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For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters
Discover everything you ever wanted to know about how the government really works with this accessible, highly designed and illustrated handbook from Marjory Stoneman Douglas AP government teacher Jeff Foster.
Now more than ever, it's so important for everyone to understand our government: where it came from, how it works, and how we can bring about change. And, after all, in the words of author and government teacher Jeff Foster, "If you don't participate, you can't complain."
This book is a comprehensive and entertaining guide that answers questions like: What is the Constitution? What are the branches of the government? What is the Electoral College? What are the political parties? What are the different responsibilities of the city, state, and federal governments?
Plus, discover the complete backstory on some of our government's most important moments, like why we wrote the Declaration of Independence, and how people since then have worked with -- and protested against -- the government to improve the lives of all Americans.
Each spread features a mix of black-and-white and full-color art, including infographics, charts, maps, political caricatures, and other engaging visual elements that will be fun and easy for kids to understand.
Includes a foreword from an inspiring, change-making activist, plus lots of amazing back matter about how kids can participate and get involved.
Now more than ever, it's so important for everyone to understand our government: where it came from, how it works, and how we can bring about change. And, after all, in the words of author and government teacher Jeff Foster, "If you don't participate, you can't complain."
This book is a comprehensive and entertaining guide that answers questions like: What is the Constitution? What are the branches of the government? What is the Electoral College? What are the political parties? What are the different responsibilities of the city, state, and federal governments?
Plus, discover the complete backstory on some of our government's most important moments, like why we wrote the Declaration of Independence, and how people since then have worked with -- and protested against -- the government to improve the lives of all Americans.
Each spread features a mix of black-and-white and full-color art, including infographics, charts, maps, political caricatures, and other engaging visual elements that will be fun and easy for kids to understand.
Includes a foreword from an inspiring, change-making activist, plus lots of amazing back matter about how kids can participate and get involved.
176 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
40 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Foster
60 books261 followersJeff Foster graduated in Astrophysics from Cambridge University in 2001. Several years after graduation, following a period of severe depression and illness, he became addicted to the idea of "spiritual enlightenment", and embarked on an intensive spiritual search which lasted for several years.
The spiritual search came to an absolute end with the clear seeing that there is only ever Oneness. In the clarity of this seeing, life became what it always was: spontaneous, clear, joyful and fully alive, and Jeff began to write and talk about "nonduality" (which he often calls "the utterly, utterly obvious").
He holds meetings and retreats in the UK and Europe, clearly and directly pointing to the frustrations surrounding the spiritual search, to the nature of mind, and to the Clarity at the heart of everything. His uncompromising approach, full of humor and compassion, shatters the mind's hopes for a future awakening, revealing the awakening that is always already present, right in the midst of life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 26, 2020
Civics education is like the “Defense Against the Dark Arts” of American education. Now I know what you’re thinking— “Oh God! Another Millenial comparing things to the Harry Potter books they read as children.” And you’re right— this is the real world, and we don’t have dark wizards and witches patrolling the streets of our country and wreaking havoc in our communities under the direction of a jingoistic fascist with a supernatural connection to his followers (...or do we?).
Still, as a Civics teacher myself, I find it crucially important that we bridge the enormous gap in knowledge about the foundational intentions and systematic intricacies of our constitutional republic. Without that knowledge base and skillset, young people turn into older people incapable of fully participating in our democracy. I heard Jeff Foster’s admonition to “participate and vote” when I was a student of his back in the early 2000s. His words and teaching inspired me to do just that—and I was THRILLED to see him take that challenge up to the macro level with this book. In it, young people (and we older people) are invited to learn about the nuts and bolts, intentions and outcomes of our nearly 250 year old grand experiment. The artist he works with does a great job of adding visual flare to the written content, too.
Couldn’t recommend this book enough. It’s concise but arms you with precisely the spells you need to counter the hexes and hoaxes of 2020 and beyond.
Still, as a Civics teacher myself, I find it crucially important that we bridge the enormous gap in knowledge about the foundational intentions and systematic intricacies of our constitutional republic. Without that knowledge base and skillset, young people turn into older people incapable of fully participating in our democracy. I heard Jeff Foster’s admonition to “participate and vote” when I was a student of his back in the early 2000s. His words and teaching inspired me to do just that—and I was THRILLED to see him take that challenge up to the macro level with this book. In it, young people (and we older people) are invited to learn about the nuts and bolts, intentions and outcomes of our nearly 250 year old grand experiment. The artist he works with does a great job of adding visual flare to the written content, too.
Couldn’t recommend this book enough. It’s concise but arms you with precisely the spells you need to counter the hexes and hoaxes of 2020 and beyond.
September 19, 2023
AMAZING book about all the ins and outs of government. Needed for homeschool curriculums and school libraries.
November 6, 2024
Very informative book about all the different sections of government explained in a simple way.
November 24, 2023
An excellent primer for adolescents- and even adults who need a refresher on government. Pragmatic advice on how to get involved, a sometimes annoyingly balanced viewpoint which sidesteps controversial but illuminating issues presented in a graphically pleasing and accessible format.
One glaring error early in the book when describing types of governments. Democracy, monarchy and dictatorships are there, and I was heartened, those being exactly what I teach in my government unit, although I also add anarchy.
The author loses some provenance when they state that communism and socialism are types of governments. As someone who is a certificated social studies teacher with a degree in economics, I assure you they are not. They are economic systems, not governments. That is a major factual error.
Excepting that quibble, a worthwhile read.
One glaring error early in the book when describing types of governments. Democracy, monarchy and dictatorships are there, and I was heartened, those being exactly what I teach in my government unit, although I also add anarchy.
The author loses some provenance when they state that communism and socialism are types of governments. As someone who is a certificated social studies teacher with a degree in economics, I assure you they are not. They are economic systems, not governments. That is a major factual error.
Excepting that quibble, a worthwhile read.
October 26, 2020
A very accessible and concise introduction to the way our United States Government is designed to work and why. Nice intro for middle schoolers, nice review for older teens, nice refresher for adults. Very well done by the AP Government teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
January 15, 2021
This is a great kids book about the US Gov't and how it works- it even explains the electoral college- which is GREAT. I still don't fully understand it but I understand better than I used to(lol). I liked this book because it's very straight forward, unbiased and explains everything in a way that can relate to kids- even how kids can get involved in government if they are interested. I had hoped it would be age appropriate for my oldest (in preschool) but this is definitely more of an elementary school book- earliest I would say is 2nd or 3rd grade but more likely 4th or 5th.
March 3, 2024
I bought this for my oldest when he kept having questions about how government worked. It lays things out so well. I decided to read it myself and it is great. Honestly, adults should use this as a refresher course because half of this stuff I can’t remember off the top of my head.
October 23, 2020
This is a great, bright, and engaging text. Perfect for educating youth about how America’s government was created, how it works, and how it has changed.
April 9, 2021
Title (italicize): For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters
Author: Jeff Foster
Illustrator (if separate from author): Julia McLaughlin
Genre: Non-Fiction
Theme(s): Government
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text): “People are always talking about how important it is to vote. But Why? Does one person really make a difference? The short answer is yes!”
Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words): The book talks a lot about why government is important, why people should vote and different types of people in the house/government. It’s a very informative book that explain how the government works in different steps.
Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words): Kirkus review explains how the book is very informative, breaks down the basics of the government and the pros and cons in the book. He calls it appealing and accessible civics primer. Scholastic said that the book is : a comprehensive and entertaining guide…” Praises how deep the book goes into about the government and the backstory.
Tell Me Framework (4 sentences in your own words):
Like(s): I really like how informative it is. Talks a lot about different governments, tells the backstory and at the end explains how kids can be involved.
Dislike(s): I find that some of the pictures can be a bit complicated for the children to follow along, especially the one with the steps.
Patterns(s): I have really noticed a pattern in the story.
Puzzle(s): I am not puzzled about anything. This book was very informative.
Consideration of Instructional Application (3-4 sentences in your own words): Students can plan their own student government in class from what they learned the book. They can even have their own election, so they can understand the voting process. Each week the roles will change and students each get a chance to see what it is like playing the role their playing.
Author: Jeff Foster
Illustrator (if separate from author): Julia McLaughlin
Genre: Non-Fiction
Theme(s): Government
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text): “People are always talking about how important it is to vote. But Why? Does one person really make a difference? The short answer is yes!”
Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words): The book talks a lot about why government is important, why people should vote and different types of people in the house/government. It’s a very informative book that explain how the government works in different steps.
Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words): Kirkus review explains how the book is very informative, breaks down the basics of the government and the pros and cons in the book. He calls it appealing and accessible civics primer. Scholastic said that the book is : a comprehensive and entertaining guide…” Praises how deep the book goes into about the government and the backstory.
Tell Me Framework (4 sentences in your own words):
Like(s): I really like how informative it is. Talks a lot about different governments, tells the backstory and at the end explains how kids can be involved.
Dislike(s): I find that some of the pictures can be a bit complicated for the children to follow along, especially the one with the steps.
Patterns(s): I have really noticed a pattern in the story.
Puzzle(s): I am not puzzled about anything. This book was very informative.
Consideration of Instructional Application (3-4 sentences in your own words): Students can plan their own student government in class from what they learned the book. They can even have their own election, so they can understand the voting process. Each week the roles will change and students each get a chance to see what it is like playing the role their playing.
November 15, 2025
Since most school districts have done away with civic classes as part of a well rounded and complete education for our children, this book really needs to be mandatory reading to obtain a high school diploma. More importantly, it should be mandatory reading (with a test requiring a score of 90 or higher) for every candidate running for a federal or state office! This book is probably the most important and necessary books I've read in years. Listening to the evening news should be enough for any sane and sensible citizen of our country to realize 75% of voters have no idea how government is set up to function efficient and for the betterment of every person living in our country.
The book is written by a high school civics teacher and is very understandable for teen agers and adults. I will be purchasing copies of this book for all the youngsters in my family...grand children and grand nieces/nephews alike. The future of our country depends on all its citizens knowing and understanding the documents and laws that govern our country.
The book is written by a high school civics teacher and is very understandable for teen agers and adults. I will be purchasing copies of this book for all the youngsters in my family...grand children and grand nieces/nephews alike. The future of our country depends on all its citizens knowing and understanding the documents and laws that govern our country.
July 13, 2022
What a fantastic, well-written, well-organized, balanced and concise introduction to how the U.S. government works...and "why it matters". Each double-page spread presents a clear explanation of some aspect of government, from the power of the presidency to the parameters of the supreme court. An emphasis (but not heavy-handed) on the importance of getting involved in the democratic process, especially voting, punctuates each section.
For adults, all those important citizenry facts were fascinating to review. For kids, much to learn about the power and limits of each branch of the government, and how and why getting involved is imperative. Well-placed anecdotes and some exceptions help further explain harder concepts such as gerrymandering and electoral college. Historic context, which was needed for some, helped round out how events of the past helped form current government.
Much remembered, much forgotten, a great review for anyone interested in how our government is run. Front matter personalized the book by providing a note from the author and another from MLK's granddaughter; back matter included a glossary of terms and index.
I'm ordering multiple copies of this book to share with both adults and kids.
For adults, all those important citizenry facts were fascinating to review. For kids, much to learn about the power and limits of each branch of the government, and how and why getting involved is imperative. Well-placed anecdotes and some exceptions help further explain harder concepts such as gerrymandering and electoral college. Historic context, which was needed for some, helped round out how events of the past helped form current government.
Much remembered, much forgotten, a great review for anyone interested in how our government is run. Front matter personalized the book by providing a note from the author and another from MLK's granddaughter; back matter included a glossary of terms and index.
I'm ordering multiple copies of this book to share with both adults and kids.
January 24, 2021
Solid. Accessible and methodical, with only a few moments that weren’t as clear or precise as I would have hoped.
Each piece of government is broken down into understandable chunks, but afterwards, when thinking about this huge, creaking apparatus, it is easy to see why people get discouraged by government. Every check and balance slows things down. Every redundancy makes it harder to just cut through the red tape and get things done. It would be so tempting to focus purely on efficiencies to make government run faster. But these slow processes also act as protection from bad policy.
I appreciated the end, which reminded the reader — especially kids — of all the ways they can participate and effect change, whether they can vote or not. Civic engagement is kind of a big deal, and this book makes it seem accessible, if not easy.
Each piece of government is broken down into understandable chunks, but afterwards, when thinking about this huge, creaking apparatus, it is easy to see why people get discouraged by government. Every check and balance slows things down. Every redundancy makes it harder to just cut through the red tape and get things done. It would be so tempting to focus purely on efficiencies to make government run faster. But these slow processes also act as protection from bad policy.
I appreciated the end, which reminded the reader — especially kids — of all the ways they can participate and effect change, whether they can vote or not. Civic engagement is kind of a big deal, and this book makes it seem accessible, if not easy.
July 24, 2023
Wow! This book is visually appealing, contains all the necessary vocabulary and explains simple questions about government with plain language. There are fact boxes, diagrams, processes and the rights and responsibilities of both those in office and us as citizens clearly. All expected non-fiction text features are in this book and the delivery is very engaging!
I run elementary libraries and noticed my Government, a part of our district curriculum, books are older publication dates. I want to refresh our collection, so I am reading some books at my local public library to find the right fit for my school communities. (Though I will chat with my teachers before making my decision, this is a strong contender for any library servicing students.)
I run elementary libraries and noticed my Government, a part of our district curriculum, books are older publication dates. I want to refresh our collection, so I am reading some books at my local public library to find the right fit for my school communities. (Though I will chat with my teachers before making my decision, this is a strong contender for any library servicing students.)
December 4, 2020
Fun book that does what it says on the tin -- explains the different parts of the American government and how they work together, and then extorts kids to go out and vote, or encourage the adults in their lives to vote, and/or to work on a political race or an issue or at least write to a representative.
It's clear and well laid out, has a good conversational tone, and is pleasantly patriotic. There's a glossary and index in the back. I like the colored tab on the sides showing what section you are in -- that helped when looking for specific information.
It's clear and well laid out, has a good conversational tone, and is pleasantly patriotic. There's a glossary and index in the back. I like the colored tab on the sides showing what section you are in -- that helped when looking for specific information.
August 20, 2021
I am glad I read this book because I have forgotten a lot of what learned in high school. This is a great book to have on hand to review and refresh your mind on our government and how it is ran. Foster did a great job breaking it all down to easy terms for anyone to understand how our government works.
I gave this book a 4 star rating. I recommend that you reading this book to learn about government, but just to enjoy. The pictures are fantastic and Foster did everything in short blurbs so you don’t get overwhelmed with information.
I gave this book a 4 star rating. I recommend that you reading this book to learn about government, but just to enjoy. The pictures are fantastic and Foster did everything in short blurbs so you don’t get overwhelmed with information.
July 3, 2023
This book is a fantastic read for learning the basic workings and functions of the US Government. As an adult, I was a great refresher on a lot of things, and I definitely learned new things! It's written for maybe 6th graders and up, but I don't know that I would have been too interested in it as a kid/teenager. Nonetheless, I loved the easy to read, colorful format now. :) Kudos to the author, Mr. Foster, for making a complicated subject easier to understand!
March 4, 2021
This is seriously the best book about how the U.S. government works because it so clearly explains the terminology and processes. The visuals are also excellent, such as the "How a Bill Becomes a Law" or "Moments and Movements: A Timeline of Progress," or a chart listing "Key Standing Committees" of Congress. The Glossary and a very detailed index are helpful.
May 18, 2025
I looked this book over and found inexcusable omissions. William McKinley is not listed among presidents who didn't finish their terms. In the succession list, there is no mention of the circumstance of how Gerald Ford, the Speaker of the House, replaced Spiro Agnew and later Nixon: thus not being elected in a nationwide election. Other things did not seem right or complete, either.
March 24, 2021
Very colorful and engaging book which explains how our government works and why it matters! I know I learned a few things as I read it. Well documented and the visuals are very good.
I would recommend this to young readers!
4 star!
I would recommend this to young readers!
4 star!
November 27, 2021
An excellent resource about the US Government for citizens of any age. Packed full of facts and graphics, the information is presented in a concise, approachable format. I would recommend it for older elementary grades and middle schoolers.
December 30, 2021
It is very colorful and appealing to young readers and explains in detail how our government works without making it boring. I definitely recommend this book to anyone eager to learn about our government.
Want to read
June 6, 2020Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
May 18, 2021
Very informative. The font made it a little difficult, combined with the business of some pages, to keep track of where you are reading. Would be a good reference/refresher book to have around.
June 25, 2021
Looks like a kids book, but chock full of all the weirdness that makes up our democracy.
August 19, 2021
Read this with my 11 year old but I’d recommend this to all adults. We BOTH learned so much! Would recommend for sure.
September 3, 2021
Honestly, this is better than any government textbook I ever read in high school. Teacher friends, I recommend having a copy of this in your classrooms.
October 24, 2021
Good overview for young learners
December 29, 2021
Although I did take government, there were things I didn't know. Aimed at kids, but this book is a great resource for any age!
April 24, 2022
I don’t even remember much of the actual audiobook because it kept. Glitching. Every.30.seconds.
June 14, 2022
It may be a childrens book but I honestly learned more about our government by reading this book than all my years of high school and college government classes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews