AP United States Government and Politics

Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics will provide students with an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret the U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. A familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics is recommended and students will evaluate a variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. Students must possess strong critical reading, writing and analytical skills with the drive to meet the responsibility and demands of the college level work presented in this course. As a means of understanding the need for an active role for citizens in a democracy, students are required to complete a three hour community service experience in order to earn credit for this course.  This course will satisfy the Civics graduation requirement.