The Advanced Placement (AP) Government and Politics Exam is an annual exam administered by the College Board. The exam is designed to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the American government and political system. The AP Gov Exam is typically taken by high school students in their junior or senior year.
In 2024, the AP Gov Exam will be held on Monday, May 13.
Exam Format
The AP Gov Exam is a three-hour exam that consists of two sections:
- Section I: Multiple choice (60 questions, 45 minutes)
- Section II: Free response (4 questions, 115 minutes)
The multiple choice section tests students’ knowledge of the following topics:
- American government and politics
- The Constitution
- Political parties
- Interest groups
- Public opinion
- The media
- The role of the judiciary
The free response section tests students’ ability to analyze and explain complex political issues. Students are required to write two essays, one on a topic related to American government and politics, and one on a topic related to comparative government.
Scoring
The AP Gov Exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5. A score of 3 or higher is considered passing. The average score on the AP Gov Exam is 2.8.
Preparation
There are a number of ways to prepare for the AP Gov Exam. Students can take an AP Gov course in high school, study independently, or use online resources.
The College Board offers a number of free resources to help students prepare for the AP Gov Exam, including:
- AP Gov Exam Course Description: This document provides an overview of the AP Gov Exam, including the exam format, scoring, and content.
- AP Gov Exam Practice Questions: These questions are designed to help students practice for the exam.
- AP Gov Exam Scoring Guidelines: These guidelines provide students with information on how the exam is scored.
Conclusion
The AP Gov Exam is a challenging but rewarding exam. By preparing adequately, students can increase their chances of success.
