American Government For Dummies (Paperback, 1st)

Introduction 1

Part 1: Setting the Foundation for a New Nation 5

Chapter 1: Designing a New Country and a New Constitution 7

Chapter 2: Dividing Powers to Establish Federalism 27

Part 2: Developing Political Structures 41

Chapter 3: Convening a Congress 43

Chapter 4: Focusing on the Presidency 65

Chapter 5: Adjusting the Judiciary Framework 85

Chapter 6: Building the Bureaucracy 101

Part 3: Safeguarding the People 115

Chapter 7: Addressing Civil Liberties 117

Chapter 8: Continuing the March for Civil Rights 137

Part 4: Making Policy: What a Government Must Do 155

Chapter 9: Making Public Policy 157

Chapter 10: Conducting Foreign Policy 177

Part 5: Participating in Politics 199

Chapter 11: Regarding Public Opinion and the Media 201

Chapter 12: Partaking in the Political Process 221

Chapter 13: Participating in Campaigns and Elections 237

Chapter 14: Examining Political Parties 255

Chapter 15: Discovering Interest Groups 281

Part 6: The Part of Tens 299

Chapter 16: The Ten Most Influential Court Cases in U.S History 301

Chapter 17: The Ten Most Influential Documents in U.S History 309

Index 317