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AP U.S. History Long Essay Example

The second part of Section II of the AP exam contains three long essay questions—you must respond to one. The AP U.S. History long essay question assesses your ability to apply knowledge of history in a complex, analytical manner. In other words, you are expected to treat history and historical questions as a historian would.

This process is called historiography—the skills and strategies historians use to analyze and interpret historical evidence to reach a conclusion. Thus, when writing an effective essay, you must be able to write a strong, clearly developed thesis and supply a substantial amount of relevant evidence to support your thesis and develop a complex argument.

The College Board’s characteristics of a high-scoring long essay question response are listed below. Note that the requirements are very similar to those of the DBQ; the primary difference is that any requirements related to use of the documents are removed from the scoring requirements for the long essay question.

[ RELATED: Reading Strategies for AP US History Exam ]

Long Answer Sample Question

Evaluate the extent to which the migration of European colonists and the resulting encounters with American Indians affected social patterns in the period from 1495 to 1650.

Step 1: Analyze the Prompt

As you choose which question you will answer, begin thinking about what your thesis will entail and how your essay will demonstrate a complex understanding. The notes of a sample high-scoring writer are below.

Thesis (with complex understanding): Spanish, French, and British each used territory differently; result: distinct social patterns

This writer claims that three different countries’ approaches to settling territories resulted in different types of social development, but other types of thesis claims are possible. For instance, the thesis could make a single claim about overall social patterns (such as “Europeans’ economic goals in the New World and their attitudes of superiority over American Indians resulted in exploitative and hierarchical social structures”) or focus on only one or two European nations.

Step 2: Plan Your Response

• Context : motives for European exploration: new technology, navigation techniques, and trade routes
• Thesis   (with complex understanding ):  Spanish, French, and British each used territory differently; result: distinct social patterns
• goals: wealth and spread Catholicism
• methods: mining, large-scale agriculture, encomienda, disease/weapons, missions
• results: forced assimilation, social structure
• goal: fur trade
• method: mutually profitable trade relationships
• result: alliances
• goals: permanent settlements, Jamestown, religious freedom (New England)
• methods: occupying more land for farming, smallpox, Metacom’s War
• results: deaths of indigenous populations
• ¶ conclusion: where Europeans sought permanent settlements or forced labor, resulted in American Indian population decline, upheaval, and threats to tradition

Step 3: Action! Write Your Response & Step 4: Proofread

See the following high-scoring response, and be sure to read the rubric to help you identify what makes this response effective. Think about what features you can incorporate into your own free- response answers.

Sample High-Scoring Response

The Spanish had two major goals: to gain wealth and to spread Catholicism to the native populations. Realizing the potential to mine precious metals and profit from large-scale agriculture, the Spanish forced American Indians into labor, such as through the encomienda system. Violence and deception were often used to subdue the indigenous populations, aided by the technological superiority of European weapons and the spread of devastating diseases. Although some Spanish came as missionaries with the goal of converting American Indians to Christianity and often protested the abusive treatment of the American Indians, even missions sometimes essentially forced labor and coerced assimilation to Spanish culture. In the long term, a hierarchical social structure developed in the Spanish colonies in which the Spanish-born and their descendants (peninsulares and creoles) dominated those of mixed background (mestizos and mulattos) and especially those of pure African or American Indian heritage. Overall, millions perished between disease and mistreatment, devastatingly weakening traditional cultures but enriching the Spanish.

The French differed from the Spanish in their relationship with the indigenous populations. Using the St. Lawrence River for transportation and trade, the French profited from trading fur pelts, particularly beaver, with the American Indians, and then sending the pelts to Europe. These traders profited from the knowledge and goods of the American Indian populations who lived there, and certainly desired to develop mutually profitable relationships with them. Overall, this more cooperative relationship helped preserve American Indian cultures and led to alliances between the French and different American Indian nations. These alliances benefited the French in later wars with the British.

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How to LEQ | AP US History Study Guide

Learn how to respond to the Long-Essay Question.

Resources by Period:

• Period 1: 1491–1607
• Period 2: 1607–1754
• Period 3: 1754–1800
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• Period 7: 1890–1945
• Period 8: 1945–1980
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APUSH Long Essay Question Example 1

Evaluate the extent to which european contact and colonization impacted the indigenous populations and cultures in the americas between 1491 and 1800..

• What were the motivations behind European exploration and colonization in the Americas?
• How did European contact affect the indigenous populations in terms of health, society, and politics?
• What were some key moments or events that exemplify the interaction between Europeans and indigenous populations?
• Were there any areas or tribes that resisted or adapted differently to European influence?
• How did indigenous cultures change or adapt as a result of European contact?
• Thesis/Claim (1 point): The essay presents a clear and defensible thesis in the introduction. The thesis is evident in the statement, “The impact of European contact and colonization on indigenous populations and cultures in the Americas between 1491 and 1800 was profound and multifaceted.” This thesis directly addresses the prompt and sets the stage for the arguments that follow.
• Contextualization (1 point): To earn this point, students must describe a broader historical context relevant to the prompt. The essay provides context by mentioning European motivations for exploration, such as wealth, trade routes, and religious expansion. This provides readers with a clear backdrop against which the main arguments of the essay are set.
• Evidence (2 points): The APUSH standards require students to support their thesis with specific evidence. In the sample essay, there’s a plethora of evidence cited, such as the introduction of diseases, the encomienda system, the Pueblo Revolt, and the cultural blending of traditions. Each piece of evidence is directly related to the thesis and supports the argument that European contact and colonization had a significant impact on indigenous populations and cultures.
• Analysis and Reasoning (2 points): This is where students must demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic. The essay does this in several ways. First, it analyzes the significance of each piece of evidence, explaining, for example, how the introduction of diseases decimated native populations and disrupted social structures. Second, it shows a complex understanding by discussing both the negative and positive impacts, resistance, and cultural adaptation. This comparison not only reinforces the thesis but also provides a nuanced view of the period.

When you are done reviewing this LEQ example, you can use the buttons below to proceed to our Long Essay example 2 or return to the APUSH Practice Exam main menu.

Question Types on the AP U.S. History Exam

April 8, 2024.

The AP U.S. History exam, also called the APUSH exam, tests your ability to use historical thinking skills and reasoning processes and your understanding of historical themes. There are several different question types on the AP U.S. History exam you should practice before taking the exam in May. The APUSH exam has two sections, and each section has two parts. Section I consists of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Section II consists of the document-based question and long essay question. Familiarizing yourself with the question types on the exam will help you feel more confident on test day.

What are the Four Question Types on the AP U.S. History Exam?

There are four types of questions on the AP U.S. history exam. This includes 55 multiple-choice questions, three short-answer questions, one document-based question (DBQ), and one long essay question (LEQ). You will have 95 minutes for the first section, which includes the multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions, and 100 minutes for the essay section. It is important to pace yourself to have sufficient time to answer all the questions.

AP U.S. History Question Types: Multiple-Choice Questions

The first part of the APUSH exam includes 55 multiple-choice questions, which you must answer in 55 minutes. 40% of your total exam grade is based on this section. 

The multiple-choice questions on the APUSH exam test your ability to reason about different types of historical evidence. You will be required to show proficiency in one or more of the themes and apply one or more of the historical thinking skills or processes. The multiple-choice questions require you to reason about specific stimulus material provided with each set of questions. The types of stimulus material can be anything from political cartoons to speeches –  virtually any primary or secondary source. These questions will ask you to draw on the stimulus material as well as your knowledge of the concepts and historical developments in the College Board’s course framework. 

Expert tip: Bring a watch when you take the APUSH exam and try to work at a steady pace. In the multiple-choice section, you only have a minute for each question. If the answer doesn’t immediately come to you, make a notation in the test booklet and come back to it.

[ LISTEN: Barron’s AP U.S. History Podcast Episode 9: “Multiple-Choice Questions” on Apple and Spotify ]

Sample Multiple-Choice Question

The following is an example of a multiple-choice question you would find on the AP U.S. History exam. In this case, you are presented with a political cartoon that you must use to answer the question below.

Question 1 refers to the following image:

• The political cartoon shown above makes the point that a. northern capitalists benefit as much from the institution of slavery as southern plantation owners do. b. Reconstruction was brought to an unfortunate end by a coalition of forces in the North and South. c. African Americans were incapable of effectively participating in the political process. d. nativist politicians were unfairly presenting Irish Americans as ignorant and brutish.

Check your answer.

Answer: (B) This evocative political cartoon requires you to read a whole host of clues before you can understand its meaning. The man on the left is an Irish immigrant; the “5 Points” on his hat refers to the Irish neighborhood in New York City. Note his almost ape-like face. This was typical of representations of Irish immigrants as drawn by nativist cartoonists. The man in the middle has “C.S.A.” on his belt buckle: Confederate States of America. His knife says “Lost Cause,” an allusion to the southern nostalgia for the noble fight the South put up in the Civil War. The man on the right has “Capital” written on the object he is holding; he is a northern capitalist, ready to use money to purchase votes. 

These three sinister forces are working together in the Democratic Party to deny African Americans the right to vote. Note the ballot box contents strewn on the ground in the lower right-hand corner of the cartoon. Thomas Nast intended the cartoon as a warning about the dangers of a Democratic victory in the upcoming presidential election. The cartoon does not allude to the slave system or cotton production (A). The cartoon is drawn sympathetically toward African Americans; there is no allusion that the man on the ground is ignorant or debased (C). It is true that Irish immigrants were presented as ignorant, but the cartoonist is not critiquing that. In fact, he himself is presenting an Irish immigrant in an unflattering manner (D).

AP U.S. History Question Types: Short-Answer Questions

Section I, Part B of the APUSH exam consists of four short-answer questions, of which you will answer three. The first two questions are required, then you will choose whether to respond to the third or fourth question. Each short-answer question has three parts, with each part given a grade of 0 or 1. The maximum grade for each short-answer question is a score of 3. You will have 40 minutes to complete the short-answer questions, and 20% of your total exam grade is based on this section.

• Short-answer question #1: The first short-answer question on the AP U.S. History exam will assess your ability to analyze secondary sources. You will be presented with one or two secondary sources – generally excerpts from the work of one or more historians. The question will ask you to describe a historical interpretation or to describe differences in historical interpretation. Then it will ask you to explain how evidence from the period under discussion could be used to support the interpretation(s). This first question will draw on material from Periods 3 to 8 (1754-1980).
• Short-answer question #2: The second short-answer question on the exam will include primary source material, such as newspaper articles. The question will use one of two reasoning practices – causation or comparison. You will be asked to describe the document’s significance and use historical evidence to explain a historical development related to the image. This question will also draw on material from Periods 3 to 8.
• Short-answer question #3: Last, you will be provided with a choice of two questions to answer for your third question on the APUSH exam. Neither of these questions will have stimulus material. They will both use the same reasoning skill—either causation or comparison (whichever of the two skills that was not used in the second question). A causation question will ask you to describe a historical development and explain its causes and/or effects. A comparison question will present you with two historical developments and ask you to describe how they are similar and how they are different. In addition, it may ask you to explain the reasons for differences or the impact of one or the other historical development. Again, you will be asked to provide relevant historical evidence. The first of these two questions (Question 3) will draw from material in Periods 1 through 5 (1491-1877); the second of the two questions (Question 4) will draw from material in Periods 6 through 9 (1865-Present). Be sure to choose the short-answer question you feel most confident in answering. 

[ LISTEN: Barron’s AP U.S. History Podcast Episode 10: “Short-Answer Questions” on Apple and Spotify ]

Sample Short-Answer Question

Below is one example of a short-answer question you might encounter on the AP U.S. history exam. In this example, you are required to use the excerpts below to answer the three-part question. 

Question 1 refers to following excerpts:

“Out of this frontier democratic society where the freedom and abundance of land in the great

Valley opened a refuge to the oppressed in all regions, came the Jacksonian democracy. . . . It was because Andrew Jackson personified these essential Western traits that in his presidency he became the idol and mouthpiece of the popular will. . . . [H]e went directly to his object with the ruthless energy of a frontiersman. . . . The triumph of Andrew Jackson marked the end of the old era of trained statesmen for the Presidency. With him began the era of the popular hero.”

Frederick Jackson Turner, historian, The Frontier in American History, 1920

“Not only was [Andrew] Jackson not a consistent politician, he was not even a real leader of democracy. He had no part whatever in the promotion of the liberal movement which was progressing in his own state. . . . [H]e always believed in making the public serve the ends of the politician. Democracy was good talk with which to win the favor of the people and thereby accomplish ulterior objectives. Jackson never championed the cause of the people; he only

invited them to champion his.”

Thomas P. Abernathy, historian, From Frontier to Plantation in Tennessee, 1932

• Using the excerpts above, answer (a), (b), and (c). a. Briefly describe ONE major difference between Turner’s and Abernathy’s historical interpretations of President Andrew Jackson. b. Briefly explain how ONE specific historical event or development during the period 1820 to 1850 that is not explicitly mentioned in the excerpts could be used to support Turner’s interpretation. c. Briefly explain how ONE specific historical event or development during the period 1820 to 1850 that is not explicitly mentioned in the excerpts could be used to support Abernathy’s interpretation.

(a) A good response would explain differences between Turner’s and Abernathy’s historical interpretations of President Andrew Jackson, such as: Both Turner and Abernathy address the issue of whether President Andrew Jackson was a “man of the people,” an upholder and proponent of democratic values. Turner argues that Jackson does live up to his reputation as a true democrat. He traces Jackson’s democratic spirit back to his upbringing in the frontier region, along the border of the colonies of North and South Carolina. Turner asserts that the region fostered an independent and egalitarian spirit that was reflected in Jackson’s actions. Abernathy, however, argues that Jackson’s talk of democracy was hollow. He asserts that Jackson was typical of most politicians in that he was self-serving. He talked about the interests of the common man, but his policies did not advance a democratic agenda.

(b) Good responses would cite evidence that would support Turner’s interpretation of Jackson, such as: Jackson supported the rotation of office in government, also known as the “spoils system.” Jackson brought new individuals into government positions rather than allowing the old established officeholders to continue to exercise power. (c) Good responses would cite evidence that would support Abernathy’s interpretation of Jackson, such as:

Jackson did not attempt to promote the right to vote for people other than white males. As a slaveholder, he did not want to extend democratic rights to African Americans or to challenge the institution of slavery. Nor did he support extending democratic rights to women.

AP U.S. History Question Types: Document-Based Question

The second section of the AP U.S. history exam begins after a short break. In Section II, Part A, you will answer a document-based question, or DBQ. You will have 60 minutes to complete this part of the exam, and it is worth 25% of your total exam grade.

The DBQ evaluates your ability to assess, analyze, and synthesize various types of historical evidence and construct a coherent essay. Your written response is judged on your ability to formulate a thesis and support it with relevant evidence. The documents can include written materials, charts, graphs, cartoons, and pictures. Each DBQ on the APUSH exam will focus on one of the historical reasoning processes: comparison, causation, or continuity. It will also assess all six historical thinking skills – skills—developments and processes, sourcing and situation, claims and evidence in sources, contextualization, making connections, and argumentation.

Expert tip: When writing your response to the document-based question, be sure to maintain historical neutrality. Avoid using words like “us” or “our” when discussing the United States. Strong essays should be intellectually engaged but not emotionally invested in a particular outcome or position. Such personal investment tends to undermine one’s argument. 

[ LISTEN: Barron’s AP U.S. History Podcast Episode 11: “The Document-Based Question” on Apple and Spotify ]

Sample Document-Based Question

The following is an example of a document-based question. We suggest you spend 15 minutes reading the documents and 45 minutes writing your response. This sample DBQ is based on the documents below.

In your response, you should do the following:

• Respond to the prompt with a historically defensible thesis or claim that establishes a line of reasoning.
• Describe a broader historical context relevant to the prompt.
• Use at least six documents in order to support an argument in response to the prompt.
• Use at least one additional piece of specific historical evidence (beyond that found in the documents) relevant to an argument about the prompt.
• For at least three documents, explain how or why the document’s point of view, purpose, historical situation, and/or audience is relevant to an argument.
• Use evidence to corroborate, qualify, or modify an argument that addresses the prompt.

Prompt: Compare the mobilization efforts by local, state, and federal authorities in the United States during World War I with mobilization efforts during World War II.

This document-based question asks you to compare the mobilization efforts of World War I with those of World War II. As you look at the documents, several themes should emerge. One theme that quickly emerges is that in both World War I and World War II, the role of the federal government grew. We can see this in the conservation efforts in both wars. In World War I, we see this in Document 2, a poster from the Food Administration urging a change in diet to prevent shortages of certain commodities (meat, sugar, and fat) for the war effort. In World War II, we see a similar effort at conservation in Document 5; commuters are urged to carpool so as to save fuel for the war effort.

In addition to conservation, we can see that in both wars authorities put a good deal of effort into filling defense-industry plants with workers. For World War I, we see this implied in Document 1—the efforts of the War Industries Board. For World War II, we see this effort in Document 6, urging women to take industrial jobs, assuring them that they could handle such jobs. The World War II efforts to find employees are alluded to in Document 7 as well. This document describes one of the “zoot-suit riots” that occurred in Los Angeles and elsewhere during the war. These anti-Mexican riots occurred after the federal government instituted the Bracero program, allowing thousands of Mexicans to enter the United States legally as temporary guest workers.

Another theme that emerges in the comparison is the treatment of different ethnicities. In World War I, we see violence against German Americans in Document 3. This document should remind you of the rise in xenophobia and anti-German violence during World War I. In World War II, in addition to the violence against Mexicans in the “zoot-suit riots” (Document 7), we can go beyond the documents and cite discrimination against Japanese Americans with their forced relocation to the interior of the United States. In both wars, ugly expressions of ethnic hatred were unleashed by the war.

The final area of comparison to examine is the limits placed on civil liberties in both conflicts. In World War I, the government passed the Espionage and Sedition Acts, limiting free-speech rights. These acts are referenced in Document 4, an excerpt from the Espionage Act. During World War II, the government limited the civil liberties of the entire population of West Coast Japanese Americans by issuing Executive Order 9066, calling for the internment of people of Japanese descent in a series of camps. In both wars, the government expanded its power to limit civil liberties. You can judge the merits of each action, noting similarities and differences.

A successful essay would earn a point for developing a strong thesis that addresses the prompt—one that makes a claim in regard to comparisons between government mobilization efforts during World War I with those of World War II. The thesis should reflect a complex understanding of the topic, an understanding that would then be developed in the body of the essay (see below for a discussion of historical complexity). The second possible point in the essay would be for contextualization . You must put the government mobilization efforts into a wider context. For instance, this essay could note that the efforts to expand the role of government during wartime occurred in the context of broader efforts to expand the role of government in society. In the case of World War I, this would involve discussing the efforts of the Progressive movement; in the case of World War II, this would involve invoking the ideology of the New Deal. The next three points would be for using evidence —both within and outside of the documents. For the first of these points, the essay must successfully use the content of at least three of the documents to address the topic of the prompt. The next point can be earned for using the content of at least six of the documents in a way that supports an argument in response to the prompt. The third evidence point would be for using evidence outside the documents—the circumstances of the arrest of Eugene Victor Debs during World War I, the role of Herbert Hoover as administrator of the Food Administration during World War II, or the Bracero program during World War II. To earn this point, the essay must explain how the outside evidence is relevant to the argument. It is not enough to simply mention or describe this information.

The last two points are for analysis and reasoning . The first of these two points is for sourcing —for at least three of the documents, explaining how or why the document’s point of view, purpose, historical situation, and/or audience is relevant to the argument. For example, the essay could discuss the historical situation of Document 6—the “We Can Do It!” poster. Before the war, very few women worked in heavy industry. Women worked in lighter industry—notably the garment industry—but not in the shipbuilding industry. The poster played a role in changing this gender norm. This point could be connected to a broader argument about changing conceptions of gender during times of war. Or, the essay could discuss the purpose of the Espionage Act (Document 4) during World War I. This point could note that the act was designed to blunt objections to a war that was widely criticized by Americans. This could be connected with a broader point about the role of government in organizing and producing enthusiasm for American participation in military ventures. The last point is for demonstrating a complex understanding of the historical development that is the focus of the essay. This point could be earned by extending the argument to another time period—such as the Civil War or the Vietnam War—and drawing conclusions about the growth of federal power during times of crisis. Or, the argument could be modified by considering diverse or alternative views or evidence, such as how the impact of World War II mobilization on African Americans differed from the impact on white Americans. This point could focus on discrimination in war-related industries and the moves by A. Philip Randolph and other civil-rights leaders to organize a major civil-rights demonstration during the war. This point could also note that the demonstration was called off when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order banning segregation in war-related industries.

How is the Document-Based Question Scored?

The document-based question on the APUSH exam is scored on the four elements described below. Understanding how the document-based question’s grading system can help you achieve a top score of 7. 

• Thesis: 0-1 points Earn 1 point by responding to the prompt with a historically defensible thesis/claim that establishes a line of reasoning. 
• Contextualization: 0-1 points Earn 1 point by describing a broader historical context relevant to the prompt 
• Evidence: 0-3 points  Earn 1 point by using the content of at least three documents to address the prompt’s topic, or earn 2 points by supporting an argument in response to the prompt using at least six documents. Earn an extra point by using at least one additional piece of specific historical evidence beyond that found in the documents relevant to an argument about the prompt.
• Analysis & Reasoning: 0-2 points Earn 1 point by using at least three documents to explain how or why the documents’ point of view, purpose, historical situation, and/or audience is relevant to an argument. Earn a second point by demonstrating a complex understanding of the historical development that is the focus of the prompt, using evidence to corroborate, qualify, or modify an argument that addresses the question. 

AP U.S. History Question Types: Long Essay Question

The last part of the AP U.S. History exam is the long essay question, or LEQ. In Section II, Part B, you will choose between three similar long essay questions. You will have 40 minutes to complete this part on the exam. 15% of your grade is based on your response to the LEQ.

The long essay requires you to develop a thoughtful historical thesis or argument and support your thesis with an analysis of specific and relevant historical evidence. Each of the three questions you’ll choose from will focus on the same historical reasoning process—comparison, causation, or continuity and change. The LEQ also assesses four historical thinking skills—developments and processes, contextualization, making connections, and argumentation. Where the three questions differ is in the time periods they cover. The first question will draw on material from Periods 1 through 3, the second from Periods 4 through 6, and the third from Periods 7 through 9. Be sure to pick the essay question you feel most prepared and confident to answer. 

[ LISTEN: Barron’s AP U.S. History Podcast Episode 12: “The Long Essay” on Apple and Spotify ]

Sample Long Essay Prompt

Below are three sample long essay questions. The three questions are all built around the same

theme and the same historical reasoning skill. The theme for each question is “Culture and Society.” These questions ask you to analyze patterns of continuity and change regarding the roles and conditions for women during three different periods in American history. 

Directions: Answer Question 1 or Question 2 or Question 3.

• Support an argument in response to the prompt using specific and relevant examples of evidence.
• Use historical reasoning (e.g., comparison, causation, continuity or change over time) to frame or structure an argument that addresses the prompt.
• Evaluate the extent to which roles and conditions for women changed in the United States in the period 1750 to 1800.
• Evaluate the extent to which roles and conditions for women changed in the United States in the period 1800 to 1850.
• Evaluate the extent to which roles and conditions for women changed in the United States in the period 1940 to 1980.

Check your answer to Question #1.

Question 1, on changes and continuities in regard to women’s roles and conditions, covers the time period of the crisis of empire, from the end of the French and Indian War through the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolutionary War (1765–1783), and the development of an independent United States, up to 1800. In addition, Enlightenment thinking—much of which explicitly challenged traditional gender roles—became important in the Revolution and in the early republic. These political and intellectual developments could be used in this essay to establish the context of the essay.

A key change to note in terms of roles and conditions for women in this period is the increasingly public role women played in these major events. This was the era of the Daughters of Liberty, boycotts, spinning bees, and homespun cloth. In North Carolina in 1774, fifty-one women signed a declaration vowing to give up tea and other British products, in what is known as the Edenton Tea Party. Abigail Adams reflected Enlightenment ideals when she encouraged her husband, John, to “remember the ladies” as the structure of a new nation was being debated in 1776. Some women participated in the fighting of the American Revolution, including Deborah Sampson of Massachusetts, who dressed as a man and served in several theaters of war. Many women participated in supplying the soldiers and working as nurses. In the early republic, the ideas of republican motherhood developed. These are all pieces of evidence that could be used to support an argument in this essay.

As you develop an argument to respond to this prompt, think about the final point for demonstrating a complex understanding of the topic. For instance, if an essay discusses changes for women in this period, it might acknowledge continuities as well ( explaining both continuity and change ). By 1800 women still did not have the right to run for office or vote. Many of the legal strictures on married women, under the doctrine of feme covert , were in place. And though republican motherhood asserted that women had an important role to play in the new republic, it was still as mothers. Further, some of the changes that impacted white women had no impact on enslaved African-American women ( qualifying or modifying an argument by considering diverse or alternative views or evidence ).

A strong thesis to this question could attempt to acknowledge change, while stressing its limited nature. “During the period of 1750 to the 1800s, conflicts between the colonists and the British opened new avenues for women to participate in public life. By 1800, however, the laws and constitutions that were created in the new republic relegated women to second-class status just as they had been under British rule.” A different tack in developing a thesis might acknowledge different perspectives: “For many white women, the crisis of empire and the birth of a new country offered new opportunities and possibilities to participate in the public realm. However, for enslaved African-American women, the rhetoric of the American Revolution changed little.”

A successful essay would bring all the elements of the essay together—relevant contextualization, a strong thesis, evidence in support of the argument of the essay, and a complex understanding of the topic.

How is the Long Essay Question Scored?

The long essay question on the AP U.S. History exam is scored on a scale from 0 to 6, with 6 being the highest score you can receive. Below is a description of the specific scoring criteria for each element of the long essay. 

• Thesis: 0-1 points Earn 1 point by responding to the prompt with a historically defensible thesis/claim that establishes a line of reasoning.
• Contextualization: 0-1 points Earn 1 point by describing a broader historical context relevant to the prompt. 
• Evidence: 0-2 points  Earn 1 point by providing specific examples of evidence relevant to the prompt’s topic, or earn 2 points by supporting an argument in response to the prompt using specific and relevant examples of evidence.
• Analysis & Reasoning: 0-2 points Earn 1 point by using historical reasoning (comparison, causation, or continuity and change over time) to frame and structure an argument that addresses the prompt. Earn 2 points by demonstrating a complex understanding of the historical development that is the focus of the prompt, using evidence to corroborate, qualify, or modify an argument that addresses the question. 

AP Biology Resources

• About the AP Biology Exam
• Top AP Biology Exam Strategies
• Top 5 Study Topics and Tips for the AP Biology Exam
• AP Biology Short Free-Response Questions
• AP Biology Long Free-Response Questions

AP Psychology Resources

• What’s Tested on the AP Psychology Exam?
• Top 5 Study Tips for the AP Psychology Exam
• AP Psychology Key Terms
• Top AP Psychology Exam Multiple-Choice Question Tips
• Top AP Psychology Exam Free Response Questions Tips
• AP Psychology Sample Free Response Question

AP English Language and Composition Resources

• What’s Tested on the AP English Language and Composition Exam?
• Top 5 Tips for the AP English Language and Composition Exam
• Top Reading Techniques for the AP English Language and Composition Exam
• How to Answer the AP English Language and Composition Essay Questions 
• AP English Language and Composition Exam Sample Essay Questions
• AP English Language and Composition Exam Multiple-Choice Questions

AP Human Geography Resources

• What’s Tested On the AP Human Geography Exam?
• AP Human Geography FAQs
• AP Human Geography Question Types and Strategies
• Top 5 Study Tips for the AP Human Geography Exam

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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.

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:

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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2024 APUSH Exam Guide

14 min read • june 18, 2024

Your Guide to the 2024 AP US History Exam

We know that studying for your AP exams can be stressful, but Fiveable has your back! We created a study plan to help you crush your AP US History exam. This guide will continue to update with information about the 2024 exams, as well as helpful resources to help you do your best on test day.  Unlock Cram Mode  for access to our cram events—students who have successfully passed their AP exams will answer your questions and guide your last-minute studying LIVE! And don't miss out on unlimited access to our database of thousands of practice questions.

Format of the 2024 AP US History Exam

Going into test day, this is the exam format to expect:

• 55 questions in 55 minutes
• 3 questions in 40 minutes
• 1 DBQ with the recommended 60 minutes to complete
• 1 LEQ with the recommended 40 minutes to complete

Scoring Rubric for the 2024 AP US History exam

Multiple Choice: Earn a point for each correct answer. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.

Short Answer Question: 1 point is received for each correct piece of information. There are three parts labeled A-C and 1 point for each part, totaling a maximum of 3 points for each short answer question.

Document-Based Question:

Thesis = 1pt

Contextualization = 1 pt

Evidence = 3 pts

• 2 pts for evidence in documents
• 1 pt for evidence beyond documents Analysis and Reasoning = 2 pts
• 1 pt for sourcing
• 1 pt for complexity Long Essay Question:

Evidence = 2 pts

Analysis and Reasoning = 2 pts

📖 DBQ, LEQ, & SAQ Rubrics Points Explained

Check out our study plan below to find resources and tools to prepare for your AP US History exam.

When is the 2024 AP US History Exam and How Do I Take It?

** The exam will be in-person and on paper at your school on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 8:00 AM your local time.  **

You will have 3 hours and 15 minutes to take the exam. 

How Should I Prepare for the APUSH Exam?

• First, download the  AP United States History Cheatsheet PDF - a single sheet that covers everything you need to know at a high level. Take note of your strengths and weaknesses!
• We've put together the study plan found below to help you study between now and May. 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.
• Study, practice, and review for test day with other students during our live cram sessions via  Cram Mode . Cram live streams will teach, review, and practice important topics from AP courses, college admission tests, and college admission topics. These streams are hosted by experienced students who know what you need to succeed.

Pre-Work: Set Up Your Study Environment

Before you begin studying, take some time to get organized.

🖥 Create a study space.

Make sure you have a designated place at home to study. Somewhere you can keep all of your materials, where you can focus on learning, and where you are comfortable. Spend some time prepping the space with everything you need and you can even let others in the family know that this is your study space. 

📚 Organize your study materials.

Get your notebook, textbook, prep books, or whatever other physical materials you have. Also, create a space for you to keep track of review. Start a new section in your notebook to take notes or start a Google Doc to keep track of your notes. Get yourself set up!

📅 Plan designated times for studying.

The hardest part about studying from home is sticking to a routine. Decide on one hour every day that you can dedicate to studying. This can be any time of the day, whatever works best for you. Set a timer on your phone for that time and really try to stick to it. The routine will help you stay on track.

🏆 Decide on an accountability plan.

How will you hold yourself accountable to this study plan? You may or may not have a teacher or rules set up to help you stay on track, so you need to set some for yourself. First, set your goal. This could be studying for x number of hours or getting through a unit. Then, create a reward for yourself. If you reach your goal, then x. This will help stay focused!

AP US History 2024 Study Plan

🌽 unit 1: period 1, 1491-1607, big takeaways:.

Unit 1 introduces the Americas as a place of interaction. It first discusses the diversity of Native Americans prior to contact with Europeans (symbolized by 1491, the year before Columbus). Then, the unit pivots into interactions between Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans as well as between rival European powers. It ends in 1607 with the founding of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America. 

Definitely do this:

📚 Read these study guides:

Overview of Unit 1

1.1 European Encounters in the Americas

1.2 Native American Societies Before European Contact

1.3 European Exploration in the Americas

1.4 Columbian Exchange, Spanish Exploration, and Conquest

1.5 Labor, Slavery, and Caste in the Spanish Colonial System

1.6 Cultural Interactions Between Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans

1.7 Causation in Period 1 🎥 Watch these videos:  

Unit 1 Full Review: A full review of the main concepts, plus practice questions

Interactions Between Native Americans and Europeans : A deeper dive into interactions during Period 1 📰 Check out these Fiveable study guides:

Native American Societies Before European Contact

Cultural Interactions Between Europeans, Native Americans, & Africans

Labor, Slavery, and Caste in the Spanish Colonial System

Columbian Exchange, Spanish Exploration, & Spanish Conquest

If you have more time or want to dig deeper:

📰 Check out these articles:  

• The Columbian Exchange (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• How the Humble Potato Changed the World (BBC)
• The Columbian Exchange Should Be Called the Columbian Extraction (JSTOR)
• The Americas to 1620 (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)

🦃 Unit 2: Period 2, 1607-1754

Unit 2 dives more into the European colonization of the Americas. This involves comparing European countries to each other and then mostly focusing on the English who settled much of what would later become the United States of America. The rise of African slavery and continued interactions and conflict with Native Americans also plays an important role. 

Overview of Unit 2

2.1 Contextualizing Period 2

2.2 European Colonization

2.3 The Regions of British Colonies

2.4 Transatlantic Trade

2.5 Interactions Between American Indians and Europeans

2.6 Slavery in the British Colonies

2.7 Colonial Society and Culture

2.8 Comparison in Period 2 🎥 Watch these videos:  

Unit 2 Full Review : A full review of the main concepts

Colony Comparison : A deeper dive into the different British North American colonies during unit 2

The Impact of African Slavery on the Colonies : A deeper dive into coercive labor systems in unit 2 📰 Check out these Fiveable study guides:

Period 2: Interactions Between Europeans and Native Americans 

Transatlantic Trade

Colonial Society & Culture

• Jamestown and the Founding of English America (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The Puritans and Dissent: The Cases of Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The Origins of Slavery (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)

🇺🇸 Unit 3: Period 3, 1754-1800

Unit 3 sees the creation of the United States as a country out of thirteen British North American colonies. The unit then covers the early Republic, focusing on the creation of the Constitution, the first federal government, and the administrations of Washington & Adams.

Overview of Unit 3

3.1 Contextualizing Period 3

3.2 The Seven Years’ War (The French and Indian War)

3.3 Taxation Without Representation

3.4 Philosophical Foundations of the American Revolution

3.5 The American Revolution

3.6 The Influence of Revolutionary Ideals

3.7 The Articles of Confederation

3.8 The Constitutional Convention and Debates over Ratification

3.9 The Constitution

3.10 Shaping a New Republic

3.11 Developing an American Identity

3.12 Movement in the Early Republic

3.13 Continuity and Change in Period 3 🎥 Watch these videos:

Unit 3 Full Review:  A full review of the main concepts

Key Documents and Foundations of the American Revolution : Review the American revolution and practice your HIPP analysis for the DBQ

Historical Thinking Skills in Period 3 : Review using the skills the exam tests

The American Revolution 📰 Check out these Fiveable study guides:

Unit 3 Overview: Contextualization 

Continuity and Change in Period 3

The American Revolution

The Influence of Revolutionary Ideals

📰 Check out these articles:

• The American Revolution, 1763–1783 (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The New Nation, 1783–1815 (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The Legal Status of Women, 1776–1830 (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• Unruly Americans in the Revolution (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• Developing an American Identity (Fiveable Study Guide)

🚂 Unit 4: Period 4, 1800-1848

Unit 4 is when the United States begins to grow into its own identity as a country. It includes massive expansions of democracy through Jefferson & Jackson, the economic and social upheaval of the Market Revolution and Second Great Awakening, and also sees continued migration westward.

Overview of Unit 4

4.1 Contextualizing Period 4

4.2 The Rise of Political Parties and the Era of Jefferson

4.3 Politics and Regional Interests

4.4 America on the World Stage

4.5 Market Revolution: Industrialization

4.6 Market Revolution: Society and Culture

4.7 Expanding Democracy

4.8 Jackson and Federal Power

4.9 The Development of an American Culture

4.10 The Second Great Awakening

4.11 An Age of Reform

4.12 African Americans in the Early Republic

4.13 The Society of the South in the Early Republic

 4.14 Causation in Period 4 🎥 Watch these videos:  

Putting Period 4 in Context

The Rise of Political Parties

The Market Revolution

The First & Second Great Awakenings & Antebellum Reform Movements

Manifest Destiny and Its Impacts 📰 Check out these Fiveable study guides:

Unit 4 Overview: Contextualization  

Expansion of Democracy

America on the World Stage in Period 4

The Age of Reform

• The South in the Early Republic (Fiveable Study Guide)
• Context: Development of the Republic (Fiveable Study Guide)
• National Expansion and Reform, 1815–1860 (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The First Age of Reform (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• Abolition and Antebellum Reform (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The Seneca Falls Convention (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• Causation in Period 4 (Fiveable Study Guide)

💣 Unit 5: Period 5, 1844-1877

Unit 5 is all about the Civil War: the road to the Civil War, the war itself, and its aftermath called Reconstruction. Westward expansion and migration/immigration continue to be a big deal during this time period, and conflicts over slavery and rights for African Americans dominate the political discussions. 

Overview of Unit 5

5.1 Contextualizing Period 5

5.2 Manifest Destiny

5.3 The Mexican–American War

5.4 The Compromise of 1850

5.5 Sectional Conflict: Regional Differences

5.6 Failure of Compromise

5.7 Election of 1860 and Secession

5.8 Military Conflict in the Civil War

5.9 Government Policies During the Civil War

5.10 Reconstruction

5.11 Failure of Reconstruction

5.12 Comparison in Period 5, 1844-1877 🎥 Watch these videos:  

Period 5 Review : A complete review of all the major concepts

Putting Period 5 in Context

The Election of 1860 📰 Check out these Fiveable study guides:

Government Policies During the Civil War 

Sectional Conflict: Regional Differences

The Compromise of 1850

The Failure of Compromise

Reconstruction

• Context: Sectional Conflict (Fiveable Study Guide)
• The 1860 Election & Secession (Fiveable Study Guide)
• Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1877 (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The Contentious Election of 1876 (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• Government Policies During the Civil War (Fiveable Study Guide)

💰 Unit 6: Period 6, 1865-1898

Unit 6 overlaps with Period 5, but it begins after the Civil War and is not as focused on Reconstruction. Its main focus is the Second Industrial Revolution, sometimes called the Gilded Age in the United States, and on the Western United States.

Overview of Unit 6

6.1 Contextualizing Period 6

6.2 Westward Expansion: Economic Development

6.3 Westward Expansion: Social and Cultural Development

6.4 The “New South”

6.5 Technological Innovation

6.6 The Rise of Industrial Capitalism

6.7 Labor in the Gilded Age

6.8 Immigration and Migration in the Gilded Age

6.9 Responses to Immigration in the Gilded Age

6.10 Development of the Middle Class

6.11 Reform in the Gilded Age

6.12 Controversies over the Role of Government in the Gilded Age

6.13 Politics in the Gilded Age

6.14 Continuity and Change in Period 6 🎥 Watch these videos:   

Review of Period 6 : A complete review of all the major concepts

The Rise of Industrialization & City Life during the Gilded Age 📰 Check out these Fiveable study guides:

The Rise of Industrial Capitalism 

Immigration & Migration

Labor in the Gilded Age

Westward Expansion: Social & Cultural Developments

• Responses to Immigration  (Fiveable Study Guide)
• The Rise of Industrial America, 1877-1900 (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The Gilded Age (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• Immigration & Migration (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• Born Modern: An Overview of the West (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• Politics in the Gilded Age (Fiveable Study Guide)

🌎 Unit 7: Period 7, 1890-1945

Unit 7 is a massive unit, so you need to keep an eye on both domestic and foreign policy. Foreign policy becomes a big deal thanks to US involvement in several wars, including the two World Wars. Domestically, the Progressive Era tries to tackle the problems of the Gilded Age, plus there is the massive up and down of the “Roaring” 1920s and then the Great Depression and New Deal of the 1930s. 

Overview of Unit 7

7.1 Contextualizing Period 7

7.2 Imperialism: Debates

7.3 The Spanish-American War

7.4 The Progressives

7.5 World War I: Military and Diplomacy

7.6 World War I: The Home Front

7.7 1920s: Innovations in Communication and Technology

7.8 1920s: Cultural and Political Controversies

7.9 The Great Depression

7.10 The New Deal

7.11 Interwar Foreign Policy

7.12 World War II: Mobilization

7.13 World War II: Military

7.14 Postwar Diplomacy

7.15 Comparison in Period 7 🎥 Watch these videos:  

USA’s Shift Toward Empire Building

Early 20th Century Progressive Era & World War One

1920s & 1930s: An Overview

The Great Depression & New Deal 📰 Check out these Fiveable study guides:  

Unit 7 Overview & Context 

1920s Cultural & Political Controversies 

The Great Depression 

World War Two: Military

• Context: America in the World (Fiveable Study Guide)
• 1920s Innovations (Fiveable Study Guide)
• Postwar Diplomacy (Fiveable Study Guide)
• The Politics of Reform: An Overview of the Progressives (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• World War I (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The Roaring Twenties (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The Great Depression (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The New Deal (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• World War II  (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The World War II Homefront (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• Interwar Foreign Policy (Fiveable Study Guide)

🥶 UNIT 8: Period 8, 1945-1980

Unit 8 focuses on the effects of the World Wars, including the Cold War and the Red Scare. This unit also dives into the social movements that happened at this time, namely the Civil Rights Movement, and addresses how this was a period of social transition within the United States, changing the course of future generations. 

Overview of Unit 8

8.1 Contextualizing Period 8

8.2 The Cold War from 1945 to 1980

8.3 The Red Scare

8.4 The Economy After 1945

8.5 Culture After 1945

8.6 Early Steps in the Civil Rights Movement (1940s and 1950s)

8.7 America as a World Power

8.8 The Vietnam War

8.9 The Great Society

8.10 The African American Civil Rights Movement (1960s)

8.11 The Civil Rights Movement Expands

8.12 Youth Culture in the 1960s

8.13 The Environment and Natural Resources from 1968 to 1980

8.14 Society in Transition

8.15 Continuity and Change in Period 8 🎥 Watch these videos:  

Period 8 & 9 Complete Review

The Cold War

Review of Major Events in the 1960s - Review of Major Events in the 1970s

Introduction to the Civil Rights Movement

More details about the Civil Rights Movement

The Vietnam War 📰 Check out these Fiveable study guides:

Period 8 Review

The Red Scare 

The Vietnam War

Culture and  Economy After 1945

• The Civil Rights Movement
• Environment and Natural Resources
• The Transition of Society
• The Great Society
• Contextualizing Period 8 (Fiveable Study Guide)
• The Civil Rights Movement (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The Korean War (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• The Vietnam War (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• Anti-Communism & the Red Scare (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• Continuity & Change of Period 8 (Fiveable Study Guide)

📲 UNIT 9: Period 9, 1980-Present

Unit 9 is the final unit of AP US History, and it covers Reagan and the rise of conservative politics, the end of the Cold War in 1991, as well as the changes in the economy, society, and emigration and migration throughout this period. This unit also contextualizes the challenges faced in the modern-day due to the growth of technology and other aspects of the 21st century.

Overview of Unit 9

9.1 Contextualizing Period 9

9.2 Reagan and Conservatism

9.3 The End of the Cold War

9.4 A Changing Economy

9.5 Migration and Immigration in the 1990s and 2000s

9.6 Challenges of the 21st Century

9.7 Causation in Period 9 🎥 Watch these videos:   

Period 8 & 9 Complete Review 📰 Check out these Fiveable study guides:

Period 9 Review

The Changing Economy

Migration and Immigration

Challenges of the 21st Century

• Unit 9 Contextualization (Fiveable Study Guide)
• 1945 to the Present Day (Gilder Lehrman APUSH Review)
• Causation in Unit 9 (Fiveable Study Guide)

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AP Research Topics: History, Chemistry, Psychology & More

Have you ever found yourself so wrapped up in a project that you forget to check the time? That's what happens when you choose the right AP Research topic. Whether you're curious about how technology shapes our lives or fascinated by the ways people think, picking good AP research paper topics can make your experience more than just another assignment—it can be an adventure.

AP Research is a course that lets high school students dig deep into a subject they care about. It gives you a chance to think critically and create something truly your own. But before you get started, you need to choose a topic that not only sparks your interest but also meets the course requirements. That's where we're here to help.

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Best AP Research Topics

• How do urban heat islands affect local weather patterns and public health?
• The impact of early childhood education on long-term social and emotional development
• What are the effects of climate change on global water resources and availability?
• How do social movements utilize digital platforms to mobilize support and influence policy?
• The role of genetic engineering in agriculture: benefits and ethical concerns
• How do cultural differences influence the effectiveness of mental health interventions?
• The effects of gamified learning on student engagement and retention in STEM subjects
• How does the rise of remote work affect team dynamics and productivity?
• The influence of historical narratives on modern national identities
• What are the psychological and social impacts of long-term space travel on astronauts?
• The role of artificial intelligence in personalized medicine and its potential for transforming healthcare
• How do different teaching methods impact students with learning disabilities?
• The impact of environmental sustainability practices on corporate social responsibility
• What are the effects of food labeling on consumer behavior and dietary choices?
• How do societal attitudes toward aging affect elderly care and policies?
• The role of traditional knowledge in contemporary environmental conservation efforts
• How do different approaches to urban design influence community well-being and social interaction?
• The impact of digital detox practices on mental health and productivity in the workplace
• What can be learned from studying the long-term effects of major historical pandemics on societies?
• How do contemporary art movements challenge traditional notions of aesthetics and value?

Good AP Research Topics

Here are some more good topic choices curated by EssayPro. If you've found one you love, our experts are ready to offer help with writing an essay .

• How does the design of public spaces impact community engagement and safety?
• The influence of storytelling techniques on public awareness of social issues
• What are the effects of dietary changes on cognitive function in older adults?
• How do global supply chain disruptions affect local economies and businesses?
• The impact of bilingual education on cognitive development and academic performance
• How does exposure to different cultural perspectives shape attitudes toward global issues?
• What are the psychological effects of participating in extreme sports or adventure activities?
• How do social and economic factors influence access to clean drinking water in developing countries?
• The role of artificial intelligence in detecting and preventing cyber threats
• How do virtual communities influence real-world social interactions and relationships?
• The impact of renewable energy adoption on rural versus urban areas
• What are the effects of early intervention programs on children with developmental delays?
• How do different types of exercise affect mental health and stress levels?
• The influence of political satire on public opinion and political engagement
• What can be learned from the success and failure of international environmental agreements?
• How do personal finance education programs impact financial decision-making and stability?
• The effects of digital media consumption on attention spans and learning abilities in adolescents
• How does the portrayal of diversity in media affect societal attitudes and inclusion?
• The role of community gardens in promoting local food security and social cohesion
• What are the benefits and challenges of integrating technology into traditional classroom settings?

AP Seminar Topics

These AP Seminar research topics are sure to inspire and engage you. They're practical and interesting, perfect for exploring important issues.

• How has the rise of influencer culture altered consumer trust in advertising?
• The impact of urban farming initiatives on food security in densely populated cities
• What role do emerging technologies play in the future of remote education?
• How does the portrayal of mental health in media affect public perceptions and stigma?
• The influence of digital privacy concerns on the development of new technologies
• How do alternative justice systems, like restorative justice, impact community rehabilitation?
• The effects of gamification on student motivation and learning outcomes in education
• What can the evolution of language in internet memes tell us about cultural shifts?
• How do local art movements contribute to global conversations on social justice?
• The role of wearable technology in personal health monitoring and its implications for privacy
• How does the concept of 'ethical fashion' challenge traditional fashion industry practices?
• What are the psychological effects of participating in online communities versus physical communities?
• The influence of microdosing psychedelics on creativity and productivity in professional settings
• How do fictional narratives in popular media shape our understanding of historical events?
• The impact of virtual reality therapy on treating phobias and PTSD
• What role does citizen science play in advancing environmental research and policy?
• How do different cultures approach the concept of work-life balance, and what can we learn from them?
• The effects of digital art on the traditional art market and artist recognition
• How does the rise of autonomous vehicles impact urban planning and traffic management?
• The role of narrative in shaping public perceptions of scientific research and technology

AP World History Research Paper Topics

• How did the Silk Road influence cultural exchange between Asia and Europe?
• The impact of the Mongol Empire on global trade and communication
• The role of women in ancient Egyptian society
• What led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
• Exploring the causes and effects of the Protestant Reformation
• The significance of the Magna Carta in shaping modern democracy
• How did the Black Death reshape European societies in the 14th century?
• The rise and fall of the Byzantine Empire
• What were the key factors in the success of the Ottoman Empire?
• The influence of Confucianism on Chinese government and society
• How did the Age of Exploration change global economies and cultures?
• The impact of colonialism on Indigenous populations in the Americas
• What were the causes and consequences of the French Revolution?
• The development and spread of Islam during the Middle Ages
• How did the Industrial Revolution transform societies in Europe and beyond?
• The influence of Greek philosophy on Western thought
• What were the driving forces behind the unification of Germany?
• The role of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in shaping the modern world
• How did World War I lead to major political changes in Europe?
• The cultural and technological achievements of the Gupta Empire in India

AP US History Research Paper Topics

• The causes and effects of the American Revolution
• How did the Louisiana Purchase shape the future of the United States?
• The role of women in the American Civil War
• What were the main challenges faced by the early colonies in America?
• The impact of the Emancipation Proclamation on the Civil War
• How did the Gold Rush influence westward expansion in the United States?
• The significance of the Monroe Doctrine in American foreign policy
• What were the key factors leading to the Great Depression?
• The influence of the Harlem Renaissance on American culture
• How did the Civil Rights Movement change American society?
• The causes and consequences of the Mexican-American War
• What role did the New Deal play in America's recovery from the Great Depression?
• The impact of World War II on American domestic life
• How did the Cold War shape US foreign and domestic policies?
• The significance of the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education
• What were the driving forces behind the Women's Suffrage Movement?
• The effects of the Vietnam War on American society and politics
• How did the Watergate scandal change public trust in government?
• The influence of the Industrial Revolution on urbanization in America
• What were the causes and outcomes of the American involvement in World War I?

AP Lang Research Paper Topics

• How does the use of rhetorical questions in speeches influence audience engagement?
• The role of persuasive language in shaping public opinion during elections
• How does the choice of narrative perspective affect a reader's connection to a story?
• The impact of social media on modern journalism and news reporting
• What are the linguistic techniques used in effective political debates?
• How do advertising slogans use language to create brand identity and consumer loyalty?
• The influence of Shakespeare's use of imagery on modern literary analysis
• How does the use of irony in literature enhance thematic elements?
• The role of dialogue in character development in contemporary novels
• How does language in public health campaigns affect community behavior and awareness?
• What are the rhetorical strategies used in motivational speeches to inspire action?
• The impact of tone and mood in setting the atmosphere in Gothic literature
• How do different genres of writing, such as satire and tragedy, affect reader perception?
• The role of metaphor in political rhetoric and its impact on policy discussions
• How does the structure of an argumentative essay influence its persuasiveness?
• The effects of language simplification in educational materials on student comprehension
• How do authors use symbolism to convey deeper meanings in their works?
• The influence of cultural context on the interpretation of literary texts
• What are the effects of direct vs. indirect speech on character relationships in drama?
• How do historical speeches reflect the values and concerns of their time periods?

Don't forget to buy analytical essay if you've nailed down your ideal topic!

AP Environmental Science Research Paper Topics

• The impact of deforestation on global biodiversity
• How does climate change affect polar ice caps and sea levels?
• The role of renewable energy in reducing carbon emissions
• What are the environmental consequences of plastic pollution in oceans?
• The effects of industrial agriculture on soil health
• How does urbanization contribute to habitat loss and species extinction?
• The importance of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance
• What are the challenges and benefits of sustainable farming practices?
• The role of environmental policies in protecting endangered species
• How does air pollution impact human health in urban areas?
• The significance of the ozone layer in protecting life on Earth
• What are the environmental impacts of fracking on water resources?
• The effects of climate change on coral reef ecosystems
• How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
• The importance of conservation efforts in preserving biodiversity
• What are the environmental benefits and challenges of electric vehicles?
• The role of national parks in protecting natural resources
• How do invasive species disrupt local ecosystems?
• The impact of overfishing on marine life and ocean health
• What are the environmental and social implications of e-waste?

AP Chemistry Research Paper Topics

• The process of photosynthesis and its chemical significance
• What are the effects of heavy metals on human health?
• The chemistry behind pharmaceuticals and drug development
• How do detergents and soaps work at the molecular level?
• The significance of oxidation-reduction reactions in energy production
• What are the chemical principles behind climate change mitigation efforts?
• The role of catalysts in speeding up chemical reactions
• How do acids and bases interact in everyday life?
• The importance of the periodic table in modern chemistry
• What are the environmental impacts of chemical fertilizers?
• The chemistry behind renewable energy sources like solar cells
• How do chemical bonds determine the properties of substances?
• The significance of pH in maintaining biological systems
• What are the applications of nanotechnology in medicine?
• The process and importance of water purification techniques
• How do greenhouse gases contribute to global warming?
• The role of chemical reactions in food preservation
• What makes enzymes so crucial in biochemical reactions?
• The chemistry of batteries and how they store energy
• How do polymers impact everyday products and the environment?

AP Biology Research Topics

• How do genetic mutations contribute to evolution?
• The role of enzymes in cellular processes
• What are the effects of climate change on animal migration patterns?
• The significance of the human microbiome in health and disease
• How do plants adapt to extreme environmental conditions?
• The impact of antibiotic resistance on public health
• What are the mechanisms of gene expression and regulation?
• The role of natural selection in shaping species diversity
• How do hormones regulate growth and development in organisms?
• The process of photosynthesis and its importance in the carbon cycle
• What are the effects of habitat destruction on biodiversity?
• The role of the immune system in defending against pathogens
• How do organisms maintain homeostasis in varying environments?
• The impact of invasive species on native ecosystems
• What are the genetic factors involved in inherited diseases?
• The process of cell division and its significance in growth and reproduction
• How do environmental toxins affect the nervous system?
• The role of symbiotic relationships in ecosystems
• What are the effects of pollution on aquatic life?
• The significance of epigenetics in gene expression and inheritance

AP Research Psychology Topics

• How do different parenting styles impact child development?
• The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance
• What are the psychological impacts of social media addiction?
• The role of genetics vs. environment in determining intelligence
• How does mindfulness meditation influence stress levels?
• The effects of early childhood trauma on adult mental health
• What are the cognitive benefits of bilingualism?
• The impact of exercise on mental health and mood
• How do stereotypes and prejudices develop and affect behavior?
• The role of attachment theory in understanding romantic relationships
• What are the psychological effects of prolonged isolation?
• The influence of parental involvement on academic achievement
• How do cognitive biases affect decision-making?
• The effects of music therapy on anxiety and depression
• What are the psychological mechanisms behind placebo effects?
• How does exposure to violent media influence aggression?
• The role of self-esteem in coping with life challenges
• What are the effects of nutrition on cognitive function?
• How does early intervention in autism spectrum disorder affect developmental outcomes?
• The impact of stress management techniques on overall well-being

AP Capstone Research Topics

• How did the rise of digital nomadism change the concept of work-life balance?
• The impact of virtual reality on empathy and understanding of social issues
• How do small, community-based conservation efforts contribute to global environmental change?
• The role of crowdfunding in transforming startup culture and innovation
• What can ancient agricultural practices teach us about modern sustainable farming?
• How do storytelling techniques in video games influence player behavior and decision-making?
• The effects of cross-cultural exchanges on traditional art forms in the digital age
• What are the social and psychological impacts of living in a hyper-connected world?
• How do grassroots movements influence national policy changes?
• The role of biohacking in personal health and ethical considerations
• How do urban green spaces impact community well-being and social interactions?
• The influence of speculative fiction on real-world scientific advancements
• What are the psychological effects of experiencing extreme weather events on communities?
• How do traditional storytelling methods in indigenous cultures address modern social issues?
• The role of augmented reality in enhancing educational experiences and learning outcomes
• How do cultural festivals contribute to local economic development and global awareness?
• The impact of immersive theatre on audience engagement and social change
• What can historical patterns of migration reveal about current refugee crises?
• How do alternative economic models, like time banking, challenge traditional concepts of value and work?
• The effects of digital detox programs on mental health and productivity

AP English Language Research Paper Topics

• How does rhetoric influence public opinion in political speeches?
• The role of satire in social and political commentary
• How do language and style vary between formal and informal writing?
• The impact of social media on modern communication practices
• How does persuasive writing shape consumer behavior in advertising?
• The use of metaphor in shaping cultural narratives
• What are the linguistic features of effective storytelling in literature?
• How does the choice of diction affect the tone of a piece?
• The role of rhetorical devices in Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches
• How do different genres of writing influence reader perception?
• The impact of globalization on language and communication styles
• How does the structure of a persuasive essay affect its effectiveness?
• The use of imagery and symbolism in shaping the reader's emotions
• How does the language used in news media influence public understanding of events?
• The role of ethos, pathos, and logos in crafting compelling arguments
• How does narrative voice affect reader engagement in memoirs and autobiographies?
• The influence of historical context on the language of classical literature
• How do language and rhetoric contribute to the development of national identity?
• The effects of censorship on literary expression and freedom
• How do authors use rhetorical strategies to address social justice issues?

Characteristics of a Good AP Research Paper

Strong AP research topics stand out due to several key features that ensure their impact. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Timeless Relevance: Select a topic that maintains its significance over time. Avoid subjects likely to become outdated quickly. Instead, focus on issues with long-term importance that can be referenced by future researchers.
• Supported by Credible Sources: Your research must be backed by reliable sources. For example, research supported by academic databases like JSTOR or publications from trusted institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) adds credibility.
• Clear and Insightful Research Questions: Good questions help define the scope of your paper and shape your analysis, ensuring that your research is both relevant and insightful. For example, if your topic involves the impact of digital marketing, questions inspired by case studies from companies like Google or Adobe can provide a structured framework for your analysis.
• Specific Focus: Narrow your topic to address specific issues, avoiding overly broad subjects. For instance, if researching the effects of climate change, focus on a particular aspect such as its impact on urban agriculture.
• Logical Structure and Clarity: Ensure your paper has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section should flow logically, with well-organized arguments and evidence. A clear structure helps readers follow your argument and enhances the overall readability of your paper.

By considering these pointers suggested by EssayPro, your paper will make a valuable contribution to your field of study. It'll also be easy for you to draw on the best practices and examples from leading research institutions and industry experts.

Tips for Choosing an AP Research Topic

Here are some useful tips to help you choose standout AP research topic ideas:

• Examine Current Trends: Look at recent news, technological advances, or social movements for inspiration. Topics like the effects of remote work on productivity or the rise of sustainable fashion can be both timely and impactful.
• Reflect on Your Passions: Whether it's a hobby, a cause, or a field you're curious about, your enthusiasm will make the research process more enjoyable and your writing more compelling.
• Seek Out Gaps in Existing Research: Identify areas where there's a lack of information or where current research is outdated. For example, if you notice few studies on the psychological effects of digital detoxes, that might be a unique angle worth exploring. EssayPro can also help you find existing research and identify gaps that need further investigation.
• Consult with Experts: Talk to teachers, mentors, or professionals in fields you're interested in. Their insights can help you identify important topics. You might also find useful examples and advice from Essaypro's expert writers.
• Consider Practical Applications: Choose a topic with real-world applications or implications. Researching the impact of new educational technologies on classroom dynamics, for example, can provide valuable insights and practical solutions.
• Look at Your Local Community: Local issues or events can offer unique and relevant topics. Investigate how local policies affect community health or how a local environmental issue is being addressed. These topics can provide fresh perspectives and direct relevance.
• Use Personal Experience: Leverage your own experiences or observations. If you've noticed a trend or issue in your daily life, such as the impact of social media on teen behavior, it can provide a unique and personal angle for your research.

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specializes in creating authoritative content on marketing, business, and finance, with a versatile ability to handle any essay type and dissertations. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a passion for social issues, her writing not only educates but also inspires action. On EssayPro blog, Annie delivers detailed guides and thought-provoking discussions on pressing economic and social topics. When not writing, she’s a guest speaker at various business seminars.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Grey, S. (2024, August 7). What Is The AP Capstone Program? Everything You Should Know. Forbes . https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/online-colleges/what-is-ap-capstone/

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Mario Draghi has solutions for Europe’s sluggish economy. Will EU governments listen?

FILE - Italian Premier Mario Draghi attends a debate at the Senate in Rome, on July 20, 2022. A long-awaited report on how to rescue Europe’s economy from weak growth and red tape is in. Lead author Mario Draghi, the former head of the European Central Bank and former Italian prime minister (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

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BRUSSELS (AP) — A long-awaited report on how to rescue Europe’s economy from weak growth and red tape is in. The question is, how many of its recommendations will actually be enacted by the drawn-out decision-making process of the European Union?

The report stands out from other recipes for improvement because the project was headed by Mario Draghi, the former head of the European Central Bank who also served as Italy’s prime minister in 2021-22.

Draghi is regarded as having saved the euro currency union with his 2012 promise that the ECB would do “whatever it takes” to save the shared currency from the debt and financial crisis then engulfing it.

Now the EU and its 440 million people are facing a persistent and growing growth gap with the US, the report says. Last year the EU economy grew 0.4% compared with 2.5% in the U.S.

Europe is also struggling with three areas where it has become dependent on outsiders: Russia for energy , China for growth and trade , and the U.S. for defense . All three are now disrupted or in question. Draghi says the EU and its 27 member governments have to work better together to develop their own capacities.

The report, requested by the European Union’s executive commission, says Europe needs to massively ramp up infrastructure and green energy investments while slashing burdensome regulation in order to return to consistent, strong growth.

Whether any of it will actually take effect over the upcoming 5-year term of the re-elected commission President Ursula von der Leyen depends on backing from the EU’s member governments and its parliament.

Here are some key takeaways from the report’s nearly 400 pages:

Investment, investment, investment

To pay for the transition to clean energy and boost defense capacity, the EU would need to increase public investments by a massive 4.4%-4.7% of annual economic output, or 750 billion-800 billion ($828 billion-$883 billion), levels not seen since the 1960s and 1970s and dwarfing the post-World War II Marshall Plan. To find the money, the EU needs to integrate its financial markets so that companies can raise more capital through stock and bond sales rather than bank loans as they tend to do now. That has been one of the EU’s long-standing projects, but it has moved slowly amid resistance to some aspects, such as shared deposit insurance.

Draghi also said that issuing shared debt would be one way to both fund investment in specific projects such as defense or cross-border energy grids. That’s what the EU did to fund its pandemic recovery program. But the idea faces political resistance, and von der Leyen, the commission president, said at a news conference introducing the report that Europe’s national governments would have to “look at the political will to have these common European projects.”

Innovation and new technology

Europe needs to “close the innovation gap with the United States,” Draghi said, pointing out that regulatory barriers and lack of startup financing meant that fast growing European companies - so-called “unicorns” valued at $1 billion or more - often moved to the U.S. in search of venture capital backing.

That, and too much regulation, leaves Europe stuck with an economy based on older, “middle technologies” such as autos instead of digital tech. The report pointed out that no EU company worth more than $100 billion has been set up from scratch in the last fifty years, while all six U.S. companies worth more than $1 trillion - such as Apple and artificial intelligence chip maker Nvidia - were started in that period. Only four of the world’s top 50 tech companies are European.

“We have many talented researchers and entrepreneurs filing patents,” the report says. “But innovation is blocked at the next stage... innovative companies that want to scale up in Europe are hindered at every stage by inconsistent and restrictive regulations.”

While Europe’s regulations on artificial intelligence and data privacy are “commendable, their complexity and risk of overlaps and inconsistence” can undermine the EU’s own tech companies as use of AI becomes more widespread.

A pro-growth transition to renewable energy

The loss of cheap Russian natural gas over the invasion of Ukraine means Europe - which unlike the U.S. must import the bulk of its energy - must hustle to build out renewables. Energy prices have fallen but companies still face electricity prices 2-3 times higher than in the U.S. and gas prices are 4-5 times higher. Fossil fuels will “continue to play a central role in energy pricing for the remainder of this decade,” the report says.

Less reliance on the US for security

European Union countries are buying too much of their defense equipment abroad, almost two thirds of it in the United States, and failing to invest enough in joint military projects, the report says . NATO allies — almost all of whose members are part of the EU — have been ramping up defense spending since Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014. Their aim is for each country to spend at least 2% of gross domestic product on national defense. NATO forecasts that 23 of its 32 members will meet or exceed the 2% target by the end of this year, up from just three countries in 2014.

The report highlighted the shortcomings of countries investing in their national defense industry rather than joint procurement. When Ukraine appealed for artillery, for example, EU countries supplied 10 types of howitzers. Some use different 155 mm shells, causing logistical headaches. In contrast, the A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport plane was developed jointly, and this allowed participating countries to pool resources and share operating and maintenance costs.

McHugh contributed from Frankfurt, Germany