AP Government courses include U.S. Government and Comparative Government. These are two separate courses. Comparative Government is offered first semester and U.S. Government is offered second semester. Be aware that you do not have to take both semester courses for the AP test. Both tests are taken in May. There will be after school reviews after spring break. For more specific information about each course please click on the appropriate course name below.

 Course Description

Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics is a one-semester, college-level course designed to prepare high school students to take the Advanced Placement examination- administered by The College Board and Education Testing Service- in May of each year. Final test scores are reported on a 5 point scale. Depending on the institution of higher learning in question, students who achieve a score of 3, 4, or 5 will be granted either university credit, advanced placement, or both for having taken the equivalent of an introductory college course in U.S. Government and Politics.

This course is designed to teach students about how people behave politically and about the design of the American political system. It must be understood at the outset that there is extensive reading; it must be completed in advance of the material covered in class. By reading each day's assignment before coming to class, the presentation and discussion for that day will mean more to you, and you will find it easier to take notes.

There will be tests approximately every 5 days. Essays will be given as a series of mid-length writings (following the new AP exam format). All assignments based on a 100 point scale; however, their values are weighted differently.

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