Transcript Exam Format: AP U.S. Government and Politics The AP U.S.

AP EXAM
The INs and OUTs 
Exam Format: AP U.S. GoPo
The AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam is
two hours and 25 minutes long. In Section I, students
are given 45 minutes to answer 60 multiple-choice
questions; in Section II, they must answer 4
mandatory free-response questions in one hour and
40 minutes.
Section I:
60 Multiple Choice
45 minutes
Section II: 4 Mandatory FRQs
1 hr, 40 min
(100 min)
Vocabulary

Vocabulary is usually the most challenging
component of the test. Generally, about 60% of
the test consists of pure vocabulary knowledge.

Study your vocabulary every single day.

ASK if you do not understand a word (even if it
isn’t one of the bold/highlighted key terms. You
need to know ALL words, even it is arduous,
don’t be obstinate… make sure you scrutinize
and ascertain the information you don’t know 
FRQ
There are 4 Free Response Questions. It is
mandatory that you answer ALL 4. You do
not get a choice.
 The responses should be concise and to the
point. Long does NOT equal good.
However, do not skip over “content.”
 Put your reader in a “good mood.”
 You have 100 minutes to complete ALL four.
You are responsible for timing yourself.

Strategies
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Underline the VERBS (Describe, Define…)
Determine what each verb wants you to do.
Outline your answer, number your responses
Write in complete sentences
Skip lines between each part of the question
Answer what you can, even if you can’t
answer all of it.
Remember: SCORE POINTS!
Sample FRQ

You will complete a practice FRQs almost
every week. Be prepared to complete a
practice one almost once a week. 

FRQs are half of your overall exam score.
FRQ
The Constitution has been called a living
document.
A. Describe one method of proposing a formal
amendment to the Constitution.
B. Describe one method of ratifying an
amendment to the Constitution.
C. Describe and give an example for two
informal methods of changing the
Constitution.
FRQ
The Constitution has been called a living
document.
A. Describe one method of proposing a formal
amendment to the Constitution.
B. Describe one method of ratifying an
amendment to the Constitution.
C. Explain and give an example for two
informal methods of changing the
Constitution.
FRQ
The Constitution has been called a living
document.
A. Describe one method of proposing a formal
amendment to the Constitution.
B. Describe one method of ratifying an
amendment to the Constitution.
C. Describe and give an example for two
informal methods of changing the
Constitution.
How many Points?

One point for each task.

Identify one method for … (one point)

Identify and give an example for… (two
points)
FRQ
The Constitution has been called a living
document.
A. Describe one method of proposing a formal
amendment to the Constitution.
B. Describe one method of ratifying an
amendment to the Constitution.
C. Describe and give an example for two
informal methods of changing the
Constitution.
FRQ – 6 Points
The Constitution has been called a living
document.
A. Describe one method of proposing a formal
amendment to the Constitution. (1)
B. Describe one method of ratifying an
amendment to the Constitution. (1)
C. Describe and give an example for two
informal methods of changing the
Constitution. (4)
FRQ
Clear, to the point
 Complete
 Structured
 No “fluffiness” but don’t skimp!
 No intro, thesis or conclusion
 PROVE that you know the information.
 Limited opinions… facts rule.

Data Analysis

Expect Data Questions


Graphs, charts, etc… to analyze
Ask yourself TWO questions:
What trends do you see?
 What’s the story?

Sample Question
a)
1) Identify one formal method (1 pt)
2) Identify another formal method (1 pt)
b)
1) Describe one informal method and
give example. (2 pts)
2) Describe a second informal method
and give example. (2 pts)
c) Explain why informal methods are used
more often. (1pt)