<p>I'm trying to decide whether to take AP Government & Politics (encompasses both US and comparative) or AP Economics (encompasses both macro and micro) next year and am not really sure which I should take. Can anyone here give me a good description of the courses from a student's standpoint because the descriptions at AP central aren't really helping me. Some things I'm not really sure of is if either class is like a traditional history class or if both are completely different subjects. Also, does economics include any math since it's dealing with money?</p>
<p>Anyone have any input here?</p>
<p>bump 10char</p>
<p>So of the 70 people who have viewed this topic, none have taken either class and can give me a general overview or opinion?</p>
<p>Hmmm… it depends, definitely. At my school we have a semester of each, so we get a taste of each subject and I’ve got to say, Gov’t is probably much easier and a bit more applicable to daily life. That said, it was interesting having Econ. last semester with the entire economic situation brewing. </p>
<p>Also, it depends on whether you’re more a history kind of person, or an analytical kind of math lover (lol). Yes, Macroecon. does involve a few equations but none of them are too complex and most of them have more economic thought behind them than just “Calculate for us now.” Of course, you will have to do this for fiscal and monetary policy on the AP test, as you will see, but trust me it’s really not that difficult (the worst it gets is dividing and multiplying). Also, DON’T memorize the different national accounting equations. They are pretty much timeless and are not included on the AP Macro exam at all. Microecon. is a bit more math-focused, but again that economic thought is there.</p>
<p>My suggestion: pick up any old study guide for Gov’t at your library, then pick up Economics for Dummies (it’s a WONDERFUL book to use for the AP test!) and compare the two. Although EfD is not an actual AP study guide, it explains economic concepts really well and if you feel like you’re getting the hang of it/it’s interesting, then run with that. If not, go for Gov’t. Gov’t is really… well if you did well in APUSH then you could pretty much take the AP Gov’t test blind and get a 3 or a 4 (from what I’ve heard!). My AP Gov’t teacher even says that it’s one of the easiest AP tests (along with everyone else on CC :D).</p>
<p>So… yeah! AP Gov’t at my school is def. great because we focus on more practical issues, but in general it is such a common sense-kind of class that if the teacher at your school doesn’t teach it well, then I’d avoid it. But, if you’ve also heard rumors that your Econ. teachers (I’m assuming you’ll take both? My school only offers one :S) are not that great, then choose the other. The whole situation depends, like I’ve said.</p>