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Ace AP Gov with a 5-Scorer (Summer Course)

SAT Score Range

10 sessions

About

Are you taking AP U.S. Government and Politics this fall and want to feel confident from day one? This summer course is your head start.

Led by a 5-scorer on the AP Gov exam, this weekly group meets for interactive, hour-long sessions that break down the most important ideas, documents, and court cases from Units 1–5 of the course.

Each session focuses on key topics in the College Board curriculum, containing all the units from the foundations of American democracy to political participation. We’ll explore how power is divided in the U.S., how civil liberties are protected (or not), how Congress works (or doesn’t), and how voting, media, and interest groups shape our political system.

Confused about checks and balances? Federalism feel fuzzy? Can't tell your Federalist 10 from your Brutus 1? You're not alone.

Regardless of your prior knowledge, this group is here to help you build a solid foundation — one clause, case, and concept at a time.

Have questions about the course? Message me through Schoolhouse or the course page!

Tutored by

Matthew L 🇺🇸

Certified in 7 topics

View Profile

Hi, welcome to my profile! I’m Matthew, a junior in high school from Illinois in the United States. I host weekly courses focused on the SAT Math and English sections. With experience tutoring learners from all around the world, I’ve helped students improve their SAT scores at every level—whether you’re starting out with a 500 or a 1400, I’m here to share effective strategies and tips to help you achieve your goals I will also be hosting a full AP US Government and Politics Course that should be helpful for anyone taking the course next year or is self-studying for the test. Let me know if you'd be interested in summer courses for AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP Physics 1, AP US History, AP Language and Composition, or any math through Precalculus. Outside of tutoring, I’m a big Chicago Cubs fan (PCA/Kyle Tucker for MVP) Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Note: If I removed you from a course for inactivity/not following the attendance policy, but you are now interested in rejoining the course and following the attendance policy, reach out to me through schoolhouse or the course page and I can re-add you.

Schedule

✋ ATTENDANCE POLICY

Generally, you may attend sessions as you wish. However, I will remove you if you miss four or more straight sessions.

SESSION 1

12

Jun

SESSION 1

AP United States Government and Politics

AP United States Government and Politics

Thu 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTCJun 12, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

Session 1: Welcome to AP Gov + Foundations of Democracy
Get introduced to the course and the big ideas that shape American politics. We’ll dive into different types of democracy, natural rights theory, and the principles behind the Declaration of Independence.
SESSION 2

19

Jun

SESSION 2

AP United States Government and Politics

AP United States Government and Politics

Thu 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTCJun 19, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

Session 2: The Constitution, Federalist 10 & Brutus 1
Explore the compromises and structures within the Constitution. Then, tackle the first major documents of the course — Federalist 10 and Brutus 1 — and see how they frame our government’s power struggle from day one.
SESSION 3

26

Jun

SESSION 3

AP United States Government and Politics

AP United States Government and Politics

Thu 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTCJun 26, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

Session 3: Federalism & the Division of Power
What powers belong to the states? What powers belong to the national government? We'll break down federalism, dual vs. cooperative federalism, and landmark cases like McCulloch v. Maryland and U.S. v. Lopez.
SESSION 4

3

Jul

SESSION 4

AP United States Government and Politics

AP United States Government and Politics

Thu 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTCJul 3, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

Session 4: Grants, Mandates & the Evolution of Federalism
Understand how the federal government influences the states with money. We’ll explore block vs. categorical grants, unfunded mandates, and the real-life impact of modern federalism in action.
SESSION 5

10

Jul

SESSION 5

AP United States Government and Politics

AP United States Government and Politics

Thu 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTCJul 10, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

Session 5: Civil Liberties — Bill of Rights & Selective Incorporation
Your rights, explained. This session focuses on the First and Second Amendments, selective incorporation, and key cases like Tinker v. Des Moines, Engel v. Vitale, and NYT v. U.S.


SESSION 6

17

Jul

SESSION 6

AP United States Government and Politics

AP United States Government and Politics

Thu 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTCJul 17, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

Session 6: Civil Rights & Equal Protection
Equal protection under the law isn’t always simple. We'll study the 14th Amendment, Brown v. Board, Gideon v. Wainwright, and Roe v. Wade, and discuss how the Court has shaped civil rights.
SESSION 7

24

Jul

SESSION 7

AP United States Government and Politics

AP United States Government and Politics

Thu 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTCJul 24, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

Session 7: Congress — Powers, Structure & the Legislative Process
Dive into Article I and see how Congress works — or doesn’t. We’ll explore bicameralism, lawmaking, committees, party leadership, and the differences between the House and Senate.
SESSION 8

31

Jul

SESSION 8

AP United States Government and Politics

AP United States Government and Politics

Thu 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTCJul 31, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

Session 8: The Presidency & The Bureaucracy
Explore the roles and powers of the executive branch, from the President’s formal/informal powers to how executive orders really work. Then, meet the federal bureaucracy and decode the Iron Triangle.


SESSION 9

7

Aug

SESSION 9

AP United States Government and Politics

AP United States Government and Politics

Thu 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTCAug 7, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

Session 9: Political Participation — Voting & Elections
Why do people vote (or not)? Learn about voter behavior, demographics, party realignment, primaries, PACs, and the Electoral College — plus campaign strategies and political ads.
SESSION 10

14

Aug

SESSION 10

AP United States Government and Politics

AP United States Government and Politics

Thu 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTCAug 14, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

Session 10: Interest Groups and the Media
We’ll wrap up Unit 5 with interest groups, lobbying, campaign finance (Citizens United), and the role of the media in democracy.

Public Discussion

Please log in to see discussion on this series.

Jun 12 - Aug 14

10 weeks

60 mins

/ session

Next session on June 12, 2025

SCHEDULE

Thursdays

8:00PM