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AP United States Government and Politics
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Students investigate key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study the structure of the Constitution throughout the course, as well as its implications for the functioning of government today. Other foundational documents, landmark Supreme Court cases, and opportunities for research and civic action are key elements in this rich course that prepares students to be informed and active participants in U.S. society.
Major Topics and Concepts
Major Topics and Concepts:
- Identifying the founding principles of the U.S. government
- Examining historical events that influenced the founding of the United States
- Analyzing the founding documents, including the Constitution
- Evaluating other forms of government in relation to the founding principles
- Identifying the structures and functions of the federal government branches
- Analyzing the impact of government officials and agencies on citizens’ lives
- Describing the concepts of judicial review and judicial decision-making
- Analyzing significant U.S. Supreme Court rulings
- Identifying the dynamic nature of federalism and its practical applications
- Identifying the elements of legal citizenship and naturalization
- Evaluating civic duties and responsibilities for the common good
- Recognizing the impact of individual and collective action on civil rights and liberties
- Analyzing the role of different groups in influencing public policy
- Evaluating sources of information and political messaging
- Identifying key concepts and trends related to elections and voter turnout
Course Materials
AP Course & Exam Registration Requirements
College Board requires students to register for AP exams no later than November 13th (individual schools may set earlier deadlines).
All VLACS AP students are required to enroll in the “course only” section in My AP. Instructions for joining My AP will be posted on each VLACS course page and instructors are available to help with this process.
Students who plan to take the corresponding AP exam must arrange to take the exam at a local school that administers it. To register for an AP Exam, the local school will enroll the student in an “exam only” section in My AP. Students should follow these steps:
- Search for a local test site through this resource of contact AP Services for Students at 888-225-5427 [email protected]. That office can give you contact information for local AP coordinators who may be willing to test outside students. Students are then responsible for contacting coordinators on that list to see if one can arrange to test for you. You should do this no later than October 2nd. Note that schools may have their own local deadlines for receiving requests from outside students to test at their school so we recommend doing this as soon as possible
- The AP coordinator who agrees to assist you must provide a join code for an “exam only” section in My AP. You’ll use the join code to join the section so that the AP coordinator can order your exam.
Please note that, if a school allows a student to register after the 11/13 deadline, there will be a $40 late exam fee. There will also be a $40 canceled/unused exam fee if a student registers and then cancels his/her exam or if the student does not show up on test day.
More information is available on the College Board’s website: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/
Competencies
The Three Branches of the United States Government
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the three branches of the United States government by describing the functions of each branch, explaining the system of checks and balances, and analyzing the interactions among the branches.
American Political Ideologies
Students will demonstrate an understanding of American political ideologies by describing political culture in the United States, comparing political parties, and analyzing the influences of ideologies on the United States government.
Constitutional Democracy
Students will demonstrate an understanding of constitutional democracy by describing the foundational principles of the United States government, analyzing the Constitution, and explaining the concept of federalism.
Constitutional Rights
Students will demonstrate an understanding of constitutional rights by comparing civil liberties and civil rights, analyzing the protections provided to citizens, and explaining the evolution of constitutional rights.
Political Participation in the United States
Students will demonstrate an understanding of political participation in the United States by analyzing ways voters influence the government, explaining the role of interest groups, and describing the functions of the media.
