AP U.S. Government and Politics
Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning, assess the causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence-based arguments.
Students study general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and analyze specific topics, including: Constitutional Underpinnings; Political Beliefs and Behaviors; Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media; Institutions of National Government; Public Policy; and Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Part of the course includes analysis and interpretation of basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics, and the development of connections and application of relevant theories and concepts Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP exam offered in May. Strong performance on this exam may earn them college credits. AP Exams require a fee to be paid by the family. Families who meet financial eligibility guidelines will receive financial support. Any family concerned about paying for AP exam fees should consult with their student's counselor.
Unit 1: Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments
Unit 2: Political Institutions
Unit 3: Political Culture and Participation
Unit 4: Party and Electoral Systems and Citizen Organizations
Unit 5: Political and Economic Changes and Development
BIG IDEA 1: POWER AND AUTHORITY (PAU) Political systems and regimes govern societies and determine who has power and authority. They shape the level of legitimacy and produce different policy outcomes.
BIG IDEA 2: LEGITIMACY AND STABILITY (LEG) Political legitimacy is the degree to which a government’s right to rule is accepted by the citizenry. Governments that maintain high levels of legitimacy tend to be more stable and have an easier time enacting, implementing, and enforcing their policies.
BIG IDEA 3: DEMOCRATIZATION (DEM) Democratization is a process that involves the adoption of free and fair elections, the extension of civil liberties, and the establishment of the rule of law. Democratization is a long-term and often uneven process that typically results in increased governmental transparency and greater citizen access and influence over policy making.
BIG IDEA 4: INTERNAL/EXTERNAL FORCES (IEF) Internal forces, such as political culture, citizen participation, civil society, interest groups, environmental pressures, and internal divisions based on class, religion, ethnicity, and/or territory, can both challenge and reinforce regimes. External forces, especially globalization, include the increasing worldwide flow of goods, investments, ideas, and people in a manner that is largely unconstrained by national borders.
BIG IDEA 5: METHODS OF POLITICAL ANALYSIS (MPA) Political scientists collect data and make observations in order to describe patterns and trends and explain the political behavior of individuals, groups, organizations, and governments. They use data and ideas from other disciplines such as economics, sociology, history, and geography when drawing conclusions.