Let's Find Out! Government

When asked about government, young readers are apt to discuss the president or the U.S. Capitol. But they likely overlook state government and local government, the two components of the U.S. government that are most relevant to their lives. In this volume, state and local governments are at the forefront. Readers will learn about the levels of government, what state and local governments are responsible for, the leaders of state and local governments and how they run them, and how kids can get involved in government.

Many people don't spend much time pondering the concept of citizenship. This informative title explores the basic concepts of citizenship and explains to readers why it's such an important facet of the government. The resource explains what defines citizenship, including one's rights and responsibilities. Readers learn about the many ways people become citizens as well as the process of naturalization. It goes on to describe the ways in which one can endeavor to be a responsible citizen through actions such as voting and serving on a jury.

This guide for young readers explains the sometimes complicated concept of government by focusing on one particular and important aspect. Readers will understand what the legislative branch is and the role it plays within the state and federal government. They will also be introduced to some of the most important and interesting people who have worked in this branch of government, including both past and present members of the U.S. Congress. Full-color photos and diagrams help to illustrate what kind of decisions are made in Congress and how those decisions affect the everyday lives of Americans.

Voting may not be a legal obligation, but it is certainly one of the most important privileges citizens of a democracy have. Serving as a primer on civic engagement, this lively volume teaches readers about the basics of the electoral process-from registration to casting a ballot-in the United States. Readers will learn about the different types of elections, what campaigns are, and how ordinary citizens can effect change. Guiding questions invite readers to consider the reasons for various electoral practices and educate them on the importance of making their voices heard.

In this lively, accessible, and highly informative survey, readers come to understand the workings of American representative democracy. They learn about the Constitution, checks and balances, and how the executive branch of government is organized. The president and vice president￢ﾀﾙs powers are studied, as well as those of the cabinet and staff who offer help to the executive office. Readers discover the power of the veto, how policy is crafted, how the president carries out enumerated and implied powers that are mentioned in the Constitution, and what happens when a departing president hands over the office to the new president.

Understanding the United States Constitution is crucial for all young people who live in the U.S. Readers will learn about the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and how the delegates compromised on various issues so that all the colonies would ratify the Constitution. The checks and balances between the three branches of government are outlined. The relationship between the federal and state governments, the amendment process, and the passage of the Bill of Rights are clearly explained. This is an engaging guide to the most fundamental law in the United States.

A great introduction to the American justice system for young readers and a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of courts. Readers experience the real-life drama of how laws and their application are debated, argued, tested, and decided upon. Topics include the concept of justice, the separation of powers in the U.S. Constitution, the difference between state and federal courts, the judicial nomination process, landmark Supreme Court cases, and influential justices. Sidebars containing vocabulary words, prompts to compare and contrast, and extra information to think about enhance the learning experience.

In this engaging, informative title, the concepts of taxes and government funding are broken down in a way that early-elementary-level readers will understand and find captivating. The history of taxes is covered from ancient Rome through pre-Revolutionary America, as are the different types of taxes and how taxes are used in the United States today. "Think About It boxes encourage readers to think critically about the topics discussed in the text and how taxes relate to their own lives. Compare and Contrast sidebars also promote key skills included in the Common Core standards.