AP US Government Score Calculator

The Mistake: Mixing up similar SCOTUS cases like Tinker v. Des Moines (student speech) with Schenck v. United States (clear and present danger), or incorrectly stating a case's holding. Students also cite non-required cases when the FRQ specifically asks for required cases, earning zero points even if the legal reasoning is correct.

Example: On the SCOTUS Comparison FRQ, a student writes that Brown v. Board of Education established the separate but equal doctrine, when it actually overturned that doctrine from Plessy v. Ferguson. Or citing Roe v. Wade (not required) instead of required cases addressing privacy/liberty.

How to Avoid: Create a detailed chart of all 15 required SCOTUS cases with columns for: case name, year, constitutional issue, facts, holding, and significance. Group cases by theme (1st Amendment, 14th Amendment, federalism, etc.). Use flashcards with case name on one side, complete details on the other. Practice distinguishing between similar cases by writing comparison essays. Before exam, review which cases are required vs. supplemental. On FRQ 3, carefully read which required case to use and verify you know its exact holding before writing.

The Mistake: Writing general statements instead of using precise political science terminology. Saying Congress makes laws without explaining the legislative process through committees, floor votes, and bicameralism. Using everyday language like government instead of proper terms like federal government, legislative branch, or separation of powers.

Example: On a Concept Application FRQ asking about checks and balances, a student writes The president can stop Congress instead of The president exercises a check on Congress through the veto power, which Congress can override with a two-thirds vote in both chambers, demonstrating the Constitution's system of checks and balances.

How to Avoid: Master key vocabulary from each unit: federalism, enumerated powers, judicial review, due process, incorporation, political socialization, linkage institutions, etc. When answering FRQs, define concepts before applying them. Use specific Article/Amendment numbers when relevant (Article I establishes Congress, 14th Amendment equal protection clause). Practice writing answers that sound like textbook explanations with proper terminology. Review AP Gov course framework for official terminology. Aim for 2-3 sentences per FRQ sub-question with specific examples rather than one vague sentence.

The Mistake: Incorrectly reading graphs, charts, or tables - confusing correlation with causation, misidentifying trends, or making claims not supported by the data. Students also fail to connect data analysis to required political concepts, simply describing numbers without explaining political significance.

Example: Given a chart showing voter turnout by age group, stating Young people don't care about politics instead of Voter turnout increases with age, with 18-29 year olds showing 42% turnout compared to 68% for 65+ voters, illustrating lower political efficacy and engagement among younger citizens. Or claiming data proves causation when it only shows correlation.

How to Avoid: Practice analyzing diverse data types: bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, tables, maps, and political cartoons. When reading data, first identify what is being measured (x-axis, y-axis, categories). Note specific numbers and percentages rather than generalizations. Avoid absolute statements unless data fully supports them. Connect data to course concepts using phrases like This data illustrates [concept] because... or This trend relates to [political principle] by.... Never infer causation unless explicitly stated. Practice FRQ 2 from released exams, comparing your answers to scoring guidelines to see required level of specificity and proper data-to-concept connections.

The Mistake: Spending too much time on earlier FRQs and rushing the 6-point Argument Essay, which is worth more than other FRQs. Students write vague theses that aren't defensible, forget to cite required foundational documents and SCOTUS cases, or fail to address opposing perspectives, leaving easy points on the table.

Example: Writing a thesis like The government has too much power without specifying which institutions/powers or making it defensible. Citing general knowledge instead of specific required documents. Forgetting to refute counterarguments. Writing only 1 paragraph when 3-4 well-developed paragraphs are needed for maximum points.

How to Avoid: Budget 25 minutes for FRQs 1-3 each, saving 25-30 minutes for FRQ 4. Use 5 minutes to outline your argument before writing: clear thesis, 2-3 supporting points with evidence, counterargument refutation. Memorize which foundational documents apply to common topics (Federalist 10 for factions/interest groups, Federalist 51 for checks and balances, Letter from Birmingham Jail for civil disobedience). Create a mental bank of required SCOTUS cases by topic so you can quickly cite relevant precedent. Structure essays with clear paragraphs: introduction with thesis, 2-3 body paragraphs with evidence from documents/cases and explanation, counterargument paragraph, brief conclusion. Practice timed Argument Essays weekly, aiming for 4-5 paragraph essays citing at least 2 foundational documents and 1 SCOTUS case with specific reasoning.