AP US Government

Course Description

AP U.S. Government and Politics is an intensive and extensive study of government and the processes that make up the American political system.  Students will study and analyze the political philosophies supporting the American political system and American political institutions.  Students will also debate historic and current controversies in American political life.  The course of study will examine:  constitutional underpinnings of the United States government (federalism, separation of powers, etc.); political beliefs and behaviors; political parties, interest groups and the mass media; institutions of national government (presidency, courts, congress, bureaucracy); public policy; and civil rights and civil liberties.  In addition to knowing different facts, concepts, and theories, students will be required to read and analyze primary sources and interpret data relevant to U.S. government and politics.  Students will demonstrate proficiency in interpreting data through reflection essays, free-response questions (FRQ), and Socratic Seminars.  Additionally, many of the multiple choice questions will ask students to interpret data in the form of graphs and charts.  This course will provide an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States.  This class is taught on a college level and requires a substantial amount of reading and preparation for each class.  The class will prepare students for the AP Exam, and all students are expected to take the AP Exam in May.