Make sure that you know the material, it is a super discussion based class and requires you to understand basic principles and able to apply them to current events. Many of this is a result of having knowledge of current events and basic knowledge of the American government system, so it is easy to get discussion points, most of the class is based on this so to do well on tests and on the ap test you need to commit yourself to learning the specific details at home. There is not a ton of guidance on which details to know and which you do not need to know. The class is a very fun environment if you like American politics and discussing politics, it relies on your enjoyment and following of current events rather than just preparing for the test. Mr. Bergquist enjoys a teachable moment, you will have more of these rather than following a really strict syllabus.