Handbook to American Democracy

Gr 9 Up-These volumes explore the nature, foundations, and organization of our system of government and present users interested in its workings and its component liberal political principles with "essential tools" for understanding related processes. Volume one provides an introduction to fundamental principles of justice, civil liberties, and the exercise of political power in America while tracing the origins of our political system back to the founding fathers, the American Revolution, and the creation of the republic. Each of the other volumes is dedicated to an individual component of our tripartite government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, providing critical information on each branch's historical and constitutional backgrounds, political evolution, procedural and structural makeup, and operational relation to coordinate branches. This well-designed reference tool skillfully canvasses a gargantuan topic with critical analysis, economic depth, and a lucid scholarship. It will engage even the most reluctant of researchers. A handful of black-and-white photos and sidebars on prominent people and ideas is scattered throughout what is otherwise a straightforward presentation adaptable to individual topic research or a cover-to-cover read.—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, Calera, AL