Social Studies
AP® US Government and Politics
Grades: 11, 12
Couse description
In AP® US Government and Politics, students investigate key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students study the structure of the Constitution, its Judeo-Christian influences, and its implications for the functioning of government today. Students learn what the Bible says about government and how it has influenced key U.S. political values, documents, and movements across history. Other foundational documents, landmark Supreme Court cases, and opportunities for research and civic action are key elements in this rich, biblically integrated course that prepares students to be informed and active participants in U.S. society. Throughout the course, students are challenged to think about and participate in U.S. politics and government from a distinctly Christian perspective.
This course is designed to provide a college-level experience and prepare students for the AP® exam. Students wishing to take the AP® exam are responsible for registering prior to the November 15 deadline. AP® Exams are administered the following May. Students must take the AP® exam in order to receive AP® credit.
Couse information
Course Types
Prerequisites
US History recommended
Required Materials
Book(s): We the People: An Introduction to American Politics, 11th essentials ed., Benjamin Ginsberg, Theodore J. Lowi, Margaret Weir, Caroline J. Tolbert, and Robert J. Spitzer (New York: W. W. Norton, 2017)
The price of this course includes access to the required e-text listed above. The e-text will be provided to the student within one week of the student’s start date in the course.
In addition to a computer with an Internet connection, most courses require speakers (or headphones); a digital camera or scanner to take photos of completed work; a printer; common household items; access to research materials; and productivity software for word processing, presentations, etc.