One important theme in AP US History is politics and power. Questions on the exam will ask you to analyze the decisions of political leaders. You may be asked to describe changes in the relative power of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Finally, you may be asked about the relationship between the states and the federal government.
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Note: This post is part of a series on historical themes covered in AP US History. You can learn more about the all of the themes in AP US History at this link.
Table of Contents
Definition
Example
Definition
This theme focuses on the government and political institutions. It also explores attempts to gain power over the actions of the government. Finally, this theme also discusses political beliefs. Let's explore each of these in more detail.
Government and Political Institutions
This theme covers governments and related institutions. The government is a system that controls a group of people in a specific area. In the United States, we have a national government, 50 state governments, and thousands of local governments. A political institution is an established practice related to the government. Voting is an example of this type of institution. Institutions can also refer to organizations that benefit the American people or relate to political causes. The US Supreme Court is an example of this type of institution. The US government and American political institutions have changed over time. AP US History examines these changes and their impacts.
Politics
Beliefs About Government
Examples
One of the most important events in US political history is the Constitutional Convention. This event is covered in Unit 3. At the Constitutional Convention, the Founding Fathers gathered to discuss flaws with the existing US government. Ultimately, the Founding Fathers decided that a completely new government. They wrote and approved the US Constitution. This established many US political institutions. These institutions include the presidency, Supreme Court, and Electoral College.
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