What Are the Parts of Government? (My American Government) [Paperback]

William David Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: My American Government

In what ways are the branches of government like a basketball game? How can a school yard game's rules liken themselves to a constitution? Through engaging analogies and introductions, our new government series gets students ready for election 2008. Correlated to the fourth and fifth grade social studies curriculum, My American Government introduces students to how our government works. Students learn about the U.S. Constitution, the branches of government, citizens' basic rights, and how we elect our leaders.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Gareth Stevens Publishing (January 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836888677
• ISBN-13: 978-0836888676
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,932,199 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book is clear, concise and accomplishes its goal of explaining the parts of government!, July 26, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What Are the Parts of Government? (My American Government) (Paperback)

Kelcey was trying to help her sister Kylie explain what the government was all about and likened it to a game of basketball. She explained that the U.S. Constitution was "the highest law in the land" and then talked about its three main branches. The executive, legislative branch, and the judicial branches all had specific jobs to do. The executive branch was "the coach," the legislative branch (Congress) was like the team and the judicial branch was "like the referees."
Kelcey explained to her sister they all had to work together and, of course, they have to in order for our government to function properly.

In this book you will learn about the role of the president in the executive branch of government. He "oversees the major offices of the U.S. government" and is "commander-in-chief of the armed forces." You'll also learn about how he can make treaties, his ability to veto bills passed by congress and how is he "a symbol of the nation." You learn about the vice president, the cabinet and federal agencies such as the Secret Service. You'll read about the legislative branch, the role of Congress, its membership, its powers, its responsibilities, how bills become law and you'll learn about the judicial branch and our Supreme Court. Finally you'll learn about the similar set up of our state governments.

This book has a casual introduction by two sisters, one of whom likens government to the game of basketball, but it quickly reverts to "the facts." The analogy is a good one and may help some students put the role of the parts of government in perspective. The book is clear, concise and accomplishes its goal of explaining the parts of government. This can easily be used as a stepping stone to a school report. There are numerous photographs and informative sidebars scattered throughout the book. In the back there is an index, a glossary and additional recommended book and web site resources. Anyone for a game of basketball . . . er, government?