AP Comparative Gov Cheat Sheet and Review Chart
Introduction to Comparative Government
Objective: Understand and analyze different governmental structures globally.
- Focus Countries: Great Britain, Iran, Nigeria, Mexico, China, Russia
- Key Concepts: Governance, policy-making, political culture, political parties, elections, changes and reforms
Exam Format Overview
Multiple Choice Section (MCQ)
- Structure: 55 questions, 60 minutes
- Content:
- Questions from 2020-21 have 4 answer options each.
- Inclusion of 2 text-based sources with 2–3 questions each.
- Inclusion of 3 quantitative sources with 2–3 questions each.
Free Response Questions (FRQ)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Weight: 50% of exam score
- Question Types:
- Conceptual Analysis: Describe or explain a political concept.
- Quantitative Analysis: Analyze visual data to explain trends related to course concepts.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare political structures, policies, or institutions.
- Argument Essay: Craft an argument-based essay on a given topic.
Review Topics by Country
| Country | Political System | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Great Britain | Parliamentary system | Constitutional monarchy, Parliament, Brexit |
| Iran | Theocratic republic | Velayat-e faqih, Revolutionary Guard, sanctions |
| Nigeria | Federal republic | Ethnic divisions, oil economy, corruption |
| Mexico | Federal republic | Drug war, political reforms, NAFTA |
| China | Communist state | CCP leadership, economic policy, human rights |
| Russia | Federal semi-presidential republic | Putin’s leadership, foreign policy, oligarchy |
Key Concepts and Definitions
- Absolutism: Centralized control, historical relevance in European governance.
- Mercantilism: Economic policy aimed at strengthening national economies.
- Colonialism: Establishment of control over foreign territories for economic exploitation.
Preparation Tips
- Past Exams: Review past exam questions for structure and example content.
- Concept Focus: Pay special attention to how different concepts are applied in each of the focus countries.
- Practice Essays: Write practice essays, especially for the argument essay section, to refine your ability to formulate and support an argument efficiently.
Visual Aids
- Include comparative charts and graphs to visually summarize the political systems, economic policies, and key historical events for each country.
- Utilize flowcharts to explain the decision-making processes and power distribution in different government types.
Additional Resources
- Recommended Textbooks: List of approved textbooks that provide in-depth coverage of the course content.
- Online Resources: Links to online lectures, official guidelines, and sample questions from the College Board.
