Barrons How to Prepare for the Ap U.S. Government and Politics

by Lader, Curt

• ISBN13: 9780764116513
• ISBN10: 0764116517
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-03-01
• Publisher: Barrons Test Prep

Summary

Updated to include references to the Clinton White House years and the Bush-versus-Gore presidential election, this manual presents two model AP exams with answer keys and explanations, plus an extensive topic review. Topics covered include an overview of U.S. Constitutional development from its origins to the present day, as well as an analysis of government institutions--the presidency, the congress, the judiciary, and the attendant bureaucracy. Also covered is a summary of the American political process, how it functions, and updated reviews of major public policy issues--the economy, the federal budget, social welfare and entitlements, environmental issues, the conduct of foreign policy, and national defense.

Table of Contents

Preface	iv
Introduction	1	(1)
Using the Book	1	(1)
The Structure of the Test	2	(3)
Strategies for Studying United States Government and Politics	5	(4)
Multiple-Choice Question Strategy	9	(9)
Free-Response Essay Question Strategy	18	(8)
Data-Based Free-Response Essay Question Strategy	26	(5)
A Summary of the Free-Response Essay Section	31	(2)
Part One: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT	33	(114)
The Theory of Modern Government	35	(16)
Constitutional Foundations	51	(14)
The Constitution	65	(20)
Federalism	85	(19)
The Bill of Rights and Civil Liberties	104	(24)
Civil Rights: Equal Protection Under the Law	128	(19)
Part Two: THE INSTITUTIONS OF GOVERNMENT	147	(80)
The Presidency	149	(22)
The Congress	171	(20)
The Judiciary	191	(18)
The Bureaucracy	209	(18)
Part Three: THE POLITICAL PROCESS AND POLITICAL BELIEFS	227	(94)
Political Parties and Political Action	229	(20)
Nominations, Campaigns, and Elections	249	(25)
Voting Behavior: The Impact of Public Opinion and the Media	274	(27)
Special Interest Groups---Lobbyists and PACs	301	(20)
Part Four: PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES	321	(94)
The Economy	323	(18)
The Federal Budget	341	(16)
Social Welfare and Entitlements	357	(16)
The Environment and Energy	373	(16)
Foreign Policy and the National Defense	389	(26)
Part Five: MODEL ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS EXAMINATIONS	415	(68)
Model Examination I	417	(18)
Answer Key to Model Examination I	435	(14)
Model Examination II	449	(18)
Answer Key to Model Examination II	467	(16)
Glossary	483	(20)
Index	503