Domina el examen AP Gov: ¡curso de 8 semanas con un profesor veterano!

What will be taught?

Students will review the basic materials in the AP US Government curriculum.  This will include but not be limited to, all 5 of the units on the AP US Government test in May 2025.

What topics will you cover?

Week 1: Foundations of American Democracy
🔹 Topics Covered:
Principles of democracy (natural rights, popular sovereignty, social contract, republicanism)
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
The U.S. Constitution: structure, checks and balances, separation of powers
Federalist No. 10 & Brutus No. 1 (debate over federal vs. state power)
Key Supreme Court Case: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Week 2: Federalism & Separation of Powers
🔹 Topics Covered:
Dual vs. cooperative federalism
Enumerated vs. implied powers
Grants-in-aid (categorical vs. block grants), mandates
Key Supreme Court Cases:
United States v. Lopez (1995) (commerce clause limits)
McCulloch v. Maryland (review)

Week 3: Congress, the Presidency, and the Bureaucracy
🔹 Topics Covered:
Congress: Structure, leadership, lawmaking process, role of committees
The Presidency: Formal/informal powers, executive orders, veto power
The Bureaucracy: Functions, rule-making, iron triangles
Key Supreme Court Case: Baker v. Carr (1962) (redistricting & one person, one vote)

Week 4: The Judiciary & Civil Liberties
🔹 Topics Covered:
Structure of the federal court system
Judicial review & precedent
Bill of Rights & Selective Incorporation
Key Supreme Court Cases:
Marbury v. Madison (1803) (judicial review)
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) (right to an attorney)
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) (student free speech)

Week 5: Civil Rights & Public Policy
🔹 Topics Covered:
Equal Protection Clause & Civil Rights Movement
Voting Rights Act, Civil Rights Act
Affirmative action & government policy
Key Supreme Court Cases:
Brown v. Board of Education (1954) (desegregation)
Shaw v. Reno (1993) (racial gerrymandering)

Week 6: Political Ideologies & Public Opinion
🔹 Topics Covered:
Political socialization (family, media, religion, etc.)
Liberal vs. conservative ideologies
Public opinion polling & data interpretation

Week 7: Elections, Political Participation & Interest Groups
🔹 Topics Covered:
Elections & Campaigns: Electoral College, primaries, general elections
Political Parties & Interest Groups: Role in Policymaking
Media’s Influence on Politics
Key Supreme Court Case: Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Week 8: Full AP Exam Simulation & Strategy Session
🔹 Activities:
Full-length practice multiple-choice section
Timed FRQs (all 4 types)
Test-taking strategies:
How to manage time
How to structure FRQs for max points
Last-minute review of key cases & documents

How is your class structured?

This class will be structured with an interactive lesson that reviews key concepts, while also featuring time for student questions and work review

What's your teaching style?

I use Socratic questioning to allow students to come to their conclusions.\

How much will learners get to interact with you (mention specifics like: lecture, games, slides, video clips, discussion)?

Lectures, slides, small interactive activities, questions, and answer time.