Introduction
The Advanced Placement (AP) Government and Comparative Politics (GoC) exam is a challenging but rewarding assessment that can help students earn college credit and demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter. To succeed on the exam, it is essential to have a strong understanding of the course content and the types of questions that are asked. This guide will provide an overview of the AP GoC exam, including the format, content, and strategies for success.
Exam Format
The AP GoC exam is a three-hour and fifteen-minute exam that is divided into three sections:
Section 1: Multiple Choice (55 minutes)
* 50 multiple-choice questions worth 50% of the exam score
Section 2: Free Response (75 minutes)
* Three free-response questions worth 50% of the exam score
Section 3: Comparative Government (30 minutes)
* One comparative government question worth 25% of the exam score
Exam Content
The AP GoC exam covers a wide range of topics, including:
Unit 1: Foundations of Comparative Politics
* The nature of the state
* Sovereignty and legitimacy
* Political ideologies
* Types of political systems
Unit 2: Institutions of Government
* The legislature
* The executive
* The judiciary
* Bureaucracy
Unit 3: Political Parties and Elections
* The role of political parties
* Electoral systems
* Voting behavior
* Interest groups
Unit 4: Civil Liberties and Human Rights
* The nature and importance of civil liberties
* The protection of human rights
* The role of the media
Unit 5: Comparative Government
* The comparative study of political systems
* Democratic, authoritarian, and totalitarian regimes
* Economic and social development
Strategies for Success
There are several strategies that students can use to improve their performance on the AP GoC exam:
1. Understand the Course Content
It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the course content. This includes not only the major concepts and theories, but also the specific details of each topic.
2. Practice with Multiple Choice Questions
Multiple-choice questions make up 50% of the exam score. To improve your performance on these questions, it is important to practice answering them under timed conditions.
3. Develop Strong Thesis Statements
Free-response questions require students to develop strong thesis statements that support their arguments. It is important to practice writing these statements in a clear and concise manner.
4. Use Evidence to Support Your Arguments
When answering free-response questions, it is important to use evidence from the course content to support your arguments. This evidence can come from textbooks, lectures, or other sources.
5. Practice Comparative Government
Comparative government questions make up 25% of the exam score. To improve your performance on these questions, it is important to practice comparing and contrasting different political systems.
Conclusion
The AP GoC exam is a challenging but rewarding assessment that can help students earn college credit and demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, students can increase their chances of success.
Additional Resources
The College Board provides a variety of resources to help students prepare for the AP GoC exam, including:
