How hard is AP Government and Politics?

I've been looking into taking AP Government and Politics next year - can anyone who's taken it share their experience and let me know how difficult it is? Was it a heavy workload, and how much outside studying did you have to do? Thanks in advance!

Hey! Keep in mind that different schools and teachers might vary in their approach to AP Gov, but hopefully, I can give you a general idea of what to expect.

In terms of difficulty, it's not known for being one of the hardest AP classes, but it does require effort, especially when it comes to understanding the political concepts and institutions. The workload typically involves regular readings from your textbook, and occasionally from supplementary sources, as well as periodic written assignments, quizzes, and tests. One thing that helps many students is staying engaged during class discussions, because they'll often help clarify complex topics.

As for outside studying, that will depend on how well you grasp the material during class. If you pay attention and actively participate in discussions, it might cut down on the time you need to study outside of class. Plus, if you're at all interested in politics or government, and keep up to date with current political events in the news anyways, the content itself can be quite compelling and easier to digest.

In preparation for the AP exam, different approaches work for different students, but your strategy will likely involve some combination of reviewing notes, making flashcards, and taking practice exams.

Overall, students typically feel the challenge of AP Government and Politics is manageable if you're consistent with your work and study habits. Good luck!