U.S. Government and Politics

CliffsAP study guides help you gain an edge on Advanced Placement* exams. Review exercises, realistic practice exams, and effective test-taking strategies are the key to calmer nerves and higher AP* scores.

CliffsAP U.S. Government and Politics is for college-bound students who are preparing to take the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam, which is one of the increasingly popular subject exams that the College Board administers in cooperation with high schools and colleges across the country. This helpful guide gives you an overview of what you need to know about the U.S government and American politics, including the following:

• The Constitution, including such principles as separation of powers and federalism
• Political beliefs and behaviors
• The role of political parties, interest groups, and the media play in politics
• The structure of the U.S. government — Congress, the Presidency, the bureaucracy, and the courts
• Public policy and how it is formulated
• Civil rights and civil liberties

The exam contains both a multiple choice section and a free response (essay) section. The two full sample practice tests in this guide clue you in on what to expect in these two sections of the exam. As you work your way through this guide, you will gain

• A sound knowledge of the key facts and concepts in U.S. government and politics
• An understanding of the relationships between the various elements of the political process
• An ability to analyze and draw conclusions from data related to American politics
• An ability to write intelligently about the U.S government and American politics

This comprehensive guide offers a thorough review of key concepts and detailed answer explanations. It’s all you need to do your best — and get the college credits you deserve.

*Advanced Placement Program and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse this product.