PlanPlusDebater

Question: "Discuss two reasons why leaders of unitary systems might choose to decentralize power" (AP Comp Gov, 2006 FRQ)

Can I write >2 reasons, and hope that among those 4-5 (non-contradictory) reasons, two are correct? How are these FRQs graded? In other words, would I be penalized, or would they only look at the first two responses, or what?

To summarize, is it a good test-taking strategy to write more reasons than the question asks for (time permitting)?

Darcy

I actually don't know. This is pretty interesting--does anyone know?

Xylem101

I don't know about Gov, but for AP Biology I remember that the rule was you get points for anything right and no points for anything wrong. Basically if you were to write an essay of total BS with a couple of valid points you would get points for those points. Thats why we used to just write everything we know in a bio essay even if it was wrong. I don't know how it works for Gov though but it might be the same thing.

Almost_There_Alm

Wow, that's pretty interesting! Anyone know?

db123

It works the same way for Comp Gov. They give you points for things that you mention. If I wasn't sure, then I would put down 3-4 reasons instead of just two. Now, you won't earn more than the maximum amount for that section but the chances of you earning points for BS is higher.

If you are referring to the prompt the OP posted, the answer would be (1) to decrease regional tension and reduce the risk of revolution (this happened with the UK and Northern Ireland.) (2) to increase legitimacy and (3) leaders may choose to decentralize from pressure from the international community. I'm sure there are more answers but I'm fairly certain that explanation (1) and (2) would get credit. Since I'm not so sure, I would add (3) as well.

Hint for comparative gov: when in doubt, the answer probably has something to do with legitimacy.

concretejungle

Hmm.. on the '06 APUSH test, there was some essay on conformity the 1950s that said write on TWO (capitalized) of the following: youth, civil rights activists, and intellectuals.

I wrote on all 3 and still got a 5... :\ Good question, though. I have no idea.

db123

well, the way APUSh is graded is quite different than the Govt tests. For gov, you get specific points for mentioning things but for APUS, you need to know how to write a paper. I abhored the APUS test. It was the biggest pain in the tush.

Liist

Basically the graders are looking for certain things to give you points out. Tests like these are great for brain dumps.

You certainly won't get a 9, but you will get 5-6 at best.