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About the Exam
The AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam will test your understanding of the political concepts covered in the course units, including your ability to compare political institutions and processes in different countries.
This is a fully digital exam. You’ll complete multiple-choice and free-response questions in the Bluebook testing app, with all responses automatically submitted at the end of the exam.
2hrs 30mins
Exam Date
AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam
This is the regularly scheduled date for the AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam.
Exam Components
Section 1: Multiple Choice
55 questions 1hr 50% of Score
The multiple-choice section includes individual, single questions as well as sets of questions. Questions focus on the core countries of the course: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. You’ll be asked to:
- Describe, explain, and compare political concepts and processes
- Compare political concepts and processes of the course countries
- Analyze data in graphs, charts, table, maps, or infographics
- Read and analyze text passages
Section 2: Free Response
4 questions 1hr 30mins 50% of Score
In the free-response section, you’ll respond to four questions with written answers. The section includes:
- 1 conceptual analysis question: You’ll define or describe a political concept and/or compare political systems, principles, institutions, processes, policies, or behaviors.
- 1 quantitative analysis question: You’ll analyze data to find patterns and trends and reach a conclusion.
- 1 comparative analysis question: You’ll compare political concepts, systems, institutions, processes, or policies in two of the course countries.
- 1 argument essay: You’ll write an evidence-based essay supporting a claim or thesis.
Exam Essentials
Exam Preparation
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AP Classroom Resources
Once you join your AP class section online, you’ll be able to access videos, any assignments from your teacher, and your assignment results in AP Classroom. Sign in to access them.
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Practice on Bluebook
Download the Bluebook app and log in with your College Board account information to access test previews for the digital AP Exams.
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AP Comparative Government and Politics Course and Exam Description
This is the core document for the course. It clearly lays out the course content and describes the exam and the AP Program in general.
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Free-Response Questions and Scoring Information
Go to AP Central to review AP Comparative Government and Politics free-response questions and scoring information from past exams.
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Services for Students with Disabilities
Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations for the through-course assessment and the end-of-course exam. If you’re using assistive technology and need help accessing the PDFs in this section in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at [email protected]. For information about taking AP Exams, or other College Board assessments, with accommodations, visit the Services for Students with Disabilities website.
Credit and Placement
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