The AP Government & Politics: United States course provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality. While there is no single approach that an AP Government & Politics: United States course must follow, certain topics are generally covered in college courses.

This course examines the historical backgrounds, governing principles, and institutions of the government of the United States. The course explores the content and application of the Constitution and identifies the duties of, and interactions between, the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. The course analyzes politics, the political process, and political events, including the roles played by, and stances of, political parties and interest groups. The course explores the relationship of individual values to political views and develops the ability to formulate and articulate ones own political views.