sample thesis ap gov

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Lesson Plan: AP Government: Argumentative Essay Practice

The Federalist Papers

Boston College professor Mary Sarah Bilder gives a brief overview backgrounding the Federalist Papers

Description

This is intended as an end-of-course review activity for practice with the argumentative essay format included on the AP United States Government and Politics exam since the 2018 redesign. Eleven practice prompts are provided, reflecting content from Units 1-3.

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY PROMPT ANALYSIS

• Review the provided Argumentative Essay Prompts in either an individual or jigsaw format.
• Write a thesis statement for your selected prompt(s) and identify the selection you would make from the provided list and the second piece of evidence you would choose.
• If there are prompts for which you struggle to develop a thesis, or items on the bulleted lists with which you are not conversant, use the hyperlinked C-SPAN Classroom resources to extend your understanding of the required founding documents and SCOTUS cases that you found challenging.

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

• Chose one or more of the provided Argumentative Essay Prompts , as assigned, and use the planning and exploration you did above to write a full essay in response to your designated prompt(s) in 25 or fewer minutes , since that's the time limit you'll face on the AP Exam!
• Exchange essays with a classmate and evaluate each others' work.
• 1st Amendment
• Branches Of Government
• Constitution
• House Of Representatives
• Separation Of Powers
• Supreme Court

AP US Government FRQ

Ap government free response.

Check out the following resources for the AP Gov FRQ. Be sure to watch these strategy videos and work through all of the free response practice questions.

Official Sample FRQ

Frq strategy videos, how to write ap gov frqs, argumentative essay.

AP Government | Practice Exams | FRQ | Notes | Videos |  Flashcards |  Study Guides

Sample Prompts for the Argument Essay FRQ- AP government

Below are 16 topics, each of which includes:

• A sample essential question which introduces the prompt
• A draft prompt including three founding documents that could help shape the students’ arguments.

Each prompt is crafted to encourage deep analysis and aligns with key AP Government concepts, ensuring your students are well-prepared for exam success.

AP Government Argument Essay Samples

• NEW ! Media censorship: Should the government play an active role in the censorship of social media?  
• Independent judiciary:   Is an independent judiciary a threat to or a savior for democracy?  
• Congressional roles:   Does the delegate or trustee model of Congressional representation best serve the needs of the people as the Framers intended?  
• Federalism in the Age of Coronavirus:  Should the federal government or the states be most responsible for responding to the Coronavirus outbreak?  
• Political Parties:  Do political parties hinder or promote democracy?  
• Congressional oversight :  Is congressional oversight healthy or unhealthy for our system of government?
• Interest groups: Do interest groups hinder or promote democracy? 
• Civil Rights:  Should the federal government have power over states in the shaping of civil rights policies?
• Citizen participation: Does citizen participation really matter? 
• Photo IDs and federalism:   Do states have the authority to pass photo identification laws which restrict people’s ability to vote?  
• Presidential power:   Do executive orders give the president too much power?      
• Gridlock:   Is gridlock healthy or unhealthy for our system of government?
• Term limits:   Do congressional term limits violate or honor popular sovereignty?
• Primaries and caucuses: Is the presidential nominating process democratic? 
• Social Media :  Is social media a healthy way for citizens to participate in our political system?  
• Electoral College:   Should the electoral college be abolished?
• Representative versus direct democracy: Which is a better vehicle to serve citizen needs– a representative or direct democracy?  

Enhance Your Classroom Experience! You understand the challenges of keeping students engaged and preparing them for the AP exam. Our carefully curated essay prompts are designed to align with AP standards, fostering critical thinking and discussion in your classroom. Get ready to inspire your students with materials that cater to the dynamic world of government and politics.

For more resources for AP government, visit HERE

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Free-Response Essays on the AP® U.S. Government and Politics Exam

The AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam covers a breadth of topics surrounding the cultural, political, and social changes in U.S. History. The exam itself contains four free-response questions that require students to write two essays. They are:

• Concept Application
• Quantitative Analysis
• SCOTUS Comparison
• Argument Essay

To make sure that you nail these essays, it’s crucial that you know what to expect from each one. That’s why we want to walk you through what exactly is on the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam, as well as what you’ll see in the free-response section.

What’s on the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam?

The AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam tests students on their knowledge of the United States governing bodies, processes, policies, and history.

The course itself will go over five units covering the following topics:

• Foundations of American Democracy
• Interactions Among Branches of Government
• Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
• American Political Ideologies and Beliefs
• Political Participation

Students have 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam. There is a 1 hour and 20-minute multiple-choice section, followed by a 1 hour and 40-minute free-response section. A full breakdown of each section is provided below:

Now that we know how the exam is broken down, let’s take a deeper look into the free-response essays on the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam.

Breakdown: Free-response essays on the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam

There are four questions students must answer with an essay on the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics exam.

The questions are:

• Concept Application. Students are given a political scenario and must explain the impact of a political “institution, behavior, or process.”
• Quantitative Analysis. Students are given a piece of quantitative data, and they must show how that data relates to a political process.
• SCOTUS Comparison. Students are tasked with comparing a non-required Supreme Court case with a required one and showing how they’re relevant to one another.
• Argument Essay. Students must craft an argument essay based on required documents and evidence.

College Board suggests that students take at least 20 minutes to answer each question during the allotted time.

Prepare with FREE practice tests

The best way to get better at something is by practicing.

That’s why it’s important that you take practice tests to help you get better at the AP ® U.S. Government and Politics Exam. Only then can you expect to get a good score and improve.

That’s why we want to help. Marco Learning has created a host of resources to help you prepare for AP ® exams, including video lessons, study guides, drills, and, most importantly, practice tests.

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AP®︎/College US Government and Politics

Course: ap®︎/college us government and politics   >   unit 7.

• How to practice with our multiple choice questions

AP free response tips

Examine the question

Determine what's required to answer the question, choose your evidence, develop a thesis, support your thesis, get examples from past exams, want to join the conversation.

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AP United States Government and Politics

Learn all about the course and exam. Already enrolled? Join your class in My AP.

Not a Student?

Go to AP Central for resources for teachers, administrators, and coordinators.

About the Exam

The AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam will test your understanding of the political concepts covered in the course units, including your ability to analyze the foundational documents and to apply Supreme Court decisions you studied in the course to real-life scenarios.

Update: Roe v. Wade

Although the Supreme Court recently overturned Roe v. Wade , it remains required course content and is part of Topic 3.9, “Amendments: Due Process and the Right to Privacy” along with two additional cases, Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) and Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022). Any of these cases can be the focus of AP Exam questions related to this topic, but none of them will be the focus of Free Response Question 3.

Tue, May 6, 2025

12 PM Local

AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam

This is the regularly scheduled date for the AP United States Government and Politics Exam.

Exam Components

Section i: multiple choice.

55 questions 1hr 20mins 50% of Score

The multiple-choice section includes individual, single questions as well as sets of questions. You’ll be asked to:

• Describe, explain, and compare political concepts and processes
• Apply Supreme Court decisions in real-life scenarios
• Analyze data in graphs, charts, tables, maps, or infographics
• Read and analyze foundational documents and other text-based and visual sources

Section II: Free Response

4 questions 1hr 40mins 50% of Score

In the free-response section, you’ll respond to four questions with written answers. The section includes:

• 1 concept application question: You’ll describe and explain the effects of a political institution, behavior, or process, and apply concepts in a new situation.
• 1 quantitative analysis question: You’ll analyze data in the form of a table, graph, map, or infographic to find patterns and trends and reach a conclusion.
• The prompt specifies 1 required SCOTUS case, and you are asked to identify how that required case is related to the case given in the scenario.
• 1 argument essay:  You’ll write an evidence-based essay supporting a claim or thesis.

Exam Essentials

Exam preparation, ap classroom resources.

Once you join your AP class section online, you’ll be able to access AP Daily videos, any assignments from your teacher, and your assignment results in AP Classroom. Sign in to access them.

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Free-Response Questions and Scoring Information

Go to the Exam Questions and Scoring Information section on the AP United States Government and Politics Exam page at AP Central to review the latest released free-response questions and scoring information.  

Past Exam Free-Response Questions and Scoring Information  

Go to AP Central to review free-response questions and scoring information from past AP United States Government and Politics exams. 

AP United States Government and Politics Course and Exam Description

This is the core document for the course. It clearly lays out the course content and describes the exam and the AP Program in general.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations for the through-course assessment and the end-of-course exam. If you’re using assistive technology and need help accessing the PDFs in this section in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at [email protected] . For information about taking AP Exams, or other College Board assessments, with accommodations, visit the Services for Students with Disabilities website.

Credit and Placement

Search AP Credit Policies

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Additional Information

• AP Calculus
• AP Chemistry
• AP U.S. History
• AP World History
• Free AP Practice Questions
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AP US Government and Politics Free Response Strategies

Overview of the ap us government and politics exam.

Every AP U.S. Government and Politics exam will contain the same four free-response question (FRQ) types, always in the following order:

• Concept Application : Apply government and politics concepts to a scenario described in a paragraph.
• Quantitative Analysis : Interpret data from an information graphic, and apply the data to government and politics concepts.
• SCOTUS Comparison : Compare a provided description of a non-required Supreme Court case to a required Supreme Court case.
• Argument Essay : Construct an essay with a thesis, support it with evidence, and respond to a view that opposes the thesis.

AP US Government and Politics Writing Strategies

Step 1: analyze the prompt.

• The stimulus. The first three prompts will all include a stimulus, paragraph(s) or an information graphic that serves as the base of the questions that follow. Whether text or visual, analyze the stimulus just as carefully as you do the questions themselves. Take notes, underline key facts, and mark data trends. Most of the questions will be based directly on information from the stimulus, so it is essential to fully understand the stimulus.
• The content of the questions. Consider exactly what topics the questions address. Underline key terms and requirements. Some prompt parts might ask for more than one item—perhaps a “similarity” and a “conclusion based on the similarity”—so make sure you address them all. Read all the questions before starting work on your responses; often, the questions ask for related information or build upon each other, so understanding the set as a whole will help you plan out your response.
• identify : point out a trend or piece of information
• describe : fully lay out the details of something
• explain : describe something, including why or how factors (e.g., what causes it, why it’s important)
• analyze : explain something, considering multiple perspectives, and assert a claim based on evidence and logic

Step 2: Plan Your Response

• Think about what you will write for each part of each prompt. Jot down brief notes—phrases and/or examples—for each part.
• When asked to describe, discuss , or explain , see if you can come up with an example to help support your response.
• Double check your notes against the prompt to make sure you didn’t skip any required tasks.
• Devote an appropriate amount of time to each part, depending on the complexity of the required task. (Parts that only ask you to identify something will require less time than parts that ask you to explain or describe .)

Step 3: Action! Write Your Response

Step 4: proofread.

Learn more about each free response question on the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam. Concept Application   •  Quantitative Analysis   •  SCOTUS Comparison   •  Argument Essay

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FREE AP Government Resources! 

1. the declaration of independence, 2. the articles of confederation , 3. the constitution of the united states, 4. federalist no. 10, 5. brutus no. 1, 6. federalist no. 51, 7. federalist no. 70, 8. federalist no. 78, 9. letter from a birmingham jail , final thoughts.

Published March 15, 2024

9 Foundational Documents You HAVE to Know for AP Government

Preparing for your AP Government exam can be a daunting task, but with the right AP resources and study strategies, you can conquer it with confidence. Whether you're diving into AP test prep a few months in advance or looking for AP study guides to streamline your review sessions, understanding foundational documents is crucial. But don't worry, we're here to help! In this AP guide, we'll navigate through the 9 Foundational Documents crucial for your AP exam study guides. Each document discussed in this article has been carefully selected to enhance your understanding of U.S. history and government, making them indispensable for your AP test review.

To support your last-minute AP test prep, we've compiled essential AP resources and AP study notes. These tools are designed to help streamline your studying process, offering clear, concise, and relevant information that aligns with your AP test study guides.

The ULTIMATE AP Government Study Guide : A comprehensive review tool covering key topics and cases, perfect for anyone looking for effective AP study guides.

AP Government Flashcards : Handy for memorizing key facts, dates, and legal principles, these flashcards are an essential part of any AP resources kit.

Our Favorite YouTube channel for all things AP Gov - Heimler’s : complements online AP notes and AP study guides.

As you delve into each Foundational Document, consider using AP flashcards to remember crucial dates and outcomes. Engage with online AP notes to reinforce your understanding and participate in AP test review sessions to discuss these cases' implications. By incorporating these strategies into your AP test study guides, you'll be better prepared to tackle the AP government exam with confidence.

Remember, the key to AP test prep success is utilizing a variety of AP resources, including AP study guides, AP flashcards, and AP exam study guides. By doing so, you'll ensure a well-rounded review and a deeper understanding of the material. Good luck on your AP Government exam!

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, is a foundational document in American political history and ideology, crucial for understanding the principles underlying the United States' system of government. Crafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it articulates the colonies' reasons for separating from Great Britain, emphasizing natural rights and the concept of government by consent.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about the Declaration of Independence include the adoption year (1776), the lead author (Thomas Jefferson), and its primary concepts (natural rights, social contract, and the right of the people to overthrow an unjust government). This document is crucial for its role in establishing the philosophical basis for American democracy and the notion of sovereign power residing with the people, not a monarch.

To study the Declaration of Independence for AP Government, thoroughly read the text to grasp its arguments and the historical context of its creation. Create flashcards highlighting key phrases and principles such as "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness," "consent of the governed," and "inalienable rights." Engage in discussions about how these principles have shaped American political thought and institutions. Review the Declaration's influence on American political identity and its relevance in contemporary issues regarding rights and governance. Understanding the Declaration's impact on American government will deepen your comprehension of the country's foundational principles and their continued significance in political debates and policies.

The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1781, served as the first constitution of the United States, establishing the functions of the national government after declaring independence from Britain. This document created a confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, leaving most of the power with state governments. The lack of a strong central authority led to numerous economic and diplomatic problems, highlighting the need for a more robust federal system.

For your AP Government exam, essential facts to remember about the Articles of Confederation include the year they went into effect (1781), the main weaknesses (lack of central authority, inability to levy taxes, no executive branch, and difficulties in passing laws due to the requirement for a unanimous vote), and their significance (they represented the first attempt at a national government and underscored the challenges of federalism).

To study the Articles of Confederation, start by understanding why they were created and the context of American resistance to a strong central government stemming from colonial experiences. Create flashcards with key terms and concepts, such as "state sovereignty," "confederation," and "unanimous consent." Discuss the implications of the Articles' weaknesses on the early United States with classmates to explore different perspectives and understand the transition to the Constitution. Review how these challenges led to the Constitutional Convention and the writing of a new Constitution. Engaging with the material through diverse methods and perspectives will help you better understand the significance of the Articles of Confederation in shaping the American political system and the evolution of American government principles.

The Constitution of the United States, ratified in 1788, serves as the supreme law of the country and outlines the framework for its government. It replaced the Articles of Confederation to create a stronger federal government while balancing power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The Constitution also delineates the rights and responsibilities of the states and includes mechanisms for amendments, allowing it to evolve with the nation.

For your AP Government exam, essential facts to remember about the Constitution include the year it was ratified (1788), the structure of government it established (separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism), and the importance of the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments that guarantee individual freedoms and rights). This document is fundamental for understanding the American political system, the distribution of power, and the rights of citizens.

To study the Constitution for AP Government, begin by thoroughly reviewing each article and amendment to understand the structure and functions of the government it creates. Create flashcards with key terms and principles such as "bicameralism," "judicial review," "federalism," and "the Elastic Clause." Discuss the significance of landmark constitutional amendments and Supreme Court cases with classmates to explore their impacts on American politics and society. Review how the Constitution has been interpreted and applied in different historical contexts to grasp its flexibility and enduring relevance. Engaging deeply with the text and its implications will help you appreciate the Constitution's role in shaping American governance and legal principles.

Federalist No. 10, written by James Madison, is one of the most important and enduring pieces of political writing in American history. It addresses the problem of factions, which Madison defines as groups of citizens with interests contrary to the rights of others or the interests of the whole community. In this essay, Madison argues that a large republic is the best form of government for controlling the mischiefs of faction because it can break and control the violence of faction, making it less likely for any single group to dominate others.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about Federalist No. 10 include the author (James Madison), the main issue addressed (the dangers of factions and how to control them), and the solution proposed (a large republic to dilute the influence of any single faction). This essay is crucial for understanding the rationale behind the structure of the U.S. government and the importance of a large, diverse republic in maintaining stability and protecting individual freedoms.

To study Federalist No. 10 for AP Government, start by reading the text thoroughly to understand Madison's arguments about the nature of factions and their threats to democratic government. Create flashcards with key concepts and terms, such as "faction," "republic," and "majority tyranny." Discuss with classmates how Madison's ideas influenced the design of the American political system, particularly the importance of a large republic and the system of checks and balances. Review how the concepts in Federalist No. 10 are reflected in the Constitution and in contemporary American politics. Engaging with the essay's arguments and examining their application in modern governance will deepen your understanding of the foundational ideas behind the U.S. political system and their relevance today.

"Brutus No. 1" is a significant political essay from the anti-Federalist papers, attributed to likely being written by Robert Yates. It articulates the concerns of those opposed to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. The essay expresses worry over the vast power granted to the federal government, fearing it would lead to tyranny and the erosion of state and individual rights. Central themes include the dangers of a large republic, the necessary limitations of government powers, and the importance of a Bill of Rights to protect citizens' liberties.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about "Brutus No. 1" include its authorship (likely Robert Yates), the main issues addressed (the potential for governmental overreach and the threats to state sovereignty and individual freedoms under the proposed Constitution), and the stance of the author (opposition to the ratification of the Constitution without significant safeguards). This document is crucial for understanding the arguments against the Constitution's ratification and the concerns that led to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.

To study "Brutus No. 1" for AP Government, begin by reading the essay to grasp the core arguments presented by the anti-Federalists. Create flashcards with key concepts such as "states' rights," "federal tyranny," and "Bill of Rights." Discuss with classmates the impact of anti-Federalist thought on the formation of the U.S. political system, particularly in terms of the debates that led to the amendment process and the creation of the Bill of Rights. Review how the concerns raised in "Brutus No. 1" have been addressed in American government over time and how they continue to influence political discourse and constitutional interpretation. Engaging deeply with the text and its historical context will help you understand the balance of power and the ongoing tension between federal and state authorities in the United States.

Federalist No. 51, written by James Madison, is a foundational document in understanding the principles behind the U.S. Constitution's structure, particularly the system of checks and balances and the separation of powers. In this essay, Madison explains how the Constitution's framework is designed to prevent any one branch of government from gaining too much power. He argues that each branch should be independent and have wills of its own, but also that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about Federalist No. 51 include the author (James Madison), the main themes (the necessity of checks and balances and the separation of powers to prevent tyranny), and the significance of the essay (it provides a rationale for the structure of government laid out in the Constitution). This document is crucial for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of American governmental design and the methods by which it aims to secure political liberty and prevent abuse of power.

To study Federalist No. 51 for AP Government, begin by thoroughly reading the text to understand Madison's arguments about the importance of dividing governmental power. Create flashcards with key terms and concepts such as "checks and balances," "separation of powers," and "faction." Discuss with classmates how these principles are embodied in the Constitution and how they function in practice within the U.S. government. Review how Madison's ideas in Federalist No. 51 have been applied and interpreted in different historical and contemporary contexts. Understanding the arguments and ideas presented in Federalist No. 51 will deepen your appreciation of the complexities of American government and the foresight of the Founding Fathers in addressing the challenges of governance.

Federalist No. 70, written by Alexander Hamilton, focuses on the importance of having a single, energetic executive as opposed to a plural executive in the form of a council. Hamilton argues that a single president can respond more effectively to crises, maintain secrecy where necessary, and take decisive action. He believes that a single executive would be more accountable to the people and less likely to engage in corruption than a group of leaders, where responsibility can be obscured and action can be delayed due to disagreements.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about Federalist No. 70 include the author (Alexander Hamilton), the main issue addressed (the benefits of a single executive over a plural executive), and the significance of the essay (it provides a rationale for the presidential system established in the U.S. Constitution). This document is crucial for understanding the theoretical framework behind the American presidency and the executive branch's role in the federal government.

To study Federalist No. 70 for AP Government, begin by reading the essay to grasp Hamilton's arguments for a strong, unitary executive. Create flashcards with key terms and concepts such as "energy in the executive," "accountability," and "unity." Discuss with classmates the implications of Hamilton's ideas for modern presidential power and how these concepts have played out in historical and contemporary contexts. Review how the presidency as envisioned in Federalist No. 70 compares with the actual operation of the executive branch over time, including discussions on executive orders, presidential power, and checks and balances. Engaging with the material and understanding Hamilton's justification for a strong executive will help you appreciate the balance of power within the U.S. government and the continuing debates over the scope of presidential authority.

Federalist No. 78, authored by Alexander Hamilton, is a key document in understanding the United States' judicial branch, particularly the concept of judicial review and the importance of an independent judiciary. In this essay, Hamilton argues for the necessity of a separate judicial branch to uphold the Constitution and protect individual rights against legislative encroachments. He emphasizes that the judiciary must be independent to perform its role as the guardian of the Constitution, and introduces the idea that the courts have the duty to declare void any laws that are contrary to the Constitution.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about Federalist No. 78 include the author (Alexander Hamilton), the main themes (the need for judicial independence and the introduction of judicial review), and the essay's significance (it outlines the reasoning behind the lifetime appointment of judges and establishes the judiciary's role in the system of checks and balances). This document is crucial for understanding the foundation of the American legal system and the judiciary's function within the broader structure of government.

To study Federalist No. 78 for AP Government, start by thoroughly reading the text to understand Hamilton's justification for an independent judiciary and the concept of judicial review. Create flashcards with key terms and principles, such as "judicial independence," "judicial review," and "checks and balances." Discuss with classmates how these principles have been applied in landmark Supreme Court cases and how they affect the balance of power among the branches of government. Review how the judiciary, as envisioned by Hamilton, has evolved and impacted American democracy and governance. Understanding the arguments presented in Federalist No. 78 will deepen your comprehension of the U.S. judicial system's role and the importance of an independent judiciary in maintaining the rule of law and constitutional government.

"Letter from a Birmingham Jail," written by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963, is a seminal document in American history and civil rights literature. King wrote the letter in response to a public statement of concern and caution issued by eight white Southern religious leaders of the time. In his letter, King defends the strategy of nonviolent resistance to racism, argues against the slow approach to racial equality, and explains the moral imperative for nonviolent direct action.

For your AP Government exam, essential details to remember about "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" include the author (Martin Luther King Jr.), the main themes (the justification for nonviolent protest, the importance of civil disobedience to combat unjust laws, and the interconnectedness of communities), and the significance of the letter (it articulates fundamental principles of civil rights activism and moral reasoning behind the civil rights movement). This document is crucial for understanding the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of the civil rights movement and its impact on American laws and society.

To study "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" for AP Government, start by reading the text to grasp King's arguments and the historical context of the civil rights movement. Create flashcards with key concepts such as "nonviolent direct action," "unjust laws," and "civil disobedience." Discuss with classmates the implications of King's ideas for understanding the relationship between laws, morality, and civil rights. Review how the themes in the letter have influenced subsequent civil rights legislation and social movements, and how they continue to impact discussions on justice and equality in the United States. Engaging with the letter's content and context will help you appreciate its significance in American political thought and its relevance to contemporary issues surrounding civil rights and social justice.

Remember that diving into these 9 Foundational Documents is more than just a step towards acing your AP Government exam—it's a journey into the heart of American democracy itself. Each document, from the revolutionary ideals in the Declaration of Independence to the civil rights discourse in "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," offers unique insights into the principles and challenges that have shaped the United States. As you explore these texts, you're not just studying history; you're connecting with the voices and visions that continue to define our nation's path. Good luck, stay positive, and remember that your hard work and dedication are the true marks of a committed student and a responsible citizen. You've got this!

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• Study Notes
• College Essays

AP English Notes

• Sample Essays
• Rhetorical Terms
• Bonus Knowledge
• Sample Thesis Statements

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

Paragraph 1

In The Box Man , by Barbara Lazear Ascher, the protagonist reveals that a life of solitude need not always be lonely. Though the Box Man lives a life of solitude as a homeless wanderer, Ascher describes his “grand design” and “grandmotherly finger licking” to convince readers that their assumptions about homeless people are unfounded – and that they can live a dignified life. By describing the Box Man as “dignified” and “at ease”, Ascher paints a vivid picture of a man who chose a life a comfort and solitude and defeated loneliness by becoming his own friend.

Paragraph 2

In Upon the Burning of Our House , Anne Bradstreet ponders her unfortunate circumstances and appreciates that it was God’s will that her house burned to the ground. Bradstreet believed that every misfortune she encountered served to remind her of God’s will – in this case, she was reminded that “All is vanity” – a Biblical allusion meaning that everything in life is futile and the only worthy goal is entry into heaven. Bradstreet’s attitude is further revealed when she says “The world no longer let me love, / My hope and treasure lies above.” Bradstreet clearly feels that worldly life is fruitless; her sole concern is God.

Paragraph 3

In The Grapes of Wrath , John Steinbeck characterize the protagonist, Tom Joad, as a morally conscious person who stands up against evil. The image of Tom’s mother “slow with weariness” sitting and scraping potatoes affects Tom very much – so much that he is willing to give his life to rebel against the people who seek to harm his family. Through the use of imagery and diction, Steinbeck reveals Tom’s noble conscious and characterizes him as a rebellious – albeit rash – young man.

Paragraph 4

In the His Dark Materials Series by Philip Pullman, the setting is an essential element in the development and outcome of the plot in more ways than one. The protagonist, 11-year old Lyra Belacqua, lives in the precincts of Jordan College in Oxford growing up as an orphan among the old scholars. Her cheerful existence consisted of playing on the rooftops of the college and “waging war” with the local children. This contrasts sharply with the bright and exciting future she soon experiences after she escapes from the drudgery of college life. After escaping, Lyra begins a grand adventure, journeying to the north to meet armored bears, witches, and gyptians. The initial setting is important to the development of the plot because Lyra’s future resourcefulness and quick-wittedness in difficult situations were fine-tuned during the numerous challenges she faced as a child while fighting “wars” with the other local children. In addition, by understanding Lyra’s humble background, the reader can appreciate her future accomplishments.

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Nebraska, Ohio State, Alabama raise NIL funds at football practice through fan admission, autographs

FILE - Ohio State fans cheer during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame, Sept. 23, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. Ohio State and Nebraska are opening one or more of their preseason practices and charging admission. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)

FILE - Nebraska fans cheer for a touchdown against Iowa during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Nov. 24, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. Nebraska and Ohio State are opening one or more of their preseason practices and charging admission. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz, File)

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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Three of the most tradition-rich college football programs are capitalizing on the passion of their fans to generate funds for their NIL collectives .

Nebraska and Ohio State are opening one or more of their preseason practices to the public and charging admission. Alabama will let fans in for free to an open practice, but those who want to get player autographs afterward will be required to pay a few bucks to join the Crimson Tide’s collective.

NFL teams have long allowed fans to attend training camps, with most charging no admission.

College athletes have been allowed to cash in on their name, image and likeness since 2021, and collectives that facilitate deals for them initially were funded by big-money donors. Now, fans at large are being asked to chip in as well, with no donation too small.

Schools that struggle to fill their stadiums during the season probably would never ask fans to pay to watch a practice. It can work at places like Nebraska and Ohio State, which have long ranked among leaders in attendance and whose spring games, which are glorified practices, regularly draw between 60,000 and 80,000.

Temple University associate professor Thilo Kunkel, who researches NIL’s impact on college sports, said opening practices for a price is a creative way to add to the NIL pool if a school can pull it off. Even though the players won’t be in full pads and temperatures could be in the 90s, hardcore fans will come for an up-close look at the team.

“They want more than just a Saturday afternoon game,” Kunkel said. “They want that authentic behind-the-scenes access and the practices actually are giving them that.”

Nebraska is charging $25 per fan, any age, for its open 6 p.m. practice Saturday. Carson Schott, CEO of the 1890 collective, estimated 3,000 fans would show up.

“Husker fans are the most loyal, passionate fan base in the country!” Schott said in an email to The Associated Press. “We knew this event would have great support in helping Husker Athletics and 1890. The opportunity to watch and see how practice is run is a unique opportunity that is usually reserved for large donors. We couldn’t be more excited!”

Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule said Nebraska doesn’t plan to charge for events that have traditionally been free, such as the annual Fan Day.

“But moving forward in this new model, we have to find ways to raise revenue and to support 1890,” he said. “It’ll be a good practice. I want people to see the way that we practice. And at the end, we’ll have some fun.”

Ohio State is charging $50 to attend one of four open practices, with the last one Sunday. Fans also get a pair of commemorative 2024 Ohio State training camp sunglasses and access to a FanFest. Attendance was capped at 750 per practice, meaning the Buckeyes could raise $150,000 for their NIL efforts if each practice sold out.

Ohio State sold out two open practices last year, when tickets cost $30 and attendance was capped at 500.

Alabama will let fans watch practice for free during its Fan Day on Aug. 11, but those who want to go through the autograph line will have to join the Yea Alabama collective. Memberships start at $18 per month.

“The concept is really interesting,” Kunkel said. “It’s basically top schools with brand value that can leverage that to generate extra funds. Even those top schools are facing the need to generate additional money because NIL compensation, as well as attracting players through NIL deals, is becoming more and more competitive.”

AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football