• Course Description

    AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. They also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they complete a political science research or applied civics project.

    Grade Level(s):  11th-12th grades

    Curricula for Advanced Placement (AP) courses are created by the American College Board, which offers high level coursework and exams to high school students.  Colleges and universities may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on examinations.  Curriculum for each subject area is created by a panel of experts and college-level educators in that field of study.  An overview of the AP US Government & Politics course can be found HERE.  The Course & Exam Description (CED) can be found HERE.  

    Course-Level Scope & Sequence (Units &/or Skills)

    • Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy
    • Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government
    • Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
    • Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs
    • Unit 5: Political Participation

    Date Last Revised/Approved: 2020