Free AP US Government Tests
AP US Government Free Response Question 1: Concept Application
Below is our first AP U.S. Government free response practice question, which is part of our full-length AP U.S. Government Practice Exam. The first FRQ is a Concept Application question. These questions present a real-world scenario, and you are required to apply concepts from the course to explain the political effects of that scenario. After completing your response, you can follow the link at the bottom of this page to review a sample answer and scoring rubric.
The United States Congress and President both have powers dealing with foreign policy and foreign conflict. During the Vietnam War, it was revealed that the Nixon administration had been conducting a secret bombing in Cambodia without notifying Congress. Congress decided to take action in order to reassert its authority over international conflict.
In 1973, the United States Congress passed the War Powers Resolution, bypassing President Nixon’s veto. The resolution required the President to consult with Congress during times of war. The law required that the Presidents end foreign conflict after 60 days unless Congress authorizes the operation to continue.
President Nixon and other Presidents believe that the War Powers Act is both unconstitutional and dangerous. In 1981, President Reagan sent troops to El Salvador without consulting with Congress. In 2011, President Obama took military action in Libya without consulting Congress.
After reading the scenario, please respond to A, B, and C below.
(A) Describe the power that Congress used in the scenario to pass a law requiring the President to consult with Congress during foreign conflict.
(B) In the context of the scenario, describe an action that the President can take to counteract the Congressional power referenced in A.
(C) Explain how the conflict between Congress and the President referenced in the scenario reflects a principle in the Constitution.
After you finish typing your FRQ answers, be sure to review our sample response along with an explanation of the scoring process.