The Handy Civics Answer Book: How to Be a Good Citizen

Gr 8 Up–A thorough and accessible primer on citizenship in the United States that breaks down the three branches of government. In addition to a chapter on the U.S. Supreme Court, there is another entry on landmark rulings. Hudson, an attorney and law professor at Belmont College, has authored other related volumes in the "Handy Answer Book" series, including The Handy Supreme Court Answer Book. The layout is dynamic, and the information is formatted as a question-and-answer conversation. For example, "Who started the Boston Tea Party?" is followed by paragraphs on the events that led up to that historical event. Students will be fascinated to learn that not only was George Washington proposed as a monarch for the new nation, he was also proposed as one of a three-person executive branch. Smaller insets smashing misconceptions, providing further context, and expanding on related topics are set apart and spread sporadically throughout. An American flag serves as the bacground for these sidebars. Black-and-white photos and reproductions break up the text. Back matter includes an index and further reading.