AP Government

Understanding the FRQ

 Basic Concepts
• Read the entire question carefully
• Be sure to answer the ENTIRE question
• Breakdown the question A,B,C—The graders
like this and it helps you stay focused
Political Science vs. Other Subjects
• Political Science writing is technical, quality vs.
quantity; content driven not writing driven
• Always use vocabulary and be sure to explain
what they mean
• Underline key points in your answer
• Spelling does not count but to your best
• Pretend you are writing to a child; avoid
verbose wordiness
Political Science vs. Other Subjects
• FRQ's are scored NOT graded, a rubric is ALWAYS
used
• You are looking to score points not write an
English essay; think short answer
• More examples mean a better score, there is no
penalty for wrong information
• UNLESS it asks you for the fundamental, main, or
primary, then only one answer would be
accepted (your first)
 FRQ Process
• Step 1- underline the verb (what is it asking
you to do?)
• Step 2- Box any buzz words (vocab) that it is
asking you about
• Step 3- Write your answer in outline form
• Step 4- Skip a line between sections, fill in any
details that need work
 Advice from the Experts (Graders)
• The trend for FRQ's is to explain; which means
define in 1-2 sentences and tell WHY
• There is less emphasis on specific
amendments or cases, they will give you a
choice, you need to explain BIG CONCEPTS
• Vocab is important, know the big ones,
selective incorporation, policy institutions,
linkage institutions, and advice and consent
 Advice from the Experts (Graders)
• The FRQ's are geared to what teachers have
NOT taught. In other words, connect two
unrelated topics (I.E. The courts and public
opinion)
• Need to understand critical thinking skills and
higher level thinking skills
• The average score per question nationally in
2009 was 1.75/6!!
 Practice Time
• While interest groups and political parties each play a significant
role in the U.S. political system, they differ in their fundamental
goals.
A.) Identify the fundamental goals of interest groups in the political
process
B.) Identify the fundamental goals of political parties in the
political process
C.) Describe two ways by which interest groups support the
fundamental goals of political parties in the political process
D.) For each of the forms of support you mentioned in (c), explain
two different ways in which that form of support helps interest
groups to achieve their fundamental goal in the political process.