How to Prepare for the AP U.S. Government and Politics [Paperback]

Curt Lader (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764116517 | ISBN-13: 978-0764116513 | Publication Date: December 3, 2001 | Edition: 3

Updated to include references to the Clinton White House years and the Bush-versus-Gore presidential election, this manual presents two model AP exams with answer keys and explanations, plus an extensive topic review. Topics covered include an overview of U.S. Constitutional development from its origins to the present day, as well as an analysis of government institutions—the presidency, the congress, the judiciary, and the attendant bureaucracy. Also covered is a summary of the American political process, how it functions, and updated reviews of major public policy issues—the economy, the federal budget, social welfare and entitlements, environmental issues, the conduct of foreign policy, and national defense.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

(back cover)
Choose Barron’s Method for Success on the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam

Devise your study plan and set up your personal study timetable

Take a model exam and score your results

Use this book’s subject reviews with attention to topics where you need more study

Take the book’s second model exam and score your results

Review the answers and explanations for all test questions

It’s Your Path To a Higher Score --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 3 edition (December 3, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764116517
• ISBN-13: 978-0764116513
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,358,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Barrons is the Best!, May 16, 2005

By 

B. Mishra - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Prepare for the AP U.S. Government and Politics (Paperback)

I disagree with the two "mixed" reviews. If you're looking for a brief outline then Barron's AP books - and in this case, the US Government and Politics one - is not for you. Barron's is noted for overpreparing you so that you'll feel ready and comfortable on test day. I used Princeton's as well and found that to be much quicker to get through and it had very nice outlines. However, it was detail and examples that I was looking for, and I found that in Barron's. If the problem is length and you don't feel like reading through all the chapters, then go for Princeton. However, if you have the time and want to ace your free response section by having lots of different examples and a good detailed understanding of government and politics under your belt, then this is the book for you! I got through the nineteen chapters in a week before the test. That should be sufficient time for this book. And even though the student example essays are overly detailed and somewhat unrealistic, they still provide you with many examples and familiarize you with important concepts. I took the test last week and I couldn't have done it without Barron's. GOOD LUCK!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Barron's Is God, July 30, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: How to Prepare for the AP U.S. Government and Politics (Paperback)

Barron's has its shortcomings, sure. I'd still give it five stars, because I earned a 4 on the exam after speed-reading the majority of its contents in a single sitting having not taken a class. I will say this much: the answers to the questions on the exam are in this book; the trick is remembering them! Had I studied more rigorously (i.e., for a week), I am sure I would have earned a five.

Let's first talk about some of the books shortcomings. First and foremost, it's unrealistically difficult - the actual test is child's play compared to the sample problems and questions in this book, which may or may not be a good thing! Still, it is worthwhile to do the practice questions. I recommend getting a second book with some more practice multiple choice.

What is a complete waste of space in this book is the sample essay questions. The 'student' answers will scare you to bloody-you-know-where and back. Why? Maybe Barron's essay questions have appeared on an AP test before. If they have, I'd imagine they are the most difficult questions in the history of the exam, because no where on the test will you need to know such information as an in-depth analysis of Bill Clinton's administration (one sample essay in the text).

Why did I give it five stars then? Where the book really shines is its information. I don't think the actual text was too in-depth at all. It covered the necessary information, and sometimes more. But the point is, it covered the necessary information, and it covered it well - every answer to every question is in this book. Know this book, and you know the exam, inside and out, and are prepared for a five.

I can't recommend anything better for the serious student.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Mixed..., May 9, 2004

By 

nimrod - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Prepare for the AP U.S. Government and Politics (Paperback)

Let me get this out in the kindest words: this book is bad.

I have used review books for AP/Regents exams to great success in the past, and Barron's and Princeton Review are very trusted names. However, this is just horrible...almost.

Let's take a look:
-Each chapter is well-written and informative, and covers exactly what my textbook did very well. Good job here.
-The sample multiple choice questions at the end of chapters are, for the most part good, though some are too easy, and some have a horrible selection of answers. The descriptions of the right answers are average, at best.
-The sample essay QUESTIONS are good, though they ask to know some pretty specific stuff, but they're good to think about to help prepare for the exam.
-The sample essays: absolutely, unforgivably bad. My first problem is that they are too exact: "...was first mentioned in Ronald Reagan's State of the Union Address on January 25, 1982". I'm sorry, but who is actually using such a fact on the actual AP exam? There have been other examples too, such as citing the name of a mayor from Chicago from 20 years ago...we're supposed to know these things? I think not. However, what compelled me to speak out against this book was the sample essays in Chapter 11. These are, in every meaning of the word, horrible. The first one is a pretty good response to the question, but the analysis offered by the author is terrible...his analysis of the thesis says it is clear (which it is), but claims it is one thing, when it is in fact another. He then draws conclusions from the sample essay that are far-fetched, and are never mentioned in the essay. Furthermore, the essay itself only partially answers the question. The second essay is ridiculous. He is writing from a graph of party identification, and though he cites some good facts, they contradict the graph. For example, he claims that after Watergate, the number of people calling themselves independents increased. A logical conclusion, but the graph shows the complete opposite...that LESS people called themselves independent after 1976. That is inexcusable. Further, the essay is poorly structured, and offers average answers to the question asked.

There have been many examples of overly-precise, badly worded, and just flatout incorrect ideas in the sample essays offered by the author. This is unacceptable in a book designed to prepare the highly motivated student for a difficult exam...it is not fair to the student putting in the effort to do well, to confuse him, and to give him a poor impression of what a good essay is. Further, it is pretty sad that as a student myself, I can point out Mr. Lader's ineptitude.

Overall, I would say, if you can get a deal from your teacher to get this book for $10 or less, then get it, read the chapters and do the questions at the end. Skip his essays, they will just frustrate you. I have yet to even do the practice exams at the end, but I am sincerely hoping they're much better than what I have seen from Mr. Lader through 11 chapters. I paid $10 for this, but personally, I want my money back.