AP US Government: Social Movements & Government Response - The Night Before 🚨

Hey! Let's get you prepped for the exam. This guide is designed to be your ultimate resource for understanding social movements and how the government reacts to them. Let's make sure you're not just memorizing, but truly understanding the material. Let's go!

🚀 Introduction to Social Movements

Social movements are basically organized groups pushing for change—whether that's social, political, or economic. Think of them as the engine of progress, but sometimes that engine faces roadblocks from the government. Here's the deal:

• What are they? Organized efforts to create change.
• Why do they happen? Usually, because a group feels unheard or unfairly treated.
• Government Response: Varies wildly—from ignoring to embracing, and sometimes even suppressing.

🎯 Key Terms: Your Quick Reference

• Social movements: Organized groups pushing for change.
• Equal protection: Everyone gets treated the same under the law.
• Civil rights: Legal rights that protect from discrimination.
• Activism: Taking action to create change.
• Repression: Government using force to stop dissent.
• Police brutality: Excessive force by law enforcement.
• Demonstration: Public gathering to protest or support a cause.
• March: Organized walk for a cause.
• Rally: Gathering for a cause, often with speeches.
• Counter-protest: Protest against another protest.

🤔 Key Questions: What to Think About

• What sparks social movements? What are their goals?
• How does the government react to these movements?
• How do these movements challenge the status quo?
• How does "equal protection" impact marginalized groups?
• How does the government ensure equal protection?
• How does police brutality affect social movements?
• What roles do demonstrations and marches play?
• How do counter-protests impact public discourse?
• What's the historical context of these movements?
• How have these movements changed government policy?

Focus on the connection between social movements and government policy changes. This is a frequent topic in both multiple-choice and FRQs.

✊ Civil Rights Movement: A Turning Point

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s is a prime example of a social movement that pushed for significant change. Here's how it went down:

Initial Government Response

• Resistance: Many officials wanted to maintain segregation.
• Repression: Violence and intimidation were used against activists.

Shift in Response

• Growing Momentum: Public support grew, especially after violent incidents.
• President Kennedy: Called for civil rights legislation in 1963. * Civil Rights Act of 1964: Banned segregation in public places and employment.
• Voting Rights Act of 1965: Eliminated discriminatory voting practices.

📸 Image: Civil Rights March on Washington

Caption: The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, demonstrating the power of organized public protest and its impact on government action.

🚺 Gender Discrimination: The Fight for Equality

The fight for gender equality has been long and complex. Here's a look at the key moments:

Early Movement

• Mid-20th Century: Women's rights movement gained traction.
• Demands: Equality in jobs, education, and politics.

Key Government Actions

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibited workplace discrimination based on sex, race, etc.
• Equal Pay Act of 1963: Equal pay for equal work (though still an ongoing issue).
• Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): Introduced in 1972 but not ratified.

Recent Developments

• Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978: Protects pregnant workers.
• Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009: Easier to sue for pay discrimination.
• #MeToo Movement: Highlighted sexual harassment and assault.

📸 Image: Women's Suffrage March

Caption: A women's suffrage march in New York City, 1912, showcasing the early activism for gender equality and the use of public demonstrations to advocate for change.

⚖️ Conclusion: The Push and Pull

Government responses to social movements are a mixed bag. Here’s the gist:

• Varied Responses: From ignoring to engaging, or even suppressing.
• Effective Approach: Recognizing concerns, engaging in dialogue, and implementing reforms.
• Key takeaway: The government’s response is rarely straightforward and is influenced by many factors.

🎯 Final Exam Focus

Alright, here's where you should focus your energy:

• Key Concepts: Social movements, equal protection, civil rights, activism, repression.
• Historical Context: Civil Rights Movement, Women's Rights Movement.
• Legislation: Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, Equal Pay Act, etc.
• Government Responses: Understand the spectrum of responses and why they vary.
• FRQ Focus: Be ready to analyze the impact of social movements on policy and the government's role in these changes.

Last-Minute Tips

• Time Management: Don't get bogged down on one question. Keep moving.
• Read Carefully: Make sure you understand what the question is asking.
• Use Examples: Support your arguments with specific historical events and legislation.
• Stay Calm: You've got this! Take deep breaths and trust your preparation.

📝 Practice Questions

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of the Civil Rights Act of 1964? (A) To ensure equal pay for equal work (B) To ban segregation in public accommodations and employment (C) To guarantee voting rights for all citizens (D) To promote affirmative action programs

2. The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), though not ratified, aimed to: (A) Provide equal pay for women (B) Guarantee equal rights for women under the law (C) End segregation in schools (D) Promote women in political office

3. Which governmental action was a direct response to the Civil Rights Movement? (A) The passage of the Social Security Act (B) The establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (C) The passage of the Voting Rights Act (D) The creation of the Department of Homeland Security

Free Response Question

Prompt: Analyze the ways in which social movements have influenced government policy in the United States. In your response, be sure to:

• Identify and explain two social movements that have significantly impacted government policy.
• Discuss the specific policy changes that resulted from each movement.
• Explain the factors that contributed to the success of these movements in achieving their policy goals.

Scoring Rubric:

• Identification of two social movements (2 points):
  • 1 point for correctly identifying each social movement.
  • Examples: Civil Rights Movement, Women's Rights Movement, LGBTQ+ Rights Movement.
• Discussion of specific policy changes (4 points):
  • 2 points for each movement, explaining specific policy changes.
  • Examples: Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Equal Pay Act, Marriage Equality Act.
• Explanation of factors contributing to success (3 points):
  • 1 point for explaining how each factor contributed to the success of the movement
  • Examples: Public support, media attention, nonviolent tactics, legislative action, leadership, strategic alliances.

Good luck! You've got this! 💪