The AP Government & Politics course provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States, while rigorously investigating the impact of outside forces (political parties, interest groups, the American media) on the American citizenry. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies designed to further students’ critical inquiry. In addition, AP Government also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute the U.S. political reality. The following topics are covered in depth: Constitutional Underpinnings of United States Government; Political Beliefs and Behaviors; Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media; Institutions of National Government: Congress, Presidency, Bureaucracy, Courts; Public Policy: Economic, Military, Social, Political; and Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
PRE-REQUISITES: US History & World History (& preferably American Government) OR Any Social Studies AP Course with both American & World credits
RECOMMENDED FOR: 11th (who have taken an AP course previously), 12th
Teacher: Sloane Costelle / Craig Grimm