This page provides a complete collection of AP Macroeconomics free response questions (FRQs) organised by topic. The question banks below reflect how AP Macroeconomics is actually examined: most free response questions integrate multiple concepts, diagrams, and policy tools rather than testing topics in isolation.
These resources are suitable for AP exam preparation, timed FRQ practice, and building confidence with diagram-based and policy-evaluation questions.
AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions by Topic
Core Macroeconomic Measurement & Models
These question banks focus on the foundational models and indicators used throughout AP Macroeconomics. Many FRQs draw directly on these concepts while integrating fiscal policy, monetary policy, and external shocks.
AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions on GDP
(https://aristotlerevision.com/ap-macroeconomics-free-response-questions-on-gdp/)
Free response questions covering GDP measurement, nominal vs real GDP, economic growth, and limitations of GDP as a welfare measure. These questions frequently link GDP to business cycles, inflation, and policy responses.
AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions on Aggregate Supply and Demand
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FRQs focused on the AD–AS model, including shifts in aggregate demand and short-run and long-run aggregate supply. Questions often integrate fiscal policy, monetary policy, inflation, and economic shocks within a single scenario.
AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions on Production Possibilities Curves
(https://aristotlerevision.com/ap-macroeconomics-free-response-questions-on-production-possibilities-curves/)
Questions testing opportunity cost, efficiency, economic growth, and trade-offs using PPC analysis. These FRQs frequently connect PPCs to unemployment, productivity, and long-run growth.
Consumer Spending, Employment & Economic Performance
These free response questions focus on household behaviour, labour markets, and overall economic performance. In AP exams, these topics are commonly combined with fiscal and monetary policy analysis.
AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions on Consumer Spending and the Multiplier
(https://aristotlerevision.com/ap-macroeconomics-free-response-questions-on-consumer-spending-and-the-multiplier/)
FRQs covering consumption, marginal propensity to consume, and the multiplier process. These questions often link consumer spending to fiscal stimulus, GDP growth, and recession scenarios.
AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions on Employment and the Workforce
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Questions on unemployment types, labour force participation, productivity, and workforce dynamics. These FRQs frequently integrate business cycles, inflation trade-offs, and government policy responses.
Inflation, Price Level & Stability
These question banks focus on price-level changes and macroeconomic stability. In AP Macroeconomics, inflation is closely tied to monetary policy, aggregate demand, and expectations.
AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions on Price Level and Inflation
(https://aristotlerevision.com/ap-macroeconomics-free-response-questions-on-price-level-and-inflation/)
FRQs addressing inflation measurement, demand-pull and cost-push inflation, and price stability. These questions commonly incorporate monetary policy tools, interest rates, and central bank decision-making.
Fiscal Policy & Government Finance
These free response questions focus on the role of government in managing the economy. AP FRQs in this area frequently require diagrammatic analysis and evaluation of policy effectiveness.
AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions on Government Spending and Fiscal Policies
(https://aristotlerevision.com/ap-macroeconomics-free-response-questions-on-government-spending-and-fiscal-policies/)
Questions covering expansionary and contractionary fiscal policy, automatic stabilisers, and discretionary spending. These FRQs often link government spending to GDP, unemployment, and inflation outcomes.
AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions on Government Debt
(https://aristotlerevision.com/ap-macroeconomics-free-response-questions-on-government-debt/)
FRQs focused on budget deficits, national debt, crowding out, and long-run sustainability. These questions typically integrate fiscal policy trade-offs and economic growth considerations.
Monetary Policy & the Financial Sector
These question banks reflect how the AP exam treats monetary policy as part of a broader financial system, rather than a standalone topic.
AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions on Monetary Policy
(https://aristotlerevision.com/ap-macroeconomics-free-response-questions-on-monetary-policy/)
FRQs covering central banking, interest rates, money supply, and policy tools such as open market operations. Questions frequently require analysis using the AD–AS model and evaluation of policy effectiveness.
AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions on the Financial Sector
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Questions addressing banks, financial markets, loanable funds, and the transmission of monetary policy. These FRQs often integrate financial stability with inflation and growth outcomes.
Trade, Exchange Rates & the Global Economy
These free response questions focus on international linkages, which are increasingly prominent in AP Macroeconomics exams.
AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions on Trade, Balance of Payments, and Exchange Rates
(https://aristotlerevision.com/ap-macroeconomics-free-response-questions-on-trade-balance-of-payments-and-exchange-rates/)
FRQs covering exports and imports, current and capital accounts, exchange rate determination, and trade policy. These questions frequently connect global trade to GDP, inflation, and domestic policy decisions.
How to Approach AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions
AP Macroeconomics free response questions (FRQs) are designed to test a student’s ability to apply economic models, interpret data, and explain policy outcomes clearly. Successful responses rely on accurate diagrams, correct labelling, and logical step-by-step explanations rather than long essays.
When practising FRQs, students should focus on answering each part of the question directly and concisely, ensuring that diagrams are clearly connected to written explanations.
Structure of the AP Macroeconomics Free Response Section
The AP Macroeconomics exam typically includes three free response questions:
- One long FRQ (Question 1)
- Two shorter FRQs (Questions 2 and 3)
Each question often integrates multiple topics, such as aggregate demand, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international trade. This is why the question banks on this page are organised by broad topic areas rather than narrow syllabus points.
Key Skills Needed for AP Macroeconomics FRQs
High-scoring AP Macroeconomics FRQs demonstrate:
- Correct use of economic models (AD–AS, PPC, loanable funds, money market)
- Accurate and clearly labelled diagrams
- Logical explanation of cause-and-effect relationships
- Consistent use of economic terminology
Timed practice using real free response questions is one of the most effective ways to build these skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (AP Macroeconomics)
How many FRQs are on the AP Macroeconomics exam?
The exam includes three free response questions: one long question and two shorter questions.
Do AP Macroeconomics FRQs always require diagrams?
Most FRQs require at least one correctly labelled diagram, particularly for questions involving aggregate demand, monetary policy, or international trade.
Should I practise FRQs by topic or by exam format?
Both are important. Topic-based practice builds confidence with content, while timed FRQ practice improves exam performance.