Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an AP US Government FRQ
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an AP U.S. Government FRQ
Step 1: Understand the Question Type
AP U.S. Government and Politics FRQs come in different types:
Step 2: Read and Analyze the Prompt
Step 3: Plan Your Response
Step 4: Write a Clear and Direct Response
Each FRQ type follows a specific structure:
Concept Application and Quantitative Analysis
Step 5: Use Clear and Concise Language
Step 6: Review and Edit
Sample AP U.S. Government FRQ Response
Prompt
The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government.
(a) Describe one way the executive branch can check the power of Congress.
(b) Explain how judicial review allows the Supreme Court to check the power of the executive branch.
(c) Provide an example of how Congress can limit the power of the Supreme Court.
Sample Response(a) One way the executive branch can check the power of Congress is by using the presidential veto. If Congress passes a bill, the president has the authority to reject it, preventing it from becoming law unless Congress overrides the veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
(b) Judicial review allows the Supreme Court to check the power of the executive branch by ruling on the constitutionality of executive actions. Established in Marbury v. Madison (1803), judicial review enables the Court to strike down executive orders or actions that violate the Constitution. For example, in United States v. Nixon (1974), the Supreme Court ruled that President Nixon had to turn over the Watergate tapes, limiting executive privilege.
(c) Congress can limit the power of the Supreme Court by passing legislation that changes the Court’s jurisdiction. For instance, Congress can pass laws that restrict the types of cases the Supreme Court is allowed to hear. Additionally, Congress has the power to propose constitutional amendments to overturn Supreme Court decisions, as seen with the Eleventh Amendment, which limited the Court’s ruling in Chisholm v. Georgia.
This response is clear, concise, and directly answers each part of the question with relevant examples. Following this structure will help you write a strong FRQ response.
Step 1: Understand the Question Type
AP U.S. Government and Politics FRQs come in different types:
- Concept Application
- Quantitative Analysis
- SCOTUS Comparison
- Argument Essay
Step 2: Read and Analyze the Prompt
- Identify key terms and phrases.
- Determine what the question is asking (define, explain, compare, apply, argue).
- Break down any multi-part questions and ensure each part is addressed.
Step 3: Plan Your Response
- Jot down key ideas or relevant facts.
- Identify specific evidence such as Supreme Court cases, foundational documents, or political concepts.
- Outline the structure of your response.
Step 4: Write a Clear and Direct Response
Each FRQ type follows a specific structure:
Concept Application and Quantitative Analysis
- Define or explain key terms.
- Apply the concept or data to a real-world example.
- Explain how it relates to government or politics.
- Identify the required case and summarize its significance.
- Compare it to another relevant case using constitutional principles.
- Explain the similarities or differences.
- Present a clear thesis responding to the prompt.
- Provide evidence from foundational documents, Supreme Court cases, or government policies.
- Include reasoning explaining how the evidence supports the thesis.
- Address a counterargument and refute it logically.
Step 5: Use Clear and Concise Language
- Avoid unnecessary details.
- Stay on topic and answer every part of the question.
- Use direct and precise wording.
Step 6: Review and Edit
- Check for completeness.
- Make sure every part of the question is answered.
- Fix any grammar or clarity issues.
Sample AP U.S. Government FRQ Response
Prompt
The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government.
(a) Describe one way the executive branch can check the power of Congress.
(b) Explain how judicial review allows the Supreme Court to check the power of the executive branch.
(c) Provide an example of how Congress can limit the power of the Supreme Court.
Sample Response(a) One way the executive branch can check the power of Congress is by using the presidential veto. If Congress passes a bill, the president has the authority to reject it, preventing it from becoming law unless Congress overrides the veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
(b) Judicial review allows the Supreme Court to check the power of the executive branch by ruling on the constitutionality of executive actions. Established in Marbury v. Madison (1803), judicial review enables the Court to strike down executive orders or actions that violate the Constitution. For example, in United States v. Nixon (1974), the Supreme Court ruled that President Nixon had to turn over the Watergate tapes, limiting executive privilege.
(c) Congress can limit the power of the Supreme Court by passing legislation that changes the Court’s jurisdiction. For instance, Congress can pass laws that restrict the types of cases the Supreme Court is allowed to hear. Additionally, Congress has the power to propose constitutional amendments to overturn Supreme Court decisions, as seen with the Eleventh Amendment, which limited the Court’s ruling in Chisholm v. Georgia.
This response is clear, concise, and directly answers each part of the question with relevant examples. Following this structure will help you write a strong FRQ response.