American Government 101: From the Continental Congress to the Iowa Caucus, Everything You Need to Know About US Politics by Kathleen Spears

For many, the American government — its history, structure and purpose — can be a confusing and complex subject to understand. American Government 101: From the Continental Congress to the Iowa Caucus, Everything You Need to Know about US Politics by Kathleen Spears is an insightful guide to this vast system. From the basics of our political process to the intricacies of modern politics, this book provides readers with easy-to-read summaries of the United States' governing framework.

American Government 101 starts off by providing a concise overview of the history and structure of the US government. Spear introduces readers to the first establishment of government in the United States, and the steps taken to secure United States sovereignty. The authors dives into the Congress, and then moves to the different branches of the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive Branches. This discussion is designed to explain the different roles of each branch and how they work together to create and implement laws.

Spears then covers some of the major historical documents that have shaped the American Political System. From the Declaration of Independence to the US Constitution, readers will gain a better understanding of how these documents have outlined the rules and regulations that define the relationship between the US government and its citizens.

Next, the book focuses on the different elections and other political processes that occur in the United States. It covers the vital importance of local, state, and federal elections, and explains the distinctions between a primary and a general election, or between a presidential and congressional election. It also sheds light on the most important elements of the election process, from voter registration and the Electoral College to voter turnout, gerrymandering, and campaign finance.

Finally, American Government 101 dives into some of the more recent changes occurring in the US political landscape. It sheds light on the developments of the past decade, from the use of machines to register voters to the influence of social media on campaigns. It also discusses the controversial subject of gerrymandering, which is when legislators make district boundaries to give one political party an unfair advantage in elections.

In conclusion, American Government 101 is an essential text for those looking to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of American Politics. Through a thorough and informative breakdown of the US government, readers will gain a greater appreciation for the framework of the US political system. From the details of the Constitution to the impact of social media on politics, this text gives readers a comprehensive overview of US politics, and provides the necessary education to best engage in the American political process.