Course Description

AP US Government and Politics presents an analytic perspective on American politics. The course introduces students to the ideals, institutions, and processes that direct the daily operations of our government and shapes our public policies. Students will use a variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations to interpret and analyze the political landscape to develop a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of our system of government.

Image: The front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

Course Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the American system of government and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses
• Read, understand, and interpret primary source documents and contemporary news analyses related to American government and public policy
• Analyze and interpret data and other relevant information to US government and politics
• Write analytical and interpretive essays demonstrating an understanding of the ideals, institutions and processes of the American political system

DoDEA AP U.S. Government and Politics Standards may be viewed by clicking the link.

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Course Outline:

Module I: Constitutional Underpinnings
Section 1- Introduction to American Political Culture
Section 2- The Constitution
Section 3- Federalism

Module II: Institutions of Government: The Policymakers
Section 1- Congress
Section 2- The Presidency
Section 3- The Federal Bureaucracy
Section 4- The Federal Courts

Module III: People and Politics
Section 1- Public Opinion
Section 2- Media
Section 3- Political Parties
Section 4- Campaigns and Elections
Section 5- Interest Groups

Module IV: Public Policy
Section 1- Economic Policy
Section 2- Domestic and Social Policy
Section 3- Foreign and Defense Policy

Module V: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Section 1- Civil Liberties
Section 2- Civil Rights

The AP US Government and Politics Exam
Section 1- Preparing for the Exam
Section 2- The Final Exam

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Textbook

American Government: Roots and Reform (AP* Edition)
10th Edition, Longman Pearson Education, Inc. 2009

There is also a Student Study Guide
American Government:  Roots and Reform
2009 Edition Prepared by John Ben Sutter

Image: Close-up of gavel with the U.S. Constitution and Flag in the background; Shutterstock.com