How to write AP Gov argument essay? It requires a methodical approach to ensure that your argument is clear, well-supported, and persuasive. The first step in this process is understanding the prompt. It’s crucial to carefully read the prompt to identify the main topic and what you’re being asked to argue. Look for key terms that specify the subject and the direction of your argument, such as whether a certain aspect of government power benefits or hinders policymaking. Highlight or underline these terms to maintain focus as you develop your essay.
Next, take a few minutes to plan your essay. Start by brainstorming all possible pieces of evidence that could support your argument. This includes the required documents provided in the prompt as well as other relevant content from your course. The key here is to think critically about how each piece of evidence might support or challenge the argument you intend to make. While planning, it’s also important to consider multiple perspectives, which will help you address counterarguments effectively later on.
Crafting a strong thesis statement is the foundation of your essay. Your thesis should clearly state your position and outline the evidence you will use to support it. For example, you might argue that “The expanded powers of the national government benefit policymaking due to the strength of the Constitution, cooperative federalism, and fiscal federalism.” Position your thesis at the beginning or end of your introduction to guide your reader and set the stage for your argument.
When using evidence, it’s essential to be specific and relevant. To earn full points, use at least two pieces of evidence, one of which must come from the documents provided in the prompt. Describe how each piece of evidence supports your thesis, and avoid vague generalizations by using key terms from your course. For instance, instead of simply mentioning “federalism,” refer to specific concepts like “fiscal federalism” or “cooperative federalism.”
In addition to presenting evidence, you must also explain and analyze it. This involves clearly identifying the evidence, explaining what it is, and then analyzing how it supports your thesis. This step is crucial for earning the reasoning point in the rubric. For example, after identifying the Articles of Confederation as evidence, you would explain its weaknesses in hindering effective policymaking and analyze how this supports the need for a stronger central government.
Addressing alternate perspectives is another important aspect of the AP Gov argument essay. You should briefly mention an opposing view and then explain why your argument is stronger. For instance, you might acknowledge that some argue state governments are better suited to handle local issues, but then counter this by explaining how the federal government’s ability to act with uniformity ensures equal protections across all states. This approach not only demonstrates your understanding of different viewpoints but also reinforces the validity of your thesis.
Structuring your essay effectively is key to clarity and coherence. Begin with a brief introduction that includes your thesis statement, followed by body paragraphs that each focus on a single piece of evidence. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence, present the evidence, explain it, and analyze how it supports your thesis. Conclude your essay by summarizing your argument, restating the thesis in light of the evidence presented, and briefly addressing the counterargument again if applicable.
Finally, it’s important to review the rubric and understand the scoring criteria. The AP Gov argument essay is scored on a 6-point scale, so make sure you meet all the key requirements: a clear thesis, well-supported evidence, sound reasoning, and addressing an alternate perspective. Before submitting your essay, take a few minutes to proofread for clarity, coherence, and grammatical errors. By following this structured approach and familiarizing yourself with the rubric, you can maximize your chances of earning a high score on the essay.
ap gov argument essay
We have evaluated a sample Ap gov argument essay as per the applicable rubric and has the following outcome. You can have a look at the example Ap gov argument essay at the very bottom of this post.
Scoring Criteria: Row A – Claim/Thesis (1 point)
To earn the point for the claim or thesis, ensure that your response directly answers the prompt with a clear and defensible thesis. Avoid merely restating the prompt, as this does not establish a line of reasoning. Instead, articulate a specific claim that addresses the question, such as arguing that the federal government should manage environmental policy due to its ability to address cross-state issues. This claim should be directly tied to the prompt and set up a logical progression for your essay.
Pitfall to Avoid: Don’t restate the prompt or present a vague thesis that doesn’t clearly address the question. For example, simply saying, “The federal government has more power” without connecting it to the specific issue of environmental policy will not earn the point.
Scoring Criteria: Row B – Evidence (0-3 points)
To maximize your points in this category, provide two pieces of specific and relevant evidence that directly support your thesis. One of these should come from the foundational documents listed in the prompt, such as the Constitution or Federalist Papers. Make sure your evidence is detailed and relevant, directly linking it to your argument. For example, citing the Necessary and Proper Clause to argue for federal authority over environmental policy shows specific and relevant evidence.
Pitfall to Avoid: Avoid providing vague or irrelevant evidence. For instance, mentioning the First Amendment in an argument about environmental policy doesn’t contribute to your thesis and won’t earn points. Ensure your evidence is precise and connected to your claim.
Scoring Criteria: Row C – Reasoning (0-1 points)
To earn the point for reasoning, explain how your evidence supports your thesis. This involves not just presenting evidence but also connecting it to your overall argument. For example, after citing the Supremacy Clause, explain how it reinforces the federal government’s role in ensuring uniform environmental policies across states. Your reasoning should clearly articulate why the evidence matters in the context of your argument.
Pitfall to Avoid: Don’t just list evidence without explaining its relevance. Merely stating facts without tying them back to your thesis fails to demonstrate why they support your argument, costing you the point for reasoning.
Scoring Criteria: Row D – Responds to Alternate Perspectives (0-1 points)
To earn the point in this category, you need to engage with an opposing viewpoint and either refute, concede, or rebut it. This demonstrates a deeper understanding of the issue and strengthens your argument. For example, if you argue for federal control of environmental policy, you could acknowledge that states might better understand local needs but then refute this by highlighting the federal government’s superior resources and ability to address interstate pollution.
Pitfall to Avoid: Don’t just mention an opposing view without addressing it. Simply stating that some people believe the states should control environmental policy isn’t enough; you need to either refute or concede the point to show why your argument is stronger.
Ap gov argument essay – Example
In order to support generations’ health, safety, and sustainability of the American people into the future, it is imperative that the federal government be held primarily responsible for managing environmental policy into the future. The expanded role of the government in supporting these regulations is supported by the true need for compromise and the presence of factions, as elaborated in Federalist 10 and the Constitution.
The elastic clause of Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 supports the involvement of the government in matters necessary and proper to its function of protecting the citizens from harm, especially in times of crisis. Federalist 10, written by James Madison and published in 1788, expressed the inevitability of faction and stated that faction is to man as air is to fire.
This means that in a republican democratic form of government, like our own, there is always going to be a sense of pluralism where different groups will be competing for different sides and interests, even within the same issue. This is due to the unique circumstances that shape their experience and their needs. On a narrower scale, environmental regulations are so complex due to the presence of competing interests that Madison introduced in Federalist 10. Every state has different circumstances due to the mining, unique structure; some rely on agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, the list goes on. For this reason, each will have a different opinion on federal regulations as they apply to their state.
However, it is clear that a unified approach is necessary in order to maintain a sense of consistency in protecting all people and the planet and its resources. Federalist 10 introduces the necessity of a large republic in order to get all voices and points of view considered in legislation.
By allowing the citizens of each state to elect leaders who will listen to their voices and needs within their own specific “faction,” not only will federal legislation compromise and be representative of all of them, but it will provide for the consistency that is required for issues of this size and value. The presence of factions, as Madison states, is essential to the functioning of a fair government that works for the people, and the variety of needs and opinions prevents any one interest from overshadowing another.
The necessary and proper clause found in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 mandates that Congress can expand its authority outside of its enumerated powers so long as the expansion is essential to its function in the government. At this point in time, the exhaustion of natural resources, overexploitation of the land, and pollution have brought the country and the world to a state of environmental crisis. If action is not taken, the lives, health, and quality of life of all citizens will be jeopardized.
Though the states can take action on their own, decentralized efforts are inconsistent efforts that do not take any powerful standing or hold states and their industries accountable. For this reason, the necessary and proper clause supports the expansion of power to the federal government so that it can enact environmental regulations that will protect the citizens’ “rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as defined by the Declaration of Independence.
The elastic clause has been used in a similar way during times of crisis, such as during the war on terrorism. This allowed the government to gain access to data and details of citizens as a part of the Patriot Act after 9/11. The environmental crisis is proving to show a similar sense of urgency, as it is impacting ecosystems around the country that may crumble food webs, endanger water supplies, threaten food sources, threaten access to clean air, and even lead to the submergence of more extreme weather and the submergence of cities and homes underwater due to global warming.
The government has placed interest in protecting life, health, and property, and the elastic clause supports the centralization of those efforts. Some may argue that the expansion of the elastic clause in this manner is dangerous in that it may take away discretion from the states in making decisions in the context of their own needs (as alluded to in Brutus 1).
They also may say that the presence of so many competing interests in the central government in this issue is not conducive to an efficient and timely execution of power (also alluded to in Brutus 1). However, it is abundantly clear that the executive branch of the federal government has the resources and the platform to hear and understand all points of view before undergoing collective risk and reward analysis that pushes legislation into action. Many competing interests will hold Congress accountable for their decision, not only as it relates to the environment but as it relates to the resulting impacts on jobs, the economy, and other factors.
This will allow for a more holistic review of the circumstances that lead to a compromise that is right for the American people at that time. That is the beauty of American democracy; the people recognize their needs, elect leaders to advocate for their needs, leading to discussion and circumspection at a national level that standardizes an approach while also compromising. The urgency of environmental reform is quickly setting agendas beyond the boundaries of each state, so it is essential, for the good and protection of the people, that America takes a centralized approach to combating these issues.