How Washington Actually Works For Dummies

Get the inside scoop on the most powerful city on Earth Washington, D.C.: Capital of the Free World; the most powerful city on Earth. No other country, company, or international organization can compare with the reach and wealth of the federal government. Policymaking — the art of deciding what programs to support, what laws to pass, or what regulations to write — is at the core of what Washington does and is what everyone, from the President on down, wants to influence. How Washington Actually Works For Dummies isn't a dry explanation of the American system of government but a playbook for how Washington really works: who has a seat at the table, how the policymaking process works, and how one survives. It takes you inside the political process in Washington, discusses changes in recent decades, and explains how the parts fit together. You find out: Who really runs Washington Why the President’s power is limited How Congress (and its committee structure) works What the bureaucrats — the men and women behind the curtain — do to earn your tax dollars How lobbyists, activists, and other players influence policy In a presidential election year when economic issues are center stage and the candidates will go head to head in policy debates, there’s no better time to discover the ins and outs of how policy is actually made.

Get the inside scoop on the most powerful city on Earth Washington, D.C.: Capital of the Free World; the most powerful city on Earth. No other country, company, or international organization can compare with the reach and wealth of the federal government. Policymaking — the art of deciding what programs to support, what laws to pass, or what regulations to write — is at the core of what Washington does and is what everyone, from the President on down, wants to influence. How Washington Actually Works For Dummies isn't a dry explanation of the American system of government but a playbook for how Washington really works: who has a seat at the table, how the policymaking process works, and how one survives. It takes you inside the political process in Washington, discusses changes in recent decades, and explains how the parts fit together. You find out: Who really runs Washington Why the President’s power is limited How Congress (and its committee structure) works What the bureaucrats — the men and women behind the curtain — do to earn your tax dollars How lobbyists, activists, and other players influence policy In a presidential election year when economic issues are center stage and the candidates will go head to head in policy debates, there’s no better time to discover the ins and outs of how policy is actually made.

Congress For Dummies helps you sort out what Congress doeson a daily basis and what it all means to you, the citizen. Itshows you how to get organized, make your voice heard, andinfluence legislation that might affect you. Full of helpfulresources such as contact information for House and Senate offices,and smart, straightforward explanations of the legislative process,this book is everything you need to understand Congress and getinvolved in your government. Whether you just want to know how government works, or you wantto get involved to change your country, this simple guide coversall the ins and outs of Congress. It’s a nonpartisan look atCongress that includes forewords by Speaker of the House DennisHastert and Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. Inside you’llfind easy explanations and helpful tips on how to: Get involved in the democratic process Influence legislation that’s important to you Understa nd Congress and the media Contact your senators and representatives Check out Congress in action, in person Deal with congressional staff Expert author David Silverberg — Managing Editor and acolumnist at the Washington weekly The Hill — takesthe mystery out of getting something done in Congress, introducingyou to the players and explaining everything from legislation andlobbying to caucuses and coalitions. Written with the citizenadvocate in mind, this helpful guide gives regular people the toolsand knowledge they need to achieve their aims. Inside, you’lldiscover: How the three branches of government work together How to register your opinion with your elected officials How the legislative process works — from idea to law How debates, conferences, and vetoes work How budgeting and appropriations work How to get the most effect from your politicalcontributions How the lobbying process works How to advocate for legislation How to deal with congressional staffers How to make use of congressional services Getting something done in the messy confusion of democracy andbureaucracy is no easy task. Full of the kind of information andknowledge that Washington insiders take for granted, CongressFor Dummies levels the playing field so that regular people— just like you — can make a difference, too.

Expand your political science knowledge with a book that explains concepts in a way anyone can understand! The global political climate is dynamic, at times even volatile. To understand this evolving landscape, it’s important to learn more about how countries are governed. Political Science For Dummies explores the questions that political scientists examine, such as how our leaders make decisions, who shapes political policy, and why countries go to war. The book is the perfect course supplement for students taking college-level, introductory political science courses. Political Science For Dummies is a guide that makes political science concepts easier to grasp. Get a better understanding of political ideologies, institutions, policies, processes, and behavior Explore topics such as class, government, diplomacy, law, strategy, and war Learn the specialized vocabulary within the field of political science Help prepare for a range of careers, from policy analyst to legislative assistant Political science crosses into many other areas of study, such as sociology, economics, history, anthropology, international relations, law, statistics, and public policy. Those who want to understand the implications of changing political economies or how governing bodies work can look to Political Science For Dummies. It’s the book thatcuts through the jargon as it focuses on issues that interest readers.

Gives you the scoop on how the Court reaches its decisions Get involved and track a case through the system This fun and easy guide demystifies the federal court system by describing what kinds of cases the justices hear, outlining how cases reach the Supreme Court, clarifying legal terms, and explaining how the Court arrives at its decisions. You'll discover how to get inside the Court yourself and investigate both the key issues and the players involved. The Dummies Way * Explanations in plain English * "Get in, get out" information * Icons and other navigational aids * Tear-out cheat sheet * Top ten lists * A dash of humor and fun

Get up to speed on the U.S. political system Confused by caucuses, primaries, and pollsters? Puzzled by the various parties and special interest groups? Politics For Dummies has everything you need to understand local, state, and national politics; how to communicate with your elected officials; and what your representatives can do for you. You’ll find out all about lobbying groups, sub-committees, the government branches, and how elections work. Also included is new information on how to use online tools and social media to find out what legislation is on the floor, what issues are before the Supreme Court, and when congress and the Supreme Court are in session. Understand the United States political system Learn more about the three branches of U.S. government Discover the differences in federal, state, and local operations Get need-to-know information for involvement This book cuts through the political jargon and provides clear, up-to-date details about everything from legislation to polls to presidential elections in the United States—and explains how you can become a political player yourself.

An updated guide to the American political system explains how the government works and the functions of its many parts, covering such topics as the system of checks and balances, the election process, the Constitution, and the division of state and federal powers, with new information on such issues as homeland security and campaign finance reform. Original.

The simplest way to get to grips with the American politicalsystem American Politics For Dummies is an engaging andaccessible guide to the inner workings of the U.S. government,cutting through the political jargon, to give you the facts. Thebook begins with the basics, including government structure andprocesses, and later covers current events that make thenews. The world of American politics can be bewildering to anyone notborn and bred in the U.S.A. This plain-English guide is perfectwhether you are a student or simply fascinated by the world's mostpowerful democracy. From the electoral process to 'specialrelationships', you discover all you need to know with AmericanPolitics For Dummies. • The birth of America – findout about the emergence of the US,from the ideas uponwhich America was founded to the creation of the US Constitution • Go government – understand thepowers of the President, how Congress operates, thefunction of the Supreme Court and how US laws are created and passed • Party on – discover the insand outs of elections and political parties, from theelectoral process and the two-party system to the voting behaviouramongst Americans • One nation, many identities –get to understand the workings of a trulymulticultural society • All the world’s a stage– grasp the grand strategy of the US tounderstand why the nation acts as it does in internationalpolitics 2014 kicks off the latest round of U.S. Congressional electionand marks the beginning the 2016 Presidential election cycle. Therewill be headlines, there will be debate and there will be news. Ifyou're looking to keep up and understand it all, AmericanPolitics For Dummies is a great place to start.