The AP Comparative Government and Politics course is a sophisticated academic offering designed for high school students with an interest in the workings of global political systems. It provides a comprehensive overview of the political structures, processes, and policies of six carefully selected countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. This curriculum is structured to foster a comparative understanding of how different governments address common problems and challenges.

Course Objectives

The course aims to deepen students' understanding of political institutions and their functions across various national contexts. It encourages the application of comparative methods to analyze political systems, enabling students to recognize patterns, differences, and similarities. The curriculum is crafted to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to synthesize complex information, preparing students for advanced study in political science, international relations, and related disciplines.

Key Skills and Competencies

Students participating in this course will develop a range of analytical and evaluative skills, including:

• Comparative Analysis: The ability to assess and contrast political systems, institutions, processes, and policies across different countries.

• Data Interpretation: Skills in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends, patterns, and implications for political systems and behaviors.

• Critical Reading: Proficiency in scrutinizing and interpreting textual sources, extracting relevant information to understand political theories and their applications.

• Argument Development: The capability to construct coherent arguments, supported by evidence, to explain or defend a thesis related to comparative government and politics.

Examination Overview

The AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam, scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 12 PM local time, evaluates students' mastery of the course content. The exam format is designed to test students' ability to apply comparative analysis methods, interpret data, and articulate their findings and arguments clearly and persuasively.

Detailed Course Content

The curriculum is segmented into five core units, each addressing a critical aspect of comparative politics:

1. Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments: Introduces the foundational concepts used by political scientists, focusing on the variety of political systems, the nature of democracy and authoritarianism, and the dynamics of political power.

2. Political Institutions: Examines the structure and role of government branches, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary, across the six focus countries, highlighting differences in parliamentary, presidential, and semi-presidential systems.

3. Political Culture and Participation: Explores how political beliefs, ideologies, and participation shape and are shaped by political systems, emphasizing the role of civil society, rights, and political mobilization.

4. Party and Electoral Systems and Citizen Organizations: Delves into the mechanics of political competition and representation, analyzing how electoral systems, political parties, and citizen groups influence policy and governance.

5. Political and Economic Changes and Development: Investigates the interplay between politics and economics, considering how political systems respond to and shape economic policies, development, and global market forces.

Course Goals and Impact

By the conclusion of the AP Comparative Government and Politics course, students will have gained a profound understanding of the complexities of global political systems. They will be equipped to critically evaluate the effectiveness, stability, and fairness of different governmental structures and policies. Moreover, students will be prepared to engage in informed discussions about political issues, contributing to their development as globally aware citizens.

This course represents an essential step for those aspiring to careers in public service, international relations, law, and academia, offering foundational knowledge that is crucial for navigating the challenges of an interconnected world. Through its focus on comparative analysis, the AP Comparative Government and Politics course cultivates a nuanced appreciation of the diverse ways in which societies organize themselves to address collective needs and aspirations.