Organize course content in a clear, accessible format.
Track current events and connect them to AP concepts.
Develop comparative analysis skills across the six countries.
Create a study tool for review and exam prep.
Vocabulary
20+ terms per unit
Organized by unit/topic.
Unit 1 · Political Systems, Regimes, & Governments
StatePolitical organization with a monopoly on the legitimate use of force in a territory.NationA group of people with a shared identity (culture, history, language).RegimeRules and norms that determine how power is acquired and used.GovernmentLeaders/administration in power at a given time.
Unit 2 · Political Institutions
ExecutiveBranch that implements and enforces laws/policy.LegislatureBranch that makes laws; can be bicameral or unicameral.
Unit 3 · Political Culture & Participation
Civil SocietyVoluntary associations outside the state.
Country Pages
UK · Russia · China · Mexico · Nigeria · Iran
Each page includes political structure, key institutions, social cleavages, recent news with AP connections, and a comparison box.
Basic Political Structure
Regime Type: Democratic
System: Parliamentary
Electoral System: FPTP (Commons); others vary
Constitution: Uncodified (statutes, conventions)
Key Institutions
Executive: PM & Cabinet
Legislature: House of Commons & Lords
Judiciary: UK Supreme Court; independent
Parties: Conservatives, Labour, etc.
Social Cleavages & Issues
Regional (England/Scotland/Wales/NI)
Class & income inequality
Immigration & identity
Recent News → AP Concept
Add at least one recent example & connect it.
LegitimacyPolitical ParticipationRule of Law
Headline:[Add recent UK news headline]
Summary: Who/What/Where/Why it matters
AP Connection: e.g., party discipline in parliamentary systems
Reflection: So what for society/government?
Source: Link
Basic Political Structure
Regime Type: Authoritarian (hybrid history)
System: Semi-presidential
Electoral System: Mixed-member (Duma)
Constitution: 1993 (amended)
How it became a modern state: Collapse of the soviet union, Economic reforms in the 1990s, Vladmir Putin, Imperial Reforms, Industrialization, Global integration, Technological and social modernization, Vladimir Putin taking power, Industrial Revolution and World War 2
Key Institutions
Executive: President & PM
Legislature: Federal Assembly (Duma + Federation Council)
Summary: Local politicians in the Swedish city of Vasteras shut down a Russian Orthodox church they believe is being used by the Kremlin as a spying hub. Supporters of the church say this is an act of Xenophobia towards Russians. This case highlights how religious or cultural institutions may be leveraged for espionage by foreign states. It raises important questions for Sweden’s national security, legal limits on religious freedoms, and broader questions about foreign influence in democratic countries.
AP Concept Connection: This connects to the concept of sovereignty and security in liberal democracies because Liberal democracies must balance the protection of civil liberties, like religious freedom and property rights, with safeguarding national security. When a non-state institution (here, a church) potentially becomes a tool for foreign intelligence, it tests the state’s ability to uphold sovereignty and security without undermining democratic values.
Short Reflection:
Questions for the class: Does this government response strengthen or weaken legitimacy?
Could this incident affect political participation—by inspiring civic action, or by fostering distrust?
Might a similar case occur in another AP country we study? Why or why not?
Study Tools
Timelines · Visuals · Practice
Timelines (per country)
Add key events in order. Duplicate for each country when needed.
1917 (Mexico) – Constitution established federal presidential system.
1999 (Nigeria) – Current constitution; return to civilian rule.
Infographics / Visuals
Here you'll find resources, graphs and infographics i've made.
Practice Questions
Use MCQs or short FRQs. Example MCQ template:
1) In a parliamentary system, the executive is…
Short FRQ prompt example: Explain how a mixed-member electoral system can affect party representation. Use evidence from two course countries.