AP U.S Government And Politics Course Outline

The AP United States Government and Politics course is designed to provide the student with an experience equivalent to a one-semester college introductory course. Students will be expected to move beyond factual recall into critical analysis of the creation, function, and process of government. 

As stated in the College Board 2010 course description, this course will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States.

This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. 

It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics. Students should become acquainted with the variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. The AP Government & Politics: United States 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 the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality.