Today we will go over essential information that you need to prepare for your AP Government exam. We start by looking at important exam information including potential dates and formats for the exam (0:22). Then there is a refresher on format (1:43) followed by a detailed breakdown of each section of the test (2:01). Additional time is spent going over the different FRQ questions (3:05), including SCOTUS analysis(6:35), and essay (7:49). Each part of our discussion includes both information and tips to help you navigate the exam. Today’s question of the day (9:43): The first FRQ is the equival ..read more

Today we will look more closely at the role of media in informing political opinions. We start with the role of media in the past (1:05) before looking at the rise of partisan new outlets.(1:42) We then discuss the effects of growing demand for ideologically driven media(3:33) and the rise of social media as a source of information. (4:22) Today’s question of the day (5:55): According to a January 2021 Pew Survey, what percentage of American adults said they get their news from social media often or sometimes? (AP is a registered trademark of the College Board and is not affiliated with The AP ..read more

Today we will look more closely at the role of campaign contributions and the process of starting to regulate them in the 1970’s (1:48). We will then turn to the emergence of PACs and other organizations to avoid regulation (3:47). Finally, we will look at the Supreme Court case Citizens United and what that means for future elections (5:53). Today’s question of the day (7:29): According to a 2018 Pew Research survey, what percent of Americans “ ‘think there should be limits on the amount of money individuals and organizations’ can spend?” (AP is a registered trademark of the College Board and ..read more

Today we will look at interest groups and their effect on policy making. We will cover the different kinds of interest groups (1:41), the ways in which they can apply interest to the government (3:45), iron triangles (4:34), and some of the criticisms of interest group lobbying (5:15). Today’s question of the day (6:44):In billions, how much money did interest groups spend on the 2020 elections? (AP is a registered trademark of the College Board and is not affiliated with The APsolute RecAP. Copyright 2021 - The APsolute RecAP, LLC. All rights reserved.) Website: www.theapsoluterecap.com EMAIL ..read more

Today we will look at one of the main ways that political scientists measure political participation: voter turnout. In this episode we will look at the historical expansion of voting rights over time (1:27), consider different models of voting behavior (2:45), and the effect of individuals (5:26) and the state(8:00) on voter turnout in our elections. Today’s question of the day (10:30): True or False: States can deny your right to vote based on your criminal history. (AP is a registered trademark of the College Board and is not affiliated with The APsolute RecAP. Copyright 2021 - The APsolute ..read more

Today we will look at political ideology and beliefs surrounding the creation of economic and social policies. We will look at which ideology the two major parties align with (1:41) and how the Great Depression affected the belief about the role the government should play in the economy(3:22). We will then look at liberal (5:30) and conservative (6:16) ideology with relation to the market and economy. We will then do the same for liberal (7:46) and conservative (7:59) beliefs about social policies. Today’s question of the day (9:09): Although technically part of the Republican Party, which rep ..read more

Today we will look at public opinion. Find out what it is (1:09), what affects it (1:48) how it is measured (2:14) and why it plays an important part in political strategy (5:55). Today’s question of the day (6:51): What is the commonly accepted margin of error in a public opinion poll? Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition! (AP is a registered trademark of the College Board and is not affiliated with The APsolute RecAP. Copyright 2020 - The APsolute RecAP, LLC. All rights reserved.) Website: www.theapsoluterecap.com EMAIL: TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.com F ..read more

Today we will look at the main influences on American opinions about government and the key concepts that make up that perception. There are 5 core values that shape American attitudes about government and politics: Individualism (2:12), equality of opportunity (4:00), free enterprise (5:08), rule of law (5:47), and limited government (1:28). Today’s question of the day (7:50): When was the phrase “under God” added to the Pledge? Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition! (AP is a registered trademark of the College Board and is not affiliated with The APs ..read more

Today we look at the social movements that advanced the protections of the Constitution in this country. We discuss the concept of laws being a product of their time (1:58) before seeing changes starting with the 1954 ruling in Brown v Board. (2:35) Other examples of protections for race are also discussed. (4:14) We then go on to look at Title XI (5:52) and advances to the LGTBQ movement (6:10). Today’s question of the day (8:00): In 1965, a Japanese inventor created something that is now commonplace in public places in this country, tactile paving. Do you know what that is? Thank you for lis ..read more

Today we look at the due process clause of the 14th amendment and how it applies to rights of the accused and privacy. We start by reviewing what the due process clause is (1:00) and then look at how it applies to the 4th (1:50), 5th(2:22), and 6th(2:52) amendments. We discuss the required case of Gideon v. Wainwright (3:12) before turning our attention to privacy. Although not specifically mentioned, privacy is an implied right (4:46). Finally, we look at two cases that support that idea Griswold v Connecticut (5:38) and Roe v. Wade(7:00). Today’s question of the day (8:34): Can your cell pho ..read more