FRQs

• half of your score comes from the 4 FRQs
• each FRQ is worth 12.5% of your score
• have to answer all 4 questions
• there is 1 concept application question, 1 quantitative analysis question, 1 SCOTUS question, and 1 argumentative essay
• remember all of the tricks to being successful on the FRQs
  • outline format
  • define all vocabulary
  • restate the prompt
  • explain why for everything
  • provide spare tires if it makes sense

HOW TO ANSER A SUPREME COURT FRQ

• know all required SC cases (in reasonable detail)
• identify a similarity or difference between the non required supreme court cases and a required can (usually a constitutional clause)
• describe the details, reasoning, or holding of the required SC cases specific in the question
• EXPLAIN a similarity of difference in the reasoning or holding of the 2 SC cases
  • a restatement of facts is not an explanation- must provide a reason why
• EXPLAIN how the reasoning or holding in the non required SC case demonstrates a political principle, institutions, process, policy, or behavior
  • a restatement of facts is not an explanation- must provide a reason why

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

• political scientists examine data, evidence, and differing perspectives to develop claims about political principles, institutions, processes, and behaviors

• political scientists formulate a claim, or THESIS, and develop an argument that explains how the claim is supported by the available evidence

• include

  • thesis
  • evidence to support your thesis (specific and relevant)
  • explanation of how your evidence supports your thesis
  • response to alternative perspectives (refutation of another thesis)

• structure

  • introduce w THESIS (a standard intro paragraph will help you articulate your thesis/ claim/ argument)
  • simple paragraph w specific evidence that supports your claim
  • second simple paragraph w specific evidence that supports your claim
  • simple paragraph of refuting (counterclaim)
  • brief conclusion- restate the THESIS