Comparative Government self-study

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
1

<p>I'm taking the AP American Government class right now, and considering taking the Comparative Government exam. A lot of the basic concepts seem to carry over from US Gov, and my teacher says I could probably pull off a good score if I tried. How do you all recommend studying for this one?</p>

2

<p>Definitely use the Ethel Wood AP Comparative Government and Politics Study Guide - best out there, you’ll get a 5 just from this book. I’m doing it right now… and after just reading the intro, I can answer most of the sample multiple choice from their website. It’s pretty easy.</p>

3

<p>Here are my recommendations:

  1. [What</a> You Need to Know 3.0](<a href=“http://apcomparativegov.com/]What”>http://apcomparativegov.com/) that book is the best book for the exam. Hands down, search for the group on facebook and I am sure you will discover how much people like it.</p>

<p>2) It is suggested in the book above but make sure you read up on current events. I took the exam last year and it talked about the 2007 Russian Elections. Here is the question:</p>

<ol>
<li>A)Describe Russia’s electoral system before the 2007 Duma elections. Explain how the electoral system shaped the pre-2007 Russian party system.</li>
</ol>

<p>B)Describe a specific change to the Russian electoral system that was designed for the 2007 Duma elections and explain its impact on party competition.</p>

<p>C)Describe Mexico’s current electoral system.</p>

<p>D)Describe one electoral reform made in Mexico in the 1990s and explain how that reform affected Mexico’s party system.</p>

<p>My point of showing you this is to stress how important current events are, I would not be at all surprised if it mentions the Iranian elections of this past summer on the exam because that was a huge event.</p>

<p>It is a great class especially if you like Gov and IR. I unfortunately got a 4 because I bombed the Russian question but I am really glad I took the class.</p>

<p>Zach</p>

4

<p>I can’t comment on the “What you Need to Know 3.0” book, but the Ethel Wood’s guide to comp gov is very highly recommended, and I really like it. Just make sure you get the new edition.</p>

<p>For a textbook I have Introduction to Comparative Politics (by Kesselmann), but I don’t really like it ( a little choppy and unorganized).</p>

5

<p>I think I’m using Ethel Wood’s guide and a few other non-textbooks books on the countries.</p>