What is the AP United States Government and Politics Exam?

The AP United States Government and Politics Exam is a standardized test administered by the College Board as part of the Advanced Placement (AP) program. It is designed to assess high school students' understanding of the principles, institutions, policies, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. Success on this exam can earn students college credit and/or advanced placement in college government or political science courses.

Exam Date

The AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 12 PM local time.

Exam Format

The exam consists of two main sections: Multiple Choice and Free Response.

Section I: Multiple Choice

• Number of Questions: 55
• Time Allotted: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Weight: 50% of Exam Score

This section assesses students' knowledge of significant political concepts, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States.

Section II: Free Response

• Number of Questions: 4
• Time Allotted: 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Weight: 50% of Exam Score

Students will respond to four types of prompts:

1. Concept Application: Analyze a political scenario and explain how it relates to a political principle, institution, process, policy, or behavior.
2. Quantitative Analysis: Analyze quantitative data (e.g., graphs, tables, charts) to identify patterns or trends and draw conclusions.
3. SCOTUS Comparison: Compare a non-required Supreme Court case with a required Supreme Court case, explaining the reasoning and significance.
4. Argument Essay: Develop an evidence-based argument in essay format, demonstrating a deep understanding of political concepts and the ability to synthesize information.

Exam Preparation

To prepare effectively for the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam:

• Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Format: Understand the structure and types of questions you will encounter.
• Review Key Documents and Supreme Court Cases: Study the foundational documents and Supreme Court cases outlined in the course framework.
• Practice Regularly: Engage with both multiple-choice questions and free-response prompts to build proficiency.
• Develop Analytical Skills: Focus on analyzing political scenarios, data, and arguments.
• Utilize Official Resources: Access AP Classroom for updated progress checks, topic questions, and AP Daily videos.

For additional study resources and practice questions, explore our AP U.S. Government and Politics question bank.

Prepare for the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam with Practice Questions

Achieving a high score on the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam requires effective preparation and familiarity with the exam format. Start practicing today with our comprehensive question bank.