How AP Government Scoring Works
The AP US Government and Politics exam uses a composite scoring system to determine your final score of 1-5. Understanding how this system works can help you strategize your exam preparation and set realistic score goals.
The Two-Section Format
The exam consists of two equally weighted sections:
- Section I (Multiple Choice): 55 questions in 80 minutes, worth 50% of your score
- Section II (Free Response): 4 questions in 100 minutes, worth 50% of your score
Composite Score Calculation
Your raw scores are converted to weighted scores and combined:
MC Weighted = (MC Correct / 55) × 60FRQ Weighted = (FRQ Points / 17) × 60Composite Score = MC Weighted + FRQ Weighted (out of 120)AP Score Conversion
Your composite score is converted to an AP score using cutoffs that vary slightly each year based on exam difficulty:
| AP Score | Qualification Level | Typical Composite Range |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely Well Qualified | 92-120 |
| 4 | Well Qualified | 75-91 |
| 3 | Qualified | 57-74 |
| 2 | Possibly Qualified | 42-56 |
| 1 | No Recommendation | 0-41 |
Important Note: The College Board adjusts score cutoffs each year based on exam difficulty. These ranges are estimates based on historical data and may vary by 2-5 points in any given year.
Exam Section Breakdown
Understanding what each section tests will help you prepare effectively and allocate your study time wisely.
Section I: Multiple Choice (55 Questions)
The multiple choice section tests your knowledge of key concepts, constitutional principles, and political institutions. Questions may include:
- Text-based questions analyzing primary source documents
- Data analysis questions using graphs, charts, and tables
- Image-based questions interpreting political cartoons or maps
- Concept application questions testing theoretical knowledge
Course Content Units Tested
Both sections test the five major units of the AP Government curriculum:
Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy (15-22%)
Constitutional underpinnings, federalism, separation of powers
Unit 2: Branches of Government (25-36%)
Congress, presidency, judiciary, bureaucracy, policy-making
Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Rights (13-18%)
Bill of Rights, 14th Amendment, Supreme Court cases
Unit 4: Political Ideologies (10-15%)
Liberal vs. conservative, political socialization, public opinion
Unit 5: Political Participation (20-27%)
Voting, elections, political parties, interest groups, media
Required Foundational Documents
You must be familiar with these 9 foundational documents:
- The Declaration of Independence
- The Articles of Confederation
- The Constitution (including amendments)
- Federalist No. 10
- Federalist No. 51
- Federalist No. 70
- Federalist No. 78
- Brutus No. 1
- Letter from Birmingham Jail
FRQ Scoring Guide
Each free response question has a specific format and rubric. Understanding these can significantly improve your FRQ scores.
FRQ 1: Concept Application (3 points)
You are given a political scenario and must apply course concepts to analyze it.
Typical Point Distribution:
- • 1 point: Describe the political institution or behavior
- • 1 point: Explain how it connects to the scenario
- • 1 point: Explain a related concept or make a comparison
FRQ 2: Quantitative Analysis (4 points)
You analyze data presented in graphs, charts, tables, or maps and draw conclusions.
Typical Point Distribution:
- • 1 point: Identify a trend or pattern in the data
- • 1 point: Describe a similarity or difference
- • 1 point: Explain how the data relates to a political concept
- • 1 point: Explain potential implications or limitations
FRQ 3: SCOTUS Comparison (4 points)
You compare a non-required Supreme Court case to one of the 15 required cases.
Typical Point Distribution:
- • 1 point: Describe the holding of the non-required case
- • 1 point: Identify a relevant required case
- • 1 point: Explain how the holdings are similar or different
- • 1 point: Explain the broader constitutional principle
FRQ 4: Argument Essay (6 points)
You develop an argument supported by evidence from foundational documents.
Typical Point Distribution:
- • 1 point: Articulate a defensible claim or thesis
- • 3 points: Support with evidence from foundational documents (1 point each for up to 2 documents)
- • 1 point: Use reasoning to explain how evidence supports the thesis
- • 1 point: Address an opposing perspective (refute or rebut)
Pro Tip: Always answer every part of the question. Partial credit is given for each component. A partially complete answer is always better than skipping a question entirely.
Tips to Improve Your Score
Whether you are aiming for a 3, 4, or 5, these strategies can help you maximize your AP Government score.
Multiple Choice Strategies
- Answer every question: There is no penalty for wrong answers
- Eliminate obviously wrong choices: Often 2 answers are clearly incorrect
- Watch for absolute words: Options with always or never are often wrong
- Read stimulus materials carefully: The answer is often in the provided text or data
- Manage your time: Aim for about 1.5 minutes per question
FRQ Strategies
- Label your answers: Use A, B, C to match question parts
- Be specific: Generic answers earn fewer points than specific examples
- Define terms: Show you understand key concepts by defining them
- Use course vocabulary: AP readers look for proper political science terminology
- Write legibly: Readers cannot give credit if they cannot read your answer
Study Priorities by Target Score
Target: 3
- • Master core constitutional concepts
- • Know the 15 required SCOTUS cases
- • Practice basic FRQ formats
- • Aim for 35+ MC correct
Target: 4
- • Deep understanding of all 5 units
- • Strong foundational document knowledge
- • Practice timed FRQ responses
- • Aim for 42+ MC correct
Target: 5
- • Expert-level concept connections
- • Additional SCOTUS cases knowledge
- • Perfect rubric-aligned FRQ responses
- • Aim for 48+ MC correct
How We Calculate Your Score
Our calculator uses the official AP scoring methodology to provide accurate score predictions based on your inputs.
Step-by-Step Calculation
1. Multiple Choice Weighted Score
Your MC raw score is converted to a weighted score out of 60:
MC Weighted = (MC Correct / 55) × 60Example: 40 correct answers = (40 / 55) × 60 = 43.64 points
2. Free Response Weighted Score
Your FRQ raw score (out of 17 total points) is converted to a weighted score out of 60:
FRQ Raw = FRQ1 (3 pts) + FRQ2 (4 pts) + FRQ3 (4 pts) + FRQ4 (6 pts)FRQ Weighted = (FRQ Raw / 17) × 60Example: 12 FRQ points = (12 / 17) × 60 = 42.35 points
3. Composite Score
Add both weighted scores for your composite (out of 120):
Composite = MC Weighted + FRQ WeightedExample: 43.64 + 42.35 = 85.99 composite score
4. AP Score Conversion
Your composite score is converted to an AP score using cutoff ranges:
- • Composite 92-120 → AP Score 5
- • Composite 75-91 → AP Score 4
- • Composite 57-74 → AP Score 3
- • Composite 42-56 → AP Score 2
- • Composite 0-41 → AP Score 1
Example: 85.99 composite = AP Score 4 (Well Qualified)
Accuracy Note: These cutoffs are based on historical AP Government score distributions. The College Board adjusts cutoffs each year, so your actual score may differ by 1-3 composite points from predictions.