AP United States Government and Politics

Course Description

AP United States Government and Politics is a college-level course that introduces students to the foundations, institutions, and processes of the American political system. Students explore topics such as constitutional principles, civil rights and liberties, political participation, and the roles of the three branches of government.

The course emphasizes analytical thinking, source interpretation, and argument-driven writing—skills essential for understanding civic life and engaging in informed citizenship.

Key Components:

Study of foundational U.S. documents like the Constitution, Federalist Papers, and court cases
Analysis of the structure and powers of government institutions
Examination of political beliefs, behaviors, and public policy
Argument essay writing supported by evidence and constitutional reasoning

AP Exam Details

AP United States Government and Politics concludes with a traditional end-of-course exam administered by the College Board. Students are assessed on their understanding of U.S. political structures, foundational documents, and the ability to apply political concepts to real-world scenarios. The exam includes:

Multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge of political institutions, processes, and foundational documents

Free-response questions that require students to analyze texts, apply concepts, and construct evidence-based political arguments

These components are scored by the College Board and collectively make up 100% of the AP United States Government and Politics score.

Helpful Info

What is AP Government and Politics (Explained)

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How Hard is AP Government?

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Everything You Need to Know

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AP United States Government and Politics Score Distribution

From 2020 to 2024, pass rates (scores of 3 or higher) for AP U.S. Government and Politics climbed significantly, rising from around 57.5% in 2020 to 73.0% in 2024, alongside a mean score of 3.38.
In 2025, 24% of students earned a 5, 25% earned a 4, and 23% earned a 3—bringing the overall 3+ pass rate to 72%, very close to last year’s level.
The remaining 28% scored a 1 or 2, indicating ongoing areas for improvement despite overall strong performance.

AP United States Government and Politics Forum

Welcome to the AP U.S. Government and Politics Forum—a collaborative space for students to explore the foundations, functions, and complexities of the American political system. Whether you're reviewing landmark Supreme Court cases, analyzing constitutional principles, or preparing for free-response questions, this forum is the place to ask questions, share insights, and connect with others interested in civics and public policy.

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Tips & Feedback

Use this space to trade study strategies, get feedback on your argument essays and FRQs, and learn how to apply key concepts from required documents and court cases. Whether you're fine-tuning your understanding of federalism or practicing how to write with evidence, this section supports your progress and confidence.

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