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Preparing for the AP Government Exam

Apr 24, 2025

Lecture Notes: Prepping for the AP Government Exam

Introduction

  • Key focus on preparing for the AP Government exam.
  • Importance of knowing foundational documents and Supreme Court cases.
  • Marks Education offers tips and tutoring resources.

Exam Format

  • Date: Tuesday, May 6th.

Section 1: Multiple Choice

  • Questions: 55 questions in 80 minutes.
  • Weight: 50% of the total score.
  • Question Types:
    • Individual questions.
    • Grouped questions with shared stimulus (graphs, quotes, maps, etc.).

Section 2: Free Response

  • Questions: 4 questions in 100 minutes.
  • Weight: 50% of the total score.
  • Question Types:
    • Concept Application.
    • Quantitative Analysis.
    • SCOTUS Comparison.
    • Argument Essay.

Key Preparation Areas

1. Know the Foundational Documents

  • Documents to Know:
    • Federalist 10: Factions and large republics.
    • Brutus 1: Concerns over strong federal government.
    • Declaration of Independence: Natural rights and grievances.
    • Articles of Confederation: Weak central government.
    • The Constitution, including Bill of Rights: Strong federal government and amendments.
    • Federalist 51: Separation of powers.
    • MLK’s Letter from Birmingham Jail: Nonviolent resistance.
    • Federalist 70 & 78: Executive power and judiciary.

2. Know the Required Supreme Court Cases

  • Cases to Know:
    • Marbury v Madison: Judicial review.
    • McCulloch v Maryland: Federal power over states.
    • US v Lopez: Limits of the Commerce Clause.
    • Engel v Vitale: Religion in schools.
    • Wisconsin v Yoder: Free Exercise Clause.
    • Others include Tinker v Des Moines, New York Times v US, Schenck v US, and more.

3. Understanding the Three Branches of Government

  • Key Structures and Powers:
    • Congress, President, and the Supreme Court.
    • Federal bureaucracy roles.

4. Practice Questions

  • Importance: Get familiar with the format and identify weak areas.
  • Resources:
    • Practice exams and free response questions available online.
    • College Board resources for scoring guidelines and sample responses.

Study Tips

  • Start studying at least a month in advance.
  • Utilize resources like flashcards and Quizlet for memorization.

Additional Resources

  • Marks Education provides tutoring and counseling services.
    • Experienced tutors: Ryan Blodgett, Sarah Newport, Michael Lawrence.
    • Contact Marks Education for more information or tutoring support.

Conclusion

  • The AP Government exam requires thorough preparation and understanding of documents and cases.
  • Practice and early preparation are key to success.