FRQ Tips ATQA!!!!

AP Government Exam 50% - 60 Multiple Choice Questions 50% - 4 FRQ 45 minutes – 60 points 50% - 4 FRQ 100 minutes – 60 points Each FRQ is worth 12 ½% of test Each Rubric will be weighted to equal 15 points EX: 8 point rubric will be multiplied by 1.925 Ex: 5 point rubric will be multiplied by 3 http://appass.com/calculators/usgov AP Government Exam

Writing the FRQ Timing: Approx. 25 minutes each Step 1: Analyze the prompt 1-2 minutes: Read question carefully What does the question as you to do? Circle/underline the verbs Writing the FRQ

The Verbs Define Explain Identify Describe Compare / Contrast give information that tells what makes it what it is Explain Give information that tells how and/or why Identify Name, classify, recognize the connection Describe Briefly tell what it is like, how it functions, what happened or will occur, more than ID Compare / Contrast Give similarities and differences; be certain to follow directions as to numbers Give Examples Specify a recent (post – 1930s event, situation, case, action, relevant detail The Verbs

Writing the FRQ Step 2: Brainstorm – ATQA 2-3 minutes Phrases and Government vocab Don’t know official name of a case? Use all the information you do know. Names, time period, key issue, etc. Thinking maps Literally count the points in the FRQ Do you have an answer for each of them? EX: 2003 FRQs Writing the FRQ

Writing the FRQ Step 3: Write to be understood Up to 18 minutes (if you need it) Be concise: this is political science Avoid editorializing or giving your opinions Write Legibly Avoid trying to impress Even if not asked for, give examples Support your argument: facts, data, examples Writing the FRQ

Writing the FRQ Step 4: Proof Read 2 minutes Insert words you may have omitted Add details: names, laws, cases, etc. Double check the FRQ points Move on to the next question!! Writing the FRQ

Linkage institutions – such as political parties, the media, and interest groups – connect citizens to the government and play significant roles in the electoral process. Describe one important function of political parties as a linkage institution in elections Describe the influence of the media on the electoral process in each of the following roles. Gatekeeping/agenda setting Scorekeeping/horse race journalism Describe two strategies interest groups use to influence the electoral process Explain how, according to critics, interest groups may limit representative democracy. 6 points Practice FRQ 1

The public policy process involves interactions between Congress and the bureaucracy. Identify the primary role of Congress in the policy process. Explain how divided party control of Congress can make the policy process difficult. Identify the primary role of the bureaucracy in the policy process. Explain how one of the following increases the power of the bureaucracy in the policy process. Rule making Bureaucratic discretion Explain how each of the following enables Congress to limit the power of the bureaucracy. Oversight hearings Power of the purse 6 points Practice FRQ 2

Practice Writing the FRQ 25 Minutes Individual Work Practice Writing the FRQ