AP United States Government and Politics
Course Information
AP United States Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to the key political concepts, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States.
Subject Area: History
UC A-G Area: A – History / Social Science
Course Level: Advanced Placement
Open Terms: Summer & Fall
Enrollment Information
Course Start: 9/10/2026
Course End: 1/7/2027
Class Mode: Onsite/Online
Enrollment Period: 5/1/2026-8/30/2026
Related College Majors
This Course provides useful preparation for many humanities and social science college pathways, including::
Political Science / Pre-Law / Public Policy / International Relations / Public Administration / Journalism / History / Economics / Sociology
Prerequisites
Students should have:
- A 3.5 GPA or higher
- Pre-AP English preparation is recommended
Students should also be able to read college-level texts and write clear, grammatically correct responses that support claims with relevant evidence.
Course Units
- Foundations of American Democracy
- Interactions Among Branches of Government
- Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
- American Political Ideologies and Beliefs
- Political Participation
Comparison Table
2027 AP Exam Information
Exam Date: May 4, 2027 | Exam Duration: 3 Hours
Section I
Multiple Choice
- 55 questions
- 1 Hour 20 Minutes
- 50% of Score
Students answer both individual and stimulus-based questions that may require them to:
- Analyze political concepts and processes
- Apply Supreme Court decisions
- Interpret quantitative data
- Analyze foundational documents
- Evaluate text-based and visual sources
Section II
Free Responses
4 questions, 1 Hour 40 Minutes, 50% of Score
The free-response section includes four question types:
Question 1: Concept Application: Students apply political concepts to a real-world scenario and explain how a political institution, behavior, process, policy, or principle is involved.
Question 2: Quantitative Analysis: Students analyze data presented in a graph, table, map, or infographic, identify patterns or trends, and connect the evidence to course concepts.
Question 3: SCOTUS Comparison:Students compare a required Supreme Court case with a non-required case and explain how constitutional principles or interpretations apply.
Question 4: Argument Essay: Students develop an evidence-based argument using relevant course concepts and required foundational documents.
Related AP Courses
Explore other AP courses that complement this course and can help you build a broader academic pathway based on your interests, strengths, and future college goals.
AP U.S. History
Explore the development of the United States from 1491 to the present through historical sources, evidence, and argumentation.
AP Microeconomics
Examine how consumers, producers, markets, and government policies influence economic decision-making.
AP Macroeconomics
Study national income, economic growth, inflation, unemployment, financial systems, and international economics.
AP Human Geography
Study population, culture, political organization, economic development, urbanization, and human interactions with geographic space.
Questions About AP U.S. Government and Politics
Where can I find official AP U.S. Government and Politics resources and exam details?
For the official course framework, foundational documents, Supreme Court cases, exam information, and student resources, visit the College Board AP U.S. Government and Politics page.
What grade level is this course for?
AP U.S. Government and Politics is often taken by upper-level high school students, including seniors, but placement should be based primarily on academic readiness. Franklin Academy students should meet the course’s GPA and English preparation recommendations.
Do I need to be heavily involved in politics to do well?
No. The course is designed as a nonpartisan introduction to the U.S. political system. Students are evaluated on their ability to understand political concepts, analyze evidence and data, compare institutions and processes, and develop reasoned arguments—not on their personal political beliefs.
Does this course include Supreme Court cases?
Yes. Supreme Court decisions are an important part of the course. Students analyze required cases, connect them to constitutional principles, and apply them to political scenarios and exam questions.
Is there a project requirement?
Yes. Students complete a political science research project or applied civics project that connects course concepts to real-world government and civic participation.
Interested in Enrolling in AP Classes?
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