRQ section. You’ll need time to read and understand what the question is asking, analyze the information given, then provide your answer with evidence, as-needed. It's important to create a plan for each FRQ that allows for enough time to read the question, plan your response, write it down, and then review it.

The table below describes each type of FRQ and what is required in each response. To make time management easier for you, we’ve also included the approximate time you should allot for planning, writing, and reviewing each FRQ.

How to Answer AP U.S. Government and Politics Free-Response Questions

Here are some general tips for how to answer AP Gov FRQs:

Start with the prompt that seems easiest

Starting with the easiest question can boost your confidence on the exam. Quantitative Analysis is the easiest for some students because it does not require them to read documents to answer the question. The Concept Application is easier for other students because it is less complex. Many students choose to answer the Argument FRQ last because it is the only one that requires an essay format.

Use evidence from the stimulus to support your interpretation

To score well on the FRQs, ensure you include paraphrased references to evidence from the stimulus materials. Focus on specific words and details that support what you have to say. For the Concept Application and SCOTUS comparison FRQs, refer to details from the provided scenario and Supreme Court case, respectively. For the Quantitative Analysis, identify specific data points and/or trends. Lastly, incorporate specific evidence from a foundational document and your course knowledge for the argument essay. For each FRQ, explain how the evidence supports your response

You do not need to earn every point to score well

Each FRQ is worth multiple points. Simpler tasks, like identifying, earn points, just as more complex tasks, like refuting opposing claims, earn points. Even if you have difficulty completing a FRQ, you can score well by completing as many parts as possible.

Don’t worry too much about making spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes

The scorers understand that you are writing under a time limit and that your FRQ is more like a rough draft. If you make a mistake or change your mind, simply draw a line through the mistake and keep going.

AP United States Government and Politics FRQ examples

Here are some examples of AP U.S. Gov FRQs from past exams to give you an idea of the kinds of questions you’ll see on the test. These questions come directly from the College Board Course site, an excellent source of course materials. Each tab explains one type of FRQ with an example and discusses the key points you need to consider while approaching them.

For FRQ 1, you will be given a brief account of a real-life scenario. You will demonstrate your understanding of the scenario by describing some aspects in the context of a course concept. You will then demonstrate a more expansive understanding of the course concept by explaining it further and applying it in a hypothetical situation.

FRQ Example 1

In April of 2018, Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of the social media company Facebook, was called to testify before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation about, among other things, a data leak that led to 87 million Facebook users’ private information being sold without their consent.

Senators questioned Zuckerberg about whether Facebook could adequately regulate itself and protect personal information or whether Congress should intervene. Zuckerberg defended the company, emphasizing its mission to better connect the world. In response, Zuckerberg stated, “My position is not that there should be no regulation. I think the real question, as the Internet becomes more important in people’s lives, is what is the right regulation, not whether there should be or not.”

After reading the scenario, respond to A, B, and C below.

• A) Referencing the scenario, describe the enumerated power in Article I of the Constitution that gives Congress the authority to regulate a business like the one above.
• B) Explain how the two-chamber structure of the legislature affects the ability of Congress to exercise the power described in Part A.
• C) If Congress decides to regulate how social media companies gather and use the data of their users, explain how these companies could use the political process to ensure that the new regulation does not negatively affect them.

Source : College Board

For FRQ 2, you will be given relatively current data to interpret. You will be asked to draw conclusions based on patterns or trends you identify in the data and then apply your interpretation of the data in the context of a course concept.

FRQ Example 2

Use the bar graphs to answer the following questions.

• A) Identify the president who had the highest percentage of women and racial/ethnic minorities serving in the Cabinet
• B) Describe a pattern in the percentage of racial and ethnic minorities serving in Cabinet positions.
• C) Draw a conclusion about the political parties and the diversity of Cabinet appointments as shown in the bar graphs.
• D) Explain how interest groups can influence presidential Cabinet appointments as shown in the bar graphs.

For FRQ 3, you will be given a description of a non-required Supreme Court case. The description includes relevant case background information along with some details about the Court’s holding. First, you will identify and describe a course-relevant similarity or difference between the non-required case and a specified required SCOTUS case. Then you will explain the similarity or difference in terms of how it is applied in both cases—this is essentially an exercise in comparing/contrasting. Finally, you will apply a relevant aspect of the non-required case in the context of an essential course concept.

FRQ Example 3

This question requires you to compare a Supreme Court case you studied in class with one you have not studied in class. A summary of the Supreme Court case you did not study in class is presented below and provides all of the information you need to know about this case to answer the prompt.

McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission (2013)

Alabama businessman Shaun McCutcheon contributed $33,088 to sixteen different candidates running for federal office in 2012. His donations exceeded the aggregate (total) campaign finance limit established by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002. This law limited the total amount of political contributions that an individual could make in a given two-year election period to federal candidates, federal political action committees, and political parties.

In the subsequent case, McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission (2013), the Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that limits on the amount of political contributions established by the BCRA are unconstitutional. The Court held that contributing money to a candidate is an exercise of an individual’s right to participate in the electoral process…. A restriction on how many candidates and committees an individual may support is hardly a modest restraint on those rights. The government may no more restrict how many candidates or causes a donor may support than it may tell a newspaper how many candidates it may endorse.”

• A) Identify the civil liberty that is common in both Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) and McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission (2013).
• B) Explain how the decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission relates to the reasoning in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission.
• C) Explain how the decision in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission can be used to support the participatory, pluralist, or elite model of democracy.

FRQ 4 is the only FRQ that you must write as an essay, with its successive parts flowing in a logically coherent order. For FRQ 4, you will be given a contextual statement that frames the main issue or topic of your argument, and then you will assert and defend a definitive stance on the topic. Defending your stance requires two pieces of evidence: one must come from a foundational document out of the three options you are given, and the other can come from a different foundational document (even if it’s not one of the listed options) or from a course concept. You must establish a line of reasoning by explaining how your evidence supports your stance, and then you must respond to an opposing or alternate stance you provide.

FRQ Example 4

Environmental regulation is a complex policy area that involves both the states and the federal government. Develop an argument that takes a position on whether the federal government should be primarily responsible for managing environmental policy or if it should be the responsibility of the states.

Use at least one piece of evidence from one of the following foundational documents:

• The Federalist 10
• The Preamble of the United States Constitution

In your response, you should do the following:

• Respond to the prompt with a defensible claim or thesis that establishes a line of reasoning.
• One piece of evidence must come from one of the foundational documents listed above.
• A second piece of evidence can come from any other foundational document not used as your first piece of evidence, or it may be from your knowledge of course concepts.
• Use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim or thesis.
• Respond to an opposing or alternate perspective using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.

How can I practice AP United States Government and Politics free-response questions?

Practicing AP U.S. Gov FRQs is important before the exam, which is usually scheduled on the first day of every AP testing cycle. The more you practice, the more you understand the expectations required to perform well on the FRQs. The College Board site has past-released exams that you can use for AP U.S. Gov FRQ practice with scoring guidelines, student samples, and scoring distributions. Students who understand how to score according to the scoring guidelines tend to perform better on the FRQ portion of the AP exam. To understand how to use the scoring guidelines with your own work, try using them to score a pre-graded student sample, then see if your score matches the one it was actually given. If your score does not match, ask your teacher for support with understanding the scoring guidelines better.

Using an online prep that tests your content knowledge is also a great way to increase your understanding of content and perform better on both sections of the AP Gov exam. UWorld’s AP U.S. Gov question bank can help you learn and review materials effortlessly, so you retain more of what you learn! For each question, there is a mini-lesson that provides content you are expected to understand for the AP exam. Each question has explanations for the correct answer choice, rationales for the wrong answer choice, and a summary of the most important content you need to remember for the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the ap u.s. gov frq graded.

Section II is graded by high school AP U.S. Gov teachers and college professors who teach intro-level government and politics courses. The College Board provides rubrics that tell scorers what a response must contain in order to earn a point. FRQs are graded on the quality of their ideas and not on the accuracy of grammar, punctuation, or spelling. Handwriting is not factored into the score, and there are specially designated readers available to help read and score essays with challenging handwriting.

How long is the FRQ section on the AP United States Government and Politics exam?

Where can i find released frqs from past ap u.s. gov exams.

You can find released past exam FRQs on the College Board AP website for AP U.S. Gov .

• (2023). AP United States Government and Politics . College Board. Retrieved November 22, 2023, from https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-united-states-government-and-politics
• (2023, Fall). AP United States Government and Politics Course and Exam Description . College Board. Retrieved November 22, 2023, from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-us-government-and-politics-course-and-exam-description.pdf

Read More About the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam

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AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam Tips

The following strategies for answering the free-response questions will help you on exam day.

• Answering essay questions generally requires a good deal of training and practice. Students too often begin to write immediately, which can create a string of disconnected, poorly planned thoughts. You should approach questions methodically and plan your answers before putting pencil to paper.
• Carefully analyze the question, thinking through what is being asked, and identify the elements that must be addressed in the response. Each AP Exam asks different types of questions about each subject. For example, some questions may require you to consider the similarities between people or events, and then to think of the ways they are different. Others may ask you to develop an argument with examples in support of or opposing a particular movement or policy. Be sure to carefully craft your answer in response to what is actually being asked in the question prompt.
• After you have determined what is involved in answering the question, consider what evidence you can incorporate into your response. Review the evidence you learned during the year that relates to the question and then decide how it fits into the analysis. Does it demonstrate a similarity or a difference? Does it argue for or against a generalization that is being addressed?
• Whenever you offer evidence to illustrate contrast or similarity, clearly state your intent. Then, with additional information or analysis, elaborate on the ways in which these pieces of evidence are similar or different. If there is evidence that refutes a statement, explain why it argues against the statement. Your answer should reflect an understanding of the subtleties of the questions.
• Begin writing only after you have thought through the evidence you plan to use and have determined what your thesis statement will be. Once you have done this, you will be in a position to answer the question analytically instead of in a rambling narrative.
• Learn how to present your thesis statement: make your overarching statement or argument and then position your supporting evidence so that it is obviously directed to answering the question, as opposed to being a string of abstract generalizations. State your points as clearly as possible and explicitly connect them to the larger thesis. Do not leave it to the reader to infer what is meant or how something illustrates a point.
• If you have done the analytical work required prior to writing, you should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of the question. You should state your thesis, introduce the elements that support the thesis, and demonstrate the logic that led you to link the elements in support of the thesis. By applying these ideas you will construct an excellent essay.
• While essay writing in general is a valuable exercise, you may wish to work specifically on free-response questions from previous AP Exams. This will allow you to compare your own responses with those that have already been scored and evaluated. Free-response questions are available through the AP Program in numerous formats. Fnd sample essays for U.S. Government and Politics on the Past Exam Questions page at AP Central.

Pay close attention to the task verbs in the question. Each one directs you to complete a specific type of response. Here are the task verbs you’ll see on the exam:

• 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.

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

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The AP U.S. Government and Politics exam, more commonly referred to as simply the AP U.S. Government exam (or AP Gov Exam), is one of the harder exams to pass and earn a 5 on. Whether you’ve taken the AP U.S. Government course or decided to self-study for the exam, we’ve put together our expert advice and compiled some of the best resources to help you study.

When is the AP AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam?

The AP U.S. Government exam is the first AP exam offered in 2020, taking place Monday, May 4, at 8 am. For more information on AP test times, along with advice on registering, study tips, and more, check out our blog post 2020 AP Exam Schedule: Everything You Need to Know .

About the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam

The AP U.S. Government exam measures your understanding of American political culture—in particular, your knowledge of key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. You’ll explore these topics through five disciplinary practices: 

• Concept Application: The application of political concepts to scenarios in context. 
• SCOTUS Comparison: Understand how Supreme Court cases relate to one another.
• Data Analysis: Analyze and interpret data represented in charts, graphs, etc. 
• Source Analysis: Read, analyze, and interpret documents.
• Argumentation: Develop a strong argument and present it clearly in an essay.

In addition to the disciplinary practices, students will explore five big ideas that serve as the foundation of the AP U.S. Government course, using them to make connections between concepts throughout the course. The five big ideas are: 

1. Constitutionalism: The system of checks and balances—based on law and majority rule and minority rights—between the branches of government and allocation of power between federal and state governments.

2. Liberty and Order: The effects different interpretations of the U.S. constitution have on the laws and policies balancing order and liberty.

3. Civic Participation in Representative Democracy: Considerations such as popular sovereignty, individualism, and republicanism and their effect on U.S. laws and policy. 

4. Competition Policy-Making Decisions: Interaction between multiple actors and institutions to produce and implement potential policies. 

5. Methods of Political Analysis: The methods political scientists use to measure U.S. political behavior, attitudes, ideologies, and institutions over time. 

You can check out the College Board website for more information about the exam. 

AP U.S. Government and Politics Course Content

The AP U.S Government course is organized into five units. Below is the sequence of the units suggested by the College Board, along with the percentage each unit accounts for on the multiple-choice section of the AP U.S. Government exam.  

AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam Content

The AP U.S. Government exam lasts three hours and is divided into two sections, multiple choice and free response. 

Section 1: Multiple Choice 

1 hour 20 minutes | 55 questions | 50% of score

There are two types of questions in the multiple-choice section—there are about 30 individual questions (with no stimulus) and about 25 questions grouped in sets of two to four questions that respond to the same stimulus. You’ll encounter three different types of questions within the sets:

Section 2: Free Response 

1 hour 40 minutes | 4 questions | 50% of score

The second section of the AP U.S. Government exam contains four free response questions. Students receive 20 minutes to answer the first three free response questions and get 40 minutes to answer the final question. Each question is worth 12.5% of your total score. The four free response questions each test a unique skill. 

Concept Application: You’re provided with a political scenario and are tasked with explaining the effects of a political institution, behavior, or process.

Quantitative Analysis: You’re given quantitative data represented in a table, graph, map, or infographic. You’ll need to identify a trend, pattern, or draw a conclusion and explain its relation to a political principle, institution, process, policy, or behavior. 

SCOTUS Comparison: You’re given a non-required Supreme Court case and must compare it with a required Supreme Court Case—explaining how the required case is relevant to the non-required one. 

Argumentation: Develop an argument in essay form using evidence from required foundational documents and course concepts. 

AP U.S. Government Score Distribution, Average Score, and Passing Rate

According to the College Board , 12.9% of students who took the exam in 2019 earned a 5, and 12.4% of students earned a 4. Overall, 55.1% of students who took the AP U.S. Government exam received a “passing” score of 3 or higher. The AP Gov exam is known as one of the harder exams to pass and get a 5 in.

For more information about what the AP U.S. Government course is like, check out the course description from the College board website .

Best Ways to Study for the AP U.S. Government Exam

Step 1: assess your skills.

You should start studying for the AP U.S. Government exam by taking a practice test to assess your current knowledge. The practice test from the College Board offers an excellent starting point. Score your own multiple-choice section and free response, and then ask a teacher or friend to score your free response as well—then, average the two scores since this area is subjective. After you’ve taken your practice test, you can better identify the areas in which you need to improve.

Step 2: Study the Theory

Ask the Experts: There are many helpful study guides in this area, including the Princeton Review’s Cracking the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam 2020, Premium Edition —this offers a very good guide to the exam, although some people criticize it for having too much information. You should think of this study guide as a textbook, rather than a resource to help you cram the night before the test. Barron’s AP U.S. Government and Politics: With 2 Practice Tests has a fantastic reputation as the go-to resource for long-term studying. 

Find Online Assistance: There are also many online study resources. Some AP teachers post complete study guides or hand out review sheets and test questions as preparation for the exam. You can check out these study guides from mrfarshtey.net and quizlet for more review.

Study on-the-go with an app: Apps are also a convenient way to study for AP exams. Just be sure to read the reviews before you purchase one, as you don’t want to end up spending money on an application that isn’t actually effective! Two highly regarded AP U.S. Government and Politics study apps are AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam Prep by Brainscape and AP U.S. Government: Practice Tests and Flashcards by Varsity Tutors.

Step 3: Practice Multiple-Choice Questions

After you’ve determined what your strengths and weaknesses are and have reviewed the theory, you should practice the multiple-choice questions. There are many practice multiple-choice questions available in study guides and online. You’ll also find numerous multiple-choice questions to practice answering in the College Board’s practice tests— 2018 , 2013 , 2012 , 2009 , and 2005 .

Be sure to focus on understanding what each question is asking, and keep a running list of any concepts that are still unfamiliar to you.

Step 4: Practice Free Response Questions

Next, practice the free response questions. Be sure to pay attention to task verbs in questions (words like “describe,” “define,” “discuss,” “explain,” “compare/contrast,” “evaluate/assess,” and “analyze”). Make sure that you understand what each question is asking you to do, and allow this to guide you when answering the free response questions.

You should also be extra careful when answering questions that have multiple parts. Underline each section of the question and check them off as you write—students often lose points by forgetting to include a given part of a multipart question.

When you’re working through the free response questions, use task verbs in your answer. If you are asked to “give a specific example,” start that part of your answer with “One specific example of this is…”

It’s helpful to review free response questions along with scoring and commentary to better understand where students often go wrong or how they might lose points on this section of the exam. The College Board’s website provides the free response questions used on the AP U.S. Government exam dating back to 1999, along with commentary and scoring distributions. 

Step 5: Take Another Practice Exam

After you’ve taken a formative assessment, studied the theory, practiced the multiple-choice section, and worked on your free response writing skills, take another practice exam. Score it the same way as before, and repeat the studying process, making sure to target the areas that are still weak.

Step 6: Exam Day

If you’re taking the AP course associated with this exam, your teacher will walk you through how to register. If you’re self-studying, check out our blog post How to Self-Register for AP Exams .

For information about what to bring to the exam, see our post What Should I Bring to My AP Exam (And What Should I Definitely Leave at Home)?

CollegeVine can’t solve the mystery of how well you’ll score on the AP U.S. Government exam, but we can take the guesswork out of college admissions. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account to start using our chancing engine today to discover your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges and universities.

Looking for more information on AP exams and courses? If so, check out these other excellent posts: 

2020 AP Exam Schedule

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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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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

AP® US Government

How to answer ap® us government free response questions.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

Mastering the free response section can make or break any student’s AP® US Government and Politics score. If you’re looking for the best tips and tricks for answering AP® US GoPo free response questions, you’ve come to the right place. 

In this article, we’ll review tips for writing top-mark AP® US Government and Politics FRQs, mistakes that students make one too many times on past AP® GoPo exams, and how to use past AP® free response questions to start practicing for your upcoming exam. 

Keep reading to get everything you need to know when it comes to making the most of your AP® US Government and Politics exam review. 

What We Review

5 Steps on How to Write Effective AP® US Government and Politics Free Responses

Here, we’ll review a five-step strategy for you to start writing AP® US GoPo free response answers that will score you maximum possible points. 

1. Commit to learning what gets you points on the AP® US Government and Politics exam by reviewing past rubrics and scoring guidelines.

A common mistake students make when it comes to preparing for their AP® GoPo exam is failing to understand how they’re being graded. The first step to solving this is going to the College Board’s AP® Central website and navigating to the past released exams for US Government. 

Here is the link for AP® US Government and Politics past released exams

Open up the scoring guidelines PDF. These guidelines outline how points were distributed on that particular year’s exams. 

Here’s a screenshot from the first question of the 2019 released exam: 

Source: College Board

From this, you can see that this short answer question in 2019 was worth three points, with one point being allocated to each part. There are certain directive words to keep an eye on when reviewing AP® US Government and Politics free response questions, but we’ll get into that later.

For now, just make sure you review at least two years worth of released exam scoring guidelines so you begin to understand how questions and parts of questions are weighted. 

2. Underline or circle every bolded and capitalized word in the question prompt.

Alright, so now that we know how points are generally distributed, we need to build the habit of having a system for ensuring we actually answer the question asked by the College Board when we start our AP® US Government and Politics free response section.

AP® US Government and Politics isn’t as “nice” as AP® Biology free response questions in that they don’t always bold key directive words for you to know what is being asked.

That being said, it’s not hard to circle or underline for yourself the key thing you are being asked to answer. 

There are three “key phrases” to commit to memory when it comes to AP® US Government and Politics free response questions: 

That’s it. If you look at the last few years worth of released exam questions, these are the most commonly used directive words for the short answer question section of the AP® US Government and Politics free response section. 

If you aren’t sure what the three of these words are asking you for, keep reading.

When the exam asks you to describe something, you need to tell them about what they’re asking. This doesn’t mean you need to explain the “why” — it just means you need to talk about what the topic is and the characteristics of the topic being asked.

When you’re asked to explain something, this is where you need to show the “why”. You need to be able to give 3-5 sentences with an example in most cases to earn credit for these questions.

Finally, when asked to identify something, you need to simply indicate that you know what the topic is related to — no need for explanation or elaboration as you might when asked to describe or explain. 

One of our best test taking tips we can give you is to make a tick mark or star next to the words you have circled or underlined after you’ve answered it in your free response. This serves as a visual checklist for you to make sure you answered all parts of the question. 

Trust us! It’s easy to forget to answer one small part of an FRQ, and that can make all the difference in your free response score. 

Aside from the three directive words above, other commonly used ones for AP® GoPo include:

• Define : Similar to identify — show that you know what the topic is but there is no need to elaborate further than what’s asked.
• Compare : Provide a description of the similarities and/or differences of the topics presented.
• Develop an Argument : State a claim and support it with evidence.
• Draw a Conclusion : Make an accurate statement from what has been presented. 

3. Plan your response BEFORE beginning to write your response. 

One of the most commonly cited mistakes students make on the AP® GoPo free response section is not actually answering the question in a thoughtful way. 

The College Board uses the free response section to test your ability to connect the dots with what you’ve learned in class. You need to demonstrate skills such as considering evidence to incorporate and how that fits into your analysis. 

This means plan out your response before you begin writing! 

Take a second before putting your pen down to start writing to think through how you’ll answer the “why” based questions. 

Think deeply about what the question is actually asking you — sometimes students answer questions without actually…answering the question.

Readers often express that student misconceptions come from having a poorly planned response or simply restating the question without adding any direct response to the question they were asked. 

4. Remember that AP® US Government and Politics free responses are not like other subjects — treat them differently than you may in AP® English Language. 

When it comes to the short answer questions in AP® GoPo, you do not need to write an essay to score max points. There is no need for an introduction, thesis, or conclusion on these questions.

When it comes to the argumentative essay, it’s not necessarily a cookie-cutter five paragraph essay either. 

The argumentative essay’s scoring depends on each proceeding section building on the prior. On every question 4, the College Board states exactly what you need to score maximum possible points. 

You need: 

• To articulate a defensible claim or thesis that responds to the prompt and establishes a line of reasoning.
• Typically one will be from a foundational document while the other will be any other foundational document you learned in class
• Use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim or thesis
• Respond to an opposing or alternative perspective using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.

What this means is that as long as you cover all the points outlined above clearly, you can score a perfect score on the argumentative essay! 

When it comes to preparing for the argumentative essay, one of the best things you can do is make sure you are fully comfortable with all 9 foundational documents and 15 Supreme Court cases. 

The required foundational documents to know are: 

• The Declaration of Independence
• The Articles of Confederation
• The Constitution of the United States
• Federalist No. 10
• Brutus No. 1
• Federalist No. 51
• Federalist No. 70
• Federalist No. 78
• Letters from a Birmingham Jail

Kelsey Falkowski has a nice 15-minute review video of these foundational documents here .

The required Supreme Court cases are:

• Marbury v. Madison (1803)
• McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
• Schenck v. United States (1919)
• Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)
• Baker v. Carr (1961)
• Engel v. Vitale (1962)
• Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
• Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)
• New York Times Company 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)

Adam Norris has a great 11-minute review video on these fifteen cases here .

Typically when it comes to the final component, we like using rebuttals more than concessions or refutations. The reason why is because when you make a concession or refutation on a claim you made earlier in your essay, it can potentially come across as a weakening of your thesis if you are not able to position it properly. 

The last thing to remember here is to make sure you “close the loop”. This is a test taking strategy the College Board promotes across multiple disciplines and with good reason — it challenges a student to demonstrate they can form a coherent argument. Closing the loop in AP® US Government can mean using words like “because” or “therefore” to help bridge two concepts together and solve for the “why” this matters. 

5. Practice, practice, and did we say practice?

When you reduce AP® free response sections down to their core, regardless of subject domain, mastering them comes down to two things: knowing how you’re going to be graded, and learning how to craft responses that fit those rubrics. 

Sometimes students do the first part well but fail to practice enough at doing the second part, and vice versa. 

When you first start out, we recommend trying a set of past released questions and then having a friend grade your responses with the scoring guidelines. See how you would do without any intentional prep. Then, learn from your mistakes, log your mistakes in a study journal, and begin intentionally tackling other years one by one.

After a few times of doing this, you’ll begin building your intuition to craft a perfect-score response for your AP® US Government and Politics free responses.

25 AP® US Government and Politics FRQ Tips to Scoring a 4 or 5

Now that we’ve gone over the 5-step process to writing good AP® GoPo free responses, we can shift gears to tackle some test taking tips and tricks to maximizing your FRQ scores. 

We recommend you review these several weeks, and then days before your exam to keep them top of mind. 

• Know which SAQ you’re weakest at. There are always three core question types: concept application, quantitative analysis, and SCOTUS comparison. If you’re weak at one, make sure you’ve reviewed all the past released exams for that particular SAQ. 
• Make sure you review how issues or ideology can drive partnership on specific issues. 
• Focus on applying the political concepts and processes you learned in class to scenarios in context. This is one of the most common mistakes for the SAQs. 
• One of the easiest ways to bridge two concepts is to use words like “because” or “therefore” and then proceed to answer the “why this matters”. 
• Focus on what is right instead of what is wrong in your response. These free response questions are often graded based on what’s right more so than what’s wrong (which is different from another subject like AP® Biology).
• If you’re not 100% sure about a supporting statement, add a second supporting statement on the topic as backup. 
• If you’re offering specificity, make sure to be explicit on what the intent of you introducing that in your response is. For example, if something is being presented to rebuttal something else, explain why or how it does so. 
• When it comes to data analysis, you need to make sure you are comfortable interpreting data and applying data to demonstrate how it interacts with the political process. 
• In the past, students have not been able to analyze and apply data to course content — they make mistakes in connecting how policy relates to respective parties in the political process. 
• When practicing data analysis, it’s important to look at a variety of different types of graphs and focus on identifying the similarities and differences within a set of complex data. 
• Data analysis is not just reading graphs, but also reading charts and tables. Don’t just think because you got one question reading a graph correctly that you’re good to go for your quantitative analysis SAQ. 
• One of the easiest ways to bolster your data analysis skills is by reviewing sources such as the Gallup National Polls or Pew Research findings. 
• When it comes to SCOTUS comparison, students often fail to effectively compare the two cases — they do a fine job of recalling the required case, but struggle to connect the required case to the non-required case. 
• Remember that the SCOTUS comparison SAQ is typically not going to ask you to discuss the rulings of the required case, but rather the facts of the cases and how it applies to the non-required case. 
• Keep an eye out for when you’re asked for the clause from an amendment or the Constitution. This means there will only be one right answer. 
• Know the difference between reasoning of a case, the decision, opinions of the case, as well as the cold hard facts. Make flashcards or use Quizlet to help here. 
• When you’re asked to compare facts, it means you need to review the facts of both cases, not just one. Even if the facts for the non-required case are included in the prompt, you need to include it in your response for points. 
• When it comes to the argumentative essay, students typically fail to explain why the evidence they bring up supports their thesis.
• The second area students struggle is in responding to an alternative perspective (refutation, concession, or rebuttal).
• X is your counterargument or counterpoint
• ABC are your strongest supporting points for your argument.
• And Y is your argument. 
• Know your foundational documents cold. Sometimes students mix up these documents. There are four different Federalists to know!
• When looking to get the reasoning point, make sure to explain why the evidence you’re procuring supports your thesis. Don’t just restate your thesis or state the evidence without connecting the two. 
• When seeking your perspective point (for refutation, concession, or rebuttal), make sure to state the alternative point of view, but also respond to it. Both of these parts are needed.
• Work with a friend through at least three years of AP® GoPo FRQs. Then swap with each other and go through the scoring guidelines together to get consistent exposure to the rubrics. 
• By your last two weeks before the exam, you should have clearly identified your 3-5 biggest weaknesses when it comes to FRQs. Devote at least 70% of your time to these areas and the remaining time on general review. 

Wrapping Things Up: How to Write AP® US Government and Politics FRQs

Wow! We’ve gone over a ton of things in this AP® US Government and Politics review guide. At this point, you should have everything you need to get started in preparing for your GoPo FRQs. 

To summarize, here are a few things to remember: 

• Great AP® US Government and Politics free response scores are only made when you know how you’re being graded. Learn the rubrics. 
• Have a consistent system for responding to each question. We recommend circling or underlining what you’re being asked, and then adding a tick or star next to the word in the prompt when you’ve answered it.
• Know the facts of your foundational documents and required Supreme Court cases cold. Students have missed points in the past by mixing up one with another. 
• Practice working with multiple types of data for the quantitative analysis SAQ: this means reviewing charts, graphs, and tables. Focus on being able to interpret the data presented to political concepts or processes. 
• Review commonly tested AP® US Government and Politics topics. Review the curriculum and exam description to see the percentage breakdown of different units. Unit 2 on Interactions Among Branches of Government is a very important one to know as it makes up 25-36% of the exam. 
• Make sure your thesis includes a clear line of reasoning. Remember the model: Although X, ABC, therefore Y.
• Always “close the loop”. Use words such as “because” or “therefore” to bridge two concepts together and solve for the “why” this matters. 

We hope you’ve found this exhaustive guide helpful for your AP® US Government and Politics exam review. 

If you’re looking for more free response questions or multiple choice questions, check out our website! Albert has hundreds of original standards-aligned practice questions for you with detailed explanations to help you learn by doing.

If you found this post helpful, you may also like our AP® US Government tips here or our AP® US GoPo score calculator here .

We also have an AP® US Government review guide here .

Interested in a school license?​

2 thoughts on “how to answer ap® us government free response questions”.

On the list of required supreme court cases, you guys listed Schneck v United States with the wrong year.

Great catch, Johnny! We’ve updated the list to include the correct date (1919).

Comments are closed.

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Dear students of r/APStudents that have taken AP government, I am self studying AP government with resources BARON's AP U.S government and politics, and Khan Academy. So far the studying is fine, I think I took good notes and understood the topics well so far. So far, I have learned until Big Idea 1, foundations of democracy(?). Any tips and tricks, parts you found hard, study habits everyone used to get that big fat 5 is accepted!!

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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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How to Approach the AP U.S. History Long Essay Question

The second part of Section II of the AP US History exam contains three long essay questions—you must respond to one. The long essay question assesses your ability to apply knowledge of history in a complex, analytical manner. In other words, you are expected to treat history and historical questions as a historian would. This process is called historiography—the skills and strategies historians use to analyze and interpret historical evidence to reach a conclusion. Thus, when writing an effective essay, you must be able to write a strong, clearly developed thesis and supply a substantial amount of relevant evidence to support your thesis and develop a complex argument.

The College Board’s characteristics of a high-scoring long essay question response are listed below. Note that the requirements are very similar to those of the DBQ ; the primary difference is that any requirements related to use of the documents are removed from the scoring requirements for the long essay question.

• Thesis: Make a thesis or claim that responds to the prompt. The thesis or claim must be historically defensible and establish a line of reasoning.
• Context: Provide context relevant to the prompt by describing a broader historical development or process.
• Evidence: Use specific and relevant examples as evidence to support an argument in response to the prompt.
• Historical Skill: Use a historical reasoning skill (causation, comparison, or continuity and change) to develop an argument in response to the prompt.
• Complex Understanding: Demonstrate a complex understanding of an argument that responds to the prompt by using evidence to corroborate, qualify, or modify the argument.

AP U.S. History Long Essay Strategy

Consider the following special strategies for the long essay question. Scoring requirements are highlighted in bold.

Step 1: Analyze the Prompt

• Each long essay question will ask you to “evaluate the extent” of some factor in American history. Since you are evaluating, you will need to develop an argument that addresses the prompt. Make sure to read all three prompts carefully. Think of the evidence you could use and the argument you could develop in response to each one, then choose the question you feel most confident about.
• Begin crafting your thesis statement. You must have a thesis that makes a claim and introduces the reasoning of your argument. It is not enough to merely restate the question as your thesis; you must take a position. Don’t be afraid of making a strong claim; just be sure you can provide relevant evidence to support your assertion. Your thesis may also outline the categories of analysis, or the major points, you will use in your essay.
• Part of developing your thesis should be considering how your essay’s argument will demonstrate a complex understanding, perhaps by analyzing multiple variables, by considering both changes and continuities, or by making an insightful connection to another time period.

Step 2: Plan Your Response

• Making a careful plan can help you make sure you address all the scoring requirements.
• Paraphrase your thesis statement. Knowing your claim will make it easier for you to plan an effective argument in your essay. In light of the documents, you must make a claim and/or demonstrate a line of reasoning that responds to the prompt. Avoid statements that are vague or general (“The Vietnam War was very significant”) and make a claim that responds to the prompt, uses both the documents and your historical knowledge, and sets up the rest of your essay (“The Vietnam War impacted Americans’ perceptions of the U.S. role in international politics, the power of the federal government, and the status of young people, influencing legal and social changes in American society”).
• Be sure your thesis or overall plan incorporates a complex understanding . You need to demonstrate that you have more than just a basic understanding of the content, so your thesis or overall essay should address complexity in the historical development—perhaps by including multiple variables, by considering both causes and effects, or by making an insightful connection to another time period. See below for a complete list of ways to demonstrate complex understanding.
• Make a note about how you will provide context for the topic of the prompt. This may fit well in the introduction or first body paragraph.
• List the documents you will use as evidence —remember that you must use six or seven to earn the maximum number of points for using the documents.
• Consider whether the paragraph is a good place to provide additional evidence —you must include one additional historical example.
• Think about when it would be beneficial to explain sourcing , or how a document’s context or situation is relevant to the argument—you must do so for three documents.
• Finally, review your plan and check off each requirement in your test booklet to ensure you addressed all six.

Step 3: Action! Write Your Response

• Nothing is more important in the first paragraph than the clear statement of an analytical thesis. The reader is most interested in seeing a strong thesis as soon as possible.
• Your thesis can be more than just one sentence. With the compound questions often asked by the DBQ, two sentences might be needed to complete the idea.
• Refer to the authors of the documents, not just the document numbers.
• A good idea is to write a concluding paragraph that might extend your original thesis. Think of a way to restate your thesis, adding information from your analysis of the documents.

Step 4: Proofread

• Skim for any glaring errors and, if you have time, check again to make sure your response meets each of the DBQ requirements.

AP Expert Note

Be prepared to demonstrate complex understanding The AP exam asks you to analyze sources and develop arguments in a sophisticated way. Demonstrating your complex understanding of the topic at hand is crucial to your success, and here are some ways you can do so.

• Analyze multiple variables
• Employ a complex historical reasoning skill by explaining both similarities and differences, both continuity and change, both causes and effects, or multiple causes
• Explain relevant connections to other regions or other time periods
• Corroborate perspectives across multiple course themes (such as environment, cultural developments, governance, economic systems, social organization, and technology)
• Qualify an argument using other evidence or views

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Japan’s first-ever megaquake advisory brings worry and confusion. What does it mean?

Japan issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory” last week after a powerful earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of the country’s southern main island of Kyushu. Though the magnitude 7.1 quake caused no deaths or severe damage, the subsequent advisory caused public unease about when the next big one will hit.

A beach is deserted after swimming was prohibited as the megaquake advisory was issued in Nichinan, Miyazaki prefecture, southern Japan, on Aug. 9, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

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Stone lanterns fall at a shrine following a strong earthquake in Nichinan, Miyazaki prefecture, southern Japan, on Aug. 9, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

A person checks emergency kit sold at a shop following a strong earthquake in Shibushi, Kagoshima prefecture, southern Japan, on Aug. 9, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

University of Tokyo seismologist Naoshi Hirata, left, a member of an expert panel, speaks during a press conference on the possible Nankai Trough earthquake, at Japan Meteorological Agency in Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

TOKYO (AP) — Japan, one of the most earthquake-prone nations on earth, issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory” last week after a powerful quake struck off the southeastern coast of the southern main island of Kyushu.

The magnitude 7.1 quake caused no deaths or severe damage, but the advisory has led to widespread confusion and a lingering sense of worry — in a country well accustomed to regular quakes — about when the next big one will hit.

The Associated Press explains what the advisory means, what people are being told to do, and what could happen if a massive quake hits Japan.

What is a megaquake advisory?

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the advisory after concluding that the magnitude 7.1 quake that struck on Aug. 8 on the western edge of the Nankai Trough increased the likelihood of a stronger one.

There is a 70-80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 quake associated with the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years, and the probability is now “higher than normal” after the latest quake, the JMA says.

But that is not a prediction that a megaquake will happen at any specific time or location, says University of Tokyo seismologist Naoshi Hirata, who heads the JMA’s experts panel. He urged people to remain cautious and prepared.

What is the Nankai Trough?

The Nankai Trough is an undersea trench that runs from Hyuganada, in the waters just off the southeastern coast of Kyushu, to Suruga Bay in central Japan. It spans about 800 kilometers (500 miles) along the Pacific coast.

The Philippine Sea Plate there slowly pulls down on the Eurasian Plate and causes it to occasionally snap back, an action that could lead to a megaquake and tsunami, JMA says.

The last Nankai Trough quake off Shikoku in 1946 recorded a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 and killed more than 1,300 people.

How damaging can a megaquake be?

In 2013, a government disaster prevention team said a magnitude 9.1 Nankai Trough quake could generate a tsunami exceeding 10 meters (33 feet) within minutes, killing as many as 323,000 people, destroying more than 2 million buildings and causing economic damage of more than 220 trillion yen ($1.5 trillion) to large swaths of Japan’s Pacific coast.

What is the government doing to prepare?

As a result of the “megaquake advisory,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida canceled his planned Aug. 9-12 trip to Central Asia and announced he would lead the government response and ensure preventive measures and communication with the public.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency instructed 707 municipalities seen as at risk from a Nankai Trough quake to review their response measures and evacuation plans.

Experts and officials have urged people to stay calm and carry on their daily social and economic activities while also securing emergency food and water and discussing evacuation plans with family members.

In a reassuring note on Monday, JMA experts said they have so far found no abnormal seismic or tectonic activity that would indicate a megaquake.

How are people reacting?

The “megaquake advisory,” which is filled with scientific jargon, has worried and baffled people across the country. Some towns closed beaches and canceled annual events, which has led to challenges for travelers during Japan’s Obon holiday week, a time for festivals and fireworks across the nation.

Many people have put off planned trips and rushed to stock up on rice, dried noodles, canned food, bottled water, portable toilets and other emergency goods, leaving shelves empty at many supermarkets in western Japan and Tokyo, even though the capital is outside the at-risk area.

The Summit supermarket chain said microwavable rice is in short supply and the store is limiting purchases to one pack per customer.

Yoshiko Kudo and her husband Shinya said they had trouble understanding what exactly the advisory meant, how worried they should be and what they should do.

“We are trying not to go overboard. Too much worry is not good,” Yoshiko Kudo said.

“We don’t know how to be prepared and to still live normally like the experts tell us,” said Shinya Kudo, a caregiver in his 60s.

Yoneko Oshima, walking by a major train station in Tokyo, said: “It’s scary ... They say there’s a (70-80%) chance in the next 30 years, but it could be tomorrow.” Her latest purchase is a portable toilet. She says water is indispensable for her diabetic husband, who needs to take medicine after every meal.

“I plan to take this opportunity to make a list and make sure we have everything at hand,” Oshima said. She hasn’t changed her holiday plans this week, but her daughter canceled a planned trip to Mount Fuji.

In Matsuyama city on the island of Shikoku, which has many hot springs, hotels and resorts reviewed their evacuation procedures and emergency equipment and launched a radio communication system for emergency use. They have received hundreds of cancellations since the advisory was issued, said Hideki Ochi, director of the Dogo Onsen Ryokan Association.

Rail companies serving the region said their trains are operating at slightly reduced speeds as a precaution.

A crisis management task force in the coastal town of Kuroshio in Kochi prefecture, where a tsunami as high as 34 meters (111 feet) was predicted in the government risk analysis, initially set up 30 shelters across town. But only two are still open following Monday’s JMA statement that there has been no indication of an impending megaquake.

Higashi Osaka urged residents on the town website not to engage in “unnecessary and non-urgent” travel in case of a major quake.

The popular seaside town of Shirahama in Wakayama prefecture said its four outdoor hot springs, parks and other facilities would be closed for a week. Saturday’s annual fireworks festival was also canceled.

Suman Naishadham, Associated Press Suman Naishadham, Associated Press

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How states dependent on the Colorado River are struggling to strike a long-term agreement

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government is expected to announce water cuts soon that would affect some of the 40 million people reliant on the Colorado River, the powerhouse of the U.S. West. The Interior Department announces water availability for the coming year months in advance so Western cities, farmers and others can plan.

Behind the scenes, however, more elusive plans are being hashed out: how the basin will share water from the diminishing 1,450-mile (2,334-kilometer) river after 2026, when many current guidelines that govern it expire.

WATCH: Tipping Point: Colorado River Reckoning- A PBS News Special

The Colorado River supplies water to seven Western states, more than two dozen Native American tribes, and two states in Mexico. It also irrigates millions of acres of farmland in the American West and generates hydropower used across the region. Years of overuse combined with rising temperatures and drought have meant less water flows in the Colorado today than in decades past.

That’s made the fraught politics of water in the West particularly deadlocked at times. Here’s what you need to know about the negotiations surrounding the river.

What are states discussing?

Plans for how to distribute the Colorado River’s water after 2026. A series of overlapping agreements, court decisions and contracts determine how the river is shared, some of which expire at the end of 2025.

In 2007, following years of drought, the seven U.S. states in the basin — Arizona, Nevada, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming — and the federal government adopted rules to better respond to lower water levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell. Those are the river’s two main reservoirs that transfer and store Colorado River water, produce hydropower and serve as barometers of its health.

The 2007 rules determine when some states face water cuts based on levels at Lake Mead. That’s why states, Native American tribes, and others are drafting new plans, which anticipate even deeper water cuts after 2026 based on projections of the river’s flow and climate modeling of future warming in the West.

READ MORE: Tribes say their future is at stake as they push for Congress to consider Colorado River plan

“The ultimate problem is that watershed runoff is decreasing due to an ever-warming climate,” said Jack Schmidt, professor of watershed sciences at Utah State University, and director of the Center for Colorado River studies. “The proximate problem is we’ve got to decrease our use.”

How are these talks different from expected cuts this month?

Sometime this month, the federal government will announce water cuts for 2025 based on levels at Lake Mead. The cuts may simply maintain the restrictions already in place. Reclamation considers factors like precipitation, runoff, and water use to model what levels at the two reservoirs will look like over the following two years. If Lake Mead drops below a certain level, Arizona, California, Nevada and Mexico are subject to cuts, though California has so far been spared because of its senior water rights.

In recent years, Arizona has faced the bulk of these cuts, while Mexico and Nevada also saw reductions. But these are short-term plans, and the guidelines surrounding them are being renegotiated for the future.

What are states already doing to conserve water?

Arizona, Nevada and Mexico faced federal water cuts from the river in 2022. Those deepened in 2023 and returned to 2022 levels this year. As the crisis on the river worsened, Arizona, California and Nevada last year agreed to conserve an additional 3 million acre-feet of water until 2026, with the U.S. government paying water districts and other users for much of that conservation.

Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming — the state’s so-called Upper Basin — don’t use their full 7.5 million acre-foot allocation from the river, and get a percentage of the water that’s available each year.

An acre-foot is enough water to serve roughly two to three U.S. households in a year.

Colorado River water runs through Central Arizona Project canals in Pinal County, Arizona, on April 9, 2023. Photo by Rebecca Noble/ Reuters

Have these efforts worked?

Yes, for now. A wet 2023 plus conservation efforts by Lower Basin states improved the short-term outlook for both reservoirs. Lake Powell is at roughly 39 percent capacity while Mead is at about 33 percent.

Climate scientists and hydrologists say that higher temperatures driven by climate change will continue to reduce runoff to the Colorado River in coming years, and cause more water to be lost to evaporation, so future plans should prepare for less water in the system. Brad Udall, a senior water and climate scientist at Colorado State University, said predicting precipitation levels is harder to do.

The short-term recovery in the Colorado River basin should be viewed in the context of a more challenging future, he added.

“I would push back heartily against any idea that our rebound over the last couple of years here is some permanent shift,” Udall said.

What can’t states agree on?

What to do after 2026. In March, Upper and Lower Basin states, tribes and environmental groups released plans for how the river and its reservoirs should be managed in the future.

Arizona, California and Nevada asked the federal government to take a more expansive view of the river management and factor water levels in seven reservoirs instead of just Lake Powell and Lake Mead to determine the extent of water cuts. If the whole system drops below 38% capacity, their plan said, deeper cuts should be shared evenly with the Upper Basin and Mexico.

“We are trying to find the right, equitable outcome in which the Upper Basin doesn’t have to take all of the pain from the long-term reduction of the river, but we also can’t be the only ones protecting Lake Powell,” said Tom Buschatzke, director of Arizona’s Department of Water Resources and the state’s lead negotiator in the talks.

Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming called for addressing shortages based on the combined capacity of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, as opposed to just Lake Mead. It proposed more aggressive cuts that would affect California, Arizona and Nevada sooner when the major reservoir levels fall. Their plan doesn’t call for reductions in how much water is delivered to Upper Basin states.

Becky Mitchell, the lead negotiator for the state of Colorado, said the Upper Basin’s plan focuses more on making policy with an eye on the river’s supply, rather than the demands for its water.

“It’s important we start acknowledging that there’s not as much water available as folks would like,” Mitchell said.

Where does it go from here?

The federal government is expected to issue draft regulations by December that factor in the different plans, and propose a way forward. Until then, states, tribes and other negotiators will continue talking and trying to reach agreement.

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Here’s What Happened with AP African American Studies in Georgia

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Earlier this summer, the state superintendent in Georgia withheld approval for the College Board’s Advanced Placement African American Studies course, claiming it violated state law on instruction about race.

It was an avoidable controversy: Georgia’s law contains an explicit exemption for AP and other advanced courses. It always has.

As a result, as of Aug. 7, educators in Georgia can offer AP African American Studies this school year in full using its own course code for state funding.

Georgia is one of 17 states that have passed similar rules and laws banning instruction of “divisive concepts” such as the notion that “an individual, solely by virtue of his or her race, bears individual responsibility for actions committed in the past by other individuals of the same race.” These laws created roadblocks for approval of the AP African American Studies course in Florida , Arkansas , and South Carolina since last year.

The back and forth this summer over Georgia’s approval of the course disrupted schedules for teachers and students planning to participate in it this fall, said Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators union.

Though some educators still have time to adjust and now offer the course, even as the school year has already begun across the state, it’s an administrative hassle educators didn’t need to add to their plates, she added.

“We didn’t have to go through all this,” Morgan said.

Georgia educators sought clarity over AP courses this summer

Schools must use course codes listed in a state’s course catalog to get state funding for instruction and create master schedules, Morgan said. Yet this summer, school leaders in Georgia found no course code listed for the new AP course.

After initially not recommending AP African American Studies for state approval, superintendent Woods suggested educators use the course code for the state’s Introduction to African American/Black Studies elective course. This would allow educators to get state funding for the AP course.

Yet educators questioned this decision because teaching contracts require teachers to teach the curriculum as designed and approved by the state and by local school board officials. Using the same course code for two distinct curricula created too much procedural ambiguity for some teachers, Morgan said. For instance, would students still get the appropriate credit bump from AP courses in their GPA under the course code for a non-AP course?

On July 31, Woods doubled down on his decision not to approve the course in full, saying that he reviewed the course’s content and found “it was clear that parts of the coursework did violate the law,” referring to the state’s divisive concepts law.

“As with most states with laws like Georgia on this issue that have raised concerns, the most glaring violation is on the topic of intersectionality,” he said. The AP course defines this topic as “a framework for understanding Black women’s distinct experiences through the interactions of their social, economic, and political identities with systems of inequality and privilege.”

In a statement to Education Week, the College Board said that “there are 74 topics covered in AP African American Studies, one of those required topics covers intersectionality.”

Woods said he sought legal clarification on the Georgia law.

The law, as passed in 2022, says it cannot “prohibit the full and rigorous implementation of curricula, or elements of a curriculum, that are required as part of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual-enrollment coursework,” though it also says that the implementation must be done in a “professionally and academically appropriate manner and without espousing personal political beliefs.”

In an Aug. 7 statement , Woods said the state attorney general’s office clarified the law doesn’t restrict local school systems from adopting any AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses, and that those courses will be exempted from the provisions of the divisive concepts legislation, so long as they meet the stipulations about teaching the course academically and non-politically.

As of Aug. 7, the AP African American Studies course appears in the state catalog of courses with its own course code. All existing AP courses in the catalog also now bear a disclaimer citing the exemption.

Georgia’s law still carries future implications for educators

The provision in the Georgia law exempting AP and similar courses makes the piece of legislation stand out from similar laws in other states.

According to Morgan of the Georgia teachers’ union, the provision came about in part due to conversations between the union and the original HB 1084 bill author, state Representative Will Wade, a Republican.

“While we oppose the divisive concepts bill, and worked vigorously to defeat it, we did have conversations with Representative Wade where we expressed our concerns that the divisive concepts bill would lead to situations as we just saw and he agreed to add the language that has ultimately proved our concerns were valid,” she said.

Wade did not respond to EdWeek’s requests for comment.

College Board officials said that they were aware of language as it was written and passed in Georgia’s law and that they were not aware of any other similar exemptions.

Education Week contacted public information officers of the 16 other states with rules or legislation in place banning instruction on “divisive concepts.”

Eleven of the 16 responded by the time of publication. Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas did not provide comments by publication deadline. Most state spokespersons cited language from state statutes that did not explicitly say AP courses were exempt from provisions of the law or statute, as in the case of Georgia.

In some cases, public information officers clarified the parameters of state statutes. For instance, in North Dakota, the state law known as HB 1508 does apply to AP and similar advanced courses. While the law does not ban the discussion of racism in the classroom in general terms, it does “prohibit teaching the idea that today’s American society is systematically racist.”

How such parameters interact with the College Board’s AP African American Studies course remains to be seen. In Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis banned the pilot version of the course citing the state’s divisive concepts law. In Arkansas and South Carolina, state officials withheld approval for the course, leaving local schools and districts to cover costs on their own.

In Georgia, the confusion over approving AP African American Studies marked one of the first major statewide cases of the divisive concepts law impacting educators’ work directly, Morgan said.

However, she remains concerned about how local interpretations of the law and the state’s parents’ bill of rights law may continue to impact educators.

“This situation highlights the fact that when an individual is interpreting this law … a single individual’s interpretation may not match another individual’s interpretation, [and] may not match the intent of legislators in passing the law,” Morgan said.

Holly Peele, Library Director contributed to this article.

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Hackers may have stolen the Social Security numbers of every American. Here’s how to protect yourself

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About four months after a notorious hacking group claimed to have stolen an extraordinary amount of sensitive personal information from a major data broker, a member of the group has reportedly released most of it for free on an online marketplace for stolen personal data.

The breach, which includes Social Security numbers and other sensitive data, could power a raft of identity theft, fraud and other crimes, said Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog director for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.

For the record:

2:39 p.m. Aug. 15, 2024 A previous version of this article identified Teresa Murray as the consumer watchdog director for the U.S. Public Information Research Group. She works for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.

“If this in fact is pretty much the whole dossier on all of us, it certainly is much more concerning” than prior breaches, Murray said in an interview. “And if people weren’t taking precautions in the past, which they should have been doing, this should be a five-alarm wake-up call for them.”

According to a class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the hacking group USDoD claimed in April to have stolen personal records of 2.9 billion people from National Public Data, which offers personal information to employers, private investigators, staffing agencies and others doing background checks. The group offered in a forum for hackers to sell the data, which included records from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, for $3.5 million , a cybersecurity expert said in a post on X.

The lawsuit was reported by Bloomberg Law .

Last week, a purported member of USDoD identified only as Felice told the hacking forum that they were offering “ the full NPD database ,” according to a screenshot taken by BleepingComputer. The information consists of about 2.7 billion records, each of which includes a person’s full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and phone number, along with alternate names and birth dates, Felice claimed.

Data of nearly all AT&T customers downloaded in security breach

Information on nearly all customers of the telecommunications giant AT&T was downloaded to a third-party platform in a 2022 security breach.

July 12, 2024

National Public Data didn’t respond to a request for comment, nor has it formally notified people about the alleged breach. It has, however, been telling people who contacted it via email that “we are aware of certain third-party claims about consumer data and are investigating these issues.”

In that email, the company also said that it had “purged the entire database, as a whole, of any and all entries, essentially opting everyone out.” As a result, it said, it has deleted any “non-public personal information” about people, although it added, “We may be required to retain certain records to comply with legal obligations.”

Several news outlets that focus on cybersecurity have looked at portions of the data Felice offered and said they appear to be real people’s actual information. If the leaked material is what it’s claimed to be, here are some of the risks posed and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

The threat of ID theft

The leak purports to provide much of the information that banks, insurance companies and service providers seek when creating accounts — and when granting a request to change the password on an existing account.

A few key pieces appeared to be missing from the hackers’ haul. One is email addresses, which many people use to log on to services. Another is driver’s license or passport photos, which some governmental agencies rely on to verify identities.

Still, Murray of PIRG said that bad actors could do “all kinds of things” with the leaked information, the most worrisome probably being to try to take over someone’s accounts — including those associated with their bank, investments, insurance policies and email. With your name, Social Security number, date of birth and mailing address, a fraudster could create fake accounts in your name or try to talk someone into resetting the password on one of your existing accounts.

“For somebody who’s really suave at it,” Murray said, “the possibilities are really endless.”

It’s also possible that criminals could use information from previous data breaches to add email addresses to the data from the reported National Public Data leak. Armed with all that, Murray said, “you can cause all kinds of chaos, commit all kinds of crimes, steal all kinds of money.”

Phishing attack hits L.A. County public health agency, jeopardizing 200,000-plus residents’ personal info

The personal information of more than 200,000 people in Los Angeles County was potentially exposed after a hacker used a phishing email to steal login credentials.

June 14, 2024

How to protect yourself

Data breaches have been so common over the years, some security experts say sensitive information about you is almost certainly available in the dark corners of the internet. And there are a lot of people capable of finding it; VPNRanks, a website that rates virtual private network services, estimates that 5 million people a day will access the dark web through the anonymizing TOR browser, although only a portion of them will be up to no good.

If you suspect that your Social Security number or other important identifying information about you has been leaked, experts say you should put a freeze on your credit files at the three major credit bureaus, Experian , Equifax and TransUnion . You can do so for free, and it will prevent criminals from taking out loans, signing up for credit cards and opening financial accounts under your name. The catch is that you’ll need to remember to lift the freeze temporarily if you are obtaining or applying for something that requires a credit check.

Technology and the Internet

Are you the victim of identity theft? Here’s what to do

If you’re a victim of identity thieves or a data hack, you need to act quickly. Here’s what to do to protect yourself.

Oct. 26, 2022

Placing a freeze can be done online or by phone, working with each credit bureau individually. PIRG cautions never to do so in response to an unsolicited email or text purporting to be from one of the credit agencies — such a message is probably the work of a scammer trying to dupe you into revealing sensitive personal information.

For more details, check out PIRG’s step-by-step guide to credit freezes .

You can also sign up for a service that monitors your accounts and the dark web to guard against identity theft, typically for a fee. If your data is exposed in a breach, the company whose network was breached will often provide one of these services for free for a year or more.

If you want to know whether you have something to worry about, multiple websites and service providers such as Google and Experian can scan the dark web for your information to see whether it’s out there. But those aren’t specific to the reported National Public Data breach. For that information, try a free tool from the cybersecurity company Pentester that offers to search for your information in the breached National Public Data files . Along with the search results, Pentester displays links to the sites where you can freeze your credit reports.

Atlas Privacy, a company that helps people remove their personal information from data brokers, also offers a way to check whether your info was breached in the National Public Data hack.

As important as these steps are to stop people from opening new accounts in your name, they aren’t much help protecting your existing accounts. Oddly enough, those accounts are especially vulnerable to identity thieves if you haven’t signed up for online access to them, Murray said — that’s because it’s easier for thieves to create a login and password while pretending to be you than it is for them to crack your existing login and password.

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Of course, having strong passwords that are different for every service and changed periodically helps. Password manager apps offer a simple way to create and keep track of passwords by storing them in the cloud, essentially requiring you to remember one master password instead of dozens of long and unpronounceable ones. These are available both for free (such as Apple’s iCloud Keychain) and for a fee .

Beyond that, experts say it’s extremely important to sign up for two-factor authentication. That adds another layer of security on top of your login and password. The second factor is usually something sent or linked to your phone, such as a text message; a more secure approach is to use an authenticator app, which will keep you secure even if your phone number is hijacked by scammers .

Yes, scammers can hijack your phone number through techniques called SIM swaps and port-out fraud , causing more identity-theft nightmares. To protect you on that front, AT&T allows you to create a passcode restricting access to your account; T-Mobile offers optional protection against your phone number being switched to a new device, and Verizon automatically blocks SIM swaps by shutting down both the new device and the existing one until the account holder weighs in with the existing device.

Your worst enemy may be you

As much or more than hacked data, scammers also rely on people to reveal sensitive information about themselves. One common tactic is to pose as your bank, employer, phone company or other service provider with whom you’ve done business and then try to hook you with a text or email message.

Banks, for example, routinely tell customers that they will not ask for their account information by phone. Nevertheless, scammers have coaxed victims into providing their account numbers, logins and passwords by posing as bank security officers trying to stop an unauthorized withdrawal or some other supposedly urgent threat.

People may even get an official-looking email purportedly from National Public Data, offering to help them deal with the reported leak, Murray said. “It’s not going to be NPD trying to help. It’s going to be some bad guy overseas” trying to con them out of sensitive information, she said.

It’s a good rule of thumb never to click on a link or call a phone number in an unsolicited text or email. If the message warns about fraud on your account and you don’t want to simply ignore it, look up the phone number for that company’s fraud department (it’s on the back of your debit and credit cards) and call for guidance.

“These bad guys, this is what they do for a living,” Murray said. They might send out tens of thousands of queries and get only one response, but that response could net them $10,000 from an unwitting victim. “Ten thousand dollars in one day for having one hit with one victim, that’s a pretty good return on investment,” she said. “That’s what motivates them.”

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Why Should I Mourn the Death of Nguyen Phu Trong?

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Absent in many eulogies for the late Communist Party chief was any recognition of the scores of government critics whose lives were ruined during his time in power.

A member of Vietnam’s armed forces carries a portrait of the late general secretary of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong during his funeral in Hanoi, Vietnam, Friday, July 26, 2024.

A few weeks ago, shortly after the death of Nguyen Phu Trong on July 19, the late general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), I penned a commentary about Trong for Radio Free Asia. In it, I argued that Trong’s legacy leaves the party increasingly vulnerable to a dictatorial takeover due to the weakened state in which he left the institution. Normally, I don’t engage with correspondence, but this time, I noticed a significant number of emails and social media posts condemning me for daring to write critically so soon after his passing. Some asked how I could speak ill of the dead so soon. Others questioned how a foreigner could have the audacity to opine on the death of their leader.

Mai Truong wrote an excellent essay here in the Diplomat a few days ago on the moral pressure the Vietnamese have exerted on each other to mourn his death properly .

On a personal level, I had never met Trong, nor did I have any desire to. By all accounts, he was a humble man who upheld his mantra of seeking an “honorable life, above wealth and money.” I have never suggested that Trong was motivated by selfish motives or a desire for power. In fact, I have consistently portrayed him as a deeply moral, if misguided and destructive, figure.

However, when I first heard of Trong’s death, my thoughts were not with him or his family. Instead, they were with the many Vietnamese people I’ve met over the years who are now in hiding, exile, or prison – or worse – because of the regime he led. I thought of those who won’t marry, won’t have children, won’t be able to see their parents before they die and won’t be able to attend their funerals because they are wasting away in jail cells or forced to live abroad simply for daring to raise their voices against the regime that Trong established to make more power. Indeed, under Trong’s leadership, the CPV became even more repressive and censorious. Human Rights Watch reports that “more than 160 political prisoners are currently locked up simply for exercising their basic rights.”

Indeed, my thoughts were with some of these individuals: the journalist I knew who was sentenced to decades in prison, the environmentalists who are likewise wasting their best years behind bars, and the families I met who now live in exile, who likely will never return to their homeland out of fear that their loved ones would be jailed for life if they ever set foot in Vietnam again. I thought of people like Do Cong Duong, a citizen journalist who died in prison in 2022.

I cannot claim to be a close friend to these people; I don’t want to overstate my connection. Our interactions were brief, occurring during my many reporting trips to Vietnam over the past decade. I shared beers with some, was invited to dinner by others, played football, or met for coffee in discreet locations. Some I only communicated with via email. Yet, each was brave enough to talk to me, putting their own liberty at risk. I do not attempt to speak on their behalf – although, now imprisoned or worse, they can no longer speak freely for themselves. Perhaps some mourned Trong’s passing; perhaps they did not.

On social media, I noticed some voices, who would ordinarily oppose the censorship of those who question prevailing orthodoxies, fiercely condemning anyone who suggested that Trong should not be mourned in anything other than the most reverent tones. But to pretend that an entire nation mourns uniformly is not only naive but also offensive. Vietnam is a one-party state in terms of political power; it is not a one-party state of thought.

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Free-Response Essays 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 exam itself contains four free-response questions that require students to write two essays. They are:

• Concept Application
• Quantitative Analysis
• SCOTUS Comparison
• Argument Essay

To make sure that you nail these essays, it’s crucial that you know what to expect from each one. That’s why we want to walk you through what exactly is on the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam, as well as what you’ll see in the free-response section.

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

The AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam tests students on their knowledge of the United States governing bodies, processes, policies, and history.

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

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:

Now that we know how the exam is broken down, let’s take a deeper look into the free-response essays on the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam.

Breakdown: Free-response essays on the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam

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 argument 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.

Prepare with FREE practice tests

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

That’s why it’s 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 improve.

That’s why we want to help. Marco Learning has created a host of resources to help you prepare for AP ® exams, including video lessons, study guides, drills, and, most importantly, practice tests.

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• Cause the Website or portions of it to be displayed on, or appear to be displayed by, any other site, for example, framing, deep linking, or in-line linking.
• Link to any part of the Website other than the homepage.
• Otherwise take any action with respect to the materials on this Website that is inconsistent with any other provision of these Terms of Use.

The website from which you are linking, or on which you make certain content accessible, must comply in all respects with the Content Standards set out in these Terms of Use.

You agree to cooperate with us in causing any unauthorized framing or linking immediately to stop. We reserve the right to withdraw linking permission without notice.

We may disable all or any social media features and any links at any time without notice in our discretion.

Links from the Website

If the Website contains links to other sites and resources provided by third parties (“ Linked Sites ”), these links are provided for your convenience only. This includes links contained in advertisements, including banner advertisements and sponsored links. You acknowledge and agree that we have no control over the contents, products, services, advertising or other materials which may be provided by or through those Linked sites or resources, and accept no responsibility for them or for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of them. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites linked to this Website, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms and conditions of use for such websites.

You agree that if you include a link from any other website to the Website, such link will open in a new browser window and will link to the full version of an HTML formatted page of this Website. You are not permitted to link directly to any image hosted on the Website or our products or services, such as using an “in-line” linking method to cause the image hosted by us to be displayed on another website. You agree not to download or use images hosted on this Website or another website, for any purpose, including, without limitation, posting such images on another website. You agree not to link from any other website to this Website in any manner such that the Website, or any page of the Website, is “framed,” surrounded or obfuscated by any third party content, materials or branding. We reserve all of our rights under the law to insist that any link to the Website be discontinued, and to revoke your right to link to the Website from any other website at any time upon written notice to you.

Geographic Restrictions

The owner of the Website is based in the state of New Jersey in the United States. We provide this Website for use only by persons located in the United States. We make no claims that the Website or any of its content is accessible or appropriate outside of the United States. Access to the Website may not be legal by certain persons or in certain countries. If you access the Website from outside the United States, you do so on your own initiative and are responsible for compliance with local laws.

Disclaimer of Warranties

You understand that we cannot and do not guarantee or warrant that files available for downloading from the internet or the Website will be free of viruses or other destructive code. You are responsible for implementing sufficient procedures and checkpoints to satisfy your particular requirements for anti-virus protection and accuracy of data input and output, and for maintaining a means external to our site for any reconstruction of any lost data. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PROVIDED BY LAW, WE WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED BY A DISTRIBUTED DENIAL-OF-SERVICE ATTACK, VIRUSES, OR OTHER TECHNOLOGICALLY HARMFUL MATERIAL THAT MAY INFECT YOUR COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, COMPUTER PROGRAMS, DATA, OR OTHER PROPRIETARY MATERIAL DUE TO YOUR USE OF THE WEBSITE OR ANY SERVICES OR ITEMS OBTAINED THROUGH THE WEBSITE OR TO YOUR DOWNLOADING OF ANY MATERIAL POSTED ON IT, OR ON ANY WEBSITE LINKED TO IT.

YOUR USE OF THE WEBSITE, ITS CONTENT, AND ANY SERVICES OR ITEMS OBTAINED THROUGH THE WEBSITE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. THE WEBSITE, ITS CONTENT, AND ANY SERVICES OR ITEMS OBTAINED THROUGH THE WEBSITE ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS, WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR ANY PERSON ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPANY MAKES ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION WITH RESPECT TO THE COMPLETENESS, SECURITY, RELIABILITY, QUALITY, ACCURACY, OR AVAILABILITY OF THE WEBSITE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPANY REPRESENTS OR WARRANTS THAT THE WEBSITE, ITS CONTENT, OR ANY SERVICES OR ITEMS OBTAINED THROUGH THE WEBSITE WILL BE ACCURATE, RELIABLE, ERROR-FREE, OR UNINTERRUPTED, THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, THAT OUR SITE OR THE SERVER THAT MAKES IT AVAILABLE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS, OR THAT THE WEBSITE OR ANY SERVICES OR ITEMS OBTAINED THROUGH THE WEBSITE WILL OTHERWISE MEET YOUR NEEDS OR EXPECTATIONS.

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PROVIDED BY LAW, THE COMPANY HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

THE FOREGOING DOES NOT AFFECT ANY WARRANTIES THAT CANNOT BE EXCLUDED OR LIMITED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.

Limitation on Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PROVIDED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL THE COMPANY, ITS AFFILIATES, OR THEIR LICENSORS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OFFICERS, OR DIRECTORS BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR USE, OR INABILITY TO USE, THE WEBSITE, ANY WEBSITES LINKED TO IT, ANY CONTENT ON THE WEBSITE OR SUCH OTHER WEBSITES, INCLUDING ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PERSONAL INJURY, PAIN AND SUFFERING, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS OR ANTICIPATED SAVINGS, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF GOODWILL, LOSS OF DATA, AND WHETHER CAUSED BY TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF FORESEEABLE.

THE FOREGOING DOES NOT AFFECT ANY LIABILITY THAT CANNOT BE EXCLUDED OR LIMITED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.

Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Company, its affiliates, licensors, and service providers, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, licensors, suppliers, successors, and assigns from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, judgments, awards, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to your violation of these Terms of Use or your use of the Website, including, but not limited to, your User Contributions, any use of the Website’s content, services, and products other than as expressly authorized in these Terms of Use or your use of any information obtained from the Website.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

All matters relating to the Website and these Terms of Use and any dispute or claim arising therefrom or related thereto (in each case, including non-contractual disputes or claims), shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New Jersey without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of New Jersey or any other jurisdiction).

Any legal suit, action, or proceeding arising out of, or related to, these Terms of Use or the Website shall be instituted exclusively in the federal courts of the United States or the courts of the State of New Jersey in each case located in the County of Monmouth although we retain the right to bring any suit, action, or proceeding against you for breach of these Terms of Use in your country of residence or any other relevant country. You waive any and all objections to the exercise of jurisdiction over you by such courts and to venue in such courts. You may not under any circumstances commence or maintain against us any class action, class arbitration, or other representative action or proceeding.

Arbitration

By using this Website, you agree, at Company’s sole discretion, that it may require you to submit any disputes arising from the use of these Terms of Use or the Website, including disputes arising from or concerning their interpretation, violation, invalidity, non-performance, or termination, to final and binding arbitration under the Rules of Arbitration of the American Arbitration Association applying New Jersey law. In doing so, YOU GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO GO TO COURT to assert or defend any claims between you and us. YOU ALSO GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION OR OTHER CLASS PROCEEDING. Your rights may be determined by a NEUTRAL ARBITRATOR, NOT A JUDGE OR JURY. You are entitled to a fair hearing before the arbitrator. The arbitrator can grant any relief that a court can, but you should note that arbitration proceedings are usually simpler and more streamlined than trials and other judicial proceedings. Decisions by the arbitrator are enforceable in court and may be overturned by a court only for very limited reasons.

Any proceeding to enforce this arbitration provision, including any proceeding to confirm, modify, or vacate an arbitration award, may be commenced in any court of competent jurisdiction. In the event that this arbitration provision is for any reason held to be unenforceable, any litigation against Company must be commenced only in the federal or state courts located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. You hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of those courts for such purposes.

Limitation on Time to File Claims

ANY CAUSE OF ACTION OR CLAIM YOU MAY HAVE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OF USE OR THE WEBSITE MUST BE COMMENCED WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES, OTHERWISE, SUCH CAUSE OF ACTION OR CLAIM IS PERMANENTLY BARRED.

Waiver and Severability

No waiver by the Company of any term or condition set out in these Terms of Use shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition or a waiver of any other term or condition, and any failure of the Company to assert a right or provision under these Terms of Use shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

If any provision of these Terms of Use is held by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be eliminated or limited to the minimum extent such that the remaining provisions of the Terms of Use will continue in full force and effect.

Entire Agreement

The Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and Terms of Sale constitute the sole and entire agreement between you and Marco Learning LLC regarding the Website and supersede all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, regarding the Website.

Communications and Miscellaneous

If you provide us your email address, you agree and consent to receive email messages from us. These emails may be transaction or relationship communications relating to the products or services we offer, such as administrative notices and service announcements or changes, or emails containing commercial offers, promotions or special offers from us.

Your Comments and Concerns

This website is operated by Marco Learning LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company with an address of 113 Monmouth Road, Suite 1, Wrightstown, New Jersey 08562.

Please contact us   for all other feedback, comments, requests for technical support, and other communications relating to the Website.