Government

Levels: 

US and Virginia Government

AP US Government and Politics

Dual US and Virginia Government

Registration guide information

• US and Virginia Government: The twelfth grade social studies curriculum focus on United States and Virginia government will ensure that graduates of Virginia’s public schools understand the origins and workings of the American and Virginia political systems. The students will develop knowledge of the United States and Virginia Constitutions; the structure and operation of United States and Virginia governments; the process of policy-making, with emphasis on economics, foreign affairs, and civil rights issues; and the impact of the general public, political parties, interest groups, and the media on policy decisions. United States political and economic systems are compared to those of other nations, with emphasis on the relationships between economic and political freedoms.

• AP US Government and Politics: AP US Government and Politics will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. Students will become acquainted with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute United States politics. Students will also become acquainted with the variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes as they pertain to the following topics: constitutional underpinnings of the United States government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, interest groups, mass media, institutions of national government, public policy, and civil rights and liberties.

• Dual US and Virginia Government: This course is equivalent to a full-year introductory college level course with college credit awarded upon successful completion of the course. The instructors will be adjunct faculty members at Virginia Western Community College. The exam exemption will not apply in this course. Students taking this course may take the AP United States Government and Politics exam if they wish. This course fulfills the United States and Virginia Government requirement for graduation.