How To: The CONCEPT APPLICATION Question [AP Gov FRQ Tips]

Summary

In this video, viewers learn how to excel in the AP Government concept application question. The host emphasizes the importance of applying known concepts to unfamiliar scenarios, guiding students through the structure of the question and providing strategies for each part. Key advice includes writing in complete sentences, being specific with evidence, and connecting responses back to the prompts. Through a detailed example from the 2019 AP exam, the video illustrates how to effectively articulate responses regarding Congress, partisan divisions, and constitutional rights, ultimately empowering students to achieve high scores.

Takeaways

• 😀 Familiarize yourself with the concept application question format; it resembles SAQs from AP History courses.
• 📚 You are not expected to know the scenario in the stimulus; apply what you've learned to an unknown situation.
• 📝 Write answers in complete sentences, avoiding single-word responses; use subject-verb-object structure.
• 🔍 For prompts starting with 'identify,' one sentence is usually enough; for 'explain,' 'describe,' or 'draw a conclusion,' aim for two to three sentences.
• ⚖️ Be specific with your evidence and make sure your answers relate back to the prompts to avoid losing points.
• 📖 Read the first and last sentence of the stimulus to grasp the core scenario quickly.
• 🏛️ When discussing actions Congress can take, specify that it must be a congressional action, not an executive or judicial one.
• 📊 Understand that partisan divisions can impact legislation; a divided government can lead to vetoes.
• 🗣️ Constitutional rights arguments should connect back to the First Amendment and free speech implications.
• 🎯 Use practice materials, like the speaker's ultimate review packet, to prepare for success on the exam.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the concept application question in the AP Government exam?

The main purpose is to assess students' ability to apply the concepts learned in the course to a scenario they are not familiar with.

How should students prepare for the concept application question?

Students should practice applying their knowledge to various scenarios and use review materials that include scoring guidelines.

What is the first step students should take when approaching the concept application question?

The first step is to read the first and last sentences of the stimulus to get a clear understanding of the scenario presented.

What should students focus on after reading the stimulus?

Students should focus on identifying key concepts and themes within the stimulus, such as religious freedom or free speech.

How should students structure their answers to the parts of the question labeled A, B, and C?

Students should write their answers in complete sentences, providing specific evidence and relating their responses back to the prompt.

What distinguishes a prompt that starts with 'identify' from one that starts with 'explain' or 'describe'?

A prompt starting with 'identify' typically requires a concise, single-sentence response, while 'explain' or 'describe' prompts require more detailed answers of 2-3 content-rich sentences.

Why is it important to be specific when answering the prompts?

Being specific is crucial because vague answers often lead to lost points; students must clearly relate their responses to the prompt to earn full credit.

What are some potential partisan divisions that could affect the passage of legislation?

Partisan divisions can occur when one party controls Congress while the president belongs to the opposing party, potentially leading to vetoes of proposed legislation.

What example does the speaker provide regarding the Johnson Amendment?

The speaker discusses how Congress could amend the Johnson Amendment to allow religious leaders to speak freely about political candidates.

What constitutional rights do the Alliance Defending Freedom argue are threatened by the Johnson Amendment?

They argue that their First Amendment rights are threatened because the Johnson Amendment restricts religious leaders from publicly supporting candidates, which limits their free speech.