The Voice of the People: American Democracy in Action (The American Story)

From Publishers Weekly With election time drawing near, curious readers can turn to this handy primer for a better understanding of the electoral process, and of the origins and workings of American democracy. Distilling the broad and complex nature of their subject to its essence, this proficient author-illustrator team (A More Perfect Union) shows how the government has had to "grow and change to keep up with both the population and modern thinking." Among the topics explored in the detailed, anecdote-studded narrative are the responsibilities of the three branches of the federal government and the function of political parties. Versatile watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations capture a measure of the theatrics involved in a contemporary election. They also offer a balanced range of images from across the political and historical spectrum: impressive likenesses of a number of past and present political figures; postcard-like images of key government buildings; dramatic renderings of the aftermath of the Supreme Court's 1954 decision to integrate public schools; facsimiles of government documents; even whimsical campaign memorabilia (the Carter peanut coin bank) and a snowy scene on primary day in New Hampshire. Elementary teachers will find this an engaging supplement to American history textbooks. Ages 6-up. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From School Library Journal Grade 3-5?In describing "American democracy in action," the Maestros first explain how our system of government differs from those of other nations. Next there is a history of the Constitution and the amendments, a description of the three branches of government, and then a detailed section on how a presidential election works. The book is in narrative form, not separated into sections. Although one topic flows smoothly into the next, the arrangement makes it a little difficult to find information on a specific topic. However, as everyone scrambles for sources in this election year, it is nice to find a full explanation of the process here. Each step is covered, including political parties, primaries, conventions, voting, and the Electoral College. There is, however, a factual error concerning the House of Representatives. The text states, "The size of the House of Representatives changes with the population. As the population increases, so does the number of Representatives." Although that is the way the House was originally organized, the membership is now set at 435. The number of representatives a state has may increase or decrease according to population changes in that state, but the total number remains the same. The vivid, exquisitely detailed watercolor-and-colored pencil illustrations have a great deal of appeal. They have the realistic detail of photographs, but are warmer and more inviting. It is unfortunate that a small mistake mars this otherwise well-done, handsome presentation.?Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VACopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.