A nonpartisan and plain-language guide, this book covers basics about American Government and includes a copy of the United States Constitution. Understanding your government will make you (1) less likely to be misled by agenda-driven politicians or media figures and (2) more likely to have a say in how government affects your life. The following concepts are among those covered in this book: the Rule of Law; checks and balances; separation of powers; types of laws; people’s rights and the government’s powers; the three branches of government and how they (are supposed to) function; influences on our government; ways that our government is broken; and ways that We the People can help fix it.