AP U.S. Government and Politics

SOC500 | First OR Second Semester
REQUIRED/ELECTIVE* ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬜11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬛NCAA ⬛RAI

Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics is a one-semester class designed to offer analytical perspective and enhance students’ critical view of our American governmental system. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. Students will explore, analyze, and research American political life, participatory democracy, elections and campaigns, public opinion/interest groups, and the roles and organization of our government’s branches.

This course will include rigorous study on the historical development of governmental procedures and policies; through analysis of institutions in American Government, depth of study on the role of the electorate in the American political system, the variety of theoretical perspectives, and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. Students will do extensive reading and writing in this college-level course. Advanced writing skills and high achievement in United States History are recommended for students taking this course. This course must be taken for DMACC credit.

It is highly advised to take the Advanced Placement exam as a culmination of the AP course curriculum.  Students who successfully complete an AP course will have a .5 weighted grade applied to their GPA for the course. Students who participate in the AP exam will have a total of 1.0 weighted grade applied to their GPA for the course. Regardless of exam participation, a student's transcript will reflect the title of the AP course they enrolled in.  

*Satisfactory completion of AP United States Government and Politics fulfills the district requirement for American Government.
Each exam has a cost that will be incurred by the student.  If students are in need of financial assistance to help with the cost of AP exams, please see your assigned counselor for information.