Who's Your Candidate? Choosing Government Leaders

The House of Representatives is the voice of the American people, just like the student council speaks for the student body or class. Being part of student council or taking another leadership role in school can be a great experience for students. But the road to election can seem like a long one-and even longer for those who aspire to a political career! With main content including the setup of the House, who is eligible, and how one is elected, this book uniquely relates House candidates' experiences to readers working for student leadership positions.

When in a position of leadership, there's almost nothing more valuable than a person who always supports and challenges you. The vice president of an organization, much like the vice president of the United States, aids the president in any way they can, including stepping up to the top role if the president can no longer hold it. Readers learn about how one becomes US vice president and the duties of this sometimes-overlooked position. In addition, specially designated sidebars and content relate this federal process to student elections and organizations to aid readers in pursuing their leadership ambitions.

A state governor is the leader of all the people of a state, just like a leader of an organization speaks for its people. Being a leader in a school or community organization is a great experience, but it takes a lot of work. The road to becoming a politician can seem complicated, especially when you think about being elected. With content that explores the role of the state governor, who is eligible, and how one is elected, this book uniquely relates state governors' experiences to readers working for student leadership positions.

A Supreme Court justice's first job is upholding the US Constitution. The path to becoming an esteemed justice is long and the process for appointment can be very controversial. In addition to an introduction to this important branch of the US government, the main content and complementary sidebars relate becoming a justice to positions of student leadership readers themselves may hold. Positions on student courts and disciplinary committees can be difficult but valuable experiences, and this book aids readers as they navigate them.

Called the Higher House of Congress, the US Senate is structured so that older, wiser state representatives hold office in it. The Founding Fathers wanted one part of Congress to have longer terms to take on bigger responsibilities and see them through. Similarly, students running for a leadership position in a school-wide organization need to have experience and vision. Readers explore the process of becoming a senator through the unique lens of wanting to obtain leadership themselves. Clear tie-ins to readers' campaigns engage them with the main content, including integral parts of the social studies curriculum.

Becoming one of the most powerful leaders in the world is enticing, but the path to U.S. president is a difficult one. The campaign may be years long, and financing is complicated. While running for student council president or other major student leadership position may not cost as much, preparation for the job can also be daunting. This book not only introduces readers to the process of becoming the American president, but also guides them through their own campaign. The main content relates the electoral process to readers' lives whenever possible, including sidebars written for ambitious students eager to lead.