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Online Resources Recommended by AP Teachers
We surveyed AP U.S. Government and Politics teachers about what online resources they recommend, and the list below comes directly from their responses. The list also includes teacher descriptions of the resources. This is not a comprehensive list, nor is it an endorsement of any of these resources by the College Board.
- Instructional videos for students; online instruction tutorials/resource pages for teachers
- Provides a comprehensive, multimedia curriculum on the Constitution. Resources include videos, games, lesson plans and timelines as well as the popular Annenberg Guide to the Constitution, which provides the original text and then explains it in plain language.
- Instructional videos for students; online instruction tutorials/resource pages for teachers
- Provides lesson plans and resources for teachers. They also have professional development opportunities and webinars.
- Self-directed student practice; instructional videos for students
- This website provides tons of primary source material for students studying government. They bring up useful and relevant topics that go along nicely with the study of US Government and Politics and have lesson plans for teachers.
Crash Course: U.S. Government and Politics
- Self-directed student practice; instructional videos for teachers
- Provides 50 videos that are 8 to 12 minutes long and are broken down by subject. “Some videos are a few years old but still helpful.”
- Online simulation/laboratory experiment; self-directed student practice
- Offers lesson plans as well as helpful games. Although not aimed at AP, “these 20-30-minute simulations of parts of the political process (like running for president) illustrate basic political processes in an entertaining way for students.”
Khan Academy: AP US Government & Politics
- Self-directed student practice; instructional videos for students
- Provides instruction and assessments that allow students to work independently at home. Can “help with a flipped classroom as frees up class time for more skill-based work within the learning objectives.”
- Online simulation/laboratory experiment; online instructions tutorials/resources pages for teachers
- Extensive material on the Constitution, including Federalist Papers and court cases. They conducted "scholar exchange" programs with member professionals to discuss issues like the First and Fourth Amendments with students. Student participation was through "chat" but still a great experience.
Primary Source Lesson Activities
- Online instruction tutorials/resource pages for teachers
- Offers AP U.S. Government and Politics lesson activities that use a variety of required documents and other political sources.
- Online simulation
- Simulates the redistricting of congressional districts giving multiple levels related to real life re-districting scenarios.
- Online text
- Focuses on how educators can best teach students about how the Federal Court system works, as well as landmark Supreme Court cases.
Yale Courses: Introduction to Political Philosophy- Locke’s Second Treatise
- Instructional videos for students; instructional videos for teachers
- Video lecture from Yale about John Locke, capitalism, and establishment of government to protect physical, monetary, and intellectual property.
$ = May require a fee = Account creation needed