AP Government (AP Gov) is one of the most content-heavy Advanced Placement exams students face, covering everything from the Supreme Court cases to the complexities of political ideologies. As the 2020 exam approaches, the pressure is on to condense months of material into a final study session. This guide provides a high-yield cram strategy to help you maximize your score on the AP Gov exam 2020.
Understanding the 2020 Exam Format
Before diving into content, you need to know exactly what you're walking into. The AP Government and Politics exam is split into two main sections: 55 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and 4 Free Response Questions (FRQ). The MCQ section accounts for 50% of your score, while the FRQ section makes up the other 50%. For the 2020 exam, the College Board adjusted the format slightly to include more stimulus-based questions, meaning you'll need to analyze documents, charts, and data, not just recall facts. Understanding this structure is the first step in any effective cram plan.
Key Units to Prioritize
Not all units are created equal when it comes to the exam. Based on historical data and the 2020 course description, certain topics appear far more frequently. Focus your cramming on these high-yield areas:
- Foundations of American Democracy: This includes the Constitution, Federalism, and the three branches of government.
- Civil Liberties and Civil Rights: Expect at least one FRQ on the Bill of Rights and landmark Supreme Court cases.
- Political Participation: Understand the Electoral College, political parties, and interest groups.
High-Yield Supreme Court Cases
The Supreme Court is the backbone of AP Gov. You cannot pass the 2020 exam without knowing the "Required Documents" and "Required Supreme Court Cases." For a cram session, focus on the cases that established major precedents. Marbury v. Madison (Judicial Review), McCulloch v. Maryland (Federalism), and Brown v. Board of Education (Civil Rights) are non-negotiable. Create a quick-reference table for these cases:
| Case | Key Concept | Constitutional Principle |
|---|---|---|
| Marbury v. Madison | Judicial Review | Separation of Powers |
| McCulloch v. Maryland | Implied Powers | Federalism |
| Brown v. Board of Education | Equal Protection | Civil Rights |
| Citizens United v. FEC | Campaign Finance | Free Speech |
Mastering the Free Response Questions (FRQ)
The FRQ section is where most students lose points, but it's also where a good cram session can save you. The 2020 exam features four specific task verbs: Identify, Explain, Describe, and Compare. The secret to the FRQ is the "Identify, Explain, Impact" method. For every concept you write about, identify the concept, explain how it works, and describe its impact on the political system. This structure ensures you hit the rubric requirements for full points.
Last-Minute Cram Resources
When time is short, you need the right materials. For the 2020 exam, the best resources are:
- Heimler's History: His review videos are the gold standard for last-minute AP Gov cramming.
- AP Classroom: If your teacher has unlocked the personal progress checks, use them.
- Fiveable: Great for live cram sessions and community support.
Final Tips for Exam Day
On exam day, manage your time strictly. Spend no more than 40 minutes on the MCQ section to leave a full hour for the FRQs. Always define your terms in the FRQ; if a question asks about "Iron Triangles," define what they are before explaining their impact. Finally, don't leave anything blank. The 2020 exam has no penalty for guessing, so an educated guess is always better than an empty space. Good luck with your AP Gov cram for the 2020 exam.
