This AP course in United States Government and Politics will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. It includes both the study of concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. The course will cover the U.S. Constitution, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, interest groups, mass media, institutions, public policy, civil rights and civil liberties. Students will also be required to analyze and interpret data presented in charts, tables and other formats. Optional meetings outside of the regular school hours are sometimes held. This course will prepare students to take the AP examination through an engaging and rigorous college level curriculum.

CLICK HERE for the AP United States Government and Politics Home Page on the College Board's website.

Units of study include:

• Foundations of American Democracy

• American Political Culture

• Institutions of American Government

• Public Policy

• Civil Rights and Liberties

• State and Local Politics

Note: A summer assignment is assigned at the end of the prior school year and is expected to be completed by the first day of class. It is the student’s responsibility to listen for announcements about this assignment and to secure the necessary materials before the end of the prior school year.

The textbooks used for AP European History are Cengage's American Government Institutions and Policies, 13th Edition and Amsco's United States Government and Politics which is available in hard copy form only.