Free-Response Questions from Past Ap Exams
Free-Response Questions from Past AP Exams
1999:
1. Is Congress effective in exercising legislative oversight of the federal bureaucracy? Support your answer by doing ONE of the following:
a. Explain two specific methods Congress uses to exercise effective oversight of the federal bureaucracy.
OR
b. Give two specific explanations for the failure of Congress to exercise effective oversight of the federal bureaucracy.
2000:
1. The Constitution was an attempt to address problems of decentralization that were experienced under the Articles of Confederation.
a. List three problems of decentralized power that existed under the Articles of Confederation. For each problem you listed, identify one solution that the Constitution provided to address the problem.
b. Some have argued that the tensions between decentralized and centralized power continue to exist. Support this argument by explaining how one of the following illustrates the continuing tension:
• Environmental policy
• Gun control
• Disability access
2. The Supreme Court is commonly thought to be “above politics.” However, one can argue that the appointment of Supreme Court justices is political.
a. Identify three characteristics of Supreme Court nominees and discuss how each characteristic has been politically relevant during the appointment process.
b. Identify two methods that have been used by interest groups to influence the appointment process. Explain how each of these methods has been used to influence that process.
2001:
1. The United States Constitution has endured for more than two centuries as the framework of government. However, the meaning of the Constitution has been changed both by formal and informal methods.
a. Identify two formal methods for adding amendments to the Constitution.
b. Describe two informal methods that have been used to change the meaning of the Constitution. Provide one example for each informal method you described.
c. Explain why informal methods are used more often
1999:
1. Is Congress effective in exercising legislative oversight of the federal bureaucracy? Support your answer by doing ONE of the following:
a. Explain two specific methods Congress uses to exercise effective oversight of the federal bureaucracy.
OR
b. Give two specific explanations for the failure of Congress to exercise effective oversight of the federal bureaucracy.
2000:
1. The Constitution was an attempt to address problems of decentralization that were experienced under the Articles of Confederation.
a. List three problems of decentralized power that existed under the Articles of Confederation. For each problem you listed, identify one solution that the Constitution provided to address the problem.
b. Some have argued that the tensions between decentralized and centralized power continue to exist. Support this argument by explaining how one of the following illustrates the continuing tension:
• Environmental policy
• Gun control
• Disability access
2. The Supreme Court is commonly thought to be “above politics.” However, one can argue that the appointment of Supreme Court justices is political.
a. Identify three characteristics of Supreme Court nominees and discuss how each characteristic has been politically relevant during the appointment process.
b. Identify two methods that have been used by interest groups to influence the appointment process. Explain how each of these methods has been used to influence that process.
2001:
1. The United States Constitution has endured for more than two centuries as the framework of government. However, the meaning of the Constitution has been changed both by formal and informal methods.
a. Identify two formal methods for adding amendments to the Constitution.
b. Describe two informal methods that have been used to change the meaning of the Constitution. Provide one example for each informal method you described.
c. Explain why informal methods are used more often