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 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 

 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.

1.
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!

 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.

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.

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.

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.

 One point for each task.

Identify one method for … (one point)

Identify and give an example for… (two points)

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.

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)

 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.

 Expect Data Questions

Graphs, charts, etc… to analyze
 Ask yourself TWO questions:
 What trends do you see?

What’s the story?

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)