Conquer AP Comparative Gov with a 5-Scorer (Summer Course)

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Conquer AP Comparative Gov with a 5-Scorer (Summer Course)

SAT Score Range

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12 sessions

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This series ended on August 3, 2025. All 1:1 and group chats related to this series are disabled 7 days after the last session.

About

Are you taking AP Comparative Government and Politics this fall or self-studying and want to feel confident from day one? This summer course is your head start.
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Led by a 5-scorer on the AP COGO exam, this weekly group meets for interactive, hour-long sessions that break down the key concepts, countries, and institutions you’ll see throughout the course.
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Each session focuses on topics in the College Board curriculum, from the foundational concepts of political systems to an in-depth look at six core countries: the UK, Russia, China, Mexico, Iran, and Nigeria. We’ll also explore the five essential units, including political institutions, participation, and policy-making.
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Confused about unitary vs. federal systems? Can’t tell your House of Commons from your National People’s Congress? You’re not alone.
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Regardless of your prior knowledge, this group is here to help you build a solid foundation — one concept, country, and case study at a time.
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Have questions about the course? Message me through Schoolhouse or the course page!

Tutored by

Matthew L 🇺🇸

Certified in 11 topics

View Profile

Hi, I’m Matthew! Welcome to my profile! I run comprehensive SAT and AP prep courses designed to help students at every level build confidence and achieve their goals. I serve as a Senior Tutor in SAT Prep, Dialogue Club President in Enrichment and tutor AP US & AP Comparative Government and Politics in History. Additionally, I am also certified in some other AP courses and in the process of becoming certified in math through Calculus. Outside of tutoring, I play baseball, support the Chicago Cubs and Bears, and play video games. I’m also involved in BPA, Debate, YMSL, NHS, and Mu Alpha Theta/Math Honors Society. Feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions! ________________________________ 🏆 Student Results in 1400s and 1500s (Some Are Now Tutors and are on My "Tutor Tree") 🏆 Top 5 in SAT Prep Sessions Hosted; Top 10 in History Sessions Hosted 🏆 Top 20 in Super Helpful Ratings; 98% Helpful or Super Helpful Feedback 🏆 Top 40 in Schoolhouse Points

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

21

Jun

SESSION 1

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Sat 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTCJun 21, 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTC

Session 1: Welcome & Introduction to AP Comparative Government and Politics
Join us for a comprehensive overview of the AP Comparative Government and Politics course. We’ll talk about what you can expect, the six countries we’ll study, and the major themes that tie everything together — like democratization, regime stability, and political culture. You’ll learn about the skills the AP exam tests, from comparative analysis to argumentation, and get tips on how to succeed throughout the course. We’ll also take a sneak peek at the sessions to come and answer any questions you might have. No matter your starting point, this is your chance to feel ready to dive into global politics!

SESSION 2

22

Jun

SESSION 2

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Sun 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTCJun 22, 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTC

Session 2: The United Kingdom — A Constitutional Monarchy
Get introduced to the UK’s unique constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. We’ll explore the unwritten constitution, the role of the monarch, and the power of Parliament. We’ll also look at how Brexit and devolution have transformed UK politics, from Scotland to Northern Ireland, and what it means for the future of British democracy.

SESSION 3

28

Jun

SESSION 3

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Sat 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTCJun 28, 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTC

Session 3: Mexico — A Young Democracy with a One-Party Legacy
Dive into Mexico’s transition from one-party dominance under the PRI to its modern democratic system. We’ll examine the structure of Mexico’s government, the role of the president and Congress, and how the country’s electoral reforms have shaped competition. We’ll also explore Mexico’s ongoing challenges with corruption, the war on drugs, and how these issues influence political participation and policy.

SESSION 4

29

Jun

SESSION 4

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Sun 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTCJun 29, 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTC

Session 4: Nigeria — Federalism and Ethnic Diversity
Explore Nigeria’s complex federal system and the tensions created by its incredible ethnic and religious diversity. We’ll look at how military rule shaped Nigerian politics, and how the 1999 Constitution was designed to hold a diverse country together. From the presidency to the National Assembly to the role of Sharia law in the North, you’ll see how federalism, resource politics, and democracy intersect in Nigeria.

SESSION 5

12

Jul

SESSION 5

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Sat 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTCJul 12, 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTC

Session 5: Iran — A Theocratic Republic
Learn about Iran’s unique blend of theocracy and democracy. We’ll unpack the structure of the Islamic Republic, including the Supreme Leader, Guardian Council, and the elected president and parliament. We’ll also look at how the 1979 Revolution transformed Iran, and how protests and generational change are challenging the regime today.

SESSION 6

13

Jul

SESSION 6

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Sun 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTCJul 13, 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTC

Session 6: Russia — A Managed Democracy
Discover Russia’s “managed democracy” under Vladimir Putin. We’ll break down the semi-presidential system in Russia’s constitution, the role of the president and prime minister, and how the Duma works (or doesn’t). We’ll also discuss media control, political repression, and how economic and political change has shaped Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

SESSION 7

19

Jul

SESSION 7

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Sat 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTCJul 19, 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTC

Session 7: China — One-Party and Communist? Not Entirely
Examine China’s unique system of "one-party rule" under the Chinese Communist Party. We’ll explore the structure of the CCP, the National People’s Congress, and how economic reforms transformed China’s economy while maintaining strict political control. From surveillance to protests, we’ll see how the Chinese state balances stability and dissent in the 21st century.

SESSION 8

20

Jul

SESSION 8

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Sun 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTCJul 20, 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTC

Session 8: Unit 1 — Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments
Start connecting the dots! We’ll compare political systems — parliamentary, presidential, and semi-presidential — and how they shape governance. We’ll explore regime types, from liberal democracies to authoritarian regimes, and understand how power is distributed across these systems.
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SESSION 9

26

Jul

SESSION 9

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Sat 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTCJul 26, 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTC

Session 9: Unit 2 — Political Institutions
Go deeper into the nuts and bolts of governance. We’ll look at executives, legislatures, and judiciaries in our six case study countries. You’ll see how constitutions, electoral systems, and federal vs. unitary structures shape how governments operate — and why some institutions are more democratic than others.

SESSION 10

27

Jul

SESSION 10

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Sun 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTCJul 27, 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTC

Session 10: Unit 3 — Political Culture and Participation
Explore how people engage with their governments, from voting and protests to social movements and civil society. We’ll discuss how political culture (trust, legitimacy, and national identity) differs across countries and shapes participation — and how social cleavages (like religion, ethnicity, or class) can both strengthen and strain democracy.

SESSION 11

2

Aug

SESSION 11

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Sat 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTCAug 2, 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTC

Session 11: Unit 4 — Political and Economic Change
Understand how globalization, democratization, and economic change reshape politics around the world. We’ll look at why some countries democratize while others backslide, and how economic development can boost or destabilize regimes. We’ll also talk about revolutions, coups, and how historical legacies shape today’s politics.
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SESSION 12

3

Aug

SESSION 12

AP Comparative Government and Politics

Sun 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTCAug 3, 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UTC

Session 12: Unit 5 — Public Policy
Wrap up by exploring how governments respond to the challenges of the modern world. We’ll discuss how different countries set and implement public policy on issues like welfare, education, environment, and national security. We’ll also consider how policy outcomes can reinforce or undermine democratic values.

Public Discussion

Please log in to see discussion on this series.

Jun 21 - Aug 3

7 weeks

60 mins

/ session

SCHEDULE

Saturdays

2:15PM

Sundays

2:15PM