This course is an intensive examination of United States government and politics. Students will focus on the general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics such as patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences as well as the analysis of basic data relevant to U.S. government. Specific topics will include the Constitution, political beliefs and parties, instructions of the national government, public policy, and civil liberties. All students will be expected to develop college level proficiency in thinking, reading, writing, studying, and speaking skills relative to the course curriculum. The course, like all A.P. courses, will require a deep commitment of time and effort on the part of the student. There is a summer assignment for this course.