How the U.S. Government Works (Paperback)

by Syl Sobel (Author) "The men and women in Congress meet with each other often..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, House of Representatives

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Understanding how the government of the United States works can sometimes be a daunting task for adults, so imagine how challenging it can be to children. Now, with this easy-to-follow, simplified, fully illustrated book, written by one of the directors of the Judicial Center in Washington, D.C., children will have a guide that untangles the web of complexity behind the workings of our democratic government.

Having someone who works in the judicial branch of our government lay out how our government works in book form brings an unprecedented clarity to the subject for children.

In addition to explaining the three distinct branches of our federal government, the book discusses the extension of the judicial branch throughout the country by our federal court system. How government officials are elected and appointed is also explained, as is the unique concept that government employees work for the people.

The book is not overwhelming in size or scope and the layout, featuring Pam Tanzey's illustrations, creates a visual presentation that will not intimidate children and is easy to digest. The book also includes a map of the capital area to further help familiarize students with Washington, D.C.. Useful as a shorthand guide to our government, or as a supporting text, How The U. S. Government Works, which also contains an illustrated glossary, is an informed and engaging overview for children of the miracle and makeup of the day-to-day mechanism of our democracy, told by a government insider.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764111116
• ISBN-13: 978-0764111112
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,359 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good reference book for social studies lessons!, January 4, 2004

By	"galaseller" (Gresham, OR) - See all my reviews

I bought this as a reference book for my middle school-aged children. It does not get bogged down with lengthy discussions. Rather, it is written for the younger crowd and does exactly what I wanted it to do. I would recommend this book to parents looking for a simplified explanation for their children of how the U.S. government is set up.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fast and Simple, July 5, 2008

By	S. Seigel (Planet Earth) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a book I could hand most American fourth graders to familiarize them with the workings of the U.S. government. While its target audience is preteens, it has also been helpful when familiarizing foreigners with our form of government.

The book is very short, very simplified and exactly what any non-genius needs for their first exposure to the concepts (as opposed to reading the Constitution for instance). I handed a copy to a foreign-born high school student prior to her 11th grade government class and she told me it made the difference between a C and the A she received. My only explanation is that it gave her a context for understanding.

While not a book for adults generally, if you are either VERY rusty or you never learned much in your youth about the workings of the U.S.A., and if you are a typical reader, it would be 15-45 minutes well spent.

18 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book was the best educational book i've ever read!, November 3, 1999

By	Nancy Kelly (North Potomac, MD) - See all my reviews

Syl Sobel is my nextdoor neighbor. This book is a wonderful resource for the whole family. It is illustrated, has a glossary for those hard to know terms and an index! Buy this book today!!