AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam: A Comprehensive Guide
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline the course content and exam details. We’ll also give you tips on how to succeed on the AP exam!
Course Content and Exam Details
| Unit | Topics Covered | On The Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy | – The ideals of democracy as shown in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution – Federalist and Anti-Federalist views on central government and democracy – Separation of powers and “checks and balances” – The relationship between the states and the national government (federalism) – How federalism has been interpreted differently over time | 15% – 22% of exam score |
| Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government | – The structures, powers, and functions of each house of Congress – The roles and powers of the president, Supreme Court, other federal courts, and the federal bureaucracy | 25% – 36% of exam score |
| Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights | – The intent of the Bill of Rights – The First Amendment, the Second Amendment, and Supreme Court interpretations of other amendments – How the due process and equal protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment have motivated social movements | 13% – 18% of exam score |
| Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs | – How cultural and social factors affect citizens’ beliefs about government – How polls are used to gather data about public opinion – The ideologies of the Democratic and Republican parties – How political ideologies affect policy on economic and social issues | 10% – 15% of exam score |
| Unit 5: Political Participation | – Laws that protect the right to vote – Why it’s hard for third parties and independent candidates to succeed – Interest groups and their influence – Campaign finance and its role in elections – The media’s role in elections | 20% – 27% of exam score |
There are no expected prerequisites for AP U.S. Government. The course is equivalent to a one-semester introductory college course in U.S. government.
The AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam takes place on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 8 a.m. local time. It lasts 3 hours total and consists of two sections.
The AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score possible. The scoring breakdown is as follows:
Once all raw scores are calculated, they are converted into scores on a scale of 1 to 5. Converting the scores takes the difficulty of each exam into account and allows for fair comparison of scores across different years.
The average AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam score varies from year to year. In 2023, the average score was 2.59. It’s helpful to consider the overall score distributions, though. These show that 49.2% of students scored a 3 or higher:
To maximize your score, start preparing sooner rather than later Here are some expert tips to help you prepare effectively:
Now you know what to expect from AP U.S. Government and Politics. After taking the course, you’ll have the skills to analyze political ideas, understand Supreme Court decisions, interpret data, and communicate your insights. Whether you’re charting your course through self-study or seeking support from Crimson’s online AP tutoring, you’re on track to master the course content and ace the exam.
Prepare diligently, aim for that coveted 5 on the exam, and set yourself up for success in both academics and future civic engagement. Happy studying!
