1. FRQ Tips
ATQA!!!!

2. 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
AP Government Exam

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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