AP Gov FRQ

Members of Congress are charged with three primary duties—writing laws, overseeing the implementation of laws, and serving the needs of their constituents. (a) Describe the role of each of the following in lawmaking. • Senate filibuster • House Rules Committee • Conference committee (b) Describe one method by which Congress exercises oversight of the federal bureaucracy. (c) Explain how casework affects members' attention to legislation.

Describe the role of each of the following in lawmaking (3 points total, 1 point per role): • Senate filibuster allows a senator on the floor to: o Prevent/delayactiononaparticularbill. o Prevent/delayotherbusinessfrombeingconducted. • Rules Committee schedules or manages the flow of legislation on the floor to: o Makeiteasierormoredifficultforabilltopass. o Maketheprocessmoreefficient/orderly/manageable. • Conference Committee reconciles differences in House and Senate versions of a bill. Must describe the role in lawmaking explicitly. Part (b): 1 point Describe one method by which Congress exercises oversight of the federal bureaucracy (1 point): • Budgetary process (power of the purse) • Committee hearings • Confirmation or rejection of political appointments to the bureaucracy • Investigations • New legislation • Legislative veto Must describe the context in which Congress uses the method to oversee the bureaucracy. Part (c): 1 point Explain how casework affects members' attention to legislation (1 point): • Diverts time, resources, and staff, thus reducing members' ability to focus on legislation. • Develops awareness of problems, thus focusing more time and resources on related legislation.

Congressional reapportionment and redistricting are conducted every ten years. When redistricting is conducted, politicians often engage in gerrymandering. (a) Define congressional reapportionment and explain one reason why it is important to states. (b) Define congressional redistricting. (c) Explain two goals of politicians when they gerrymander during redistricting. (d) Describe two limits that the United States Supreme Court has placed on congressional redistricting.

One point is earned for a correct definition of congressional reapportionment. One point is earned for a correct explanation of why reapportionment is important to states. An acceptable definition of congressional reapportionment is: • The reallocation of the number of representatives each state has in the House of Representatives. Acceptable explanations of why congressional reapportionment is important to states are: • Reapportionment increases or decreases the number of seats a state has in the House/Congress (not the Senate). • More representatives mean that a state has more influence. • Reapportionment increases or decreases a state's number of electoral votes. NOTE: The explanation point must be tied to an appropriate definition of reapportionment. Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for a correct definition of congressional redistricting. An acceptable definition is: • The drawing/redrawing of House/congressional (not Senate) district lines. Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for each of two explanations of the goals of politicians when they gerrymander during redistricting. Acceptable explanations may include: • To enhance political party strength/to minimize the strength of the opposition party. • To protect incumbents/to discourage challengers. • To increase minority representation/to decrease minority representation. • To punish foes/to reward friends. NOTE: "Cracking" or "packing" must be tied to one of the above in order to earn the explanation point. One point is earned for each of two descriptions of limits that the United States Supreme Court has placed on congressional redistricting. Acceptable descriptions may include: • Districts must be equally populated. • Lines must be contiguous or connected. • Redistricting cannot dilute minority voting strength. • District lines cannot be drawn solely based upon race. • Districts must be compact. • Communities of interest must be protected.

In the United States political system, there are several linkage institutions that can connect citizens to government. Elections constitute one such institution. Because of low voter turnout, elections represent an imperfect method of linking citizens to their government. Even when there is low voter turnout, however, other linkage institutions can connect citizens to government. (a) Describe how each of the following is related to the likelihood of voting. • Age • Education (b) Identify one current government electoral requirement that decreases voter turnout. Explain how it decreases voter turnout. (c) Identify one linkage institution other than elections and explain two ways it connects citizens to government.

One point is earned for describing any aspect of the relationship between age and the likelihood of voting. Acceptable descriptions for age include: • Older people are more likely to vote. • Turnout is lowest for young people. • The likelihood of voting declines in the oldest populations. One point is earned for describing the relationship between education and the likelihood of voting. The only acceptable descriptions for education are: • People with more education are more likely to vote. • People with less education are less likely to vote. Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for identifying an electoral requirement that decreases voter turnout. Acceptable examples are: • Citizenship • Age • Disfranchisement of certain groups (felons, the mentally incompetent) • Residency • Registration • Limited opportunities to vote (midweek, limited hours, single day) • Need to show identification • Generally have to vote in person • Closed primaries • Process of obtaining absentee ballots One point is earned for explaining how or why the requirement cited decreases the likelihood of voting. Acceptable explanations include: • The requirement makes a person ineligible to vote. • The requirement puts up obstacles or makes it harder to vote. One point is earned for identifying one of the following linkage institutions: • Media • Interest groups (PACs) • Political parties One point is earned for each of two explanations. The student must explain how the media, interest groups, or political parties connect citizens to the government. (Note: the student must earn the point for identifying an institution in order to receive a point for explaining how that institution connects citizens to the government.) Media Interest Groups/ Parties PACs "Ways" that connect • Convey the views of the people to government • Convey information about the government to the people • Express group members' preferences to policymakers • Convey policy information to group members • Raise and spend money to advocate for the interests of the group with policymakers • Gather information about voters for use by candidates and policymakers • Provide information to voters about candidates running for office • Connect voters to elected officials/candidates through campaign activities "Ways" in which connections are made • Interviewing citizens • Reporting on government activities • Presenting poll results • Interviewing public officials • Covering protests and/or opposition • Providing an outlet for citizen opinion • Letter-writing campaigns • Campaign activities • Lobbying • Grassroots movement • Litigation • Media campaigns • Disseminating information about government affairs • Campaigns • Mailings • Voter mobilization • Recruiting candidates • Recruiting activists • Endorsing party platforms • Funding candidates • Aggregating interests • Articulating interests • Mobilizing interests

In the United States Congress, the majority party exerts a substantial influence over lawmaking. However, even when one party has a numerical majority in each chamber of the United States Congress, there is no guarantee that legislation supported by that majority party will be passed by both chambers. Rules of each chamber independently influence the likelihood that legislation will pass in that chamber; legislation passed by one chamber is not always passed by the other. (a) Describe two advantages the majority party in the United States House of Representatives has in lawmaking, above and beyond the numerical advantage that that majority party enjoys in floor voting. (b) Describe two differences between House and Senate rules that may make it likely that legislation may pass in one chamber but not in the other. (c) Explain how the differences identified in (b) can lead to the passage of a bill in one chamber but not in the other.

actual statement about the advantage Acceptable answers may include: • Holds committee chairs • Controls Rules Committee • Sets the agenda • Controls debate • Chooses Speaker of the House • Holds majority on each committee • Assigns bills to committees Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for each of two descriptions of rules differences between the House and Senate. Acceptable answers may include: Procedures and rules Filibuster Holds Unanimous consent agreements Germanene Filibuster—even though the House may pass a bill, the Senate can kill the bill with a filibuster. • Holds—even though the House may pass a bill, the Senate can delay or stop it with a hold. • Unanimous consent agreements—the Senate can ease passage of a bill with unanimous consent agreements, while the House has no such mechanism. • Germaneness—the Senate can add unrelated content that members of the House might find objectionable. • Rules Committee—even though the Senate may pass a bill, the House Rules Committee can hinder passage of that bill in the House.

The United States Constitution gave Congress and the president specific legislative powers. As a result, the interactions between the two are dynamic and complex. (a) Describe the constitutional principle of checks and balances. (b) Describe EACH of the following presidential powers in the legislative process: • Veto • State of the Union address (c) Using the data in the chart, describe the relationship between the number of presidential vetoes and the number of congressional overrides. (d) Explain how Congress can reduce the likelihood of a presidential veto.

.Part (a): 1 point One point is earned for an explanation of how interest groups reduce the influence of public opinion on policy,Interest groups use tactics (lobbying, providing information, campaign contributions) to affect policy change by institutions or individuals, regardless of public opinion on the policy. Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for an explanation of how a newly elected president increases the likelihood of policy change: Presidents claim an electoral mandate that allows them to pressure Congress into adopting their agenda,Presidents have more political capital during their honeymoon period, which allows them to set the legislative agenda, New presidents can issue executive orders or make appointments that may influence public policy, The new president's party is more likely to have gained seats in Congress during the presidential election, which makes it easier to pass legislation. One point is earned for an explanation of how a national crisis increases the likelihood of policy change: Focuses the attention of policy makers, which can lead to policy change, Unifies and mobilizes the public, which can lead to policy change. Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for a description of the role of the courts in the policy process. Court decisions can create, block, or guide public policy (judicial review, overturn, precedent). One point is earned for a description of the role of the media in the policy process: The media can set the policy agenda, They can choose which issues to cover and how to frame them,They inform the public on public policy issues.

Political parties seek to win elections to control government. (a) Identify two activities that political parties do to win elections. (b) Describe one way third parties can affect elections. (c) Explain how single-member districts make it difficult for third parties to win elections. (d) Explain how electoral competition is affected by gerrymandering

1.aTwo points are earned for identifying two activities that political parties do to win elections: Advertise, Fundraise, Nominate candidates, Organize rallies, Hold conventions, Mobilize voters/Get out the vote (GOTV), Generate a platform of issues, Conduct public opinion polling,Recruit candidates Part (b): 1 pointOne point is earned for describing a way that third parties can affect elections:Take votes away from one of the major party candidates (spoiler effect),Bring new issues to the forefront/set the agenda,Give voters another option,Shift attention away from the major party candidates Part (c): 1 pointOne point is earned for an explanation of how single-member districts make it difficult for third parties to win elections: In winner-take-all, or plurality systems, third-party candidates in single-member districts have a difficult time getting enough votes to win. Part (d): 1 pointOne point is earned for explaining how electoral competition is affected by gerrymandering: Drawing district lines to favor/protect one group/incumbent, making the district less competitive Electorally, Drawing district lines to spread opposition party voters across districts, making the district more competitive electorally, Drawing district lines to allow a party with fewer votes statewide to win a majority of seats

In a democracy, what the majority wants should influence public policy. The opinion of the majority is sometimes, but not always, reflected in policy change. (a) Explain how interest groups reduce the influence of public opinion on policy. (b) Explain how EACH of the following increases the likelihood of policy change. • Newly elected president • National crisis (c) Describe the role of EACH of the following institutions in the policy process. • The courts • The media

2.Part (a): 1 point One point is earned for an explanation of how interest groups reduce the influence of public opinion on policy:Interest groups use tactics (lobbying, providing information, campaign contributions) to affect policy change by institutions or individuals, regardless of public opinion on the policy. Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for an explanation of how a newly elected president increases the likelihood of policy change: Presidents claim an electoral mandate that allows them to pressure Congress into adopting their agenda, Presidents have more political capital during their honeymoon period, which allows them to set the legislative agenda, New presidents can issue executive orders or make appointments that may influence public policy, The new president's party is more likely to have gained seats in Congress during the presidential election, which makes it easier to pass legislation. One point is earned for an explanation of how a national crisis increases the likelihood of policy change: Focuses the attention of policy makers, which can lead to policy change, Unifies and mobilizes the public, which can lead to policy change. Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for a description of the role of the courts in the policy process. Court decisions can create, block, or guide public policy (judicial review, overturn, precedent). One point is earned for a description of the role of the media in the policy process:The media can set the policy agenda, They can choose which issues to cover and how to frame them, They inform the public on public policy issues.

Public opinion polls are commonly used by politicians and the media (a) Identify two characteristics of a reliable scientific public opinion poll. (b) Describe two ways polling results are used by politicians. (c) Explain how frequent public opinion polls impact media coverage of political campaigns.

2.Part (a): 2 points Two points are earned for identifying two characteristics of a reliable scientific public opinion poll: Random sample, Representative sample, Large sample size/low margin of error, Question wording (unbiased and/or unambiguous wording), Survey format (question type, open- versus close-ended questions, sequencing) Part (b): 2 pointsTwo points are earned for a description of two ways polling results are used by politicians:Collecting information on how to conduct their campaign,Collecting information to shape policy, Promoting themselves to the public (platform formation), Conducting opposition research, Collecting information to inform votes on bills, Gaining support from donors Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for an explanation of how frequent release of public opinion polls impacts media coverage of political campaigns: Amount/type of campaign media coverage changes because of changing polling numbers, Frequent polling contributes to horse race journalism, Polling shapes what campaign-related stories the media will cover,Results in a lack of policy coverage.

3. Fiscal policy and monetary policy are two tools used by the federal government to influence the United States economy. The executive and legislative branches share the responsibility of setting fiscal policy. The Federal Reserve Board has the primary role of setting monetary policy. (a) Define fiscal policy. (b) Describe one significant way the executive branch influences fiscal policy. (c) Describe one significant way the legislative branch influences fiscal policy. (d) Define monetary policy. (e) Explain two reasons why the Federal Reserve Board is given independence in establishing monetary policy.

One point is earned for a correct definition of fiscal policy. Acceptable definitions include: • Taxing and/or spending • The budget Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for correctly describing a significant way the executive branch influences fiscal policy. Acceptable descriptions include: • The president proposes/prepares the federal budget. • The president signs/vetoes legislation (related to taxing, spending, and borrowing, not generic). • The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recommends the budget. Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for correctly describing a significant way the legislative branch influences fiscal policy. Acceptable descriptions include: • Congress passes the federal budget. • Congress acts on tax and spending legislation. • The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) advises Congress on economic policies. Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for a correct definition of monetary policy. Acceptable definitions include: • Regulating the money supply. • Controlling inflation/deflation. • Adjusting interest rates to regulate the economy. • Adjusting bank reserve requirements. • The cost of money. One point is earned for each of two explanations of why the Federal Reserve Board is given independence in establishing monetary policy. Acceptable explanations include: • It removes politics from monetary policy decision making. • Congress/the president can abdicate responsibility for difficult decisions by delegating decision- making power. • The Federal Reserve Board relies on expertise when making decisions. • The Federal Reserve Board makes economic policies efficiently.

1. The United States Supreme Court receives many appeals, but it hears and rules on a small percentage of cases each year. Numerous factors influence the actions of the Court, both in deciding to hear a case and in the decisions it hands down. a. Define judicial review. b. Explain how judicial review empowers the Supreme Court within the system of checks and balances. c. Describe the process through which the Court grants a writ of certiorari. d. Explain how each of the following influences decisions made by individual justices when deciding cases heard by the Court. • Stare decisis • Judicial activism

One point is earned for a correct definition of judicial review. An acceptable definition of judicial review is the power of the court to rule on the constitutionality of laws, acts, statutes, executive orders. Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for an acceptable explanation that demonstrates how judicial review empowers the Supreme Court to exercise power relative to the other branches of government within the system of checks and balances by including one of the following: • It gives the Court the power to overturn laws passed by Congress/legislative branch or actions taken by the president/executive branch. • It gives the Court the power to limit actions taken by Congress/legislative branch or the president/executive branch. Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for correctly describing the process through which the Court grants a writ of certiorari by including both of the following: • A reference to lower courts • A reference to the rule of 4 Part (d): 2 points One point is earned for a correct explanation of how stare decisis influences decisions made by justices when deciding cases heard by the Court. One point is earned for a correct explanation of how judicial activism influences decisions made by justices when deciding cases heard by the Court. An acceptable explanation of how stare decisis influences justices includes one of the following: • Justices defer to prior Supreme Court decisions. • Justices apply precedent to current cases and rule based on past decision. An acceptable explanation of how judicial activism influences justices includes one of the following: • Justices are more likely to strike down laws and policies as unconstitutional. • Justices are influenced by the future/societal ramifications/needs of the nation.

Nominees for the presidency of the two major parties are chosen by delegates at national conventions. How these delegates are chosen varies across states and between the political parties. a. Define each of the following methods used by states to choose delegates to party conventions. • Open primary • Caucus b. Republican Party rules permit winner-take-all primaries. Describe one consequence of this rule for the Republican nomination process. c. The Democratic Party has used superdelegates in the presidential nominating process since 1984. Explain why the use of superdelegates increases the influence of party leaders in the Democratic nomination process. d. Explain why a candidate's strategy to win the nomination is often different from the strategy developed to win the general election.

One point is earned for a correct definition of open primary: a primary election in which any voter can cast a ballot in any party's primary. One point is earned for a correct definition of caucus: a meeting or gathering of members of a political party where members deliberate and choose from the list of those seeking the presidential nomination. Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for an acceptable consequence for a winner-take-all primary, which can include the following: • Shortens the timeframe for candidates wrapping up the nomination. • Affects strategic decisions (e.g., allocation of funds, time). • Advantages those with more prominence or better name recognition early in the process. Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for an acceptable explanation of how superdelegates increase the power of party leaders, which can include the following: • Party leaders are now assured a role in the nomination process, regardless of which candidate they support. • Party leaders can cast the deciding vote in close nomination contests. • Superdelegates are unpledged and therefore can change their minds on candidates as the process unfolds. Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for an acceptable explanation for why campaign strategies often differ between primary and general elections, which can include the following: • The electorate in the primary election is different from the electorate in the general election. • A candidate's opponents in the primary are fellow partisans, whereas opponents in the general election are from other parties. • There are differences in financing, media coverage and current events leading up to the general election.

(a) Define party polarization. (b) Identify a trend shown in the graph above. (c) Describe two causes of party polarization in Congress. (d) Describe one effect of party polarization on congressional policy making.

One point is earned for a correct definition of party polarization as increased ideological consistency, divisions along party lines, or both. Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for identifying a trend in the graph (e.g., party polarization has increased in the House; is higher in the House than in the Senate over time; was up, then down, then up). Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for each accurate description of a cause of party polarization in Congress. Acceptable causes include: • Clear issue differences between the parties • Increasing reliance on ideologically- driven activists • Ideologically-driven membership • Gerrymandering • Media effects on politics (e.g., fragmentation of traditional media; consolidation of media ownership; media focus on ideological extremism) Part (d): 1 point • Changing norms in Congress (e.g., lower levels of trust or dislike among members; shorter work week) • Direct primaries - ideological voters in congressional elections • Changing campaign finance rules • Rise of single issue interest groups • Shifts in the party (i.e., Republicans' "Southern Strategy") One point is earned for an accurate description of how party polarization affects Congressional policy making. Acceptable effects include: • Gridlock (e.g., fewer laws passed; confirmation processes become more difficult; filibuster; greater numbers of vacancies in courts and agencies) • Lack of compromise (e.g., fewer laws passed; confirmation processes become more difficult; filibuster; greater numbers of vacancies in courts and agencies)

One of the most important ways the news media influence politics is through agenda setting. (a) Define policy agenda. (b) Explain how the national news media engage in agenda setting. (c) Explain the primary reason the president tends to have an advantage over Congress in gaining media attention. (d) Consider the table above. • Describe the difference in the viewing patterns of older and younger age-groups. • Describe the change from 1974 to 2002 in viewing habits that exists for all age categories. (e) Given the information in the table, describe one implication for presidents in their use of the media to promote their political and policy objectives to the American public.

One point is earned for a correct definition of policy agenda. A correct definition must include each of the following: • A policy agenda is a set of issues, problems, or subjects • that gets the attention of/is viewed as important by • people involved in policymaking (e.g., government officials, government decision-makers). Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for a correct explanation of how the national news media engage in agenda setting. A correct explanation must include each of the following: • Raise awareness, provide information, draw attention, demonstrate the importance or consequences of the problem, or get the public's attention. • Get the attention of government/policymakers. Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for an explanation of the primary reason the president has an advantage over Congress in gaining media attention. A correct response must include the following: • An explanation that the president is one person, while Congress is composed of many members. • An explanation of how that fact gives the president an advantage over Congress in gaining media attention. Possible explanations might include: • The president speaks with a single voice, while Congress has many voices. • The president represents the nation; members of Congress represent states/districts. • The president is the national leader/leader of the country. • The president is more powerful than any single member of Congress. • The president has constitutional powers that Congress does not have. Part (d): 2 points One point is earned for each of two responses: one explaining the difference in viewing patterns of older and younger age-groups, and one explaining the change in viewing habits from 1974 to 2002 for all age- groups: • Young people view less TV news than older people./Older people view more TV news than younger people. • People in all age categories viewed less TV news in 2002 than they did in 1974.

Presidents consider many factors when nominating candidates to the federal courts, and getting their nominees confirmed is often difficult. (a) Using the chart above, describe ONE similarity between President Barack Obama's judicial appointments and those made by President George W. Bush. (b) Using the chart above, describe TWO differences between President Barack Obama's judicial appointments and those made by President George W. Bush. (c) Explain why a president's party affiliation accounts for differences in presidential appointments to the judiciary. (d) Describe one way a president can increase the chances of having judicial nominations to federal courts confirmed.

One point is earned for a correct description of a similarity between President Barack Obama's judicial appointments and those made by President George W. Bush. Possible responses include: • In both cases more than half the appointees were white. President Obama's appointees were 59 percent white, while President Bush's appointees were 82 percent white. • In both cases the number of Hispanic nominees is roughly similar, within two percentage points. • In both cases Asian Americans were the lowest demographic nominated, both under 10 percent. Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for each of two correct descriptions of a difference between President Barack Obama's judicial appointments and those made by President George W. Bush. Possible responses include: • Obama appointed a significantly greater percentage of women than did Bush. President Obama's appointees were 46 percent women, while President Bush's appointees were 22 percent women. • Obama was more likely to appoint racial minority candidates than was Bush; for example, 22 percent of President Obama's appointees were African American, as opposed to 7 percent of President Bush's appointees. • Obama appointed more than Bush in any single minority category, appointing a higher percentage of African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans. Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for a correct explanation of why a president's party affiliation accounts for differences in presidential appointments to the judiciary. Possible responses include: • President chooses nominees with similar views who will rule in a manner consistent with the President's policy preferences — party ID is a rough indicator. • President chooses nominees that cater to his party's electoral coalition, which will help his party win future elections. Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for a correct description of a way that a president can increase the chances of having judicial nominations confirmed. Possible responses include: • Consulting with the Senate/using senatorial courtesy • Choosing a moderate • Properly vetting candidates/selecting qualified candidates

The public policy process is complex. The formation, enactment, and implementation of public policy involve many government institutions. (a) Explain the importance of each of the following in the formation of the policy agenda.

One point is earned for a correct explanation of the importance of each of the following in the formation of the policy agenda: Media • Affects agenda setting by what it chooses to cover (priming/gatekeeping/watchdog). • Media framing of issues. Elections • Election winners control agenda. • Initiative process. • Issues raised during campaigns. Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for a correct description of the role of each of the following in the enactment of public policy: Congressional committees: committee actions related to the enactment of public policy (gatekeeper/mark-up legislation/hold hearings). Executive Orders • Presidents use executive orders to enact policy. • Bypass Congress. Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for a correct explanation of the importance of each of the following in the implementation of public policy: Bureaucratic discretion: bureaucrats have the ability to shape implementation of public policy. Issue networks or iron triangles • Interest group(s)/congressional committee(s) pressure bureaucracy to implement policy that benefits them. • Bureaucracy can shape policy implementation to benefit interest group(s).

The federal bureaucracy as part of the executive branch exercises substantial independence in implementing governmental policies and programs. Most workers in the federal bureaucracy are civil-service employees who are organized under a merit system. (a) Describe one key characteristic of the merit system. (b) For each of the following, describe one factor that contributes to bureaucratic independence. • The structure of the federal bureaucracy • The complexity of public policy problems (c) For each of the following, explain one Constitutional provision that it can use to check the bureaucracy. • Congress • The courts • Interest groups

One point is earned for a description of a characteristic of the merit system. Answers may include: • Hiring or promotion based on merit/experience/qualifications • Hiring based on testing Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for each of two descriptions of factors contributing to bureaucratic independence. Answers may include: • Structure of the bureaucracy o Large o Specializedunits/expertise o Tenure protections/hard to fire o Basedonmerit o Independentagencies/independentregulatorycommissions • Complexity of public policy problems o Specializedunits/expertise o Delegated authority — because Congress and the president cannot handle everything, they delegate authority to the bureaucracy o Discretionary authority — because legislation lacks details, the bureaucracy can fill in the gaps Part (c): 3 points One point is earned for each of three explanations of a constitutional provision that can check the bureaucracy. Answers may include: • Congress o Appropriations—canrewardorpunishagency o Legislation — can pass legislation affecting the bureaucracy o Rejection of presidential appointments to the bureaucracy o Impeachment of executive officials • Courts o Court rulings that limit bureaucratic practices o Judicial review — can declare bureaucratic actions unconstitutional o Injunctionsagainstfederalagencies • Interest groups o Use of the First Amendment Lobbying Protests Media usage - Speech o Litigation

American politics has often been called an "invitation to struggle." Although in recent years the president has been thought to have an advantage in policy making, there are still constraints on the power of the president. (a) Describe a power of the president in each of the following roles. • Chief legislator • Chief bureaucrat or chief administrator (b) Explain how each of the following limits the president's influence in policy making. • Civil service employees • The Supreme Court (c) Describe the influence of divided government on the policy-making process.

One point is earned for an accurate description of a power of the president in each of the following roles:Chief legislator: agenda-setting; veto; message power/State of the Union address; going public/bully pulpit, Chief bureaucrat: appointments (e.g., vetting); executive orders; manage/oversee the bureaucracy; use White House staff to control bureaucrats (e.g., Office of Management and Budget); prioritize agency activities Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for each of the following accurate explanations of limits on the president's influence on policymaking:Civil service employees: bureaucratic discretion; agency view; civil service protection; interest group capture of agencies; expertise, The Supreme Court: declares presidential actions unconstitutional Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for an accurate description of the influence of divided government on the policymaking process. Descriptions must demonstrate an understanding of the political concept of divided government and then describe the influence it has on policymaking. Description may include: Control of Congress by one party and control of the presidency by the other party makes it more difficult to enact legislation.Control of the two chambers of Congress by opposing political parties makes it more difficult to pass legislation.

a) Using the chart above, compare minority representation in 1960 and 2010. (b) Explain how each of the following assisted in the removal of barriers to minority voting. • Voting Rights Act of 1965 • Twenty-fourth Amendment (c) Identify one barrier that currently impedes minority representation in Congress. Explain why the barrier you identified inhibits minority representation in Congress.

One point is earned for demonstrating an increase in minority representation between 1960 and 2010. Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for an explanation of how the Voting Rights Act of 1965 assisted in the removal of barriers to minority voting: • Eliminating voter registration requirements (e.g., literacy tests, residency requirements) that prevented minorities from voting led to increased access for minority voters. • Creating federal oversight of elections helped eliminate discriminatory mechanisms (e.g., voter intimidation, ballot fraud) that were used to prevent minority voters from voting, which led to increased access for minority voters. • Eliminating the use of English-only ballots that prevented non-English-speaking minorities from voting led to increased access for minority voters. A second point is earned for an explanation of how the Twenty-fourth Amendment assisted in the removal of barriers to minority voting: Eliminating poll taxes that limited voting by lower-income people led to an increase in minority voting because minorities are often overrepresented among poor people. Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for identifying one barrier that currently impedes minority representation in Congress. The barrier may affect either minority candidates running for Congress or minority voters attempting to vote for minority candidates. Minority Candidates Minority Voters A second point is earned for explaining how the barrier identified above inhibits minority representation in Congress: • A minority candidate barrier must explain how the barrier identified above limits minority representation. • A minority voter barrier must explain how the barrier limits minority participation and how that directly affects minority representation in Congress Minority Candidates • Incumbency advantage • Gerrymandered districts • Majority-minority districts • Prejudice, racism, sexism • Electoral resources • Electoral qualifications • Single-member districts/winner-take-all Minority voters • I.D. requirements • English-only ballots • Felony disenfranchisement • Purging voter rolls • Voter intimidation

The framers created the electoral college to elect the president of the United States. This system influences the campaign strategies of presidential candidates. (a) Describe one reason that the framers chose to use the electoral college as the method to elect the president. (b) Describe the message the cartoon above conveys about presidential elections. (c) Explain why California, Texas, and New York do not appear prominently in the cartoon above. (d) Describe two campaign tactics presidential candidates use to win the key states identified in the cartoon above

One point is earned for describing a reason that the framers chose the electoral college method to elect the president. Possible descriptions include: • Compromise between big and small states • Protection against direct election by uninformed citizens/cater to elites • Did not trust the people, Congress, or state legislatures to solely select president • Reinforced federalism and gave states a role in presidential selection Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for an accurate description of the message in the cartoon. Possible descriptions include: • The candidates focus only on battleground or swing states • Many states are ignored by presidential candidates Simply using the term, "battleground state" or "swing state" is not enough; the response must describe what is unique about a battleground or swing state Part (c): 1 point • One point is earned for an accurate explanation of why California, Texas, and New York do not appear prominently in the cartoon. The explanations may include that these states are not competitive because one party possesses disproportionate influence or power (or a variation thereof). Part (d): 2 points One point is earned for each of two accurate descriptions of campaign tactics presidential candidates use to win the key states identified in the cartoon. They may include: • Concentration of money in those states • More TV ads and use of media in those states • Bigger campaign organizations in those states • More travel to/make more campaign appearances in the key states • Focus on issues that swing voters in that state care about • Selection of a running mate from one of the key states

Congress and the president both have a role in making foreign policy. Despite recent expansions in presidential power, there are still limits on presidential decision making in foreign policy. (a) Describe two enumerated powers Congress has in making foreign policy. (b) Describe two expressed powers the president has in making foreign policy. (c) Explain how executive agreements expand the president's ability to implement foreign policy. (d) Explain how one of the following can limit the president's ability to implement foreign policy. -elections, and presidential approval ratings

One point is earned for each accurate description of an enumerated power that Congress has in making foreign policy. Enumerated powers include: • Declaring war • Power of the purse • Treaty ratification • Regulating commerce with other nations • Raising and supporting army/navy • Passing laws relative to foreign policy Part (b): 2 points • Defining and punishing offenses against the laws of other nations • Confirming cabinet or administrative appointments: Defense, State, trade reps, etc. One point is earned for each description of expressed powers the president has in making foreign policy. Expressed powers include:Receiving ambassadorAppointing ambassadors Commander-in-Chief Making treaties Appointing cabinet officers and administrative agency heads relevant to foreign policy Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for an accurate explanation of how executive agreements expand the president's ability to implement foreign policy: they can be entered into unilaterally (no interference from Congress). Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for an accurate explanation of how one of the following limits the president's ability to implement foreign policy. Accurate explanations include: • Elections o Electionsmatter:Presidentsmustseekre-election;theycanbevotedoutofofficeafterfirst term; elections can shift agenda or focus. o MidtermelectionsleadtoshiftsinpartisanmakeupofCongress,oftentothedetrimentof the president's party. • Presidential approval ratings o Lowerratingscanleadtoperceptionsoflesserauthorityorinfluence,constrainingthe president's freedom to implement foreign policy.

Interest groups seek to influence political processes in ways that benefit their members. In doing so, however, they may not act in the overall public interest. (a) Describe two techniques interest groups use to influence elections. (b) Explain how interest groups use each of the following to influence government decision making. • Issue networks (also known as iron triangles) • Amicus curiae briefs (c) Explain how each of the following serves to limit interest group influence. • The media • Pluralism

One point is earned for each correct description of a technique used by interest groups to influence elections. Techniques include: campaign contributions candidate ratings endorsements 501(c)4 527 GOTV efforts independent expenditures issue ads PACs providing information on issue and candidates funneling volunteers to campaigns Notes: Must describe a technique, not merely identify it. No double dipping on PACs and Super PACs. Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for an acceptable explanation that demonstrates how interest groups use issue networks (iron triangles). One point is also earned for an acceptable explanation that demonstrates how interest groups use amicus briefs: • Interest groups participate in issue networks by providing money, information, and resources in hopes of obtaining political support from Congress, the bureaucracy, or the White House. • Interest groups use amicus briefs to inform the Court in hopes of influencing the acceptance of cases, Court reasoning, or decisions. Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for a correct explanation of how the media acts to limit interest group influence. An additional point is earned for a correct explanation of how pluralism acts to limit interest group influence: • Media can act as a gatekeeper of information or a watchdog of interest group behavior. • Pluralism limits interest group influence because of the competition among a vast number of groups.

2. Public opinion polls are a way to link the public with elected officials. Members of Congress often use polls to understand the views of their constituents, but they must also pay attention to other political considerations. a. Identify two characteristics of a valid, scientific, public opinion poll. b. Explain why each of the following enhances the influence of public opinion on the voting decisions of members of Congress. • Strong public opinion as expressed in polling results • Competitive re-elections c. Explain why each of the following limits the influence of public opinion on the voting decisions of members of Congress. • Legislators' voting records • Party leadership

One point is earned for each correct identification of a characteristic of a valid, scientific public opinion poll. Acceptable characteristics may include the following: • Randomized sample • Representative sample • Question wording (unbiased, unambiguous) • Large sample size/low margin of error Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for a correct explanation of why each of the following enhances the influence of public opinion on the voting decisions of members of Congress. • Strong public opinion as expressed in polling results o Because of the desire to get reelected/electoral ambition o Because of the perceived obligation/duty to represent their constituents • Competitive reelections o Because of the desire to get reelected Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for a correct explanation of why each of the following limits the influence of public opinion on the voting decisions of members of Congress. • Legislators' voting records o To avoid being perceived as indecisive by voters/supporters • Party leadership: o To avoid the risk of losing party support o Togainpartysupport

The Constitution of the United States creates a government of separate institutions that share power rather than a government that delegates power exclusively to a single branch. Frequently, this means that presidents and Congress struggle with each other. a. For each of the presidential powers below, explain one way that congressional decision making is affected by that power. • Veto power • Power to issue executive orders • Power as commander in chief b. For each of the congressional powers below, explain one way that presidential decision making is affected by that power. • Legislative oversight power • Senate advice and consent power • Budgetary power

One point is earned for each explanation of how congressional decision making is affected by the following presidential powers: • Veto power o Results in congressional interaction with the president/executive branch during the legislative process (e.g., bargaining, negotiation, compromising, consulting). o Prevents or discourages congressional action if the president makes a statement of clear opposition or threatens a veto. • Power to issue executive orders o Congress acts in response to or anticipates executive orders (e.g., countermands, preempts, compromises). o Congress avoids taking action on controversial issues. • Power as commander in chief o Congress engages in oversight activities. o Congress clarifies its role associated with the power to declare war (i.e., War Powers Act). o Congress controls military spending and thus can approve, modify or reject funding. Part (b): 3 points One point is earned for each explanation of how presidential decision making is affected by the following congressional powers: • Power of legislative oversight o Presidents minimize the number or extent of actions that might draw congressional scrutiny. • Senate advice and consent power o Presidents weigh the implications of making controversial or ideological nominations or appointments. o Presidents use recess appointments, avoiding controversial confirmation battles. o Presidents use executive agreements to avoid the need to have treaties ratified. • Budgetary power o Presidents consider budget items or programs that are important to members of Congress. o Presidents consult with members of Congress during the budget process. o Presidents sign budgets that include provisions they oppose rather than veto the budget. o Presidents postpone agenda items because of difficulty in getting congressional budgetary approval

The framers of the Constitution created a political system based on limited government. The original Constitution and the Bill of Rights were intended to restrict the powers of the national government. Later constitutional developments also limited the powers of state governments. (a) Explain how each of the following limits the powers of the national executive. • Federalism • Checks and balances (b) Explain how each of the following two provisions in the Bill of Rights limits the powers of the national government. • Establishment clause • Guarantee of a public trial (c) Choose one of the following and explain how it limits the power of state governments. • Citizenship clause of the Fourteenth Amendment • Selective incorporation

One point is earned for each explanation of how each of the following limits the powers of the national executive. • Federalism — divides power between national and state governments, which limits the authority of the national executive. • Checks and balances — the response must explain how other branches of government can check (limit, restrict) what the executive can do. A correct example of a check or balance on the national executive is acceptable to earn this point. Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for each explanation of how each of the following limits the powers of the national government. • Establishment Clause — prevents the national government from establishing a national religion or taking any action that would show preferential treatment for one religion over another. • Guarantee of a public trial — requiring trials to be open to the public limits the government's ability to violate the rights of citizens. Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for an explanation of how one of the following limits the power of state governments. • Citizenship Clause — provides a national definition of citizenship that states cannot violate; requires states to provide citizenship guarantees to all who meet the definition of citizen. • Selective incorporation — prohibits states from denying Bill of Rights provisions regarding freedom of expression, rights of the accused or privacy.

2. A number of factors enable presidents to exert influence over Congress in the area of domestic policy. However, presidents are also limited in their influence over domestic policymaking in Congress. (a) The Constitution grants the president certain enumerated powers. Describe two of these formal powers that enable the president to exert influence over domestic policy. (b) Choose two of the following. Define each term and explain how each limits the president's ability to influence domestic policymaking in Congress. • mandatory spending • party polarization • lame-duck period

One point is earned for each of two descriptions of formal, enumerated powers that enable the president to exert influence over domestic policy. Acceptable descriptions may include: • Legislative powers (veto, pocket veto, signing legislation). • State of the Union address. • Appointment power (to a domestic office). • Calling Congress into session. • Chief executive role ("faithfully execute the law" clause). • Commander-in-chief role (must connect it to domestic policy in order to earn the point). Part (b): 4 points One point is earned for each of two definitions and two explanations of limits to the president's ability to influence domestic policymaking in Congress. Explanations must be tied to a correct, though not necessarily complete, definition. Correct Definition Examples of Acceptable Explanations Mandatory Spending Spending not controlled by annual budget decisions (nondiscretionary spending, automatic spending, etc.) • Budgetary constraints make it difficult to accomplish policy goals. • It is difficult to make budget cuts that might accomplish policy goals. Party Polarization Increased interparty differences • Opposing party may block policy goals. • There is a lack of moderates with whom to build coalitions. Lame-Duck Period Period of time in which an officeholder's term is coming to an end • President's power is perceived as being diminished. • Congress is less responsive to the

The judicial branch is often assumed to be insulated from politics. However, politics affects many aspects of the judiciary. (a) Describe two political factors that affect presidents' decisions to appoint members of the federal judiciary. (b) Identify two political factors that affect the confirmation process of a president's nominees and explain how each factor complicates a confirmation. (c) Explain how one legislative power serves as a check on court decisions. (d) Explain how one executive power serves as a check on court decisions

One point is earned for each of two descriptions of political factors that affect presidential appointment decisions. Acceptable descriptions include: campaign promises gender geographic diversity home-state senator (if lower courts) ideology interest group input issue positions party potential for confirmation success professional background, experience, education race religion scandal One point is earned for each of two identifications of political factors that affect the confirmation process for presidential nominees. One point is earned for each of two explanations for how the political factor complicates the confirmation of judicial appointees. Acceptable factors include: advice and consent campaign promises filibuster gender geographic diversity holds home-state senator (if lower courts) ideology interest group input issue positions the media (televising Judiciary Committee hearings) party professional background, experience, education race religion safe/weak nominee scandal senatorial courtesy One point is earned for correctly explaining how a legislative power serves as a check on court decisions. Acceptable legislative powers include: amendments confirmation congressional funding impeachment jurisdiction stripping legislation One point is earned for correctly explaining how an executive power serves as a check on court decisions. Acceptable executive powers include: power of appointment executive enforcement

4. The Constitution limited the power of the national government and restricted popular control; however, citizen participation has changed over time. (a) Explain how each of the following constitutional features protects against the concentration of power in the national government. • Checks and balances • Federalism (b) Explain how one of the following features of the Constitution limited the people's ability to influence the national government. • Electoral college • Selection of senators before the Seventeenth Amendment (c) Describe a constitutional amendment that increased suffrage. (d) Describe the effect of one of the following laws on citizen participation in elections. • Voting Rights Act of 1965 • National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (Motor Voter Act)

One point is earned for each of two explanations of how each of the following constitutional features protected against the concentration of power in the national government: Checks and balances: By allowing each branch some power over the other branches the Constitution limits the possibility of one branch getting too powerful.,Federalism: By dividing power between the national/federal and state governments, the Constitution ensured that the national government would not be too powerful. Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for an explanation of how one of the following features of the Constitution limited the people's ability to influence the national government: Electoral College: feature that reduces the influence of the popular vote for the president, thereby limiting the people's direct influence on the national government. Selection of senators before the Seventeenth Amendment: The selection of senators prior to the Seventeenth amendment limited the direct influence of the people because state legislatures selected senators rather than the people choosing senators through a popular election. Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for a description of a Constitutional amendment that increases suffrage: Fifteenth Amendment (African American male suffrage ), Nineteenth Amendment (women's suffrage) Twenty-third Amendment (D.C. resident suffrage),Twenty-fourth Amendment (eliminated the poll tax)Twenty-sixth Amendment (suffrage for citizens age 18 and older)An amendment number is not needed to earn credit, but a description of how the amendment increased suffrage is needed to earn credit. Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for a description of the effect of one of the following laws on citizen participation in elections: Voting Rights Act (VRA): eliminated barriers to voting; increased, but did not grant minority participation., National Voting Rights Act (Motor Voter): allows individuals to register to vote when getting driver's license or at other government agencies, making it easier to register.

4. "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude." Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, 1870 Despite the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment, voter turnout among African American citizens was very low throughout the first half of the twentieth century. Over the past 50 years, civil rights policies have changed substantially, along with a significant increase in African American voter turnout. (a) Explain how two measures taken by some states prior to the 1960s affected voter turnout among African American citizens. (b) Facing discrimination at the voting booth, many African American citizens turned to alternative forms of political participation. Describe two alternative forms of participation that helped bring about changes in civil rights policies. (c) Choose one of the forms of participation you described in (b) and explain why it was effective in changing civil rights policies.

One point is earned for each of two explanations of measures taken by some states that affected voter turnout among African American citizens. Acceptable explanations are: • Literacy tests • Poll taxes • Grandfather clauses • Dilution of voting strength through redistricting • White primaries • Election procedures (notification, access) Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for each of two descriptions of alternative forms of participation. Acceptable descriptions are: • Demonstrations/protests/public rallies/civil disobedience • Organized interest-group activity (e.g., NAACP) • Courts/litigation • Boycotts • Election activities other than voting (campaigning, donating) Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for a correct explanation of why an alternative form of participation was effective in changing civil rights policies based on the response in (b). The response must explain how or why policy outputs or outcomes result from participation, including the following three elements: • Participation • Linkage mechanism • Policy output or outcome

1. Individuals often form groups in order to promote their interests. The Constitution contains several provisions that protect the rights of individuals who try to promote their interests in a representative democracy. (a) Explain two provisions in the Bill of Rights that protect individuals who try to influence politics. (b) Interest groups engage in a variety of activities to affect public policy. Explain how each of the following is used by interest groups to exert influence over policy. • Grassroots mobilization • Lobbying of government institutions • Litigation (c) Describe one specific federal governmental regulation of interest groups.

One point is earned for each of two provisions of the Bill of Rights identified. Each provision must be identified and include a discussion of what the provision protects. Answers may include, but are not limited to: • Speech — allows citizens to say almost anything they want • Press — allows citizens access to information, each other and policymakers; printed advocacy • Assembly — allows citizens to come together • Petition — allows citizens to address government • Various due process/criminal justice provisions (e.g., grand jury indictment, jury of peers, search and seizure) — protects citizens from retribution/harassment from government Part (b): 3 points One point is earned for each of three explanations. The explanations must include a description of the interest group activity and how that activity may influence the action of a governmental body, official or policy. • Grassroots mobilization — interest groups organize citizens, who act to influence policymakers • Lobbying — direct contact with policymakers for the purpose of persuasion through the provision of information, political benefits, etc. • Litigation — the use of courts to gain policy preferences through cases or amicus curiae Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for describing a regulation. The regulation does not need to be identified by its formal title. • Disclosure of contributions, funding or activities • Registration of lobbyists, PACs • Campaign finance laws • Limits on gifts • Limits on revolving-door appointments • Limits on honoraria • Prohibition of bribery • Any named law or regulation with a description of what it does to regulate interest groups

The United States is experiencing a dramatic change in the makeup of its population. These changes have political consequences for political institutions. (a) Identify a trend depicted in the chart. (b) Assuming that recent voting patterns continue, explain how the trend identified in (a) is likely to affect the electoral success of either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party. (c) Explain how the demographic changes shown in the chart above are likely to affect the way in which parties operate in Congress. (d) Describe two specific actions that presidents can take to respond to the demographic changes in the chart

One point is earned for identifying a correct trend. Answers may include: Decreasing percentage of non-Hispanic whites/white population,Increasing percentage of Hispanic populatio, Increasing percentage of Asian American population,Stable percentage of African American population Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for an explanation of how the trend correctly identified in part (a) is likely to affect the electoral success of either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party. Explanations may include:Democratic Party may experience greater electoral success due to the increasing percentage of minority voters.Republican Party may experience a decrease in electoral success due to the decreasing non- Hispanic white population. Republican Party could gain Hispanic voters based on socially conservative issues. Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for a correct explanation of how demographic changes are likely to affect the way in which parties operate in Congress. Explanations may include that parties can:Introduce/sponsor legislation that is more focused on minority interests; Appoint minorities to leadership positions (committees, etc.); Be more responsive to lobbyists who represent minority interests; Influence committee priorities that are more focused on minority interests. Part (d): 2 points One point is earned for each of two descriptions of specific actions that presidents can take to respond to demographic changes. Descriptions may include that presidents can:Issue executive orders/agreements to respond to minority policy views/interests; • Appoint diverse individuals to federal government positions;Set the agenda to support/oppose minority interests (e.g., State of the Union); Go public/advocate for/against minority interests (bully pulpit);Sign or veto legislation regarding minority interests; • Select VP nominee to reflect demographic changes.

Over the last several decades, the composition of the Democratic and Republican parties has changed in important ways. A major partisan shift has occurred in the South, but other demographic changes have also been identified. Changes in party composition are reflected at different rates in presidential elections than in congressional elections. (a) Identify one specific trend evident in the figure above. (b) Choose two of the following and use each to explain why southern voters from 1948 to 2000 were electing Democratic candidates to Congress more frequently than choosing Democratic candidates for the presidency. • Incumbency advantage • Gerrymandering • Differences between state and national parties (c) Several other changes in party composition have emerged in the past few decades. Select three of the following groups and for each explain how parties have changed in composition with respect to that group. • Catholics • Labor union members • Women • Social conservatives

One point is earned for identifying one specific trend evident in the figure: • Percentage of House seats for Democrats has trended down. • Percentage of presidential electoral votes for Democrats has trended down. Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for each explanation of why, from 1948 to 2000, Southern voters elected Democratic candidates to Congress more frequently than they elected Democratic candidates to the presidency: • Incumbency advantage — Even though Southern voters were voting for Republican presidential candidates, they continued to vote for incumbent Democratic congressional candidates because of the incumbency advantage. • Gerrymandering — District lines created safe seats/majority-minority districts, which protected Democratic seats even though there were more Republican voters in statewide presidential elections. • State versus national parties — Because national and state parties were largely independent of each other, to get votes Democratic congressional candidates responded to local interests, whereas Democratic presidential candidates responded to a national constituency. Part (c): 3 points One point is earned for each explanation of how, over the past few decades, party composition has changed with respect to three of the four groups: • Catholics — They have become less reliable Democratic voters. • Labor union members — They have become less reliable Democratic voters; have decreased in number and thus there are fewer Democratic supporters; have become a smaller percentage of the Democratic voting bloc. • Women — They have become more reliable Democratic voters; have increased in number and thus there are more Democratic supporters; have become a larger percentage of the Democratic voting bloc. • Social conservatives — They were previously nonexistent and have now crystallized to become more reliable Republican voters; previously found in the Democratic party and have moved to the Republican Party.

1. In The Federalist paper number 10, James Madison expressed concern over the possibility that both majority and minority factions would have too much power over government, and he presented ways of minimizing that danger. The United States Constitution established a democratic government but also contained several provisions that limited majority rule. Throughout the next two centuries, the role of majority rule in the United States government and politics continued to change. (a) Identify the part of the national government that was originally most closely tied to citizens and explain how it was tied to citizens. (b) Explain two ways the United States Constitution limited majority rule. (c) Choose two of the following twentieth-century developments and explain how each moved the United States from a less democratic system to a more democratic system. • Primary elections • The Seventeenth Amendment • Expansion of suffrage

One point is earned for identifying the House of Representatives or Congress. One point is earned for an explanation of how the House or Congress is most closely tied to citizens. Acceptable explanations are: • Members of the House are more directly elected than the president and were originally more directly elected than members of the Senate. • The shorter term length (or frequent elections) ties them to the people. • Members must live in the state they represent. • House members represent relatively small districts. Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for each of two explanations. Each explanation must show how a constitutional provision or principle limits majority rule. Any of the following can be used as a reference point in the explanation of how majority rule is limited (this is not an exhaustive list): Provisions that limit how the majority can have an impact on government Provisions that limit the power of government • Electoral college • U.S. senators originally selected by state legislatures • Longer terms of senators • Independent judiciary • Life tenure for U.S. Supreme Court justices • Appointment process • Representative form of government • Bill of Rights • Expressed powers • Specific prohibitions (e.g., ex post facto laws, bills of attainder) • Separation of powers • Checks and balances • Federalism • Bicameralism One point is earned for each of two explanations. Each explanation must state how the development cited moved the process from a less democratic system to a more democratic system in the twentieth century. Acceptable explanations must indicate how the United States became more democratic through: • Primary elections—voters gained more control over the nomination process/control taken away from political parties. • Seventeenth Amendment—mandated direct election of U.S. senators. • Expansion of suffrage—led to a more representative set of voters/more eligible voters.

There are several different approaches to representation within a democratic political system. (a) Define direct democracy. (b) Define republican form of government. (c) Describe one reason the framers of the United States Constitution chose a republican form of government over a direct democracy. (d) Describe each of the models of congressional representation.

Part (a): 1 point One point is earned for a correct definition of direct democracy: Individual participation on legislation or policy • Rule by the people + OR Making decisions without delegating authority to elected representatives Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for defining a republican form of government: Authority is delegated to elected representatives to make decision on behalf of citizens. Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for a description of one reason the framers chose a republican form of government. Reasons include: • Fear of mob rule (tyranny of the majority) • Size of country • Elitism - inadequate education/uninformed public • Did not trust people Part (d): 2 points • To counter the influence of factions • Preexistence of states • Reinforcement of federalism One point is earned for each description of the models of congressional representation. • An acceptable description of the trustee model (attitudinal view): o Decisions made by elected official using their own personal views or decisions made by the elected official based on the public good and not on the basis of constituents' views. • An acceptable description of the delegate model (representational view): o Decisions made by the elected official mirror the constituents' views, represent constituents' views, or do what voters tell them to do. Part (e): 1 point One point is earned for an acceptable explanation of why a member of Congress might sometimes act as a trustee (attitudinal view) rather than a delegate (representational view). • Information access • Reliance on expertise • Divided constituency • Salience of issue • Vote his or her conscience (explaining why) • Difficulty determining what voters want Note: Must close loop to show contrast that the representative is voting regardless of what the constituents want.

1. The framers of the Constitution intended the Supreme Court to be politically insulated. Despite this intent, the Supreme Court is not completely insulated from political influences. (a) Describe one constitutional provision that seeks to insulate the Supreme Court from public opinion. (b) Identify a power exercised by the Supreme Court that acts as a check on another branch of the federal government. (c) Explain how each of the following can limit the independence of the Supreme Court. • Congress • President (d) Explain how the Supreme Court protects its political independence.

Part (a): 1 point Question 1 One point is earned for a description of a constitutional provision that seeks to insulate the Supreme Court from public opinion: Justices serve for life, Justices are appointed/not elected, Justices' salaries cannot be reduced. Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for identifying a power exercised by the Supreme Court that acts as a check on another branch of the federal government: Judicial review,Power to declare governmental actions unconstitutional,Power to overrule/uphold laws passed by Congress or actions taken by the president or bureaucracy Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for an explanation of how Congress can limit the Supreme Court's independence: Proposing constitutional amendments or passing legislation,Impeaching justices, Setting the operating budget of the Supreme Court,Increasing or decreasing the number of justices, Changing the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court One point is earned for an explanation of how the president can limit the Supreme Court's independence: Refusing to enforce judicial decisions, Proposing legislation or issuing executive orders to limit the effect of Supreme Court decisions:Making public statements/exerting pressure Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for explaining how the Supreme Court protects its political independence:Secret deliberations, No public recordings, Control of its docket ,Limited public statements/media appearances

(a) Describe the difference between civil rights and civil liberties. (b) Identify the primary clause of the Fourteenth Amendment that is used to extend civil rights. (c) Describe a specific legislative action that extended civil rights to each of the following. • Women • Persons with disabilities (d) Identify the primary clause of the Fourteenth Amendment that is used to extend civil liberties. (e) Explain how civil liberties were incorporated by the Supreme Court in two of the following cases. • Gideon v. Wainwright • Mapp v. Ohio • Miranda v. Arizona

Part (a): 1 point One point is earned for a correct description of the difference between civil rights and civil liberties. The response must include both of the following:Civil rights protect groups from discrimination. Civil liberties protect individuals from government actions. Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for a correct identification of the equal protection clause.Part (c): 2 pointsOne point is earned for a correct description of a specific legislative action that extended civil rights to each of the following: Women: right to vote; equal pay for equal work; equality in academics and athletics; laws expanding role of women in the military, etc., Persons with disabilities: public accommodations; educational accommodations, etc. Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for a correct identification of the due process clause. Part (e): 2 points One point is earned for each of two accurate explanations of how civil liberties were incorporated by the Supreme Court by the following cases: Gideon v. Wainwright — right to an attorney for indigents; Mapp v. Ohio — illegally seized evidence cannot be used in court; exclusionary rule;Miranda v. Arizona — must be informed of rights: no self-incrimination; right to counsel, etc.NOTE: The response must include reference to incorporation (i.e., application to the states or police action)

Linkage institutions—such as political parties, the media, and interest groups—connect citizens to the government and play significant roles in the electoral process. (a) Describe one important function of political parties as a linkage institution in elections. (b) Describe the influence of the media on the electoral process in each of the following roles. • Gatekeeping/agenda setting • Scorekeeping/horse race journalism (c) Describe two strategies interest groups use to influence the electoral process. (d) Explain how, according to critics, interest groups may limit representative democracy.

Part (a): 1 point One point is earned for a description of an important function of political parties as a linkage institution in elections. Correct descriptions may include : Nominating/running/recruiting candidates for elected office, Providing voter cues/information about policy choices, etc., Fundraising, Providing distinct political choices to voters Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for each of two descriptions of the media's influence on the electoral process in each of the following roles:Gatekeeping/Agenda setting: media determines which issues are perceived as relevant to voters, Scorekeeping/Horse race journalism: who's winning rather than focusing on policy issues relevant to the voters Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for describing each of two strategies that interest groups use to influence the electoral process. Correct descriptions may include: Giving money,Forming PACs, Endorsing candidates,Grassroots canvassing, Get out the vote (GOTV), Independent expenditures (ads), Issue advocacy,Polling, Lobbying (must be linked to electoral process) Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for an explanation of how interest groups may limit representative democracy. Correct explanations may include: Overrepresenting elites and their interests, Favoring narrow interests over broad interests, Providing biased information/distorting facts, Hyperpluralism contributing to gridlock

Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare are all mandatory spending programs, also known as entitlement programs. (a) Identify a change in federal spending between 1970 and 2023 (projected) based on the chart above. (b) Describe the difference between entitlement programs and discretionary programs. (c) Describe one demographic trend that has contributed to changes in entitlement spending. (d) Explain why changes in entitlement spending make balancing the federal budget difficult. (e) Explain how deficit spending affects the projected trend in net interest.

Part (a): 1 point One point is earned for identifying a change in federal spending between 1970 and 2023 (projected) based on the chart:Increase in mandatory spending,Decrease in discretionary spending, Increase in spending on net interest Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for describing the difference between entitlement programs and discretionary programs:Congress is required to fund entitlement programs whereas spending on discretionary programs may change from year to year. Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for describing a demographic trend that has contributed to changes in entitlement spending: Aging population increases spending on entitlement programs, Rising poverty rates increase spending on entitlement programs. Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for explaining why changes in entitlement spending make balancing the federal budget difficult, Reducing discretionary spending requires prioritizing,Cutting programs with popular support/differing party positions is challenging, Increasing revenue/taxes is difficult. Part (e): 1 point One point is earned for explaining how deficit spending affects the projected trend in net interest: Borrowing money increases the debt, which increases spending on net interest.

Voter turnout is influenced by constitutional provisions, voting laws, and demographics. (a) Identify the effect of one of the following amendments on the electorate.

Part (a): 1 point Question 2 One point is earned for an accurate identification of how one of the following amendments affected the electorate: The Fifteenth Amendment gave African Americans the right to vote,The Nineteenth Amendment gave women the right to vote. The Twenty-Sixth Amendment gave citizens age 18 and over the right to vote. Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for each explanation of factors that affect voter turnout: Motor voter laws add more registered voters to the rolls, potentially changing voter turnout. Photo identification laws create a potential barrier for those without accepted forms of ID, changing voter turnout. Part (c): 1 point One point is earned for an accurate description of how one of the following affects the likelihood of a person voting in an election:Education Educationispositivelycorrelatedwithvoterturnout:Thehighertheeducationlevelofa person, the more likely he or she is to vote, Age: Age is positively correlated with voter turnout:The older a person is,the more likely he or she is to vote. Part (d): 2 pointsOne point is earned for each accurate explanation of why voter turnout differs in the following: Presidential vs. midterm elections: Media coverage is greater in presidential elections. Increased interest in and importance of national and presidential campaigns.,Primary vs. general elections Partisans and activists are more likely to vote in primaries. Only party members may vote in closed primaries. Many primary elections are noncompetitive.Independents are less likely to participate in primary elections. o Generalelectionssimplifychoices. Media coverage is greater in general elections.Increased interest in and importance of general elections.

2. Interest groups play an important role in the political process. (a) Identify the primary goal of interest groups. (b) Describe EACH of the following strategies used by interest groups. • Lobbying • Amicus curiae (c) Explain how EACH of the following hinders the success of interest groups in obtaining their primary goal. • Separation of powers • Bureaucratic discretion

Part (a): 1 pointOne point is earned for identifying the primary goal of interest groups. • Influencing public policy/government actions Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for a description of the following strategy used by interest groups. • Lobbying, Persuading decision makers to adopt their preferences, Providing information to lawmakers, Writing legislation/consulting, Offering expertise One point is earned for a description of the following strategy used by interest groups. • Amicus Curiae, Providing legal arguments to support interest group positions on court cases Joining with other interest groups before courts to support common goals Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for an explanation of how the following hinders the success of interest groups in obtaining their primary goal Separation of powers, Complicates efforts/ability to influence policy,Each branch requires interest groups to use different strategies , Multiple access points One point is earned for an explanation of how the following hinders the success of interest groups in obtaining their primary goal:Bureaucratic discretion,The bureaucracy may not follow the intentions of interest groups,The bureaucracy may not implement the law in the way interest groups desire. The bureaucracy may not write rules that interest groups prefer.

The public policy process involves interactions between Congress and the bureaucracy. (a) Identify the primary role of Congress in the policy process. (b) Explain how divided party control of Congress can make the policy process difficult. (c) Identify the primary role of the bureaucracy in the policy process. (d) Explain how one of the following increases the power of the bureaucracy in the policy process. • Rule making • Bureaucratic discretion (e) Explain how each of the following enables Congress to limit the power of the bureaucracy. • Oversight hearings • Power of the purse

Part (a): 1 pointOne point is earned for the correct identification of the primary role of Congress in the policy process: Congress makes, writes, and passes legislation/policy. Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for the correct explanation of how divided party control of Congress makes the policy process difficult:Legislation is more difficult to pass when one party controls the House and the other controls the Senate. Part (c): 1 pointOne point is earned for the correct identification of the bureaucracy's primary role in the policy process: Implementation of policy Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for a correct explanation of how one of the following increases the power of the bureaucracy in the policy process: Rule-making: Bureaucrats write the specific regulations that determine the implementation of public policy, which enhances bureaucratic power, Bureaucratic discretion: Individual bureaucrats/agencies have to make choices about how to implement existing laws, which enhances bureaucratic power Part (e): 2 points One point is earned for each of two correct explanations of how Congress can limit the power of bureaucracy through: Oversight hearings: monitor through hearings; investigations; accounting,Power of the purse: increase/decrease budgets; shift spending; punish/reward agencies; kill a program

Political parties play important roles in United States elections and government institutions. Over the past several decades, the influence of political parties in elections has declined while their strength in Congress has increased. (a) Describe two important functions of political parties in United States elections. (b) Describe one important role political parties play within Congress to promote the party's public policy agenda. (c) Explain how each of the following factors has weakened the influence of political parties over the political process.

Part (a): 2 points AP® UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 2013 SCORING GUIDELINES Question 2 One point is earned for each of two correct descriptions of the functions of political parties in elections including: • Provide cues for voters • Provide a platform of issues • Recruit candidates for government office • Nominate candidates for government office Part (b): 1 point • Raise funds for their candidates' campaigns • Support for candidates' campaigns • Mobilize voters and get out the votes One point is earned for the correct description of a role of political parties within Congress to promote the party's public policy agenda: • Leadership positions in Congress are assigned on a party basis. • Party leaders articulate legislative policy priorities of the party. • Party leaders facilitate legislative policy priorities of the party. • Majority party selects committee chairs who promote the party's legislative priorities in committee. • Majority party appoints and controls the standing committees. • Majority party controls floor debates. • Majority party controls the rules and calendar favorable to majority party's policy priorities. Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for an explanation of how each of the following factors has weakened the influence of political parties over the political process: • Direct primaries: Gives parties less control over the nomination process of candidates; candidates appeal directly to voters and bypass parties; candidates may win who are not favored by the party elite. • Candidate-centered campaigns: Candidates appeal directly to voters; candidates can raise money by appealing to voters or PACs directly; candidates choose their own issues to campaign on. Part (d): 1 point One point is earned for an explanation of how party polarization has strengthened party influence in Congress: Members of political parties vote along party line; therefore they are less likely to cross party lines to vote with the other party.

4. The balance of power between the United States national government and state governments is shaped by the Constitution and Supreme Court rulings. (a) Describe EACH of the following constitutional provisions. • Supremacy clause • Tenth Amendment (b) Explain how ONE of the following court rulings changed the balance of power between the national government and state governments. • United States v. Lopez • Obergefell v. Hodges (c) Describe TWO advantages of federalism for the creation of public policy in the United States.

Part (a): 2 points One point is earned for a description of the Supremacy clause:The Supremacy clause establishes that federal laws/United States Constitution take precedence over state laws/state constitutions. One point is earned for a description of the Tenth Amendment:The Tenth Amendment establishes that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states. Part (b): 1 point One point is earned for an explanation of how United States v. Lopez affected the balance of power between the federal and state governments: The Court's decision in Lopez struck down a federal law creating gun-free school zones, which limited the power of the federal government in relation to the states, The Court's decision in Lopez adopted a more narrow interpretation of Congress's use of the Commerce Clause, which limited the power of the federal government in relation to the states. One point is earned for an explanation of how Obergefell v. Hodges affected the balance of power between the federal and state governments;the Court's decision in Obergefell declared that state laws prohibiting recognition of same-sex marriage violate the United States Constitution, which limited the power of state governments. Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for each of two descriptions of an advantage of federalism for the creation of public policy in the United States;States can make policy specific to their individual needs, States serve as laboratories of democracy/policy innovators,The federal government can establish uniform policy, if and when necessary,Multiple access points increase the likelihood of success in policymaking, States can make policy in the absence of national consensus,The federal government is able to distribute necessary resources.

1. The United States Constitution's ratification resulted from a political process that required compromise between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Many of the debates in government today continue to reflect the concerns of each perspective. (a) Compare the positions of Federalists and Anti-Federalists regarding the power of the national government. (b) Describe two features of the original Constitution that have led to a growth in the power of the national government. (c) Explain how each of the following additions to the Constitution addressed Anti-Federalist concerns.

Question 1 One point is earned for making an accurate comparison of both Federalist and Anti-federalist positions:The Federalists wanted a stronger national government and weaker state governments, while the Anti-federalists wanted a weaker national government and stronger state government, The Federalists wanted a balanced relationship between federal and state governments, while the Anti-federalists wanted a weaker national government and stronger state government. Part (b): 2 points One point is earned for each accurate description of a feature of the original Constitution that led to the growth of the national government's power. Acceptable descriptions include:Necessary and Proper clause/Elastic clause, Supremacy clause,Commerce clause, General Welfare clause, Taxing power, Unitary Executive Part (c): 2 points One point is earned for an accurate explanation of how each of the following addressed Anti-federalist concerns: First Amendment - Student must demonstrate knowledge of at least one right in the First Amendment and indicate that the First Amendment protects an individual's liberty and provides protection from government power.Tenth Amendment - Student must demonstrate an understanding that powers not mentioned in the constitution are reserved for the states and people.