AP Comparative GovernmentAP
Political systems and power structures.
Overview
AP Comparative Government and Politics compares political systems using six core case studies and comparative concepts.
Why it matters
Develops cross-national analysis of institutions, participation, and policy outcomes.
Skills you’ll build
- Comparative analysis
- Data interpretation
- Concept application
- Argumentation
Topic Breakdown (Units)
Unit 1: Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments
- Democratic vs authoritarian
- Sovereignty
Unit 2: Political Institutions
- Executives
- Legislatures
- Judiciaries
Unit 3: Political Culture and Participation
- Civil society
- Political socialization
Unit 4: Party and Electoral Systems and Citizen Organizations
- Parties
- Interest groups
- Elections
Unit 5: Political and Economic Changes and Development
- Globalization
- Policy change
Lessons & Notes
Unit 1: Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments
Typologies and characteristics of regimes.
- legitimacy
- authority
Unit 2: Political Institutions
Structures and functions across systems.
- unitary vs federal
- electoral systems
Unit 3: Political Culture and Participation
Citizen-state relations and participation.
- cleavages
- political efficacy
Unit 4: Party and Electoral Systems and Citizen Organizations
Mediating institutions and representation.
- PR vs SMD
- thresholds
Unit 5: Political and Economic Changes and Development
Development strategies and regime transitions.
- structural adjustment
- resource curse