AP® US & Comparative Government and Politics

Girls-Only & All-Gender Course; Prerequisite - Successful completion of one year of high school social studies; Full-year course
COURSE DESCRIPTION
AP® US Government and Politics and AP® Comparative Government and Politics is a year-long course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the American government as well as various political systems around the world. The fall focuses on American government, including how different agencies within the government interact and how these agencies and their policies affect the daily lives of Americans. The spring covers AP® Comparative Government and Politics, which is an introduction to the methodology of comparative politics and an in-depth look at six different states: Iran, Nigeria, China, Russia, Mexico, and Great Britain. Students will understand what factors contributed to the development of the American political system as well as the structure of the U.S. government and the American political process. They will also recognize major comparative political concepts and how to apply them. Finally, students will be able to compare political institutions and processes from across the world and form sound conclusions based on those comparisons. This course prepares students for both AP® Exams in the spring.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY

“One of my favorite things is the real world application because we have so many different viewpoints, we can delve deep into the meaning of U.S. politics and what is going on in our country with students from across the country. We’re all in a Group Me and we’re constantly texting each other about the class.”

​“The AP US Government course was one of my favorite classes that I have taken in my high school career. My teacher is so kind, and it is obvious that she wants each of her students to succeed academically while living a balanced life.”

"The comparative politics section of this course has taught me so much. It's really well done in trying to get you to learn about international governments and what that means to us."

WHAT STUDENTS DO 
Examples of signature activities and projects for this course are:
  • Design your own perfect electoral system for the United States
  • Create your own public policy proposal and present an elevator pitch​
Learning is an active process at One Schoolhouse. Students design, create and apply. And, they engage with classmates and connect with their teachers through discussions, video conferences, and projects. Specifically, in this class students will:
  • Set goals that drive their learning. Students reflect regularly on their growth, and meet on video chat with their online teacher to review progress towards their goals.
  • Have choice in how they learn new content and practice new skills. Students are given agency to determine the best ways for them to learn.
  • Apply what they are learning to the real world. Learning is meaningful and connects to concepts outside the classroom.
  • Practice constructive engagement in a diverse and changing world. Students interact with classmates from across the country and around the world.
  • Gain academic maturity. Online learning takes greater discipline and independence than a traditional face-to-face classroom. Teachers support students to build this skill.
MEET A TEACHER FOR THIS COURSE
SIGNATURE ACTIVITIES
COURSE APPROVAL
This course is approved by the College Board and the NCAA. 

One Schoolhouse is fully accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges through December 1, 2025; we are an approved online publisher for the University of California. ​
Holly Hensarling
she/her/hers
Social Sciences Teacher
BA University of Mississippi
MA University of Alabama