AP US Government and Politics College Board
Full course content, a smart revision plan and instant past paper feedback for AP US Government and Politics College Board.
Start revising this course →Content Overview
60 topics in 5 modules
☑️ American Political Idologies and Beliefs 10 topics
- American Attitudes about Government and Politics
- Changes in Ideology
- Evaluating Public Opinion Data
- Ideologies of Political Parties
- Ideology and Economic Policy
- Ideology and Policy Making
- Ideology and Social Policy
- Influence of Political Events on Ideology
- Measuring Public Opinion
- Political Socialization
☑️ Civil Liberties and Civil Rights 13 topics
- Affirmative Action
- Amendments: Balancing Individual Freedom with Public Order and Safety
- Amendments: Due Process and the RIght to Privacy
- Amendments: Due Process and the Rights of the Accused
- Balancing Minority and Majority Rights
- First Amendment: Freedom of Religion
- First Amendment: Freedom of Speech
- First Amendment: Freedom of the Press
- Government Responses to Social Movements
- Second Amendment: Right to Bear Arms
- Selective Incorporation
- Social Movements and Equal Protection
- The Bill of Rights
☑️ Foundations of American Democracy 9 topics
- Challenges of the Articles of Confederation
- Constitutional Interpretations of Federalism
- Federalism in Action
- Government Power and Individual Rights
- Ideals of Democracy
- Principles of American Government
- Ratification of the United States Constitution
- Relationship Between States and Federal Government
- Types of Democracy
☑️ Interactions Among Branches of Government 15 topics
- Checks on the Judicial Branch
- Checks on the Presidency
- Congress: The Senate and the House of Representatives
- Congressional Behavior
- Discretionary and Rule-Making Authority
- Expansion of Presidential Power
- Holding the Bureaucracy Accountable
- Legitimacy of the Judicial Branch
- Policy and the Branches of Government
- Presidential Communication
- Roles and Powers of the President
- Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress
- The Bureacuracy
- The Court in Action
- the Judicial Branch
☑️ Political Participation 13 topics
- Campaign Finance
- Changing Media
- Congressional Elections
- Electing a President
- Groups Influencing Policy Outcomes
- How and Why Political Parties Change and Adapt
- Interest Groups Influencing Policy Making
- Modern Campaigns
- Political Parties
- The Media
- Third Party Politics
- Voter Turnout
- Voting Rights and Models of Voting Behavior
AP US Government and Politics Revision Content
Take a look at the written content available for this course. Practice-question availability may vary.
AP US Government and Politics - American Political Idologies and Beliefs - American Attitudes about Government and Politics Content Preview
American Political Idologies and Beliefs
American Attitudes about Government and Politics
American Attitudes about Government and Politics
General Public Opinion
- Public opinion is the collective attitude of citizens concerning issues of national importance.
- Political socialisation is the process through which individuals acquire political beliefs and attitudes.
- Primary influences on political socialisation include family, school, peers, and media.
Role of Government
- Some Americans believe in a ‘limited government’ role, minimal involvement in economic affairs and maximum personal freedoms.
- Others believe in a more ‘active government’ role, pertaining to greater involvement in society and the economy to manage issues such as inequality and lack of economic opportunity.
- Fluctuating opinions about the scope and size of the government are often influenced by political, economic, and social contexts.
Political Ideologies
- Conservatives often advocate for limited government, free markets, and traditional societal values.
- Liberals generally endorse a more active government role in social issues and the economy, pushing forward progressive values.
- Moderates hold viewpoints that fall between liberal and conservative beliefs.
- Libertarians stress individual freedom and are sceptical of government intervention, while Populists prefer a strong state to represent the interests of the common people vs. elites.
Party Affiliations
- Party identification refers to the political party with which an individual identifies.
- This identification is influenced by many factors such as family, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.
- It's important to understand that, often, party affiliation is an indicator of an individual's core beliefs and political ideology.
Changes in Attitudes
- Beliefs and attitudes towards politics and the government can change over time due to personal experiences, economic conditions, and significant political events.
- Demonstrate an understanding of political efficacy,the belief that one's political participation makes a difference.
- Real impacts of policies can sometimes challenge perceived beliefs, either strengthening or weakening political efficacy.
Remember Public opinion polls are key instruments used by analysts to gauge public sentiments, although inconsistencies and biases in polling can skew the results.
Question: Explain what is meant by political socialisation and identify one primary influence on it.
Unlock instant, personalised feedback
Sign up to Adapt to practise the exam questions available for this course with instant, personalised feedback.
Start revising this course →Try Adapt now
Add this exact course and build your personalised revision plan.