How the U.S. Government Works: ...and how it all comes together to make a nation

By Syl Sobel J.D.

This updated, easy-to-read book about the United States for kids explains the federal system as it works today. It also discusses why the framers of the Constitution created the U.S. government in the 18th century and the purposes it was designed to serve.

Parents, teachers, and gift givers will find:

• an easy-to-read book about a complex subject revised for the classroom and home
• curriculum aligned vocabulary, expanded glossary, discussion questions, and resource guide
• information on how presidents and other officials are elected or appointed

Described are the Legislative branch, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives; the Executive branch, headed by the President with the Cabinet members; and the Judicial branch, comprised of the Supreme Court of the United States and the lower federal courts throughout the nation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sourcebooks
• Release date: Apr 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781438083339

Syl Sobel J.D.

Syl Sobel, J.D., is Director, Publications & Media Division, Federal Judicial Center, Washington, D.C. He is also the author of How the U.S. Government Works, The U.S. Constitution and You, and Presidential Elections, all available from B.E.S.

Book preview

To Marissa,

who asked me to write this book.

Text © copyright 2012, 1999 by Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. and Syl Sobel, J.D.

Illustrations Copyright © 2012, 1999 by Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.

First eBook publication February 2012.

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner.

All inquiries should be addressed to:

Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.

250 Wireless Boulevard

Hauppauge, New York 11788

www.barronseduc.com

ISBN: 978-0-7641-4792-0

eISBN: 978-1-4380-8333-9

Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 2011934083

   TABLE OF CONTENTS   

INTRODUCTION

THE CONGRESS

THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

THE PRESIDENT’S JOBS

THE COURTS

JUDGES

NOW YOU KNOW

YOUR JOB

GLOSSARY

   INTRODUCTION   

Why is there a government? To answer this question, first think about your school.

Can you imagine what your school would be like if each class had rules that were different from the rules in other classes? Or if each class made its own schedule without checking with the schedules in other classes? Or if the classes each had teachers but there was no principal.

What would happen if one class wanted to go to the library at 10 o’clock, but another class wanted to use the library at the same time? Who would decide which class would use