Overview
This lecture introduces the AP US History Study Guide, detailing the exam structure, historical periods covered, and resources for preparation, including practice questions and online courses.
AP US History Exam Structure
- The AP US History exam covers US history from 1491 to the present, divided into nine periods.
- The exam is scored from 1 to 5; a score of 3+ may earn college credit depending on the institution.
- The exam sections are: 55 multiple-choice questions (55 min), 3 short-answer questions (40 min), 1 document-based essay (60 min, including a 15-min reading period), and 1 long essay (40 min).
Study Resources and Practice
- Primary sources, essays, and videos are organized by time period to aid learning.
- Practice multiple-choice questions are available to simulate the official exam format.
- Test-taking strategies are provided to help improve scoring.
Historical Periods in AP US History
- Period 1 (1491-1607): American Indians and first contact among Europe, the Americas, and West Africa; 4–6% exam weighting.
- Period 2 (1607-1754): Competition and cooperation among Europeans and American Indians; 6–8% exam weighting.
- Period 3 (1754-1800): British colonial control and formation of a new republic; 10–17% exam weighting.
- Period 4 (1800-1848): Defining and extending democracy amid economic, territorial, and demographic change; 10–17% exam weighting.
- Period 5 (1844-1877): Expansion, growing regional tensions, Civil War, and its transformation of society; 10–17% exam weighting.
- Period 6 (1865-1898): Industrialization and urbanization bring major societal changes; 10–17% exam weighting.
- Period 7 (1890-1945): US faces domestic/global challenges and debates role of government; 10–17% exam weighting.
- Period 8 (1945-1980): Post-WWII prosperity and new international roles; 10–17% exam weighting.
- Period 9 (1980-present): Cultural debates, foreign policy redefinition, globalization, and technological change; 4–6% exam weighting.
Additional Preparation Tools
- Free online AP US History courses cover content review, multiple-choice practice, and essay writing.
- Specialized courses focus on argumentation and evidence use for the free-response section.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Document-Based Essay Question (DBQ) — An essay requiring analysis of historical documents to support an argument.
- Primary Sources — Original documents or evidence from the period being studied.
- Short-Answer Question — Brief written responses to prompts, testing specific historical knowledge.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review resources and practice questions for each period.
- Explore free online AP US History prep courses and video lectures.
- Practice essay writing and test-taking strategies provided in the guide.