I have no other book to compare it to, but it helps me review for my AP Government class tests. I sometimes wish it had more multiple test questions to offer, but overall the information is well classified and it goes into decent detail on every topic. The sample essays are very helpful.

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.

I strongly discourage the purchase or use of this book.

The book goes far too in depth and the "sample AP" questions are unimportant, trivia questions.

The only thing in the book which is noteworthy is the glossary. However, it contains too many specific terms which have NEVER nor will NEVER appear on the AP Test.

The sample essays found at the end of every chapter are also discouraging. The prompts are poorly written and the responses often center around unimportant things (such as): the family reinforcement act, statistics on Hispanic poverty etc......

Buy the Princeton Review Book for AP US Government and Politics.
Read it...Score a 5.

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!