Civics Books

Rules for Radicals

Saul Alinsky

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Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Government -> Civics
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Politics -> Ideologies -> Radical Thought

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 47 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Are you kidding me? 1 out of 5 stars.
5 of 10 people found this review helpful.

This is a man who dedicated his book to satan?
a man who was so off base with society.

this book allows for the decline in western civilization, he is or i should say was, the fecies of our species.

If you have a brain in your head you will leave this one alone!

A real eye-opener 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This book is a must read for all to understand radicalism and how their goals are achieved. This book was essentially the blueprint for the Obama campaign. Saul Alinsky and his views are admired by both Obama and Hillary Clinton.

History of a significant approach to political matters 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.

The book is clearly written and summarized by the title. Alinsky, the doyen of Chicago style community organizers, argues that whether the ends justify the means is to be decided by the immediate circumstances. He provides several examples where he answers "Yes" to the question of whether the ends justify the means, showing how means some might consider "bad" served "good" ends. An interesting read whether or not you believe the tactics of recent and current Chicago style community organizers are consistent with Alinsky's guidance.

Editorial Review:

This primers tells the "have-nots" how they can organize to achieve real political power for the practice of true democracy.

Patriotic Grace: What It Is and Why We Need It Now

Peggy Noonan

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Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Politics -> U.S.

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

In this long season of searing political attacks and angry partisan passions, Peggy Noonan's Wall Street Journal column has been must reading for thoughtful liberals and conservatives alike.

Now she issues an urgent, heartfelt call for all Americans to see each other anew, realize what time it is, and come together to support the next President—whoever he is. Because it is not the threats and challenges we face, but how we face them that defines us as a nation.

The terrible events of 9/11 brought us together in a way not seen since World War II. But the stresses and divisions of the Bush years have driven us apart to a point that is unhealthy and destructive.

Today, Noonan argues, the national mood is for a change in our politics and it is well past time for politicians to catch up. Americans are tired of the old partisan divisions and the campaign tricks that seek to widen and exploit them. We long for leaders who can summon us to greatness and unity, as they did in the long struggles against fascism and communism.

In this timely little book, written in the pamphleteering tradition of Tom Paine's Common Sense, Noonan reminds us that we must face our common challenges together—not by rising above partisanship, but by reaffirming what it means to be American.

Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries

Naomi Wolf

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Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Government -> Democracy

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A Call To Action 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Ms Wolf in a clear and concise manner calls all patriotic Americans to action. A great book and a must read.

Motivates to take Action 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

"Handbook" is a good description. After making a convincing argument that it is our duty to make some noise and get involved, Wolf gives specific advice and resources to have our voices heard. One thing lacking is addressing the importance to really be informed. It appears to me that the people who know the least are the ones who talk the most and have the strongest opinions. Emotions run high and it is hard to have productive deliberation with people. Addressing this would have added an important element to the conversation.

It is scary to me that most people I talk to are willing to accept our government's lawlessness because they somehow think that it secures their safety. After reading this book I have a firmer belief and understanding of the meaning of rule of law and why our safety lies within the rules instead of the rulers.

Wolf outlines how to be a revolutionary in ways that may land you in jail and therefore gives advice for what to do if you are arrested. I don't think I will be taking to the streets in protests, but I am much more motivated to understand our constitution and become more involved in understanding what my representatives are doing in Washington. If government knows that "we the people" are watching closely, it will probably generate better behavior in government. Even though I am not willing be a revolutionary to the extent that would risk imprisonment, this book has motivated me to get off my duff and at least be present.

Editorial Review:

As the practice of democracy becomes a lost art, Americans are increasingly desperate for a restored nation. Many have a general sense that the "system" is in disorder -- if not on the road to functional collapse. But though it is easy to identify our political problems, the solutions are not always as clear. In Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries, bestselling author Naomi Wolf illustrates the breathtaking changes that can take place when ordinary citizens engage in the democratic system the way the founders intended and tells how to use that system, right now, to change your life, your community, and ultimately, the nation.

Just How Stupid Are We?: Facing the Truth About the American Voter

Rick Shenkman

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Subjects -> History -> Americas -> United States -> 21st Century
Subjects -> History -> Americas -> General
Subjects -> History -> Americas -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 43 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Politicians tell us constantly that they trust the wisdom of "The American People." New York Times best-selling author Rick Shenkman explains why we shouldn't--at least when it comes to politics.

Levees break in New Orleans. Iraq descends into chaos. The housing market teeters on the brink of collapse. Americans of all political stripes are heading into the 2008 election with the sense that something has gone terribly wrong with American politics. But what exactly?

Democrats blame Republicans and Republicans blame Democrats. Greedy corporate executives, rogue journalists, faulty voting machines, irresponsible defense contractors--we blame them, too. The only thing everyone seems to agree on, in fact, is that the American people are entirely blameless.

In Just How Stupid Are We?, best-selling historian and renowned myth-buster Rick Shenkman takes aim at our great national piety: the wisdom of the American people. The hard truth is that American democracy is more direct than ever--but voters are misusing, abusing, and abdicating their political power. Americans are paying less and less attention to politics at a time when they need to pay much more: Television has dumbed politics down to the basest possible level, while the real workings of politics have become vastly more complicated.

Shenkman offers concrete proposals for reforming our institutions--the government, the media, civic organizations, political parties--to make them work better for the American people. But first, Shenkman argues, we must reform ourselves.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Government, Second Edition

Mary M. Shaffrey, Melanie Fonder

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

It makes watching CNN more interesting now. 4 out of 5 stars.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.

I've never had any interest in politics and government. But now, as an adult it is virtually impossible to escape it. Whether it means holding an intelligent conversation or stepping into the voting booth I've realized that it is so important to understand how our system works in order to understand the information thrown at us and make informed decisions.
This book really helped me get there. Now, when I watch CNN I actually understand what I'm hearing. I'm also more comfortable with my political affiliation. A friend of mine is very informed on the subject and I have always admired his level of intelligence. Part of my reason for buying this book was to increase my ability to have an informed and unbiased discussion on today's most important topics.
I would recommend this book to any high-school student studying American government or any adult feeling they want to understand our system better. The amount of information in the book is huge!! Don't try to memorize anything but the fundamentals. Other than that, either read through it, retain what you can, and keep it around as reference.

Editorial Review:

The most up-to-date general reference book on the history and structure of U.S. government.

This overview of all the government’s major institutions and agencies, the election process, and the creation and passing of laws and taxes has been updated with the latest information on such important issues as campaign finance reform, fundraising, and homeland security.

• Completely updated resource section includes the latest government websites

• The only American government book to include the results of the 2004 presidential election

• Re-structured to complement high school and college political science/civics courses

Screwed: The Undeclared War Against the Middle Class - And What We Can Do about It (BK Currents (Paperback))

Thom Hartmann

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Subjects -> Business & Investing -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 77 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Hartmann is Brilliant 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Thom Hartmann's Screwed is must reading by everyone who isn't a right wing nut. In easy to understand language, Hartmann debunks right wing myths about Liberals and progressives using facts and history, not emotional mantra.
He's on Sirius Radio each day, and he'll take on any Neo-con and every issue and argue intelligently for the need for liberal/progressive politics in America, and he shows the historical and constitutional basis for all his agrguments. All of his works are a must read. I give this book to all my Independent and moderate Republican friends( see I'm a Liberal, very tolerant).

Absolute must read 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

If you have any care at all about your finacial wellbeing in this country
you must read this book. Few people are old enough to know what it was like in the usa when one person working one job made enough to buy a house and raise a family. health care was very affordable for all.
Where did it all go? This book tells you.

Editorial Review:

Nationally syndicated radio host and bestselling author Thom Hartmann exposes the covert war conservatives, and corporations are waging against America's middle class?a war that's reducing the rest of us to a politically impotent working poor. This book asks: How did this happen? Who's benefiting? And how can we stop it?

American Government (Cliffs Quick Review)

Paul Soifer, Abraham Hoffman, D. Stephen Voss

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Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Government -> State & Local Government

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great CLEP review 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I had about a week and a half to study and this book was the only study guide I used. I scored a 59 - not great, but a 50 is enough to pass.

Make sure you know the presidential election process inside and out. There were several electoral college questions that I got jammed up on. Also, a couple congressional election questions were included. Know the procedures and #of votes needed to propose and ratify amendments. Know your major supreme court case decisions, especially as they apply to civil liberties/rights.

Study this book and you should do okay.

Good luck.

Pete

Editorial Review:

When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core American government concepts -- from the First Continental Congress and the Bill of Rights to modern political parties and economic policy -- and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase -- and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed.

Parliament of Whores: A Lone Humorist Attempts to Explain the Entire U.S. Government

P. J. O'Rourke

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Subjects -> Entertainment -> Humor -> Political
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Government -> Civics
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Government -> Federal Government

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 61 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

If satirists are at their best when tussling with something they hate, then this is P.J. O'Rourke's masterpiece. He clearly hates government--and has hated it since before it was cool to do so--and for all the right reasons, too: it's clumsy, inefficient, hypocritical, greedy, and arrogant. In other words, it magnifies the faults of the poor saps who staff it. Parliament of Whores is the humorist's howl of bitter laughter at the entire bloated, numskulled mess. As befits an ex-editor of National Lampoon, nothing is out of bounds for O'Rourke. Speaking of the fabled "football"--that satchel that follows the president around 24/7--the author doubts there are really launch codes in there at all--nothing but "a copy of Penthouse and a pint bottle of Hiram Walker--a Penthouse from back in the seventies, when Penthouse was really dirty, I'll bet."

Parliament of Whores is perfect for anyone who longs to cultivate an entertaining brand of cynicism, to be "a lone voice--not crying in the wilderness, thank you, but chortling in the rec room." O'Rourke is a master at making you laugh in spite of the better angels of your nature, and the only negative thing to be said about this tour de force is that his flamethrower brand of satire leaves nothing in its wake--certainly not the suggestion of an improvement. --Michael Gerber

Barron's AP U.S. Government and Politics

Curt Lader

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Find a better book. 2 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The details from the publisher appropriately say "general review" because it is SO general. The details of US government that you really need for this test are absent from the review (come on, it's an AP test, they're looking for college-level understanding) and the review questions at the end of each chapter and the practice tests are completely based on almost word for word the book material and were so much weirder/harder than the actual test. I don't think this book helped me at all for the test, and unfortunately I had to buy it for class anyway or I never would've wasted my money.

I think if you want a 3 on the test- review only with this book. If you want a 4/5 use your textbook extensively (like I did) or get a much better book.

Editorial Review:

This manual’s general review of U.S. government and politics is specifically focused to reflect the most-often-asked questions on recent Advanced Placement exams. Topics covered include Constitutional development, the branches and institutions of the federal government, political parties and processes, special interest groups, the media, bureaucracy, and public policy issues as they relate to the economy, the federal budget, social welfare, the environment and energy, and foreign policy and the national defense. Two full-length model exams follow the manual’s subject review, and come with answer keys.

On My Honor: Why the American Values of the Boy Scouts Are Worth Fighting for

Rick Perry

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Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Politics -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Well written book, but flawed by misinformation and the authors biases/views 3 out of 5 stars.
16 of 21 people found this review helpful.

EDITED REVIEW.
As a long time scout and scouter, I have delved into the scouting movement and its history and have a large personal library of both BSA works and books about the BSA.

While this work is well written (much better then Hans Zieger's work), it is flawed by the misinformation given, and to a degree the author's beliefs and biases. The author is entitled to his views, but the misinformation is more problematic. THIS REVIEW DEALS ONLY WITH THE FACTUAL ERRORS OF HIS BOOK, not the 'truths' (his views) that he puts forth.

Some examples.

* Baden-Powell did NOT create scouting to train future soldiers. He created scouting to create better individuals and citizens. As an officer, he was very different from the stereotype of the british solder. His military scouting program was different from the typical drilling/boot camp type of training. In it, small groups of men learned self reliance and independence thru activities and games. B-P thought military training was inappropriate for youth ("drilling is not scouting") and spent a lot of time adapting his scouting program to be appropriate for youth. Even after he established scouting, some critics claimed he was trying to create future soldiers, and formed rival groups like the "Peace Scouts". Other critized B-P for failing to create future soldiers and formed rival groups like the "Empire Scouts".

* William Boyce did not get lost in the fog of London, that is a myth created by James West. Boyce was lost in London (but no fog) and was helped by a scout and later taken to scout HQ. But he did not meet B-P or the like. That's all embellishments and such added by West. Furthermore, Boyce had little involvement with the BSA after it was incorporated. It was others who got involved and saved the org and brought on board James West.

* the information on page 49-50 on the senior scouting programs is full of errors. I've researched this area extensively and have a website on it.

* B-P's wife Olave did NOT start Girl Guides. B-P did before he was married, then turned the program over to his sister Agnes. Olave got involved later. Juliet Low had been involved with the Girl Guides in the UK and brought it to the states, renaming it the Girl Scouts of the USA.

I did like it for its celebration of scouting and its positive values. But I am always annoyed by misinformation given about scouting.

Editorial Review:

In On My Honor, Texas governor Rick Perry, through the legacy of the Boy Scouts of America, takes dead aim at the moral relativism of the secular humanist movement, indicting its corrosive impact on the culture. Examining the left's legal assaults on the Boy Scouts of America - which span more than 30 years - Perry offers prescient insight into the multi-faceted war, which pits the proponents of traditional American values against the radical leftist movement that seeks to tear down our social foundations.

On My Honor underscores the depth to which the culture warriors of the left will go to force their secular humanist minority view upon American society and revered American institutions. It is a revealing look at a culture war that rages close to the surface of American life, and it is a must read for any American concerned that our society is slipping from the high moral ground of liberty to the valley of license.