Why This Class

AP U.S. Government and Politics B is the second semester of a full-year, college-level course designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government and Politics exam. The goal of this course is to explore and analyze important concepts of U.S. government and politics.

By the end of this semester, students will better understand the intricate relationships between political parties, interest groups, voter behavior, media influence, and global events in shaping public policy and the political landscape in the United States. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and case studies, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these elements interact to influence governance and democratic processes. Students will demonstrate their understanding through written work, project-based activities, interactive discussions, and practice exams.

Overarching Questions

What role do political parties and interest groups play in shaping public policy and influencing the political process?

In what ways do global events and international relations shape U.S. foreign policy and national security strategies?

What are the implications of voter behavior and electoral participation on the democratic process in the United States?

In what ways does the media influence public opinion and the political agenda in the United States?