The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Government and Politics course is designed to provide students with a college-level understanding of American politics and government. The course covers a wide range of topics, from the foundations of American democracy to the current political landscape.
Course Content
The AP Government and Politics course is divided into four units:
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Foundations of American Democracy
– The Constitution
– Federalism and the separation of powers
– Civil liberties and civil rights
– Political participation -
Institutions of American Government
– The Congress
– The Presidency
– The Supreme Court
– The bureaucracy -
Public Policy
– The policymaking process
– Domestic and foreign policy -
Comparative Politics
– Comparing American politics to other countries
– Globalization and its impact on politics
Exam Format
The AP Government and Politics exam is a three-hour, multiple-choice exam. The exam is divided into two sections:
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Section I (40 questions, 60 minutes)
– Multiple-choice questions on the content of the course -
Section II (four free-response questions, 120 minutes)
– Essay questions that require students to analyze and synthesize information from the course
Scoring
The AP Government and Politics exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5. A score of 3 or higher is considered passing.
Benefits of Taking AP Government and Politics
There are many benefits to taking AP Government and Politics, including:
- Improved critical thinking and analytical skills
- A deeper understanding of American politics and government
- Preparation for college-level coursework
- Potential for college credit
Who Should Take AP Government and Politics?
AP Government and Politics is a challenging course that is not for everyone. However, it is a great option for students who are interested in learning more about American politics and government and who are willing to put in the work.
How to Prepare for the AP Government and Politics Exam
There are a number of ways to prepare for the AP Government and Politics exam, including:
- Take a preparatory course
- Use online resources
- Read books and articles about American politics and government
- Practice taking practice exams
Conclusion
AP Government and Politics is a challenging but rewarding course that can provide students with a deep understanding of American politics and government. If you are interested in learning more about this subject, I encourage you to consider taking the AP Government and Politics course.
