AP Government
Introduction
Myths, Realities, Why are we here?,
Why government? , and introducing
Government in America
Myths and Reality
Myth: AP Government is easier than U.S.
History or even Regular Govt.
 Reality…
 Myth: If you make an A in A.P. U.S.
History you will make an A in A.P
Government
 Reality…
 Myth: This class is structured around
current events so all you have to do is
watch the news and participate
 Reality…

Myths and Reality cont.
Myth: I have very strong opinions and
discuss politics with my family thus good
grades will be easy
 Myth: There are questions on my tests
that are based on material not covered in
class
 Myth: No DBQs in AP Government
 Myth: “I am a good student and do not
need to take notes, all I have to do is
listen”
 Myth: Tests are harder in class than actual
exam

Why are we here?
Why am I here? Why do I love to teach
government to seniors?
 Why are you here? Looks good on your
resume, Parents, other friends in the
class, Mr. Watts haggled you, you play
soccer and thought you could maybe get a
break
 Three benefits from taking A.P.

– NOT credit but exempt
– Best College challenge
Time to Resign? Or get
impeached?
Why Government? Why get
involved?

Politics and government matter
– Age you drive, drink alcohol and vote
– Taxes
– Student loans
– Holidays
– Rent an apartment
– Gas prices
– Only 36 percent of college freshmen “keep up
with politics”
What is America? Best MOVIE!
Political Apathy
Voter Turnout
Elderly Rule!...politics
Course Goals
1.
2.
3.
An understanding of principle themes in
U.S. government and politics
The ability to analyze evidence- historical,
quantitative, and presented graphically
Skills to express your knowledge in
writing
The exam


Multiple choice: 45 minutes for 60 multiple choice
questions, each question has 5 choices
– 50% of your total score comes from these
– I.D., Cause and effect, Roman numeral questions,
Except/Not, Supreme Court and Graphic questions
Free Response: 1 hour and 40 minutes consisting of 4
questions
– 50% of your overall score
– Only answer with evidence of what the question is
asking
Multiple Choice Example
1.
Class action suits
a. Permit a small number of people to sue on behalf of
all other people similarly situated
b. Are filed by students seeking to force a school
district to offer additional sections of perpetually
overenrolled courses
c. Have to do with constitutional issues, thus
broadening the standing to sue
d. Are routinely filed by teachers groups to prepare the
way or strikes
e. May be filed only if all of those standing to sue
agree to participate
Free Response

The system of checks and balances
ensures that no branch of government has
unfettered power. Describe-using
examples- how each branch has exercised
this power over another branch.
5 point scale
5- Extremely well qualified
 4- Well qualified
 3- Qualified
 2- possibly qualified
 1- No recommendation
 0-did not attempt

Introducing Government in America
Government-Institutions and Processes
through which public policies are made for
society
 Politics- the processes by which we select
our government leaders
 Democracy-organizing government so
policy represents will of the people
 What should government do?

– National defense, provide public services,
preserve order, educate the young, collect
taxes
Government or politics?
Democracy
Majority rule with minority rights…what
does this mean?
 Three contemporary theories: Pluralist,
Elite/class, hyper-pluralist

1. Pluralist- the belief that competition among
all affected interests shapes public policy
(interest groups)
2. Elite- group or persons possess a
disproportionate share of public policy
3. Hyper-pluralist- groups are so strong
government is weakened
Challenges to Democracy
1.
2.
3.
4.
Increased technical expertise- amount of
knowledge is growing with government
Limited participation in government
Escalating financial costs to campaigns
Diverse political interests-Diversity can
lead to weak coalitions and policy
gridlock