Look at Your Government (Spanish)

The US president is the face of the United States to the rest of the world. However, he or she doesn't have unlimited power within the country. The president has certain powers given by the Constitution, including the ability to make treaties, appoint some important government officials, and veto laws. Readers learn the many duties of the president in simple, clear language appropriate for both younger readers and older readers looking for a succinct review of the topic. Fact boxes supplement the main content with important details about checks and balances, amendments, and more that affect the presidency today.

The Founding Fathers made Congress two houses for a reason. The Senate gives every state equal representation, while the House of Representatives allows states with a larger population a bigger voice in government. Learning how this system works is an important piece of understanding how laws are made in the United States. This book breaks down the many jobs of Congress as well as the specific qualifications needed to be a representative or senator. Written simply and clearly, the social studies content can aid any student looking to better understand how Congress works.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. While it only hears about 80 cases out of the thousands that petition to be heard, the court's decisions have a big impact. The most important job of the Supreme Court is to decide the constitutionality of laws and actions. This process is broken down for readers in simple terms that support their understanding of the judicial branch. The main content offers curriculum-based information about the court's relationship with the Constitution, justice appointments, and how justices write opinions. Fact boxes supply definitions and further explanations of more complicated ideas.

Our nation's laws go through a long process before they are enacted. Bills are scrutinized and researched by committees in both the House and Senate and may be rewritten several times before they pass. This book breaks down the complicated process into digestible steps for readers looking to better understand an important component of the social studies curriculum. Fact boxes further clarify how the government works, supply key terms, and give more detail about congressional committees. A concluding flowchart allows readers to review the process even more easily.

When the Constitution was written, some of the Founding Fathers wanted to include a provision that only those in Congress vote for president. Others felt it was important that the former colonists got to vote directly for their president. The Electoral College was the compromise reached-and it's still how the president and vice president are elected today. This often-confusing topic is broken down step by step for readers. Simple, clear language and elaborating fact boxes target readers new to understanding the Electoral College system and those looking for a thorough but succinct review.

Many Americans believe it is their civic duty to vote. However, in most elections, less than half of eligible voters show up at the polls. Readers are introduced to the many reasons why voting is an important, including how voting allows the voice of the people to be heard. The main content tackles a complex idea of citizenship with accessible language and age-appropriate subject matter. Briefly covering social studies curriculum topics such as the Electoral College, disenfranchisement, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, this book serves as an excellent companion to classroom learning.