Books with author Jason Porterfield

In this lively, accessible, and highly informative survey, readers come to understand the workings of American representative democracy. They learn about the Constitution, checks and balances, and how the executive branch of government is organized. The president and vice president s powers are studied, as well as those of the cabinet and staff who offer help to the executive office. Readers discover the power of the veto, how policy is crafted, how the president carries out enumerated and implied powers that are mentioned in the Constitution, and what happens when a departing president hands over the office to the new president.

The Islamic empire arose spectacularly in the 7th century and exercised influence over a large geographic area until its fall to Mongol invaders in the 13th century. The rulers, called caliphs, ushered in a new Islamic civilization with customs and practices both distinct from and partially influenced by those of the areas it conquered. The reigns of these caliphates, including the Abbasid caliphate, which presided at the time of the Islamic Golden Age, are surveyed in this captivating volume. Readers will learn about the expansion of Islamic influence and the flourishing of scholarship in science, math, and more during this time.

Bonds, Armstrong, Landis, Giambi, Palmeiro - all are on an ever-growing list of prominent athletes whose names have come up in relation to sports doping. An important issue that will remain in the news for years to come, this book explores this headline issue. It explains what doping is, offers a brief history, and discusses anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. Describing the pressures that athletes face, it looks at why some feel forced to cheat. Society and medias roles are addressed, as well as the possible effects on young people today. Legal and legislative issues are also discussed, including congressional hearings, testing, and anti-doping laws.