Really enjoyed this illustrated guidebook about the agencies and institutions that make up the federal government. Maybe you’re as surprised as I was, but here’s the reason why: this small gem of a book is an engaging, clear, and easily digested invitation to review the basics of how democracy works. Many years removed from high school civics, I found the refresher thoroughly delightful, when I could take things in at my own pace.

The table of contents details six major categories with sub-headings making it easy to pick a point of current interest and dive in. The Appendix starts with a fun pop quiz and includes a brief biography of each U.S. president.

I did not read the book chronologically; rather, daily events drove my exploration, which was more like delicious "noshing" than reading. The TOC and Index were helpful in allowing me to use the book as a reference and refresher. Often, I found myself mulling over what I’d just read while getting a kick out of the illustrations. And in case you’re truly inspired, the last chapter covers the basics of how to run for office …

Highly recommend ~

This is a must read for any US citizen or anyone becoming a citizen! I found all the information well written, loved the illustration and learned more about our democracy. I would highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the chance to read this sample chapter! Very well-timed ploy to let us learn more about the Electoral College.

For someone that reads 538 a lot, I didn't know much more than the numbers 538 and 270 when it came to the Electoral College. This was a very informative explanation of the history (Alexander Hamilton strikes again!), how it works today, and what it might take for something to change. It was short and sweet, with the dry topic being buoyed by a jovial tone. I enjoyed it a lot and can't wait to learn more about everything else covered in this book.

You do not have to be an avid NPR listener or student of American politics to enjoy this book! In this extremely timely and, dare I say... fun explanation of how Democracy works in the United States, the authors have found the exact right balance of breaking down the information without getting lost in the weeds, all while maintaining a fun tongue-in-cheek tone.

Take the chapter on the Electoral College, the first image you're greeted with is a fantastic pen and ink drawing of John Belushi in his "college" sweatshirt from the classic film Animal House. Instead of "college" the illustrated has squeezed in "Electoral College" on his shirt, a great way to set the tone and keep eyes from glazing over. There is no overt political leanings in the writing, and instead the reader is allowed room to draw their own conclusions on how their democratic proceedings are serving their country. It is a fantastic tool to help guide thoughtful responses and educate.

People who have recently gotten more interested in American politics due to Hamilton will find some joy in this section diving into the Federalist Papers ("Hamilton wrote... the other 51!") in which the authors breakdown Hamilton's defense of the benefits of the Electoral College system.

I found this chapter, and the footnotes compelling enough that I decided to listen to author Nick Capodice's podcast, Civics 101, for an even more in-depth view of our current state of Union.