American Government
American Government covers how the United States government is structured, how power is divided between its branches, and how citizens influence policy. It is one of the most commonly attempted CLEP exams because the material overlaps closely with a standard introductory political science course.
Start practice testAbout this exam
This exam asks you to reason about how American political institutions actually behave, not simply to recall dates. Questions move between the constitutional framework, the day-to-day work of Congress, the presidency and the federal courts, and the way parties, interest groups and public opinion shape what those institutions do.
Most students who pass have a working mental model of the system rather than a memorised list of facts. If you can explain why a bill stalls in committee, why the Supreme Court takes one case and refuses another, or why turnout differs across groups, you are close to ready.
The exam suits high school students who have taken a government course, adult learners who follow politics closely, and anyone who needs a social science credit without sitting a full semester.
Topic breakdown
Topic weights published by College Board.
How to study for this exam
- Start with the Constitution itself, including the amendments. Many questions reduce to which branch holds a given power.
- Learn the legislative process end to end, since committee work and the filibuster appear often.
- Work through landmark Supreme Court cases in pairs: the case, the right at stake, and what changed afterwards.
- Use timed practice tests to get used to questions that give you a scenario and ask what happens next.
How the practice test works
- Choose all units or a single unit to focus on.
- Set the number of questions and a time limit, or practise untimed.
- Filter by difficulty to warm up or push yourself.
- Retake as many times as you like — every attempt is free.
- Your recent sessions stay on this device so you can review them.
Common questions
How much current events knowledge do I need?
Very little. The exam tests durable features of the system rather than this year's headlines, though examples from recent politics can make the material easier to remember.
Is this the same as AP US Government?
The subject matter overlaps heavily, but the exams are separate and are scored differently. Passing this CLEP exam earns college credit directly, subject to your college's policy.
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