Introduce students to the structure of the United States government with this high-interest nonfiction book. Students will build literacy skills and social studies content knowledge as they learn about the three branches of government and the purpose of this separation of powers. Primary source images, supporting text, a glossary, table of contents, and index all work together to engage readers and help them better understand the content.

Discusses what limits different parts of the U.S. government are given to keep any one part from having too much power.

Readers will be introduced to the three branches of the United States government and learn how they work together. Accessible text explains the power held by the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government. Limitations of each power are analyzed. Each chapter asks and answers a question about the purpose and function of checks and balances. These engaging questions will spark young readers' curiosity about politics, government, and...

Learn how the three branches of government operate, how amendments are enacted, and how the Constitution has changed.

"The system of checks balances between the branches of the US government is written into the Constitution, but it's not always clearly understood. How does each branch keep the others from getting too powerful? The answer is waiting for readers to discover in this inside guide to an essential civics concept. Through age-appropriate text, photographs, sidebars, and fact boxes, readers explore the meaning of checks and balances and how the system works....

"When the Founding Fathers forged the government for the newly independent United States of America, they were careful not to give too much power to any one person or group. The separation of power between the three branches of government is one of the hallmarks of American democracy. This title examines the concept of the separation of power and how it applies to the government of the United States. Text is presented in accessible chunks and supported...

Discusses the role of Congress in governmental separation of powers, defines the powers and rights held by Congress, and examines how the balance of power between the President and Congress has shifted in the last two centuries.