For some of us, learning about American government in grade school and high school was an enthralling experience. For most, however, it was just one more subject to be dreaded. Fortunately, The Everything® American Government Book can make the experience easy and enjoyable — as simple as watching the History Channel or reading a newspaper. You'll be amazed at how American government comes to life in the pages ahead. And it might even get your youngsters to turn off the television and turn on to reading.
Understanding how our system of government works is a critical part of being a responsible citizen. Knowing the hows and whys of American government carries more importance than just being able to improve your score on the game show Jeopardy! It's about being an informed participant in the world's oldest constitutional democracy — a noble experiment brought to life by our Founding Fathers more than two centuries ago.
In many respects, it has been a remarkable privilege for Americans to bear witness to one of the most successful endeavors of all mankind. It is easy to forget or overlook the genius and inspiration that breathed life into the American experiment. Sometimes it helps to be reminded.
And yet with that privilege come responsibilities. As one former Speaker of the House once put it, living in a democracy isn't easy; it requires willing members to be actively engaged in all facets of civic life. In our system of governance, there is no higher virtue than participation and no greater vice than apathy. Unfortunately, apathy has gotten the better of participation in recent years.
Let The Everything® American Government Book serve as an easy-to-use reference guide to understanding American government — from the Bill of Rights to the presidential elections and everything in between — and the responsibilities that come with being an American citizen. If you have questions about how the electoral college works, where the presidential primaries begin, or the services that local government provides, just pick up this book and the answers are at your fingertips. It also provides practical information, such as how to register to vote, run for office, contact elected officials, and seek government solutions. Understanding our government has never been this easy.
And if you're seeking an even deeper appreciation of our system of government, let The Everything® American Government Book serve as a companion on your quest for knowledge, a journey that ideally will last a lifetime. Perhaps it will spur some readers to take a trip to Washington, D.C., or their state's capital to observe the wheels of government in motion. The pilgrimage will be well worth the while. There is something quite wondrous about seeing the majesty of the White House, the halls of Congress, and the Supreme Court up close, and realizing that they belong to us. The monuments of our Republic are simply awe-inspiring.
Like everything touched by human hands, our system of government is flawed. Thomas Jefferson all but confessed this in a letter to a friend more than two hundred years ago, when he wrote, “With all the imperfections of our present government, it is without comparison the best existing, or that ever did exist.” As you'll see, that statement is just as true today as it was 200 years ago.