5 Basic Course Concepts AP Gov?t Introduction Before we begin the study of US government & politics in your textbook, we will take the first 3-weeks of the school year to master 5 basic concepts regarding how the American system works Each topic will take one day of class instruction and will require a short classwork/homework assignment At the end of the 3rd week, you will be assessed on your ability to explain each of the 5 basic concepts. This will be your first test of the year. You will be assessed on vocabulary terms and big picture from each key concept. For the rest of the year, you will be expected to be comfortable with the basic course concepts 5 Basic Concepts Basics of How the US System Works Liberty vs. Order Liberalism & Conservatism A Unique American Democracy