<p>Post anything you feel will help others do well on the exam (IE: supplies, study guides, when you are studying etc...). I am self studying because supposedly this is one of the easier AP's to self study for, and it is pretty interesting to me. I am also self-studying APUSH and Comparative Government so I feel that there will be some overlap (and also it is not offered at my school). So anybody taking the class can help us self studiers out by letting us know how far you are in class, so we can pace ourselves similar to that. I've done some research on the best books for this, and I suggest getting the textbook Government in America : People, Politics, and Policy (it is definitely the most recommended textbook, and very cheap only $10-$25 paperback). As for prep books, Crash Course is by far the best, and only $7 right now with free shipping! All the information you need, crammed into as few pages as possible. I am also picking up PR, the next best prep book, just to be on the safe side. Then 5 steps to a 5 500 MC questions is good, along with Barron's flash cards. That's 1,000 questions right there, if if you know most of them you will be set on the MC part of the exam. May sound a bit overkill, but that's what I'm doing; you may cut back on 1 or 2 of those items. Well let me know what you think, and I know the exam isn't until May, but I just wanted to get an early idea of what everyone is doing. Hopefully this helps everyone get a 5 :)</p>
<p>Self-studying also :)</p>
<p>Hi, I took the US Government exam in May, self studied, and got a 5. I had taken a college political science course before, but there was only a little overlap and I had to study about everything specific to the US on my own. I used Barron’s study guide and wrote a couple practice essays. It was great preparation. I’m a big political junkie so I actually enjoyed studying 
I guess if I could offer any advice it would be to memorize all the Constitutional amendments and what they do, as well as get familiar with the most important Supreme Court decisions and laws, because they tend to come up as essay topics and they make good examples. AP US Gov is an easy test to self-study for because a lot of the topics a) overlap with other subjects like history that you’ve probably had in school, and b) are related to current issues you’ve heard a lot about. Good luck to everyone taking the exam! I’d be happy to answer any questions.</p>
<p>@mmmgirl Thanks for the help on what to focus on, and congrats on the 5 
When did you start studying, and did you just use Barron’s? Also, how hard were the MC, and what would an example be of one?</p>
<p>Started school yesterday… it’s my AP Gov teacher’s first year teaching it. Day 2 and we are still reading the syllabus… for a semester long course. Seems like I’ll basically be self-studying.</p>
<p>Does anyone have an opinion on how AP Gov compares to APUSH? Easier? Harder? Everyone at my school seems to think Gov is way easier.</p>
<p>I believe Government only deals with Government, so your studying will be concentrated. I remember having to study parts of the government for APUSH and it was kind of confusing remembering that along with stuff happening not involving the government (like wars). SO yes, I do believe Gov. is easier.</p>
<p>@mschusler I only used Barron’s, and I started studying two or three months before the exam. I had the background of a college polisci class, or I would have studied more. The MC section wasn’t too bad, although unfortunately I don’t remember any specific questions.</p>
<p>In my opinion, AP GOV is definitely easier to self study than APUSH.</p>
<p>I’m taking AP Govt. second semester (starting on Jan. 22) and this is the first year my teacher is teaching it. ://</p>
<p>took regular government for half a semester and i am now taking ap government 2nd semester. i took a example MC choice and my predicted score was a 3. I missed all of the intense studying before Congress (Chapter 7).</p>
<p>I took AP US Government as a junior. While I was already interested in government and planning a poli science major, it took some work. I recommend anyone preparing will focus on supreme court cases, congrssional acts, and the executive branch. I used the book 5 steps to a 5 AP US GOV along with supplemental class material. I took the exam last May and scored a 5. linjas123 don’t worry, my teacher last year was teaching his first ever AP course and he did a great job. The test questions are usually consistent and most struggle with the Free Response. If i can be of any help or answer any questions please let me know.</p>
<p>APUSH is definitely harder than AP Gov. I have or am taking both (former last year and gov this year) Got 5 on former. Gov is like “really?” easy. I’m gonna study minimally. Prep books? Screw those. Well, I’m probably going to take like a couple practice tests if I don’t do well on the ones we are gonna do in class within a few weeks. Gov is definitely easier than APUS. No match.</p>
<p>For the free response, if all fails, just jot down as fast as you can everything you know that you can relate to the prompt on there. Even if it’s a stretch, if you can connect it, then do it.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any released tests or other study materials that they would like to share?</p>
<p>^Agreed. Does anyone have any released tests?</p>
<p>APGOPO is a gigantic vocabulary test. If you know the terms, you’re golden.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.mymaxscore.com/images/stories/docs/MMS_GovPol_PracTest_WebFINAL.pdf[/url]”>http://www.mymaxscore.com/images/stories/docs/MMS_GovPol_PracTest_WebFINAL.pdf</a></p>
<p>Practice Test. hope it helps</p>
<p>Tomorrow! I’m freaking out!!! Then I have 2 nights to get down AP Micro and Macro!!</p>
<p>I shouldn’t cram, but all the terms… However, this test I’ve heard is incredibly easy. Good luck everyone :)</p>
<p>Any FRQ guesses?</p>