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Review by Patricia Monticello Kievlan, Common Sense Education | Updated August 2014

AP Exam Prep US Government and Politics

Solid review tool provides in-depth practice for motivated students

Subjects & skills
Subjects
  • Social Studies
Skills
  • Character & SEL
Grades This grade range is based on learning appropriateness and doesn't take into account privacy. It's determined by Common Sense Education, not the product's publisher.
9–12
Common Sense says (See details)
Teachers say (1 Review)
Platforms:  Android, iPad

Take a look inside

5 images
Students review by reading and taking sample exams.
Quick Review section features all 41 topics on the AP exam. Users can mark sections for completion or further review.
Help text pops up the first time each section is opened, and reappears easily via a button at the top of the screen.
Study statistics show users how long they've spent studying each topic and question type.
Users can take a full-length practice multiple-choice test or pick specific sections for targeted review.

Pros: Stellar progress-tracking features and personalized quizzes make for a thoughtful, nuanced review process.

Cons: Simple layout and sometimes dry content may not engage some students.

Bottom Line: Go-to tool for motivated AP students offers excellent, well-organized practice and review.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

Encourage students to use AP US Government and Politics for practice and review in the weeks leading up to the AP exam. Students might also use this as a tool for reviewing content for in-class assessments throughout the year.

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Standards:

Editor's Note: AP US Government and Politics is no longer available for download.

AP US Government and Politics is a reference and review app for students preparing for the AP exam of the same name. The app features a quick review section for reading and reviewing content, sample multiple-choice questions, and sample free-response questions.

Within each unit of the quick review section, students can drill down into several smaller topics that include a topic summary, keywords, essential questions, and “identification” or vocabulary words. They can also use a simple flagging feature to mark sections as completed or in progress: Answering questions incorrectly in the multiple-choice section automatically flags different sections for further attention. Students can choose to take full-length practice multiple-choice and free-response tests, or they can target their practice to particular topics and concepts.

The built-in study statistics page may be this app’s most powerful feature. Students can see how long they’ve spent on each type of activity and the progress they’ve made in each topic. Teachers can also easily reset their study statistics, which might be a nice way to use the app for weekly or daily review. 

The interface isn’t especially flashy: Other review apps on the market are more visually appealing and offer students more details on exam strategy. Still, eye-catching design is no substitute for good content. This is a rewarding tool for students willing to work hard and thoughtfully monitor their own progress.

Overall Rating
Engagement Is the product stimulating, entertaining, and engrossing? Will kids want to return?

The spare visual style and straightforward structure are unlikely to motivate lukewarm students.

Pedagogy Is learning content seamlessly baked-in, and do kids build conceptual understanding? Is the product adaptable and empowering? Will skills transfer?

With multiple well-designed ways to engage with exam content, this is a great tool for thoughtful, thorough study and review.

Support Does the product take into account learners of varying abilities, skill levels, and learning styles? Does it address both struggling and advanced students?

Detailed overlay text and study statistics make it easy for students to monitor and track their progress.

Common Sense Reviewer
Patricia Monticello Kievlan Foundation/nonprofit member
About our ratings and privacy evaluation.

Key Standards Supported

Reading History/Social Studies

  • RH.9-10.4

    Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science.

  • RH.9-10.3

    Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them.

  • RH.11-12.4

    Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including analyzing how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term over the course of a text (e.g., how Madison defines faction in Federalist No. 10).

  • RH.11-12.3

    Evaluate various explanations for actions or events and determine which explanation best accords with textual evidence, acknowledging where the text leaves matters uncertain.

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Teacher Reviews

Featured review by
Leah K. , Other
Other
Cobb County School District
Marietta, United States
AP US Gov: Useful help for the exam!
Overall, this is a tool best used for outside practice. It is a little pricey at $9.99; however, most good review books will cost you at least that much. The app is great for students consistently on the go, and as AP U.S. Government tends to be a senior level class in our area, that is most students. I would not necessarily recommend it for use in the classroom; it is best used as a supplemental tool.
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