Advanced Placement U.S. Government & Politics

Iroquois High School

Mr. McAtee, Room 204

Course Overview and Expectations

Click here for a copy of the course syllabus

AP U.S. Government and Politics is a college-level year-long course that is designed to provide students with the political knowledge and reasoning processes needed to participate meaningfully and thoughtfully in discussions and debates that are currently shaping American politics and society. 

It is important to note that this course is not a history course; it is a political science course.  Students will study the interconnectedness of the different parts of the American political system and the behaviors and attitudes that shape this system. 

By examining nine key foundational documents - including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, students will better understand the ideas that went into the formation of America's national government.  Additionally, students will examine significant decisions made by the Supreme Court to analyze how the ideals of our nation have been applied to the reality of life in the United States.