College Board
AP U.S. Government and Politics
Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics
A college-level introduction to the constitutional underpinnings, institutions, and political behavior of the US government. A strong AP exam score can earn college credit and strengthen admissions.
What's on the exam
AP U.S. Government and Politics Course and Exam Description (effective Fall 2026, five-unit framework; adds four required foundational documents, including Federalist No. 39)
Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy
15-22%Ideals and types of democracy · Articles of Confederation · Constitution and ratification debates · Separation of powers and checks and balances · Federalism
Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government
25-36%Congress: structure and powers · The presidency · The federal judiciary · The bureaucracy · Policy-making and oversight
Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
13-18%Bill of Rights · First Amendment freedoms · Due process and selective incorporation · Equal protection · Civil rights movements and legislation
Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs
10-15%Political socialization · Public opinion and polling · Ideologies and economic/social policy · Political culture · Influence of ideology on policy
Unit 5: Political Participation
20-27%Voting rights and behavior · Political parties · Interest groups and PACs · Elections and campaigns · The media
Frequently asked questions
How much does the AP U.S. Government and Politics cost?
The AP U.S. Government and Politics costs $99. $99 per AP Exam in the US (2026-27); a College Board fee reduction of $37 per exam is available for eligible students.
How long is the AP U.S. Government and Politics and how many questions does it have?
55 multiple-choice, 4 free-response (concept application, quantitative analysis, SCOTUS comparison, argument essay) — 3 hours.
What do you need to pass the AP U.S. Government and Politics?
Scored 1-5; a 3 or higher is generally considered passing, though credit policies are set by each college.
Can you retake the AP U.S. Government and Politics?
Once per year (next May administration).
What is the best way to study for the AP U.S. Government and Politics?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy 15-22%, Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government 25-36%, Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights 13-18%, Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs 10-15%, Unit 5: Political Participation 20-27%). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
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