Grown-up Civics: Important Things You’ve Forgotten Since High School

What, exactly, does the Constitution say? Why is government so big? Why does American society feel fractured and what can citizens do to support cohesion? Why are there only two parties? Could there be more? Is the American legal system fair? How does government impact the economy? What is income inequality and can it be addressed? Is the United States turning inward? What can citizens do to strengthen American democracy? Grown-up Civics is a survey of American government written for adults that outlines factual basics, then leads the reader to consider deeper concerns. Succinct and insightful, the book establishes historical perspective, explains the US Constitution, examines citizenship and rights, describes the mechanisms and institutions that enable American government to function, and highlights key concerns and debates. Concluding with an assessment of the challenges facing American democracy, the book makes the case that the United States has an underutilized asset: you.