Customer Reviews

The Congress of the United States (True Books: American History)

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Here in the United States we are considered to be a "democracy." In other words that means that we, as a people, select the people who run our government and "make the laws." We have three different branches in our government, but the one that is responsible for making the laws in the Congress. It is the "legislative, or lawmaking, branch." Congress consists of two houses, on is the Senate and the other is the House of Representatives. In this book you will find out who occupies each house and what they do.

For example you will learn that in the House of representatives the elected members serve for two years and represent approximately 690,000 people. If you come from a small state, you have fewer representatives. At this time we have 435 members in the House. In the Senate there are only 100 members and each elected senator serves six years. Each state, regardless of size, is entitled to two representatives and as a result "all states have equal power in the Senate." You will learn about the Speaker of the House, the powers each branch has, the committees, how they write and pass bills, how an "idea turn[s] into a law," requirements for election, the kinds of sessions they have, privileges accorded the members, their histories and you'll get to read about several "memorable moments in Congress."

This is a clear, concise overview of Congress that is very easy to read and laid out in a very appealing manner. This is a "True Book" that challenges the student to figure out which of two statements presented in front of the book is true. There are numerous fun facts scattered throughout the book, informative sidebars and photographs. In the back of the book are "important words," an index, a page of true statistics and additional recommended book, organization and we site resources. Did you know that there are members in the House of Representatives who cannot vote? You'll just have to read this book to find out who they are!

This series is a great way to introduce elementary age children to our government. I found it to be very helpful teaching elementary kids in a read aloud setting as well as beneficial for review for middle school children to study independently. A great series to have in your home library if you homeschool.