Deschutes Public Library

REALMS: Mr. LaFrenz’s Project on US Government and Civics

Library Online Resources

In the “Online Resources” section of the Deschutes Public Library website (www.deschuteslibrary.org/onlineresources), check out the databases in the Homework category! Use your library card (including Library Linx cards) to log in, or use them at a public library. Do a keyword search or browse the categories in these databases for magazine and journal articles covering your topic.

US History in Context
www.deschuteslibrary.org/onlineresources/uhic.aspx
A complete overview of US history and parts of our government.

Gale Virtual Reference Library
www.deschuteslibrary.org/onlineresources/gvrl.aspx
Check out the electronic encyclopedias in the “History” category to find information on American history and government.

Student Resources in Context
www.deschuteslibrary.org/onlineresources/gsrc.aspx
Browse the Government section for useful articles.

Websites

USA.gov
www.usa.gov/
  A portal site into agencies, departments, and branches of the United States government.

Whitehouse.gov: Our Government
www.whitehouse.gov/our-government
  Learn about the US government and how the President works with the other branches to govern the United States.

Ben’s Guide to US Government for Kids: Grades 6-8
bensguide.gpo.gov/6-8/index.html
  Learn about the government, including state and national levels, historical documents, and more.

Library of Congress: US Politics, Government and Law
www.loc.gov/rr/main/alcove9/usgov/usgov.html
  Government and civic information.

Our Documents
ourdocuments.gov/index.php?flash=true
  List of 100 milestone documents that chronicle United States history from 1776 to 1965.

The Democracy Project from PBS
pbskids.org/democracy/vote/index.html
  Check out these four lessons based on how important the right to vote is.

iCivics
www.icivics.org/
  Play games to learn about being a citizen.

Books

	Americapedia : Taking the Dumb Out of Freedom Anderson, Jodi Lynn. New York : Walker & Co., 2011. Presents a blend of humor and a civic textbook to cover American politics, international relations, religion, and culture.

	To Establish Justice : Citizenship and Constitution McKissack, Pat, 1944- New York : Alfred A. Knopf : Distributed by Random House, 2004. America was founded on the idea of liberty for all. But it has not always achieved that ideal. To Establish Justice is an honest and powerful examination of the Supreme Court's role in legalizing-or negating-civil rights for various groups. From the struggles of Native Americans at the country's birth to the African American civil rights movement of the 1960s, from the vote for women to the internment of the Japanese during World War II, To Establish Justice shows how the Supreme Court has paved the way for both justice and discrimination, and how this important arm of our government has impacted all of our lives.

	Balancing Act Kowalski, Kathiann M., 1955- Minneapolis : Lerner Publications, c2012. Discusses what limits different parts of the U.S. government are given to keep any one part from having too much power.

	The Congress : A Look At the Legislative Branch Nelson, Robin, 1971- Minneapolis, Minn. : Lerner Publications, c2012. Discusses the origin of the legislative branch, its purpose, and how a bill becomes a law.

	Judges and Courts : A Look At the Judicial Branch Kowalski, Kathiann M., 1955- Minneapolis : Lerner Publications, c2012. Explains the role and importance of the judicial branch of the United States government.

	National Government Giesecke, Ernestine, 1945- Chicago : Heinemann Library, c2000. Introduces the purpose and function of national government, the significance of the Constitution, the three branches of government, how the government raises money, and how a bill becomes a law.

Last modified on Friday, November 02, 2012