AP Comparative Government and Politics

Exam questions assess the course concepts and skills outlined in the course framework. For more information, download the AP Comparative Government and Politics Course and Exam Description (CED).

Encourage your students to visit the AP Comparative Government and Politics student page for exam information.

The AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam has question types and point values that remain stable and consistent from year to year, so you and your students know what to expect on exam day.

Section I: Multiple Choice

55 Questions | 60 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score

• Individual questions (no stimulus): 40–44 questions.
• Set-based questions:
  • Quantitative Analysis: 3 sets of questions asking students to analyze a quantitative stimulus (line graphs, charts, tables, maps, or infographics)
  • Qualitative Analysis: 2 sets of questions asking students to analyze text-based secondary sources
• The 6 countries addressed in AP Comparative Government and Politics are: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom.

Section II: Free Response

4 Questions | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score

• Concept Application: Define or describe a political concept and explain and/or compare political systems, principles, institutions, processes, policies, or behaviors.
• Quantitative Analysis: Analyze quantitative data, identify a trend or pattern, or draw a conclusion from a visual representation and explain how it relates to political systems, principles, institutions, processes, policies, or behaviors.
• Comparative Analysis: Compare political concepts, systems, institutions, or policies in different course countries.
• Argument Essay: Develop an argument in the form of an essay, using evidence from course countries related to the course concepts in the question prompt.

2023: Free-Response Questions