Homework & Expectations

Goals for AP GOV Students:

  • Enable students with the ability and desire to become great American citizens.

  • Foster independent thinking based on sound reasoning and moral values

  • Acquire and communicate information effectively and accurately

  • Use history as a vehicle to understand and partake in the present and future

  • Know Thyself- as an individual and as a member of many diverse communities

  • Control thy cell phone use

Teaching Philosophy/Words of Wisdom

This is intended to be a college level course. Grades earned by students as they take College Board assessments should reflect their preparedness for the AP Exam. College ready students must demonstrate a willingness for rigor, independent study and dedication.

Textbook/Source Materials Used

American Government Institutions & Policies - Cengage Learning

The Lanahan Readings in the American Polity (ed. Ann Serow, Everett Ladd)

Course Description

The AP Government & Politics: course provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality. (Taken from www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_usgov.html)

Course Rationale

AP Government and Politics provides students with a true college atmosphere in content, pacing, and instruction. It will challenge students’ ability to think and analyze material critically, and give them the opportunity to earn college credit by their performance on the AP Exam. The goal of an exemplary student is not to get to college; the goal is to succeed in college. This course helps to achieve that goal.

Units Exam Weighting

Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy 15–22%

Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government 25–36%

Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights 13–18%

Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs 10–15%

Unit 5: Political Participation 20–27%