The AP United States Government and Politics 2010 Scoring Guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating student responses in the AP exam. These guidelines detail scoring criteria for various question types, including the Bill of Rights and interest group activities. Designed for educators and students preparing for the AP exam, the document outlines key provisions of the Bill of Rights and methods used by interest groups to influence policy. It also describes federal regulations governing interest groups, making it a vital resource for understanding the political landscape. This scoring guide is essential for AP Government students aiming to excel in their assessments.

Key Points

  • Explains scoring criteria for AP United States Government exam responses
  • Details provisions of the Bill of Rights and their political significance
  • Describes interest group activities like grassroots mobilization and lobbying
  • Outlines federal regulations affecting interest group operations
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AP® US Government and Politics
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AP® US Government and Politics
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AP
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UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
2010 SCORING GUIDELINES
© 2010 The College Board.
Visit the College Board on the Web: www.collegeboard.com.
Question 1
6 points
Part (a): 2 points
One point is earned for each of two provisions of the Bill of Rights identified. Each provision must be
identified and include a discussion of what the provision protects.
Answers may include, but are not limited to:
• Speech — allows citizens to say almost anything they want
• Press — allows citizens access to information, each other and policymakers; printed advocacy
• Assembly — allows citizens to come together
• Petition — allows citizens to address government
• Various due process/criminal justice provisions (e.g., grand jury indictment, jury of peers,
search and seizure) — protects citizens from retribution/harassment from government
Part (b): 3 points
One point is earned for each of three explanations. The explanations must include a description of the
interest group activity and how that activity may influence the action of a governmental body, official or
policy.
• Grassroots mobilization — interest groups organize citizens, who act to influence policymakers
• Lobbying — direct contact with policymakers for the purpose of persuasion through the
provision of information, political benefits, etc.
• Litigation — the use of courts to gain policy preferences through cases or amicus curiae
Part (c): 1 point
One point is earned for describing a regulation. The regulation does not need to be identified by its formal
title.
• Disclosure of contributions, funding or activities
• Registration of lobbyists, PACs
• Campaign finance laws
• Limits on gifts
• Limits on revolving-door appointments
• Limits on honoraria
• Prohibition of bribery
• Any named law or regulation with a description of what it does to regulate interest groups
A score of zero (0) is assigned to an answer that is attempted but earns no points.
A score of dash (—) is assigned to an answer that is blank or off task.
© 2010 The College Board.
Visit the College Board on the Web: www.collegeboard.com.
© 2010 The College Board.
Visit the College Board on the Web: www.collegeboard.com.
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FAQs

What are the key provisions of the Bill of Rights discussed?
The scoring guidelines highlight several key provisions of the Bill of Rights, including freedom of speech, which protects citizens' rights to express their opinions, and freedom of assembly, which allows individuals to gather for protests and advocacy. These provisions are crucial for understanding how citizens can influence government policies and engage in political discourse. Additionally, the guidelines emphasize the importance of the right to petition the government, which empowers individuals to seek change and address grievances.
How do interest groups influence government policy?
Interest groups influence government policy through various methods, including grassroots mobilization, lobbying, and litigation. Grassroots mobilization involves organizing citizens to advocate for specific issues, thereby raising awareness and impacting policymakers. Lobbying entails direct interaction with government officials to persuade them on particular issues, often through the provision of information and resources. Litigation, on the other hand, involves using the judicial system to challenge laws or regulations, thereby shaping public policy through court decisions.
What is the McCain-Feingold Act and its significance?
The McCain-Feingold Act, formally known as the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, regulates campaign financing by limiting the amount of money that can be contributed to political campaigns. This act aims to reduce the influence of money in politics and increase transparency in campaign financing. By prohibiting soft money contributions to national parties and imposing stricter rules on political advertising, the McCain-Feingold Act seeks to ensure fairer elections and promote democratic integrity.
What types of regulations govern interest groups?
Interest groups are governed by various federal regulations that aim to promote transparency and accountability in political activities. These regulations include requirements for disclosure of contributions and expenditures, registration of lobbyists, and limits on campaign contributions. Additionally, laws prohibit bribery and set guidelines for the conduct of lobbyists, ensuring that interest groups operate within legal and ethical boundaries. Understanding these regulations is crucial for analyzing the role of interest groups in the political process.
What is grassroots mobilization in the context of interest groups?
Grassroots mobilization refers to the process by which interest groups organize ordinary citizens to advocate for specific policy issues. This strategy often involves community outreach, public campaigns, and mobilizing supporters to contact their representatives. By engaging citizens at the local level, interest groups can amplify their voices and influence policymakers more effectively. Grassroots efforts are essential for raising awareness about issues and demonstrating public support, which can sway legislative decisions.

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