Answering an FRQ

1. Answering an FRQ AP US GOV

2. List • Write an itemized series of concise statements (i.e, concepts, events, laws) without explanation.

3. Identify • Write an itemized series of concise statements (i.e, concepts, events, laws) without explanation. "Can be done quickly with a few words.“ • Identifyone barrier that currently impedes minority representation in Congress. Explain why the barrier you identified inhibits minority representation in Congress. • One point is earned for identifying one barrier that currently impedes minority representation in Congress. The barrier may affect either minority candidates running for Congress or minority voters attempting to vote for minority candidates.

4. Describe/Discuss • Give a detailed account. Make a picture with words. Include characteristics, qualities, and parts. • Describeone method by which Congress exercises oversight of the federal bureaucracy. • Part (b): 1 point • Describe one method by which Congress exercises oversight of the federal bureaucracy (1 point): • • Budgetary process (power of the purse) • • Committee hearings • • Confirmation or rejection of political appointments to the bureaucracy • • Investigations • • New legislation • • Legislative veto • Must describe the context in which Congress uses the method to oversee the bureaucracy.

5. Analyze • Break into its component parts and discuss, examine, or interpret each part.

6. Explain • Make an idea/concept/process/relationship clear. Show the logical relationship between components of the question. Provide reasons for an event or series of events. Often requires a thesis statement. Provide supporting evidence/data (expert testimony, examples, statistics). • "Requires explicit linkage (implying a linkage is not sufficient) between what is being explained an how or why it exists, happens, or whatever the question spells out.“ • Explain how one legislative power serves as a check on court decisions.

7. One point is earned for correctly explaining how a legislative power serves as a check on court decisions. • Acceptable legislative powers include: • amendments • confirmation • congressional funding • impeachment • jurisdiction stripping • legislation

8. Compare • Show the similarities (and sometimes the differences) between two or more things. May involve a variety of factors among which maybe objectives, size, structure, selection process, time, recruitment methods, power, authority, legitimacy

9. Contrast • Show the differences between two or more things. See compare for incomplete list of factors involved.

10. Support/Refute • Provide evidence which proves (supports) or disproves (refutes) a statement or quotation. • Requires a thesis and supporting evidence

11. Evaluate • Make a judgment on a problem, condition, quotation. Provide data on both sides. Pick one side and justify your position with data, expert testimony, examples

12. Slight Problem…? • Any question on the AP exam can include a number of these strategies, so you need to be familiar with them all!!

13. Example: Easier • Members of Congress are charged with three primary duties—writing laws, overseeing the implementation of laws, and serving the needs of their constituents. • (a) Describe the role of each of the following in lawmaking. • Senate filibuster • House Rules Committee • Conference committee • (b) Describe one method by which Congress exercises oversight of the federal bureaucracy. • (c) Explain how casework affects members’ attention to legislation.

14. Example: harder • Interest groups seek to influence political processes in ways that benefit their members. In doing so, however, they may not act in the overall public interest. • (a) Describe two techniques interest groups use to influence elections. • (b) Explain how interest groups use each of the following to influence government decision making. • Issue networks (also known as iron triangles) • Amicus curiae briefs • (c) Explain how each of the following serves to limit interest group influence. • The media • Pluralism