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The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Government
The most up-to-date general reference book on the history and structure of U.S. government.
This overview of all the government’s major institutions and agencies, the election process, and the creation and passing of laws and taxes has been updated with the latest information on such important issues as campaign finance reform, fundraising, and homeland security.
• Completely updated resource section includes the latest government websites
• The only American government book to include the results of the 2004 presidential election
• Re-structured to complement high school and college political science/civics courses
416 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 6, 2019
A little dry but thorough.
June 23, 2007
A must for anyone remotely interested in our government and the way it works. Or anyone who actively votes or holds a political opinion. An incredible and thoroughly exhaustive account of every aspect within the inner workings of our government. They say the only way to make change is to educate people. This book will do it. This book is especially important for anyone who is dismayed at our country's state of affairs home and abroad.
May 15, 2025
The book’s aims, as outlined on the cover, were to be “the ultimate guide to the structure and function of every part of the American government”, provide “idiotic-proof explanations of the powers that be from Washington insiders”, and “clear information that can help you become an involved citizen.”
The authors admit, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to American Government is by no means the final word on the way government is run.” But it does highlight “the importance of all the federal, state and local jurisdictions and explains their significance in a twenty-first century world” Additionally, entities within government systems were explored at all levels: executive, legislative, and judicial, along with the various players. Also, there were chapters on campaign finance, campaign finance reform, reapportionment, and redistricting. A strong thread that ran throughout the book was how to become an involved citizen, with a specific chapter entitled “The Power of One” providing a broad overview of political parties and how to participate in voting.
I liked the way the information was presented. It was broken up into sections that were easy to read. Also included were sidebars which explained terms, provided applicable quotes, and gave real-world examples, especially about what was important in 2002 when the book was written. A glossary of terms was provided at the end of the book, and appendices of resources to continue research.
“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to American Government” accomplished what it set out to do. It surveyed American government from federal to local, was clearly written, and instructed throughout how one might get involved. My only caveat is that some of the information is now dated. The series updated this subject in 2016, but the copy I read was published in 2002. Thus, I only gave the edition I read four stars.
The authors admit, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to American Government is by no means the final word on the way government is run.” But it does highlight “the importance of all the federal, state and local jurisdictions and explains their significance in a twenty-first century world” Additionally, entities within government systems were explored at all levels: executive, legislative, and judicial, along with the various players. Also, there were chapters on campaign finance, campaign finance reform, reapportionment, and redistricting. A strong thread that ran throughout the book was how to become an involved citizen, with a specific chapter entitled “The Power of One” providing a broad overview of political parties and how to participate in voting.
I liked the way the information was presented. It was broken up into sections that were easy to read. Also included were sidebars which explained terms, provided applicable quotes, and gave real-world examples, especially about what was important in 2002 when the book was written. A glossary of terms was provided at the end of the book, and appendices of resources to continue research.
“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to American Government” accomplished what it set out to do. It surveyed American government from federal to local, was clearly written, and instructed throughout how one might get involved. My only caveat is that some of the information is now dated. The series updated this subject in 2016, but the copy I read was published in 2002. Thus, I only gave the edition I read four stars.
May 3, 2010
After reading so many books from this series I'm beginning to be able to spot the solid authors from the not so solid. I like the approach this author took, but it seemed less cohesive than the World History one. Overall, it covered a large amount of ground, and I appreciated the historical examples used to put things in perspective.
September 18, 2010
We don't even remember buying this book. I found it on a shelf last week.
It was a really fun book. I hadn't gone through any of this type of material since college - I was surprised that I had forgotten so many of the "specifics". I have a feeling that many Americans would benefit from reading a book like this.
It was a really fun book. I hadn't gone through any of this type of material since college - I was surprised that I had forgotten so many of the "specifics". I have a feeling that many Americans would benefit from reading a book like this.
July 7, 2012
This book was okay. As someone who knew very little about American politics, it helped me get a greater understanding. But, I felt that it didn't really give a broad picture, instead, it focused heavily on some areas and barely glossed over others. I don't know that I know much more than I did but at least I have a framework.
most-wanted
October 3, 2008I never paid attention in high-school government class. What? Are you REALLY going to chastise me for that? Meh. Just tryin' to make up for lost time. So here goes ... the electoral college exists because ...???
May 6, 2010
Have to admit I didn't quite finish it by the time I returned it to library, kind of got bogged down in the Campaign Finace part. I liked what I read though. I didn't think it was biased at all, just told simple facts.
October 24, 2007
A handy reference guide to the many parts and powers of our ever-expanding government.
Read
March 24, 2009Funny bits of history included, yay...but really I'm reading it so I don't feel so...clueless. And it's more good knowledge that may be useful for this test I intend to take in the fall....
March 18, 2011
Easy to read and to the point. This covered most of everything I needed to study, except for a few topics.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews