Below are 16 samples, each of which includes:
- A sample essential question which introduces the argument essay prompt on some area of government.
- A draft prompt including three founding documents that could help shape the students’ arguments.
AP Government Argument Essay Samples
(NOTE! The exam format for this question has changed slightly. The main change is that students do not have to do a rebuttal to their argument. See College Board website.)
NEW! Federalism in the Age of Coronavirus: Should the federal government or the states be most responsible for responding to the Coronavirus outbreak? Prompt
Congressional roles: Does the delegate or trustee model of Congressional representation best serve the needs of the people as the Framers intended? Prompt
Political Parties: Do political parties hinder or promote democracy? Prompt
Congressional oversight: Is congressional oversight healthy or unhealthy for our system of government? Prompt
Interest groups: Do interest groups hinder or promote democracy? Prompt
Civil Rights: Should the federal government have power over states in the shaping of civil rights policies? Prompt
Citizen participation: Does citizen participation really matter? Prompt
Photo IDs and federalism: Do states have the authority to pass photo identification laws which restrict people’s ability to vote? Prompt
Presidential power: Do executive orders give the president too much power? Prompt
Gridlock: Is gridlock healthy or unhealthy for our system of government? Prompt
Term limits: Do congressional term limits violate or honor 
popular sovereignty? Prompt
Primaries and caucuses: Is the presidential nominating process democratic? Prompt
Social Media: Is social media a healthy way for citizens to participate in our political system? Prompt
Electoral College: Should the electoral college be abolished? Prompt
Representative versus direct democracy: Which is a better vehicle to serve citizen needs– a representative or direct democracy? Prompt
Independent judiciary: Is an independent judiciary a threat to or a savior for democracy? Prompt
AP Government Concept Application Samples
Free exercise clause: Snake-handling in religious rituals
