AP U.S. Government and Politics Glossary

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It's A Trap

Definition

It’s a trap! is a line from Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. The character Admiral Ackbar (Erik Bauersfeld), while engaging an ambush on an enemy weapon, is informed that enemy ships have arrived. Realizing that the enemy army must be aware of their plans and prepared to defend itself, he exclaims “It’s a trap!” Admiral Ackbar is not a major character in the Star Wars series, but his distinctive, catfish-like appearance may have made his line more memorable. Decades after he delivered his minor but famous line, the actor started receiving requests for autographs. A brief increase in attention to the line followed the release of the Family Guy special “It’s A Trap” in 2010. This special followed a cartoon family’s reenactment of the film Return of the Jedi. It’s a trap! also received an additional boost in interest in 2015, when the character was reprised in the 2015 Star Wars film, The Force Awakens. By the way, just in case you were wondering. It’s a Trap will probably not be on the AP GoPo exam, but if you have a friend who is taking the APES exam they should definitely know this term!

Example

Questions

  1. According to the Framers of the Constitution, how much power should Admiral Akbar have?

  2. In what article of the Constitution does It’s a Trap appear the most frequently?

  3. When Madison wrote about It’s a Trap in Federalist No. 923 what do you think he was smoking?

  4. Describe three ways that Admiral Akbar’s famous quote, “It’s a trap!” is an example of liberal ideology.

  5. In what way does the rebel alliance illustrate the concept of federalism?

  6. Why are you still reading this? Don’t you have an exam to study for?

  7. When the Framers were setting up the system of checks and balances do you think they kept in mind the awe inspiring power of the Death Star?

  8. Could Admiral Akbar run for president if he was 35 years old?

  9. Which FRQ is most likely to focus on Jedi powers?

  10. Which American president does Admiral Akbar most remind you of?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw It’s a trap! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

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2024 AP US Government Exam