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.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the structure and function of the American political system. Typical issues to be addressed include the presidency, the Congress, the Constitution, federalism, interest groups, the judicial system, and domestic and foreign policy.