my paper on something

2003 Free Response Questions

1. Presidential approval ratings fluctuate over the course of each presidential administration.
a. Identify two factors that decrease presidential approval ratings, and explain why each factor has that effect.
b. Identify two factors that increase presidential approval ratings, and explain why each factor has that effect.
2. Citizens often choose to participate in the political process in ways other than voting.
a. Identify two forms of participation in the political process other than voting.
b. Explain two advantages of each form of participation you identified in (a).
3. Question #3 includes a line chart, which is not reproducible.
4. Both party leadership and committees in Congress play key roles in the legislative process.
a. Define two of the following element of the congressional committee system and explain how each influences the legislative process;
Specialization
Reciprocity/logrolling
Party representation on committees
b. Identify two ways party leadership in Congress can influence the legislative process, and explain how each way influences the process.

AP® UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
2003 SCORING GUIDELINES

QUESTION 1

8 POINT RUBRIC

a. (4 points) 1 point for each of two identification, 1 point for each of two explanations
b. (4 points) 1 point for each of two identification, 1 point for each of two explanations

Accepted Factors include:
Part A: decrease
Part B: increase
Presidential scandals
Yes
Generally, no; ok if accurate elaboration (e.g., public reaction to congressional handling of Clinton scandal)
Expectations gap
Yes
No
Spin/ administrative use of media
NO (ineffective coverage just allows other factors to increase in importance)
Yes

Economic conditions
If bad
If good
Foreign policy problems/ crises and war
(May double-dip with policy and war if very distinct types e.g., 1. Iraq war and 2. hostage crisis
Only if goes badly over prolonged time