U.S. Government Q & A!

Laws affect almost every part of our daily lives, so students should understand both why we have them and how they come to be. From introduction as a bill to reaching the president's desk in the oval office, the process is outlined step-by-step in this excellent volume. Key players in the process are highlighted along with landmark laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Full-color photographs, and quotes from famous Americans further enhance the informative narrative. Obscure terms like filibuster and cloture come to light as readers learn about the importance of the legislative system.

For more than 60-years, there have been 50 states in the United States of America, and 50 stars on the American flag, but it wasn't always that way. The United States started with only 13 states. Young readers will learn about how America grew from 13 to 50 states in the nearly 250 years since the country's founding. This book answers questions about the process of adding new states, and how a territory can apply to be a state. Cool facts about some of the more recently added states will intrigue readers.

With our current laws, the United States federal government has a lot of power. It can print money, make laws, and declare war, but what about the powers that the federal government doesn't have? These powers are called states' rights and have been a law since the Bill of Rights was passed in 1789. Your readers will learn about the powers that states have in America today, the history of these rights, and how this idea has been used as justification for war and discrimination.

When the framers of the Constitution were creating a new government, representation was an issue near and dear to their patriotic hearts. After all, "No Taxation Without Representation" was a reason they'd just fought with Britain. They decided on a legislative branch with two houses, each with its own powers and limitations. Why did they choose this system? Which famous figures battled over this bicameral vision? Over 200 years later, how has it changed, and does it still fulfill their expectations? Historical data, fun facts, and quotes from important Americans teach students about the law-making branch of government.

The electoral college is a term often heard during U.S. presidential elections. This process is how Americans select their president and vice president. While many older people are still unsure of how it works, young political scientists will have all the answers after reading this valuable volume. They'll learn why the electoral college was established by the Constitution, how it has worked throughout U.S. history, and the controversies surrounding it today. Important social studies vocabulary, photographs of elections in action, colorful maps, and quotes and explanations from historical figures shed light on this need-to-know issue.

America had just won their war for Independence. It was time to set up a brand-new government. They knew they did not want to put too much power into the hands of one leader. Instead, they created three equal branches of government: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. How could this new government make sure that one branch didn't gain too much power? Readers explore how the system of checks and balances works with examples of each type of check and balance. Additional information is presented in an easily understood graphic organizer.