AP Unites States Government and Politics

AP United States Government and Politics (0725) Credit 1.0

AP American Government is a full year course. The first semester acquaints students with political institutions, processes and ideologies in democratic and nondemocratic states. Students will learn about early influences on government, the American electoral system and how it compares to other countries, different forms of political socialization and participation, and the impact of media and public input on the American government. The second semester concentrates on an analysis of the American federal system and how it has evolved over time. Students will focus on the executive, legislative and judicial branches, the balance of power between the federal government and the states, and the court cases that have helped define our interpretation of civil rights and civil liberties. The content for the course is aligned to prepare students for the AP test in May.

Students enrolled in this course will fulfill their state mandated .5 credit graduation requirement in Civics, and receive a .5 Social Studies elective credit.

To receive AP credit, the student must take the AP exam. AP test fee paid by students.

Prerequisite: Seniors only. Successful completion of junior year Social Studies coursework is required.