The Everything American Government Book · From the Constitution to Present-Day Elections, All You Need to Understand Our Democratic System (Everything®) by Ragone, Nick -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Acknowledgments Top Ten Things You Should Know About American Government Introduction 1: The Birth of a Nation

Settling the New World The Struggle for Independence Articles of Confederation Drafting the Constitution The Process of Ratification Race to the Finish Line

2: The Constitution

The Preamble Article I: Legislative Branch Article II: Executive Branch Article III: Judicial Branch Article IV: Relations among the States Article V: Amendments Article VI: National Supremacy

3: The Bill of Rights

How the Bill Was Born Freedom of Expression The Right to Bear Arms Criminal Rights Amendments Protecting Rights Other Amendments to the Constitution

4: The House of Representatives

The People’s House Take Me to Your Leader House by Committee Rules Rule Cliques and Caucuses So You Want to Be a Member?

5: The Senate

Cooling Off the House The Privileges of Membership Who Runs This Place? Subject to Debate Joining the Club Presidential Dreaming

6: Inside Congress

Congress Is in Session The Congressman’s Roles Making Decisions Working with Others The Role of Staff House Versus Senate

7: Making a Law

A Nation of Laws Introducing Legislation Committee Referral Committee Consideration Scheduling Debate Floor Action Agreement Between the House and Senate Presidential Prerogative

8: The Presidency

A Special Office The First American President Evolution of the Presidency A Day in the Life of a President Styles of Leadership Who Runs? Presidential Succession The First Lady

9: Powers of the President

Chief Executive Head of State Commander in Chief Chief Diplomat Legislator in Chief Party Leader Comforter in Chief

10: The Vice Presidency

The Early Years The Modern Vice Presidency Vice President As Successor Selecting a Vice President The Vice President’s Campaign Role The Changes Continue

11: Cabinet and Staff

History and Purpose of the Cabinet Name That Cabinet Department Why Are New Departments Created? Those Who Serve in the Cabinet White House Staff Nongovernmental Advisors

12: The Rest of the Federal Bureaucracy

Basic Organization The Bureaucracy’s Role in Government Who Are the Bureaucrats? Getting Appointed Controlling the Bureaucracy Attempts at Reform

13: The Federal Judiciary

History of the Federal Judiciary Sources of American Law The Power of Judicial Review The Federal Court System Getting into Federal Court State Courts

14: The Supreme Court

Through the Centuries Appointing Justices Making It to the Supreme Court How the Court Selects Its Docket Rendering a Decision Checks on the Supreme Court

15: The Federal Budget

Control over the Federal Budget Office of Management and Budget The Budget Process Today Where Does the Money Go? Pork-Barrel Spending Deficits and Debt Raising Revenues

16: Political Parties

Evolution of the Two-Party System Republicans and Democrats Today The Party Issues Why a Two-Party System? The Role of Political Parties How the Parties Are Organized

17: Interest Groups

What Are Interest Groups? Historically Speaking Types of Interest Groups Strategies and Tactics Regulating Lobbyists Influence over Foreign Policy

18: The Media

An Emerging Influence The Impact of the Internet The Role of Media in Government Influencing the Media The Function of Media in Political Campaigns The Media and the Presidency

19: Presidential Primaries and Elections

The Process Getting Organized Debates and Straw Polls Winning the Nomination Nominating Conventions General Election The Electoral College

20: State Government

Federal Versus State State Constitutions With Governor at the Helm Gubernatorial Powers State Legislatures Other Statewide Positions Reapportionment and Redistricting

21: Local Government

County Government City Government New England Town Government Special Districts Regional Government Local Politics

22: Getting Involved

Every Vote Counts! How to Vote Contacting Elected Officials Volunteering on a Political Campaign Joining an Interest Group Running for Office