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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., guide to the ap u.s. history exam.
The AP ® U.S. History exam, also known as APUSH, is a college-level exam administered every year in May upon the completion of an Advanced Placement U.S. History course taken at your high school. If you score high enough, you could earn college credit!
Check out our AP U.S. History Guide for the essential info you need about the exam:
- AP U.S. History Exam Overview
- AP U.S. History Sections & Question Types
- AP U.S. History Scoring
- How to Prepare
What's on the AP U.S. History Exam?
The College Board requires your AP teacher to cover certain topics in the AP U.S. History course. As you complete your APUSH review, make sure you are familiar with the following topics:
- Period 1 (1491–1607) : Native American Societies Before European Contact; European Exploration in the Americas; Columbian Exchange, Spanish Exploration, and Conquest; Labor, Slavery, and Caste in the Spanish Colonial System; Cultural Interactions Between Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans
- Period 2 (1607–1754) : European Colonization; The Regions of British Colonies; Transatlantic Trade; Interactions Between American Indians and Europeans; Slavery in the British Colonies; Colonial Society and Culture
- Period 3 (1754–1800) : The Seven Years’ War (The French and Indian War); Taxation Without Representation; Philosophical Foundations of the American Revolution; The American Revolution; The Influence of Revolutionary Ideals; The Articles of Confederation; The Constitutional Convention and Debates over Ratification; The Constitution; Shaping a New Republic; Developing an American Identity; Movement in the Early Republic
- Period 4 (1800–1848) : The Rise of Political Parties and the Era of Jefferson; Politics and Regional Interests; America on the World Stage; Market Revolution: Industrialization; Market Revolution: Society and Culture; Expanding Democracy; Jackson and Federal Power; The Development of an American Culture; The Second Great Awakening; An Age of Reform; African Americans in the Early Republic; The Society of the South in the Early Republic
- Period 5 (1844–1877) : Manifest Destiny; The Mexican–American War; The Compromise of 1850; Sectional Conflict: Regional Differences; Failure of Compromise; Election of 1860 and Secession; Military Conflict in the Civil War; Government Policies During the Civil War; Reconstruction; Failure of Reconstruction
- Period 6 (1865–1898) : Westward Expansion: Economic Development; Westward Expansion: Social and Cultural Development; The “New South”; Technological Innovation; The Rise of Industrial Capitalism; Labor in the Gilded Age; Immigration and Migration in the Gilded Age; Responses to Immigration in the Gilded Age; Development of the Middle Class; Reform in the Gilded Age; Controversies over the Role of Government in the Gilded Age; Politics in the Gilded Age
- Period 7 (1890–1945) : Imperialism: Debates; The Spanish–American War; The Progressives; World War I: Military and Diplomacy; World War I: Home Front; 1920s: Innovations in Communication and Technology; 1920s: Cultural and Political Controversies; The Great Depression; The New Deal; Interwar Foreign Policy; World War II: Mobilization; World War II: Military; Postwar Diplomacy
- Period 8 (1945–1980) : The Cold War from 1945 to 1980; The Red Scare; Economy after 1945; Culture after 1945; Early Steps in the Civil Rights Movement (1940s and 1950s); America as a World Power; The Vietnam War; The Great Society; The African American Civil Rights Movement (1960s); The Civil Rights Movement Expands; Youth Culture of the 1960s; The Environment and Natural Resources from 1968 to 1980; Society in Transition
- Period 9 (1980–Present): Reagan and Conservatism; The End of the Cold War; A Changing Economy; Migration and Immigration in the 1990s and 2000s; Challenges of the 21 st Century
Read More: Review for the exam with our AP U.S. History Crash Courses
Sections & Question Types
The APUSH exam takes 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete and is comprised of two sections: a multiple-choice/short answer section and a a free response section. There are two parts to each section.
| Timing | Number of Questions | Exam Weighting | |
| Part A: 55 minutes | 55 multiple-choice questions | 40% |
|
| Part A: 60 minutes (including 15-minute reading period) | 1 document-based question | 25% |
APUSH Multiple Choice Questions
Questions are grouped into sets of three or four questions and based on a primary source, secondary source, or historical issue. Each set of questions is based on a different piece of source material. This section will test your ability to analyze and engage with the source materials while recalling what you already know about U.S. history.
APUSH Short Answer Questions
The three questions in this section will be tied to a primary source, historical argument, data or maps, or general propositions of U.S. history. Students are required to answer the first and second questions and then answer either the third or the fourth question. You are not required to develop and support a thesis statement, but you must describe examples of historical evidence relevant to the source or question.
APUSH Document-Based Question (DBQ)
The DBQ question requires you to answer a question based on seven primary source documents and your knowledge of the subject and time period. All the documents will pertain to a single subject. Students should develop an argument about the question and use the documents to support this argument.
APUSH Long Essay Question
For the long essay question, you’ll be given a choice of three essay options on the same theme, and you must choose one. You must develop and defend a relevant thesis, but there won’t be any documents on which you must base your response. Instead, you’ll need to draw upon your own knowledge of topics you learned in your AP U.S. History class.
For a comprehensive content review, check out our book, AP U.S. History Prep
What’s a good AP U.S. History Score?
AP scores are reported from 1 to 5. Colleges are generally looking for a 4 or 5 on the AP U.S. History exam, but some may grant credit for a 3. Here’s how students scored on the May 2020 test:
|
|
|
|
| 5 | Extremely qualified | 10.8% |
| 4 | Well qualified | 15.6% |
| 3 | Qualified | 21.9% |
| 2 | Possibly qualified | 23.0% |
| 1 | No recommendation | 28.8% |
Source: College Board
How can I prepare?
AP classes are great, but for many students they’re not enough! For a thorough review of AP U.S. History content and strategy, pick the AP prep option that works best for your goals and learning style.
- AP Exams
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AP® U.S. History Exam Format
Are you preparing for the AP® U.S. History (APUSH) exam? The first step to good exam preparation is to familiarize yourself with the test's format. This overview will help you know what to expect on the exam and boost your confidence. It will also reduce test-day anxieties!
In this article, we've simplified the AP U.S. History exam format to make it easier for students to understand. We'll explain the different types of questions and answer some FAQs to prepare you for what you can expect on the AP U.S. History test day.
What Is the Exam Format for AP U.S. History?
The AP U.S. History exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and is administered in paper-and-pencil and digital formats. The test evaluates your historical reasoning skills and understanding of the course objectives. The APUSH exam consists of two sections: multiple-choice (MCQ) and free-response questions (FRQ). Check out the table below to get a detailed understanding of the APUSH exam structure:
| Sections | Parts | Question Types | Time Allocated | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Part A | 55 MCQs | 55 minutes | 40% |
| Part B | 3 SAQs | 40 minutes | 20% | |
| Section II | Part A | 1 DBQ | 60 minutes | 25% |
| Part B | 1 LEQ | 40 minutes | 15% |
Section I consists of both MCQs and FRQs and is divided into two parts. Part A has 55 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and students are given 55 minutes to answer them . Part B comprises three short-answer questions (SAQs), and you'll have 40 minutes to answer those. You must note that the SAQs in Part B come in a set of two to three parts, and you’ll have to write your responses as precisely as possible within the least number of words.
Spending 1 minute per MCQ and 10 - 12 minutes on each SAQ is ideal . This method gives you ample time to go over your answers and see if there are any that you missed.
Section II of the APUSH exam consists of two types of free-response questions. Part A consists of one document-based question (DBQ), and Part B consists of one long essay question (LEQ) . For the DBQ , students have 60 minutes to answer, including 15 minutes for reading, whereas for the LEQ, students get just 40 minutes to complete it .
You should take at least one AP U.S. History practice test with a format that mimics the real exam to prepare for it adequately. Doing so will help by testing you with questions that closely resemble those on the actual exam.
The AP U.S. History course comprises nine units, each carrying a specific weight on the exam. Check out the table 2 below to learn about the units, their importance, and the chronological period each unit covers.
| Units | Topics | Chronological Period | Weight on the Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Period 1 | 1491 to 1607 | 4%–6% |
| Unit 2 | Period 2 | 1607 to 1754 | 6%–8% |
| Unit 3 | Period 3 | 1754 to 1800 | 10%–17% |
| Unit 4 | Period 4 | 1800 to 1848 | 10%–17% |
| Unit 5 | Period 5 | 1844 to 1877 | 10%–17% |
| Unit 6 | Period 6 | 1865 to 1898 | 10%–17% |
| Unit 7 | Period 7 | 1890 to 1945 | 10%–17% |
| Unit 8 | Period 8 | 1945 to 1980 | 10%–17% |
| Unit 9 | Period 9 | 1980 to the present | 4%–6% |
Types of Questions on the AP U.S. History Exam
There are four main types of questions on the AP U.S. History exam . These questions test your historical reasoning and familiarity with the course's 8 "themes/big ideas 3 ". But knowing the question types and course content does not guarantee a high score. It is crucial to understand how to respond to these questions. To help you prepare better, let’s review each question type and its format.
Section I, Part A: Multiple-choice Questions
As stated earlier, Section I of the AP U.S. History exam consists of 55 multiple-choice questions presented in groups of three to four questions. Each question comes with one or more stimuli, including primary texts, secondary texts, images, charts, and maps. There will also be text-based stimuli (in either the multiple-choice questions or one of the short-answer questions). Multiple-choice questions require analyzing stimulus sources and historical events and processes.
The weights of each unit for MCQs are listed below:
| Units Tested | Chronological Period | Weight of MCQs |
|---|---|---|
| [Unit 1] Period 1 | 1491 to 1607 | 1.6%-2.4% |
| [Unit 2] Period 2 | 1607 to 1754 | 2.4%-3.2% |
| [Unit 3] Period 3 | 1754 to 1800 | 04%-6.8% |
| [Unit 4] Period 4 | 1800 to 1848 | 04%-6.8% |
| [Unit 5] Period 5 | 1844 to 1877 | 04%-6.8% |
| [Unit 6] Period 6 | 1865 to 1898 | 04%-6.8% |
| [Unit 7] Period 7 | 1890 to 1945 | 04%-6.8% |
| [Unit 8] Period 8 | 1945 to 1980 | 04%-6.8% |
| [Unit 9] Period 9 | 1980 to the present | 1.6%-2.4% |
Want to learn more about these units and topics? Our guide to the APUSH course and exam description is here to help! For even more expert tips and strategies on how to approach APUSH MCQs , click here.
Section I, Part B: Short-answer Questions
Section I, Part B, has three short-answer questions and takes 40 minutes to complete.
- Question 1 is required, and it focuses on historical events from 1754 to 1980. This question includes 1–2 secondary sources.
- Question 2 is also required. It is based on historical events from 1754 to 1980 and has one primary source.
- Students can choose to answer either Question 3, which is about historical events between 1491 and 1877, or Question 4, which is about events between 1865 and 2001.
| Units Tested | Chronological Period |
|---|---|
| [Unit 1] Period 1 | 1491 to 1607 |
| [Unit 2] Period 2 | 1607 to 1754 |
| [Unit 3] Period 3 | 1754 to 1800 |
| [Unit 4] Period 4 | 1800 to 1848 |
| [Unit 5] Period 5 | 1844 to 1877 |
| [Unit 6] Period 6 | 1865 to 1898 |
| [Unit 7] Period 7 | 1890 to 1945 |
| [Unit 8] Period 8 | 1945 to 1980 |
| [Unit 9] Period 9 | 1980 to the present |
Want to learn more? Our expert guide can show you how to approach APUSH short-answer questions with confidence.
Section II, Part A: Document-based Questions (DBQ)
The document-based question gives students seven documents related to a historical event or process. Students must:
- Respond with a historically defensible claim that demonstrates reasoning.
- Explain the prompt’s historical context.
- Respond to the prompt using the provided documents.
- Add historical evidence beyond the prompt’s documents to your argument.
- Explain how at least three documents’ points of view, purpose, historical context, or audience affect an argument.
- Use evidence to corroborate, qualify, or modify your argument about the prompt’s historical development.
The historical developments or processes between 1754 and 1980 will be the focus of the document-based question.
Section II, Part B: Long-essay Questions
Students must complete the following tasks in response to the long essay question:
- Describe a broader historical context relevant to the prompt.
- Provide evidence to support your argument in response to the prompt.
Students choose one of three essay questions. Each question uses the same reasoning to examine historical events and processes. The first option covers 1491–1800, the second 1800–1898, and the third 1890–2001.
Learn how to approach the APUSH FRQs here.
AP U.S. History Exam - Paper or Digital Format?
The AP U.S. History exam is available in both paper and digital formats . Both exams are 3 hours and 15 minutes in length, and the content is the same for both.
Exam format for both digital and paper modes
| Section | Question Type | No. of Questions | Time Allocated | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Multiple Choice | 55 | 55 minutes | 40% |
| Short Answer | 3 | 40 minutes | 20% | |
| Section II | Document-based | 1 | 60 minutes | 25% |
| Long Essay | 1 | 40 minutes | 15% |
What Do I Study To Ace the AP U.S. History Exam?
The curriculum for AP U.S. history is based on two pillars: historical reasoning skills and the 8 Big Ideas . Exam success is equally dependent on knowing what and how to study. Therefore, it is vital to comprehend the topics and concepts included in the AP United States History exam.
The AP U.S. History exam tests historical thinking skills. Check the table below for the skills tested:
| Historical Thinking Skills | Description |
|---|---|
| Developments and Processes | Understanding historical procedures and occurrences |
| Sourcing and Situations | Source and context analysis |
| Claims and Evidence in Sources | Check primary and secondary sources for support of your argument |
| Contextualization | Knowing what to expect on the exam will give you confidence and eliminate test-day surprises |
| Making Connections | Examine historical patterns and connections (comparison, causation, continuity, and change). |
| Argumentation | Develop an argument |
The exam also tests knowledge of the course's eight "Big Ideas"
- Big Idea 1: American and National Identity (NAT)
- Big Idea 2: Work, Exchange, and Technology (WXT)
- Big Idea 3: Geography and the Environment (GEO)
- Big Idea 4: Migration and Settlement (MIG)
- Big Idea 5: Politics and Power (PCE)
- Big Idea 6: America in the World (WOR)
- Big Idea 7: American and Regional Culture (ARC)
- Big Idea 8: Social Structures (SOC)
Key Takeaways
We hope this APUSH exam format breakdown was helpful. Here are three key takeaways as you prepare for the upcoming AP U.S. History exam.
- Exam Structure : The AP U.S. History exam is divided into two main sections. In Section 1, you will encounter 55 multiple-choice questions, allowing 55 minutes to answer, and 3 short-answer questions, allowing 40 minutes to respond. Section 2 consists of 2 free-response questions, allowing 100 minutes to respond.
- Time Management : Managing your time during the exam is crucial. Remember to allocate your time wisely between the multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and free-response questions to ensure you complete all sections within the allotted time.
- Historical Periods : The exam covers different historical periods, from colonization to contemporary America. Be sure to allocate your study time effectively to cover all periods comprehensively.
- Skills Assessment : The exam assesses historical thinking skills, including document analysis, argumentation, and contextualization. Developing these skills is essential for earning a high score.
- Scoring : The exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. Earning a top score can earn you college credit and enhance your academic journey.
Invest in your future today and unlock opportunities for advanced placement. At UWorld, we have hundreds of AP U.S. History practice questions created by former AP teachers and experts. Each question has a detailed explanation to help you retain the information, and our precise performance tracking will show you where you stand and what you need to improve. Don't wait! Click the link below to enroll and kickstart your journey towards exam success.
- 1 (2024). Exam Format . AP United States History. Retrieved on March 20, 2024 from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-united-states-history/exam
- 2 (2024). Course Content . AP United States History. Retrieved on March 20, 2024 from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-united-states-history
- 3 (2023). Themes . Course Content. AP United States History Course and Exam Description. Retrieved on March 20, 2024 from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-us-history-course-and-exam-description.pdf
Read More About the AP U.S. History Exam
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How to Prep for APUSH Essays
Preparation is key to writing a quality APUSH essay. Knowing what and how to write are both skills that you can improve and cultivate through practice. Use the following suggestions to help you prep for your upcoming APUSH essays.
APUSH essays: long essay, short answer or DBQ?
APUSH exams actually contain three different types of essays: long essay, short answer and Data-Based Question (DBQ) . Each asks you to analyze and synthesize historical data, but vary in response format and content. Visit AP College Board to take a closer look at individual APUSH essay requirements.
Short Answer Response: 3 questions, 40 minute response time
Technically, short answer is not an essay at all, but rather a paragraph (or two) that concisely explain your ideas on a topic or prompt. Even though you are not writing a full-length essay for this section, keep in mind that your response still needs to read coherently and maintain focus – just like a standard writing. Short answer responses require three individual answers (parts A, B, C), each worth one point.
Data-based Question Essay: 1 question, 60 minutes response time
The DBQ essay focuses on topics exclusively from periods 3-8. In this section, you are given a series of historical documents that you must cite as evidence throughout your essay. Documents come in various forms: written materials, illustrations, graphs, charts or pictures.
A successful DBQ answer demonstrates the relationship between the provided document and a historical time period or theme. Cite the documents as evidence as well as use them to formulate an argument or express an opinion in order to maximize your DBQ score.
Long Essay: 1 question, 40 minutes response time
An update for the 2017-18, you can now choose from a selection of three essay topics: periods 1-3, 4-6 or 7-9. Each APUSH essay option focuses on the same themes and writing requirements, so choose the time period that best fits your skill set.
The long essay section is exactly what you expect from a typical essay: topic sentence, body paragraphs that cite historical evidence, strong closing. Add more paragraphs as necessary, but never write less than 5. This is your opportunity to demonstrate the depth of your APUSH knowledge, as well as your ability to make connections between historical time periods and content.
How to prepare an APUSH essay format
Regardless of format, APUSH essay responses that fully answer the question prompt and cite evidence tend to score the best. However, if essay-writing is not one of your current strengths, there are some tips you can follow to make writing in an APUSH essay format much easier.
1. Read the question prompt.
All the way through. At least twice. You may see the term “AP” in this section. In this case, “AP” does not stand for “Advance Placement”, but rather “address prompt”.
What is this prompt actually asking you to write? How are they asking you to write your response? Look for keywords such as compare/contrast, analyze or evaluate. These words are good indicators into which direction your APUSH essay should head.
There may be several, especially if you are being asked to state an opinion or formulate an argument. Note any commonalities between the documents. Do they share similar themes? Are they written by the same author? Do they represent ideals or events of a certain time period?
In order to best recall main events of a historical time period, AP College Board recommends using the acronym PERSIA. Essays that include the Political, Economic, Religious, Social, Intellectual and Artistic aspects of a certain time period show an overall understanding of historical context.
For short answer or DBQ essays, this may not be necessary, so use your best judgement. However, we recommend using a quick outline to help focus your thinking before writing your long essay. Taking a few minutes to organize your thoughts by jotting down notes or ideas that will help frame your thinking and make writing a structured essay much easier.
Practice makes perfect
Writing a quality essay is a skill. Like any skill, the more you practice, the better you get. Over the course of your APUSH study sessions, aim to write a total of 3-4 essays per section. If writing essays proves to be difficult, consider writing more often in order to hone your skills.
Even though it may seem daunting, also remember to practice your writing during timed sessions . Timing your writing helps you become aware of areas you may need to work on. It also forces you to focus your efforts into completing the prompt in its entirety each time you write. This is a great way to assess different areas of your writing process, so that you can make adjustments accordingly.
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AP United States History
Learn all about the course and exam. Already enrolled? Join your class in My AP.
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Go to AP Central for resources for teachers, administrators, and coordinators.
About the Course
Study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the United States from c. 1491 to the present. You’ll analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.
Skills You'll Learn
Evaluating primary and secondary sources
Analyzing the claims, evidence, and reasoning you find in sources
Putting historical developments in context and making connections between them
Coming up with a claim or thesis and explaining and supporting it in writing
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College course equivalent.
A two-semester introductory college course in U.S. history
Recommended Prerequisites
Fri, May 9, 2025
AP U.S. History Exam
This is the regularly scheduled date for the AP United States History Exam.
About the Units
The course content outlined below is organized into commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. Your teacher may choose to organize the course content differently based on local priorities and preferences.
Course Content
Unit 1: period 1: 1491–1607.
You’ll learn about Native American societies as well as how and why Europeans first explored, and then began to colonize, the Americas.
Topics may include:
- Native American societies before European contact
- European exploration in the New World
- The Columbian Exchange
- Labor, slavery, and caste in the Spanish colonial system
- Cultural interactions between Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans
On The Exam
4%–6% of score
Unit 2: Period 2: 1607–1754
You'll study the colonies established in the New World by the Spanish, French, Dutch, and British.
- How different European colonies developed and expanded
- Transatlantic trade
- Interactions between American Indians and Europeans
- Slavery in the British colonies
- Colonial society and culture
6%–8% of score
Unit 3: Period 3: 1754–1800
You'll explore the events that led to the American Revolution and the formation of the United States and examine the early years of the republic.
- The Seven Years’ War
- The American Revolution
- The Articles of Confederation
- The creation and ratification of the Constitution
- Developing an American identity
- Immigration to and migration within America
10%–17% of score
Unit 4: Period 4: 1800–1848
You’ll examine how the young nation developed politically, culturally, and economically in this period.
- The rise of political parties
- American foreign policy
- Innovations in technology, agriculture, and business
- Debates about federal power
- The Second Great Awakening
- Reform movements
- The experience of African Americans
Unit 5: Period 5: 1844–1877
You’ll learn how the nation expanded and you’ll explore the events that led to the secession of Southern states and the Civil War.
- Manifest Destiny
- The Mexican–American War
- Attempts to resolve conflicts over the spread of slavery
- The election of 1860 and Southern secession
- The Civil War
- Reconstruction
Unit 6: Period 6: 1865–1898
You’ll examine the nation’s economic and demographic shifts in this period and their links to cultural and political changes.
- The settlement of the West
- The "New South"
- The rise of industrial capitalism
- Immigration and migration
- Debates about the role of government
Unit 7: Period 7: 1890–1945
You’ll examine America’s changing society and culture and the causes and effects of the global wars and economic meltdown of this period.
- Debates over imperialism
- The Progressive movement
- World War I
- Innovations in communications and technology in the 1920s
- The Great Depression and the New Deal
- World War II
- Postwar diplomacy
Unit 8: Period 8: 1945–1980
You’ll learn about the rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States, the growth of various civil rights movements, and the economic, cultural, and political transformations of this period.
- The Cold War and the Red Scare
- America as a world power
- The Vietnam War
- The Great Society
- The African American civil rights movement
- Youth culture of the 1960s
Unit 9: Period 9: 1980–Present
You’ll learn about the advance of political conservatism, developments in science and technology, and demographic shifts that had major cultural and political consequences in this period.
- Reagan and conservatism
- The end of the Cold War
- Shifts in the economy
- Migration and immigration
- Challenges of the 21st century
Credit and Placement
Search AP Credit Policies
Find colleges that grant credit and/or placement for AP Exam scores in this and other AP courses.
Course Resources
Ap classroom resources.
Once you join your AP class section online, you’ll be able to access AP Daily videos, any assignments from your teacher, and your assignment results in AP Classroom. Sign in to access them.
- Go to AP Classroom
United States History Reading Study Skills
Review these tips to help you better understand and analyze the material you’ll read in this course.
United States History Writing Study Skills
Read these suggestions for writing a good essay, such as one you’d write as a response to a document-based question or other free-response question on the exam.
AP U.S. History Course and Exam Description
This is the core document for the course. It clearly lays out the course content and describes the exam and the AP Program in general.
See Where AP Can Take You
AP United States History can lead to a wide range of careers and college majors
Additional Information
AP United States History Exam Questions
Free-response questions and scoring information.
Download free-response questions from this year's exam and past exams along with scoring guidelines, sample responses from exam takers, and scoring distributions.
If you are using assistive technology and need help accessing these PDFs in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at [email protected] .
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2021: Free-Response Questions
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2020: Free-Response Questions
The 2020 free-response questions are available in the AP Classroom question bank .
2019: Free-Response Questions
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2018 :Free-Response Questions
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2017: Free-Response Questions
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2016: Free-Response Questions
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2015: Free-Response Questions
The 2015 sample response PDFs (.pdf/32.8MB) were updated to reflect changes to the rubrics that took effect with the 2016 AP U.S. History Exam.
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AP U.S. History Document Based Question Example
The DBQ requires you to analyze the documents in addition to bringing outside information to bear on the question. This is a difficult task, and you have only 15 minutes to plan before you begin writing. Don’t panic! Use the same strategies given for the LEQ for document analysis . The more you practice using these strategies, the better you will become at quickly finding significance in the documents.
Use the prompt and documents below to practice writing a DBQ . Either create an outline of key points or time yourself for 55 minutes (15 to prep and 40 to write) to get test day practice. Check your answers against the sample response at the end to see how yours compares!
DBQ Sample Question
Evaluate the extent of change in United States political parties in the period 1791 to 1833.
Step 1: Analyze the Prompt
Spend the 15-minute reading period analyzing the documents themselves, thinking for each document about its authorship/historical situation, main idea, and why it was written.
Begin grouping the documents into categories that you can use to help organize your essay. The following is a sample high-scoring writer’s notes on the documents:
1. Hamilton – Fed.: federal implied powers equal with explicit powers in Constitution, bank constitutional 2. Jefferson – Demo-Rep.: federal government only has powers delegated by Constitution, bank unconstitutional 3. Jefferson inaugural address: all parties follow same principles 4. Map of territories, feat. Louisiana Purchase – large territory bought by Jefferson 5. Hartford Convention – Fed.: want Congress to have high consensus to take action 6. Jackson – Demo.: veto bank b/c unconstitutional 7. Nat.-Rep. (Whig) cartoon: Jackson like king trampling Constitution w/ vetoes
- Fed. & Demo.-Rep. initial views: 1 & 2
- Feds. changing view: 5
- Demo.-Rep. changing view: 3, 4
- new parties & new issues: 6, 7
Step 2: Plan Your Response
- Thesis : parties changed ideals & new parties formed w/ new focuses; all devoted to Constitution ( complex understanding : change and continuity)
- Hamilton (Doc. 1): Fed. pro-bank, loose construction, strong central government
- Jefferson (Doc. 2): Demo.-Rep. anti-bank, strict construction, powerful states
- Jefferson (Doc. 3): reconcile w/ Feds. ( sourcing 1 )
- LA Purchase (Doc. 4): shift from strict construction
- Add’l Evidence : Jefferson Embargo Act: shift to strong fed.
- Context : war with Britain, impact on Feds.
- Hartford Convention (Doc. 5): shift from strong fed.
- Add’l Evidence : Era of Good Feelings
- Democrats & Whigs issues: bank, power of president, internal improvements
- Jackson cartoon (Doc. 7) ( sourcing 2 )
- (Doc. 3) “same principle”
- (Docs. 1 & 2) interpretations of Const.
- (Doc. 6) Jackson claim bank unconst. ( sourcing 3 )
- ¶conclusion: parties shifted in ideologies, new parties based on events, still devoted to Const.
Step 3: Action! Write Your Response
Step 4: proofread, sample high-scoring document-based question response.
The first two parties emerged from disagreements about forming a Bank of the United States. Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton developed a loose construction view of the Constitution, using the implied powers of the federal government in the Constitution to justify his support for a bank (Document 1). Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson argued for a strict construction view, opposing the Bank since it was not explicitly permitted by the Constitution and, he claimed, therefore unconstitutional (Document 2). These philosophies became the foundation of the first two political parties. Hamilton led the Federalists, who championed a strong federal government. Jefferson and James Madison led the Democratic-Republicans, who believed power rested with the states.
However, over time it became clear that the unwavering views of the two political parties needed to moderate if the country were to grow. Jefferson made the first step toward moderation of his political philosophy and reconciliation with the Federalists in his First Inaugural Address (Document 3), stating “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.” As the newly elected president, perhaps Jefferson felt required to placate his political opponents and didn’t fully believe this sentiment, but his time in office would prove that more moderate views were politically expedient. Jefferson and his party had to further adjust their ideals when the opportunity to purchase the Louisiana Territory from France arose in 1803 (Document 4). There was no provision in the Constitution for a president to buy more territory. However, Jefferson moderated his own strict construction views and made the purchase. Later, when American shipping was disrupted during the Napoleonic Wars, Jefferson again showed a shift from his original pro-state view and took the strong federal action of supporting the Embargo Act.
The Federalists also modified their views after war broke out with Great Britain. The Federalists, many of whom were merchants negatively impacted by the war’s impact on trade, protested America’s involvement. Federalists formulated a set of demands in Hartford, Connecticut (Document 5). By proposing that some government actions require a full two-thirds approval of the states, they were essentially challenging the authority of the federal government and seeking a way for their minority party to gain a greater say in decisions. Thus, the party that had favored a strong central government had now adopted an opposite view based on their circumstances. Both the initial parties changed their ideals when faced with events while governing.
As time went on, new parties emerged that were centered around the new concerns of their times. During the one-party Era of Good Feelings, the Federalist Party essentially ceased to exist, showing that political parties can disappear if their particular focuses are no longer relevant. The Democratic-Republican Party eventually split into two new parties: the Democrats and the Whigs. Although the National Bank was still a divisive issue, these new parties now focused on the issues of the power of the presidency and the role of the national government in modernization. The political cartoon in Document 7, created by a member of the Whigs, demonstrates the Whig view of opposing a strong executive by depicting the Democrat Jackson as a king who literally is trampling the Constitution under his feet. The intent of the cartoon is to mock Jackson as acting more like a king than a president by his excessive use of the veto. That a major facet of the Whig party was its opposing a particular president demonstrates the tendency of early political parties to form and dissolve as issues changed over time.
Despite the changes, all the early parties remained devoted to the principles of the Constitution. As Jefferson indicates in his address (Document 3), the parties have “different names” but are “brethren of the same principle”—the republican form of their government. Likewise, the debates between Federalists and Democratic- Republicans often hinged on how to interpret the Constitution, as shown in both Hamilton’s and Jefferson’s explanations of the Constitution in Documents 1 and 2. Later, Jackson also based his decision in Document 6 with “solemn regard to the principles of the Constitution.” While it is possible that Jackson was merely appealing to the Constitution as an excuse to veto the bank, which he was known to dislike, his words at least show the importance of appearing to honor constitutional principles across party lines.
American political parties developed soon after the Constitution took effect and went through shifts in ideologies and concerns over time. Sometimes changing their views based on what was politically expedient, early parties came in and out of existence based on their particular focuses and current events. Still, their devotion to constitutional principles showed their faith in the new form of government and ensured that the new government would endure and adapt, even when facing political disagreement.
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AP®︎/College US History
Course: ap®︎/college us history > unit 10.
- AP US History periods and themes
- AP US History multiple choice example 1
- AP US History multiple choice example 2
- AP US History short answer example 1
- AP US History short answer example 2
- AP US History DBQ example 1
- AP US History DBQ example 2
- AP US History DBQ example 3
- AP US History DBQ example 4
- AP US History long essay example 1
- AP US History long essay example 2
AP US History long essay example 3
- Preparing for the AP US History Exam (5/4/2016)
- AP US History Exam Prep Session (5/1/2017)
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Video transcript
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
We've updated the AP U.S. History document-based question (DBQ) and long essay question (LEQ) rubrics for the 2023-24 school year. This change only affects the DBQ and LEQ scoring, with no change to the course or the exam: the exam format, course framework, and skills assessed on the exam all remain unchanged.
Step 2: Plan Your Response. Next, take time to plan your response. Check your plan against the long essay question requirements. See the sample plan that a high-scoring writer might make; scoring requirements are written in bold for reference. Step 3: Action! Write Your Response & Step 4: Proofread.
Of the two free response questions, one is a long essay (worth 15%) and one is a DBQ. This means that the sole DBQ is, by itself, worth 25% of your total grade, making it the single most heavily-weighted question on the APUSH exam.. The APUSH DBQ will consist of a single open-ended prompt.To answer it, you'll have to create a persuasive argument that uses the documents you've been given on ...
Essay Prompt 1: 1491-1800; Essay Prompt 2: 1800-1898; Essay Prompt 3: 1890-2001 . Content Background for the AP US History Exam. There are eight themes addressed in the AP US History course, and all of them show up in one form or another on the exam across the nine units, or time periods. Each represents a subset of learning objectives that ...
Step 1: Analyze the Prompt. Each long essay question will ask you to "evaluate the extent" of some factor in American history. Since you are evaluating, you will need to develop an argument that addresses the prompt. Make sure to read all three prompts carefully. Think of the evidence you could use and the argument you could develop in ...
Examples that earn this point include: "New technologies fostered tremendous changes in U.S. industry between 1865 and 1900 by expanding the scale of industrial production.". "New technologies changed U.S. industry by accelerating the pace of changes introduced in earlier periods.".
AP® U.S. History 2021 Scoring Guidelines. Row D Analysis and Reasoning (0-2 points) 0 points. Does not meet the criteria for one point. 1 point. Uses historical reasoning (e.g., comparison, causation, continuity and change) to frame or structure an argument that addresses the prompt. 2 points.
AP ® United States History Sample Student Responses ... Exam essays should be considered first drafts and thus may contain grammatical errors. Those errors will not be counted against a student unless they obscure the successful demonstration of the content knowledge, skills, and practices described below ...
About the Exam. The AP U.S. History Exam will test your understanding of the historical concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to analyze primary and secondary sources and identify patterns and connections that can support a historical interpretation. Exam Duration. 3hrs 15mins.
Format of the 2024 AP US History Exam. Going into test day, this is the exam format to expect: Multiple Choice Section - 40% of your score- - 55 questions in 55 minutes ... This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam. Pay special attention to the units that you need the most improvement in.
The College Board requires your AP teacher to cover certain topics in the AP U.S. History course. As you complete your APUSH review, make sure you are familiar with the following topics: Period 1 (1491-1607) : Native American Societies Before European Contact; European Exploration in the Americas; Columbian Exchange, Spanish Exploration, and ...
The prompts fall into 4 categories: Patterns of connectivity (argue whether history changed or remained the same) Compare and contrast. Causation. Periodization. No matter which type of essay you face, here are 4 steps to help you write a good APUSH long essay.
Video transcript. - [Voiceover] Okay, this video is about the long essay section on the AP U.S. History exam. Now you might also have heard this called the free response question or FRQ. I think it is officially called the long essay question, so that's what we're gonna go with for now. Now this is the last essay that you'll be writing on the ...
Section II of the APUSH exam consists of two types of free-response questions.Part A consists of one document-based question (DBQ), and Part B consists of one long essay question (LEQ).For the DBQ, students have 60 minutes to answer, including 15 minutes for reading, whereas for the LEQ, students get just 40 minutes to complete it.. You should take at least one AP U.S. History practice test ...
How to prepare an APUSH essay format. Regardless of format, APUSH essay responses that fully answer the question prompt and cite evidence tend to score the best. However, if essay-writing is not one of your current strengths, there are some tips you can follow to make writing in an APUSH essay format much easier. 1. Read the question prompt.
NOTE: This is NOT an essay that I would encourage students to write, but an essay in this format still warrants mention because 1) the average score on the 2019 APUSH DBQ was a 2.5, which this essay exceeds, and 2) it may be about as much as some students with weak writing skills will be able to do.
We've put together some video examples of how to tackle each section of the AP US history exam. Find them here: Multiple choice section: How to approach multiple choice questions. Short answer section: How to approach short answer questions. Document-based essay: How to approach the DBQ. Long essay: How to approach the long essay question/LE.
You'll explore the events that led to the American Revolution and the formation of the United States and examine the early years of the republic. Topics may include: The Seven Years' War. The American Revolution. The Articles of Confederation. The creation and ratification of the Constitution. Developing an American identity.
Breakdown of Essay: The AP U.S. History exam gives students a choice between two long-essay questions. You chose ONE! A thesis statement is required. You will have 35 minutes to answer the one question you select. Makes up 15 % of final exam score. Graded on a 0-6 point scale.
Score Distributions. Introduction and Preface. Short Answer Question 1. Short Answer Question 2. Short Answer Question 3. Document-Based Question 1. Long Essay Question 2. Long Essay Question 3. Download free-response questions from past AP United States History exams, along with scoring guidelines, sample responses, and scoring distributions.
Use these sample AP U.S. History essays to get ideas for your own AP essays. These essays are examples of good AP-level writing. 1. The '50s and '60s: Decades of Prosperity and Protest (DBQ) The 1950s were characterized as a prosperous and conformist decade for many reasons. The first and most widespread of these reasons was the development ...
Kim from Khan Academy here with a quick guide to the 2020 AP U.S. History exam. I'm gonna go over the details about the new exam format and how the scoring system has changed. Okay, here's what you need to know. First, the exam is taking place on Friday, May 15th, 2020. The time depends on where you live.
The AP US History document based question requires you to analyze the documents in addition to bringing outside information to help answer the question. ... Begin grouping the documents into categories that you can use to help organize your essay. The following is a sample high-scoring writer's notes on the documents: 1. Hamilton - Fed ...
Things continue the way that they were and that's why the New Deal is essentially conservative. Okay, well I hope this example helped you with a Long Essay portion of the AP U.S. History exam and good luck. Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more.