AP Government and Politics

Advanced Placement Government and Politics analyzing American political institutions and processes.

Constitutional FoundationsThe Three Branches of GovernmentPolitical Participation and Elections
The Role of Interest Groups and the MediaCivil Liberties and Civil RightsPublic Policy and the Policy-Making Process
Analyzing Supreme Court DecisionsParticipating in Civic LifeEvaluating Political News and Information
Mastering Free-Response QuestionsEffective Multiple-Choice StrategiesTime Management on the Exam
Constitutional Found...The Three Branches o...Political Participat...The Role of Interest...Civil Liberties and ...Public Policy and th...Analyzing Supreme Co...Participating in Civ...Evaluating Political...Mastering Free-Respo...Effective Multiple-C...Time Management on t...
Practical Applications

Analyzing Supreme Court Decisions

Understanding Judicial Reasoning

The Supreme Court's decisions interpret the Constitution and shape American society. Learning to read and analyze these rulings helps you understand how laws are applied and changed.

How to Analyze

  • Read the Facts: What happened, and who was involved?
  • Identify the Issue: What constitutional question is being answered?
  • Majority vs. Dissent: Compare the main opinion with any disagreements.

Making Connections

Supreme Court rulings often affect current events and future laws, influencing everything from school policies to individual rights.

Examples

  • Reading Tinker v. Des Moines to understand student free speech rights.

  • Comparing majority and dissenting opinions in Roe v. Wade.

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Participating in Civic Life