U.S. Government Final Exam
Select one of the essay topics below. The essays will be double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font. Each essay will
consist of an introduction, thesis statement, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Essays will be worth 100 points and will be
graded based mainly on the depth of your analysis but deductions may occur with due to poor organization, word choice,
sentence fluency, and/or proofreading.
Essay Topic #1
The United States political system is heavily influenced by both political parties and interest groups. Identify the fundamental
goals of political parties and interest groups as a whole. Describe at least two modes of influence interest groups use to
support political parties. Explain how helping political parties reach their goals benefits interest groups.
Essay Topic #2
With the Great Compromise, the framers of the Constitution created a bicameral legislative system. Discuss at least two
reasons why the framers created a bicameral legislature. Identify at least two powers that were given independently to the
House of Representatives and the Senate which makes the two houses distinctly different in authority.
Essay Topic #3
Federalism divides power between the National Government and the States, giving the National Government the power and authority
it needs to meet the demands of the nation but also preserves the uniqueness of each state. In your essay, define federalism and explain
why the framers chose this system of government. Select three of the following and explain how each applies the federalist system of
government: 10th Amendment, Concurrent Powers, Block Grants, Revenue Sharing, Welfare Reform Act of 1996
American Government Test Essay Rubric
CATEGORY
20- Excellent
18 - Good
15 - Satisfactory
10 - Unacceptable
Content
Student displays
understanding and detailed
knowledge of methods of
interpretation using
examples.
Student displays some
knowledge of methods of
interpretation and examples
are somewhat simple.
Student displays simple or
little knowledge of methods
of interpretation and
provides very simple
examples.
Student displays very little
or no knowledge of methods
of interpretation and
provides no examples.
Organization
Methods and examples are
clearly stated in well
organized and fluent
paragraphs.
Methods and examples are
written in two or less fluent
paragraphs.
Methods and examples are
written fluently and in order
but lack an organized
paragraph form.
Methods and examples are
not in paragraph form and
lack fluency and
organization.
Clarity
Essay is written in clear and Essay is written in cohesive
fluent language that
form and expresses
expresses vast knowledge of knowledge of the topic.
the topic.
Essay is written in simple
language that portrays some
basic knowledge of the
topic.
Essay is written in very
basic language that shows
very little knowledge of the
topic.
Examples
Examples are very detailed
and show that the student
fully grasps the methods of
interpretation.
Examples are detailed and
show the student
understands the basic ideas
behind the methods of
interpretation.
Examples are basic and
show general knowledge of
the methods of
interpretation.
Examples are not fully
explained or non-existent
and do not portray much
knowledge of the methods
of interpretation.
Format
Essay is written in 3.5
Format; Double-spaced,
Times New Roman, 12
point font, No spelling
errors
Essay contains at least 4 of
the 5 required paragraphs;
double-spaced; Times New
Roman; 1-2 spelling errors
Essay contains no more than Essay is written with no
3 required paragraphs; 3-4 regard to 3.5 format; less
spelling errors
than 3 or required
paragraphs; single-spaced;
incorrect font type and size;
more than 4 spelling errors