Books in Know Your Government series

As the upper chamber of the United States Congress, the Senate has a long and storied history. Its members serve for six-year terms and are responsible for confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, and other high-profile assignments. The Senate also reviews legislation sent up by the House of Representatives. George Washington described the Senate as a "cooling saucer" where pending legislation could "cool" before being turned into law. This book takes you inside the U.S. Senate, from its inception in the early days of the American republic through the present. Follow along on the daily schedule of a senator and learn how senators introduce and pass legislation. Learn about key figures in the history of the Senate, such as the first female and African-American senators. Get in-depth information on the role of Senate staff, constituent services, and the ways the House and Senate collaborate in matters such as impeachment. Whether you're a political newbie or have studied the Senate before, this book is a great introduction to America's legislature.

"Here, sir, the people govern." So the Founding Father Alexander Hamilton characterized the House of Representatives, known to many as the "People's House." House members are always elected, never appointed, and serve only two-year terms. This ensures that new ideas are continually introduced into the legislative process. Yet the House has faced criticism for partisanship, gridlock, and inefficiency, and representatives for putting their own bids for reelection above the interests of the people. This book takes you into the heart of the House of Representatives. Learn about its origins and the debates between the Founders as they attempted to set up a new government. Discover the special duties of the House spelled out in the Constitution. Find out more about the relationship between the House and Senate, the importance of House committees, key pieces of legislation throughout history, and how a bill becomes a law. The actions of the House can have a lasting effect on Americans' daily lives. This volume of the Know Your Government series will clue you in on all the action.