Essential Questions for the AP Government Exam
Unit 1 Foundations of Democracy How did the founders of the Constitution attempt to protect individual liberty, while also promoting public order and safety?
How have theory, debate, and compromise influenced the U.S. Constitutional system?
How does the development and interpretation of the Constitution influence policies that impact citizens and residents of the U.S.?
Unit 2 Interactions Among Branches of Government How do the branches of the national government compete and cooperate in order to govern?
To what extent have changes in the powers of each branch affected how responsive and accountable the national government is in the 21st century?
Unit 3 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights To what extent do the U.S. Constitution and its Amendments protect against undue government infringement on essential liberties and from discrimination?
How have U.S. Supreme Court rulings defined civil liberties and civil rights?
Unit 4 American Political Ideologies and Beliefs How are American political beliefs formed and how do they evolve over time?
How do political ideology and core values influence government policy making?
Unit 5 Political Participation How have changes in technology influenced political communication and behavior?
Why do levels of participation and influence in politics vary?
How effective are the various methods of politicalparticipation in shaping public policies?