Books in Spotlight on Civic Action series

It may be surprising to learn that U.S. citizens don't directly vote for their president. The president is actually elected by the Electoral College, a system that has been the subject of great debate in recent years. This informational book explains what the Electoral College is, how it works, and why it was established. Full-color photographs and primary sources help readers make valuable connections with the text. Students will be encouraged to think critically and ask important questions about our nation's election system.

In an era when Democrats and Republicans in the United States often disagree on key concepts, understanding how individuals and institutions interact to work toward the common good has never been more important. This informative text takes an in-depth look at civic engagement in the United States, focusing on institutions such as the news media, political parties, and the U.S. Postal Service. Primary sources give readers a better understanding of how U.S. citizens and their government have interacted throughout history to create positive change for the people. This important early elementary social studies subject is covered in rich detail and enhanced with full-color images on each page.

Being a part of a community is a privilege. In this informative and inspiring text, readers will learn about the responsibilities and benefits of active citizenship. This volume covers ways to become an informed citizen, how to make your voice heard in the community, how to affect change, and the roles of public servants in the community. The direct language and appealing photographs will hold readers' attention, reinforcing concepts covered in elementary social studies curriculum.

It can be difficult to take each person's ideas into consideration when trying to make a decision. However, respecting different points of view is essential to coming to a consensus. The U.S. government governs by consensus, meaning that it takes into consideration all the relationships between each branch of the federal government as well as the federal government's relationship to each state government. On a smaller scale, students will understand how reaching a consensus can help reach a decision by making each person involved in a decision feel as though their point of view has value.

What does it mean to be part of a constitutional democracy? In this educational text, readers will learn about the founding principles of democracy, why and how political authority is limited, and how institutions operate and interact in this form of government. Instilling young readers with a greater understanding of the structures, powers, and limits of government that affect their daily lives as Americans, this text covers key elementary social studies concepts.

One of the easiest ways to be an active and involved citizen is to volunteer your time and services in your community. Readers will learn about the importance of community service and volunteering. This interesting social studies subject is brought to life through primary sources and full-color photographs. After reading this informative text, students will have a better understanding of ways they can become active citizens, such as by volunteering at a homeless shelter, donating to a food bank, or helping to build a house. Readers will be excited to go out and give back to their communities.

When the Founding Fathers drew up the Constitution, they envisioned a system of government in which no single person had all the power. In this fact-filled book, readers will learn about the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the U.S. government. Students will learn what each branch does and how they work together to keep our country running through a system of checks and balances. Primary sources enrich the text and bring history to life. Students will enjoy learning about this important early elementary social studies subject.

It may be surprising to learn that U.S. citizens don't directly vote for their president. The president is actually elected by the Electoral College, a system that has been the subject of great debate in recent years. This informational book explains what the Electoral College is, how it works, and why it was established. Full-color photographs and primary sources help readers make valuable connections with the text. Students will be encouraged to think critically and ask important questions about our nation's election system.

The development of the U.S. Constitution was influenced by tenets of a republican government. Civic virtue, or concern for the common good, guides how U.S. citizens go about living their daily lives. This book defines civic virtue and gives concrete examples of civic virtue in practice. Civic virtue requires citizens to put the common good ahead of their own personal desires to make sure that the republican government operates fairly for all citizens. The Constitution stresses the importance of the government existing for the people and being run by the people, which of course heavily relies upon the peoples' interpretation of Civic virtue.