2012 AP Exam FRQ's

#1 2012 FRQ on Congress A1. A Senate filibuster is described as a means by which to stop legislation in its very tracks. Most famously portrayed in the movie “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” a filibuster can be used by any Senator to delay a vote on a particular bill through standing up and talking seemingly endlessly which prevents a bill from reaching a vote. A filibuster can only be ended through a 3/5ths vote of cloture. It is a powerful tool used oftentimes by the minority power in the Senate. The very threat of a filibuster can stop a bill from ever reaching the floor. It has a direct effect on legislation by forcing modification or even reconsideration of a particular bill. A2. A conference committee (CC) is congress’ way to compromise on particular legislation. For legislation to reach the president’s desk for signature a House version of a bill must match that of the Senate’s version. Ranking members of both houses meet to bring together both versions of a particular bill in conference committee in order to reach a finalized version. Oftentimes, compromises have to be made. Keeping in mind that the House and the Senate have different consideration when it comes to constituent service (the House oftentimes has more narrow interests to satisfy where the Senate often looks at legislation in more broad terms), the conference committee is critical in hammering out an acceptable compromise. Following a compromise in the CC, the finalized bill must be voted on again by each body. Sometimes failure to satisfy each body with a suitable compromise could lead to a bill’s death. B1. One method by which the congress exercises oversight of the federal bureaucracy is through the “power of the purse.” Congress has the funding authority over the federal bureaucracy which means that every year, a federal agency must go before congress and present its annual budget and programmatic objectives. Budget hearings take place and key decisions are made as to whether an agency will receive its funding request for the year. This is a powerful oversight tool congress exercises over the bureaucracy. If the bureaucracy does not present a sound budget or programmatic objectives for the year, it will not receive its expected funding. In some cases, an agency will make significant changes to its programs in order to meet with congress’ demands. C1. Casework can best be described as constituent service that members of congress engage in each year on behalf of voters. More associated with the House of Representatives (“the people’s house”), casework is for example follow-through on particular problems and issues that occur within a member of congress’ district. Constituent complaints usually are handled by a congressman’s staff member who are charged with following through with an investigation of the complaint, contacting affected parties, involving local authorities when necessary and contacting the constituent to determine if a successful outcome has been achieved. All of this work can be extremely time-consuming. Whether or not casework takes away significant time from a congressman’s legislative responsibilities is debatable. As mentioned, the congressman himself is usually not involved; generally it is a member of his staff. Still, if the problem is significant enough (a leak at a local nuclear power plant, for example) there is the potential for casework to take a legislator away from their legislative responsibilities for a time. Still, there is a payoff as casework is seen as an incumbency advantage. Demonstrating responsiveness to local problems is a way by which a congressman can demonstrate his/her effectiveness. #2 2012 FRQ on Minority Representation in Congress A1. When one compares minority representation in Congress between 1960 and 2010 one can see a striking change. While one can see population growth between African-American and Hispanic percentages of the population, what is evident is that representation levels in the House of Representatives grew significantly during this 50 year period. One can see that African-American representation in the House grew by 9 percent between 1960 and 2010. Likewise it grew 9 percent for Hispanics during the same period. What is most important to say however is that despite this growth, minority representation in congress with respect to the general population is vastly under enrolled. Both houses of congress are dominated by older, white male, protestant representatives that hardly reflect America’s diverse population. B1. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 assisted in the removal of barriers to minority voting by making illegal many practices that were carried out in many parts of the country. For example, Literacy tests was outlawed under the Voting Rights Act. These were tests administered to voters that given their near impossibility for passage, discouraged many African-Americans from going to the polls. In addition to outlawing many of these illegal practices, the Voting Rights Act encouraged more voting by placing federal monitors in place to ensure that the law was carried out to the letter. In this, the Act removed many barriers to minority voting participation and led to a significant increase in participation. B2. The 24th Amendment assisted in the removal of barriers to minority voting by making poll taxes illegal under the Voting Rights Act. Poll taxes were essentially a way to prevent poor African-Americans from voting by hitting them in their pocket books. By charging a levy, many blacks stayed away from the polls. With the elimination of the poll tax under the 24th Amendment a major barrier was removed for African-Americans. C1. One barrier that currently impedes minority representation in Congress is the issue of incumbency. With rates of reelection among members of Congress standing over 80%, it is simply very difficult to become a fledgling member. Many members of the Senate have served over 40 years with House reps right behind them in terms of years of service. It is difficult to change decades of systemic racial underrepresentation. Members of both houses above are predominated by white, wealth, older males. It is difficult for any person, let alone a person of color to find entry into this elite club due to the issue of incumbency. #3 2012 FRQ on Judicial Appointments A1. One political factor that affects a presidents’ decision to appoint members of the federal judiciary concerns which party in power at the time of appointment. If the president’s party is considered the majority in both the House and Senate (usually this happens within the first two years of a president’s term) then he/she has a greater probability for his/her candidate’s confirmation. Presidents often make judicial choices during this so-called “honeymoon period” where there usually is a reservoir of good will-however short lived this lasts. A2. Another political factor that affects a presidents’ decision to appoint members of the federal judiciary concerns the lifelong tenure of the judicial appointee. A president must decide if the choice he or she makes will stand the test of time. In other words, a president usually appoints an individual who reflects the president’s judicial philosophy. Considerable time is spent vetting a judicial appointee by the president’s staff. No surprises are desired. President’s Eisenhower’s greatest regret politically was appointing Earl Warren to the Supreme Court bench. Those decisions made by Warren have had an indelible effect on jurisprudence even today. B1. One political factor that affects the confirmation process of a president’s nominees is the need for Senate judiciary approval of a presidential nominee. The Senate conducts a series of hearings to determine the suitability of a potential nominee. This can lead to grueling testimony and potential embarrassment by an appointee. Some selectees have decided to recues themselves from consideration since the committee process, often nationally televised is too difficult for them. B2. Another political factor that affects the confirmation process of a president’s nominees concerns the need for a majority vote for confirmation within the Senate as a whole in order to confirm the nominee. In most cases if a candidate receives a recommendation from the judiciary committee concerning suitability of a candidate, the Senate votes to confirm. However, the Senate as a body may send signals of a candidate’s lack of suitability which will kill a nomination within its very tracks. C1. One legislative power that serves as a check on court decisions is the constitutional amendment process. A law passed by the US Supreme Court can be overturned through the legislative branch if it can muster the 2/3rds majority in both houses and then get the state legislatures to pass the amendment as well. D1. One executive power that serves as a check on court decisions concerns a law’s enforceability. A famous saying by Andrew Jackson paraphrased was: “John Marshall can make a decision, let’s see enforce it now.” Ultimately, the executive branch can choose to ignore judicial rulings made. The 14th amendment to the Constitution and subsequent court rulings were ignored for nearly 100 years by presidents, choosing not to inflame the nation in controversy. #4 2012 FRQ on Interest Groups A1. One technique interest groups use to influence elections relates to campaign contributions. Perhaps as its most potent weapon, Political Action Committees (PACs) raise millions of dollars on behalf of political candidates. While there are rules in place that to a degree limit the amount of money raised (McCain-Feingold’s ban on soft money), money is raised by the barrelful for candidates who in return may vote favorably on an interest group’s issue. A2. Another technique interest groups use to influence elections concerns grassroots mobilization. This is defined as the mobilization of volunteers on the local level on behalf of a candidate or a campaign. Millions of volunteers knock on neighborhood doors, make phone calls and write letters on behalf of a particular candidate. This organization can be highly effective in influencing an election’s outcome. B1. Interest groups use issue networks (also known as iron triangles) to influence government decision making by forming these so-called alliances in order to hopefully pass particular legislation favorable to the interest group’s goal. An Iron Triangle is usually comprised of a member of congress, a federal agency and an interest group lobbyist. Consider a tobacco lobbyist doesn’t want to see gruesome pictures on all cigarette packages. He may seek to curry favor with a congressman (who votes on such legislation) by donating money to his election campaign or by sending a high paid lawyer to provide testimony at a federal agency’s hearing. B2. Interest groups use amicus curiae briefs to influence government decision making by sending their attorneys to court in order to represent an individual or issue that concerns them. The NAACP sent Thurgood Marshall to argue in front of the Warren Court during the Brown vs. the Board of Education case. Mr. Marshall an eminent attorney filed the amicus curiae on behalf of Brown and helped her secure the historic separate is never equal outcome. C1. The media serves to limit interest group influence by shining light on illegal practices potentially carried out by interest groups. Generally, the public feels that politicians are bought and sold by corporations and other interest groups. The media can focus attention on money and expenditure between interest groups and politicians which may in turn lead to negative public opinion and ultimately an investigation or court hearing. The media can be an intimidating presence in limiting interest group influence. C2. Pluralism serves to limit interest group influence by creating alternative interest groups that counter balance the effects of certain interests. This was written about quite effectively by James Madison in Federalist #10. Pluralism is defined as the multiplicity of interests that make up American society. An optimist sees pluralism as a positive melding of multiple ideas that is the very definition of what makes up a democracy. As Madison pointed out, countervailing interest groups can balance or cancel each other out as “ambition is made to counteract ambition…”

Monday's Assignment

Class, For those students who were not in class on Monday, a link to the 2003, 2004 & 2008 questions can be found here: http://www.collegeboard.com/​student/testing/ap/usgov/​samp.html?usgovpol You should write on all four (see below's post for the specific DBQ's years assigned on Monday) allowing for only 20 minutes per writing. You should then grade your own writing using the rubrics I provided today...See me tomorrow if you have any questions on the assignment...

My Responses to 4 FRQs

#1 2005 FRQ A1. One provision of the Constitution is the power to tax and spend. One example of this is the ability of congress to authorize and appropriate funds for new programs and services. Congress also has the power to tax states and individuals in order to help pay for their appropriations. The power to tax and spend has been used over time to expand federal power by creating programs that often times come with “strings attached.” If for example, money is appropriated by Congress for “No Child Left Behind Act”, there is a clear expectation that states oversea ever increasing rates of performance improvement by their students or potentially face sanctions. A2. Another provision of the Constitution is the Commerce Clause. The Commerce Clause has been used repeatedly as an enforcement mechanism for states to ensure their compliance on such matters as civil rights. The Commerce Clause has been used over time to expand federal power by ensuring that federal laws are followed on such matters as fair hotel accommodation for African Americans. In the past, blacks were denied the right to stay in “whites only” hotels. The Supreme Court backed up use of the commerce clause for appeal of the Jim Crow era law. B1. The Americans with Disabilities Act has increased the power of the federal government relative to the power of the states by creating an unfunded mandate. That is a law that requires state compliance over public accommodations in restaurants and other public places for persons with disabilities. No money is given by the federal government to help public accommodations become up to code-only potential fines. B2. The Clean Air Act has increased the power of the federal government relative to the power of the states by requiring states to develop standards for clean air and water by a certain imposed deadline. Potential sanctions were placed in effect if states were found to be out of compliance. In some cases, federal highway funds were threatened if states refused to clean up their air and water fast enough. #2 2004 FRQ A1. Divided government is defined as one political party occupying one branch (for example the Executive Branch) of government while the other political party occupies the other branch of government (for example the Legislative Branch). One way in which divided government has contributed to the decline in trust in government is that people become frustrated with the belief that with divided government “nothing gets done” or a state of gridlock exists. With people believing that the government cannot get things done, in some cases people stay away from voting. B1. The increased cost if election campaigns has contributed to the decline in trust and confidence in government by creating the impression that politicians are bought and sold by special interests. It is true that millions of dollars are spent by political action committees (PACs) on candidates with the expectation of reciprocity for the money spent. C1. One consequence of the decline in trust and confidence in government for individual political behavior is a downturn in the number of people voting in the United States. Our rate of participation nationally is below 50% compared to 80 to 90% of other industrialized nations. C2. Another consequence of the decline in trust and confidence in government for individual political behavior is the prevalence of third party candidates who have an alternative appeal to many Americans. Third party candidates often present a different set of issues that are not recognized by mainstream candidates. Many political independents often vote for third party candidates who have virtually no chance of election given the “winner take all” nature of our unitary system. #3 FRQ 2008 A1. One measure taken by some states prior to the 1960’s affected voter turnout among African American citizens concerned the restriction of voting rights. Many southern states enacted poll taxes designed to keep African Americans from voting. Southern pollsters simply made it too expensive for blacks to vote. A2. Another measure taken by some states prior to the 1960’s affected voter turnout among African American citizens concerned the literacy tests. Literacy tests were designed to create an impossible barrier for blacks to overcome. Most of the tests administered were impossible even for whites to pass. B1. One alternative form of participation that helped bring changes in civil rights policies included filing amicus curiae briefs. The NAACP filed a number of legal challenges on behalf of discriminated African Americans which ultimately led both to court decision (such as Brown v. Board of Education) and legislation such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965. B2. Another alternative form of participation that helped bring changes in civil rights policies included organizing and carrying out mass protests over disenfranchisement issues. C1. The carrying out of mass protest movements was a very effective means in changing civil rights policies because it magnified the issue of discrimination not only in the South but throughout the United States and the rest of the world. These protests placed a great deal of pressure on both the Congress and the courts to change southern discriminatory laws and practices. #4 2003 FRQ A1. Specialization is one element of the congressional committee system. It is defined as the cumulative experience most members of congress develop over time that creates more or less a specialist out of them. Most members of congress spend years on a particular committee and became “experts” in their given area. Specialization influences the legislative process by allowing for certain bills to be sent to the appropriate committee and ultimately leads to the bill being written properly. Since most bills die in committee, it is essential that a bill in its early stages be sent to the proper committee with the requisite expertise that will allow for its full consideration. A2. Party representation on committees is one element of the congressional committee system. It is defined as the control given to the numerical majority of a given party. When an election is completed and the party out of power becomes the party in power, then all committee business is controlled by that party to include seniority seating, agenda setting, debate control and so forth. Party representation on committees influences the legislative process by potentially completely realigning the legislative agenda. The party in power as mentioned controls which bills make it to the floor and etc. B1. One way in which party leadership in Congress can influence the legislative process is through agenda setting which is set through the rules committee. Agenda setting is a critical power which determines which issues will be made prominent and ultimately which bills will be considered. B2. Another way in which party leadership in Congress can influence the legislative process is through going public on a particular bill. This is usually handled in the House by the Speaker or minority leader and in the Senate by the majority or minority leader. By talking to the American people through use of the radio or television, it is possible to rally public support for a particular item or agenda. The media often pay close attention to important bills (particularly the controversial ones) and will shine a spotlight on the issues at hand. This can affect public opinion and ultimately lead to a bill’s passage or failure.

Tonite's Homework

Hi Class, Now we are back on nightly homework, focussing on FRQ's. Please have this FRQ ready for the next class session. DO NOT USE YOUR NOTES OR OTHER RESOURCES. You will get full credit simply by doing your best on the FRQ. Give yourself a maximum of 20 minutes to work on this. Use the outline form in writing this. FRQ Political institutions can present both obstacles and opportunities to racial minority groups in their efforts to gain political influence. a. Identify one feature of one of the following and explain how that feature has presented obstacles to racial minority groups in their efforts to achieve political goals. • Federalism • The United States political party system • The United States electoral system b. Identify one feature of one of the following and explain how that feature might present opportunities to racial minority groups in their efforts to achieve political goals. • Federalism • The United States political party system • The United States electoral system