Civic Engagement Project

To be authorized as an AP U.S. Government and Politics course, teachers must submit a course syllabus for review complying with the following: Curricular Requirement 14: Students are provided with an opportunity to engage in a political science research or applied civics project tied to the AP U.S. Government and Politics course framework culminating in a presentation of findings. The project can involve student participation in nonpartisan service-learning opportunities, government-based internship programs, or a choice from a teacher-approved list of research project ideas. While the project is not part of the AP Exam grade, it does provide students with the opportunity to engage in a sustained, real-world activity that will deepen their understanding of course content and help them develop the disciplinary practices that are assessed on the exam.

Project Guidelines

A relevant project applies course concepts to real-world political issues, processes, institutions, and policy making. For example, students might investigate a question by collecting and analyzing data; participate in a relevant service learning or civic event; or develop a sustained, applied investigation about local issues. Students would then communicate their findings or experiences in a way that conveys or demonstrates their understanding of course content.

The project must require students to:

  • Connect course concepts to real-world issues

  • Demonstrate disciplinary practices

  • Share/communicate their findings in an authentic way (e.g., presentation, article, speech, brochure, multimedia, podcast, political science fair)

Project Suggestions

Citizen Action Campaign - Run your own non-partisan voter registration drive utilizing DoSomething.org program.

Develop a Position - Research a state or national issue related to a political principle. Propose potential options or alternatives. Develop an argument describing the intended outcome of the option, explain your proposed implementation, and refute opposing arguments.

Local Civic Engagement - Identify and research an issue of current debate. Attend a school board, city council, or local government meeting related to that issue. Observe and document policy-making processes and outcomes.