CLEP American Government Test

What Is on the CLEP American Government Test?

The American Government CLEP test comprises 100 multiple-choice questions that evaluate the test-takers grasp of significant themes, concepts, theories and developments in introductory American government and politics. This includes knowledge of American political institutions and systems, interpretation and understanding of political behavior and the frameworks used to interpret government procedures and processes, as well as analysis of relevant political data. Central ideas in the American legal system and civil rights and liberties are also a key portion of the CLEP Government test.

Institutions and Policy Processes: Presidency, Bureaucracy, Congress, and the Federal Courts

The first content area of the U.S. Government CLEP test assesses knowledge of the major powers and interactions between the three branches of the United States government. In addition to the structural makeup of the branches, candidates are also tested on their understanding of essential law- and decision-making processes, the role of major entities like the United States Supreme Court, as well as the relationships between the major branches of government, interest groups, parties and the American public. This topic area is approximately 30-35% of the test questions.

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

This topic area of the U.S. Government CLEP covers the history and evolution of key civil rights and liberties in American life, with a focus on the role of the judiciary in their establishment. Central components and ideas of founding American documents like the US Bill of Rights, the process by which it was added to the United States legal code, and its core content are also evaluated, in addition to guiding legal concepts such as the right to due process and equal protection under the law. This topic section consists of 10-15% of the questions.

Political Parties and Interest Groups

In this topic area, candidates will be tested on the histories, key developments, and functions of major United States political parties, as well as their influence on the political process. Consisting of about 15-20% of the CLEP Government test questions, candidates will also be evaluated on their understanding of the activities and influence of special interest groups, in addition to the roles both political parties and interest groups play in the American electoral process.

Political Beliefs and Behaviors

Comprising 15-20% of the American Government CLEP Test, this topic section evaluates test-takers comprehension of political participation, processes of political education, and the influence of public opinion on political systems and elections. This area requires candidates to analyze and identify major beliefs on the role and scope of government, factors that determine political perceptions and identity, and the influence of public opinion and reception of political candidates and parties.

Constitutional Underpinnings of American Democracy

The final topic area of the Government CLEP Test covers the major themes, concepts, and theories that are common throughout various subject areas of American government and politics. Constitutional concepts such as the structure of federalism, the separation of powers among the branches, and the core systems of checks and balances in the U.S. government will be evaluated and require interpretation as well as definition. In addition, the exam will cover ideas and compromises that led to the adoption of the Constitution, plus critical theories of democracy, such as the rights of the minority and the concept of majority rule. This topic section will comprise about 15-20% of the exam.