Like people everywhere, Mexicans have experienced governments that have been beneficial to the people, and those that have treated people harshly. The history of government in the land known as Mexico is long and complex, beginning more than 3,000 years ago with the various Amerindian civilizations that lived in the region. Once the Spanish conquered the native people during the 16th century, they imposed their own forms of government that persisted until the early decades of the 19th century. Since Mexico gained its independence in 1821, the people have experienced many periods of unrest and turmoil, as various groups have attempted to create an effective government. With the election of Enrique Peña Nieto as president in 2012, many Mexicans hope that their government is headed in the right direction to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The history of Mexican government, and hopes for the future, are traced in Meeting Future Challenges: The Government of Mexico.
Mexicans today are proud of their rich heritage and their beautiful land, but they also recognize that their nation has many problems, including widespread poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and drug-related violence. Many of Mexico's ongoing problems - such as illegal immigration, environmental issues, and drug trafficking - also affect its northern neighbor, the United States. Mexican Facts and Figures is an overview that will tell you about Mexico's past and its present, while also providing statistical information about the country's 31 states and its federal district.
The states of Mexico's Pacific North region feature a wide range of terrains, from dry desert to beautiful coastal beaches and fertile valleys. Numerous archaeological sites can be found in the regions rugged mountains, and tourists enjoy beach resorts such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and the Sonoran Desert. Unfortunately, this region is also the base for one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels, so in recent years drug-related violence has been a constant problem. In Mexico's Pacific North States, you will learn about the geography and climate, history, economy, culture, and the major communities of five Mexican states: Baja California, Baja California Sur, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora.
The southernmost states along Mexico's Pacific coast are rich in both history and natural resources. These states have been shaken by natural phenomena, such as earthquakes and volcanoes, and plagued at times by rebellions and violence. Yet these states attract millions of tourists each year, drawn to the beautiful beaches of Acapulco, Huatulco, and other resorts, or to major archaeological sites such as Monte Albán and Palenque. In Mexico's Pacific South States, you will learn about the geography and climate, history, economy, culture, and the major communities of four Mexican states: Colima, Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca.
Northern Mexico is a vast desert region bordering the United States. This region an important center for manufacturing, mining, and other industries due to its proximity to the U.S., and many maquiladoras (small factories) are located along the border. It also has many sights that attract tourists, such as the world-famous Copper Canyon. In Mexico's Northern States, you will learn about the geography and climate, history, economy, culture, and the major communities of seven Mexican states: Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.
The Mexican states located on the Gulf of Mexico are known for their ancient ruins, crystal-clear waters, and friendly people. This region was home to some of Mexico's earliest Amerindian civilizations, and was the first part of Mexico that Europeans explored during the early 16th century. Today, this region is among the safest and most stable parts of Mexico. In Mexico's Gulf States, you will learn about the geography and climate, history, economy, culture, and the major communities of five Mexican states: Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Veracruz, and Yucatán.
This book discusses how FEMA responds to all kinds of disasters and brings relief and help to people in need.
The National Mall, one of our country's most beautiful symbols, includes gardens, monuments, museums, and open spaces that make this serene landmark a wonderful, peaceful place to visit.
The Liberty Bell is over 260 years old and can be traced back to William Penn. Created to commemorate Penn's visionary work, it now stands as one of our nation's most valued symbols of peace, liberty, and freedom for all.
"The Star Spangled Banner" became the national anthem of the United States in 1931. Uniting Americans with pride every time it is played, it always brings a sense of loyalty and honor to the citizens of the United States of America.
This book explains how it is the responsibility of your city or town government to keep you safe and maintain a clean place for you to live. It builds parks, cleans streets, and enforces the laws made by the state government.
This book discusses civic responsibilities and how to be a good citizen.
This book outlines the reasons the Constitution was first written in 1787 and how it has changed to fit our world today.
This book takes you through the many processes the legislative branch of our government must follow to introduce a bill and the steps it goes through to make a bill an actual law.
This book discusses how the United States is a Federalist government, meaning powers are split between states and the national government, and the role of state governments.
This book discusses the term limits of House and Senate members, as well as the qualifications, background, and jobs each member contributes when representing the citizens of the United States.
This book discusses the highest court in our country, the terms and ranks of each member, and what role they play to balance the scales of justice.
This book describes all the responsibilities of the president, the duties of the Cabinet members who advise the president, and the qualifications needed to run for president.
In Police Cars, early readers will learn about the different parts of a police car and how they help police officers do their jobs. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage emergent readers as they discover the unique features of these machines. A labeled diagram helps readers identify the parts of a police car, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about police cars online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Police Cars also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and index.
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is a quote from the U.S. Constitution most Americans know by heart. The right to have a healthy peacetime life-- to be free from want, hunger, disease -- is one of the rights that defines happiness. Read why this right is important for young people today. Learn how societies around the world fare in providing freedom from want to all people. And discover ways to help deliver critical basic needs to others.
Sonia Sotomayor became a household name when President Barack Obama nominated her to the United States Supreme Court in 2009. Her confirmation made her the country's first Hispanic Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. But even before that, Sonia was an inspiration to others. Sonia Sotomayor has built a life as a jurist, activist, and mother, committed to the rights and advancement of people of all backgrounds and ethnicities.
The executive branch of the United States government is responsible for putting laws into action. This book carefully explains the workings of the executive branch, from its most visible figure, the President, through to the vice president, cabinet, and executive departments and agencies. Key roles such as the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Attorney General are profiled. A comparison to other executive powers in state and local governments, as well as other countries, is also included.
Do you know why school is closed on some days? Find the answers in this book!
Each kind of coin has a different value. Find out how much pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters are worth.
