This amazing book provides a snapshot of systems of government used by various ancient civilizations. Engaging illustrations, detailed timelines, and fascinating information bring back to life the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, Africa, China, and more. Read about what a Chinese dynasty was, the invention of the idea of democracy in Greece, the role of a samurai warrior in Japan, and Mesopotamia's eye-for-an-eye system of ancient justice.
This fascinating book describes the characteristics of a dictatorship, a political system in which an individual has absolute power to rule without the consent of citizens. Dictatorships throughout history are featured to show examples of how these individuals attained their positions, either by force or by inheritance, why laws and constitutions do not constrain a dictator's actions, and how every aspect of citizens' lives can be regulated under this system.
This intriguing book describes the characteristics of a monarchy, a political system in which political power (usually inherited) rests with a monarch-a king or queen. Today, only six nations around the world are termed absolute monarchies in which the monarch has complete power. Other nations that have monarchs as heads of state are called constitutional monarchies because the monarch's role is only ceremonial. Monarchies throughout history are featured to show examples of succession within a royal family, the extent of the monarch's governing power, and the monarch's ceremonial duties.
This interesting book describes the characteristics of a theocracy, a political system in which a deity, or god, is considered to be the supreme ruler of the state. Religion plays the central role in governing, and representatives who govern are considered to be divinely guided. Theocratic governments around the world are featured to show examples of the relationship between church and state, how representatives are selected, and how laws are determined and enforced.
Pivotal battles waged before, during, and after the War of 1812 are detailed in this fascinating book. Battles between the United States and the British and Canadians saw gains and losses of territory for both sides, all of which proved to be only temporary. For the Native Indians who fought on each side, the result was the loss of their land and autonomy. Famous battles highlighted include those at sea: the USS Constitution vs the Guerriere, the USS Lawrence in the Battle of Lake Erie, and the capture of the USS Chesapeake; and on landthe Battle of Tippecanoe before the war, the Battle of Queenston Heights, and the Battle of New Orleans which took place after the Treaty of Ghent had already been signed ending the war.
The War of 1812 resulted in a surging sense of nationalism for both the United States and Canada. This fascinating book looks at the achievements of the military leaders and other key figures involved in the conflict during this time of nation-building. Brief biographies give details of their lives and describe the actions of such long-remembered heroes of the war as American President James Madison, Commodore Oliver Perry, General Andrew Jackson, Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Salaberry, Major General Isaac Brock, Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, and Laura Secord.
Fought during a period of nation-building in North America, the War of 1812 helped cement America's sovereignty as a nation and Canada's sense of national pride at having successfuly repelled an invasion. This intriguing book helps readers understand the significance and long-term effects of the War of 1812 after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent ended hostilities in 1815. In the United States, these included the creation of heroes, the birth of a national anthemThe Star-Spangled Banner, and the reneging on treaties which destroyed Shawnee Chief Tecumseh's dream of an Indian confederacy; in Canada, it was prosperity through British war chests and a bonding of the provinces through a common foe.
In 1812, the Napoleonic Wars in far-off Europe began a chain of actions that would lead the United States into war against Britain and its colonies in Canada in the New World. This fascinating book reveals how U.S. president James Madison declared war on Britain for harming U.S. trade with Europe by naval blockade, for impressing U.S. citizens into the service of the British Royal Navy, for siding with Native Americans against the U.S., and for standing in the way of American expansion to the north into Canada.
This colorful book describes the geological makeup and history of the Kalahari Desert in Africa. Covering most of Botswana, as well as portions of Namibia and South Africa, the Kalahari is not a true desert because it receives more than ten inches (250 mm) of rain each year. But the rain drains and evaporates quickly leaving no water on the surface of the red sand. Readers will learn about the variety of habitats in this vast desert system that support many different kinds of plants and animals such as springboks, giraffes, elephants, and zebras. Special sections also describe the Kalahari's natural resources, indigenous people, and the unique problems facing this region.
This intriguing book describes the geological makeup and history of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and China. Temperatures can get very cold and frost and snow are not unusual. Readers will learn about the variety of habitats in this vast desert system that support many different kinds of plants and animals such as camels, snow leopards, and bears. The Gobi Desert is also where the first dinosaur egg fossils were found. Special sections describe the desert's natural resources, such as copper and gold, and the unique problems facing this region such as the desert's alarming rate of desertification.
Thailand's culture is a blending of the Buddhist religion and ancient traditions passed down through centuries. This interesting book describes how influences from surrounding countries such as India, China, Cambodia, and others in southeast Asia have helped to develop many of the colorful festivals celebrated today. Young readers will also learn how the Thai people celebrate family occasions.
Sally Ride soared into outer space on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983, the youngest astronaut and the first U.S. woman in space. Just 32 years old that year, this California girl was already an accomplished astrophysicist when NASA chose her. Since then, she has written several books introducing young readers to the subject of space exploration and encouraging them to study the sciences.
From the earliest times humans have shaped and changed the landscape. Historical and modern-day examples in this interesting book show how natural habitats and wilderness areas are destroyed as people need more land for farming and to build towns and cities, and how increasing urbanization of populations is adding to the problem of carbon emissions that cause climate change.
Culture gives humans a sense of identity. This title examines how cultures around the world mix and change in response to migration and settlement. This fascinating book examines examples from history including: the slave trade and the impact of African culture on North America and then the world; the forcing of Native Americans to adopt European culture; and the cultural interchange between the British Empire and India.
This intriguing book explores the reasons why people migrate: pushesinvoluntary migrationsand pullsvoluntary migrations. Historical migrations examined include: the slave trade; the relocation of Native Americans; migrations due to famine in Africa; migrations linked to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; the Irish potato famine; the migrations of Jews around the world; and the Great Migration of African Americans from the south to the north.
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.
This intriguing book shows how this group's unusal members are generally classified according to an absence of a feature, such as the lack of complicated cell structure. Learn about such exotic organisms as algae, amoebae, and slime moldsall of them protists. Case histories examine the importance of plankton to the marine food chains and the role of protists in various diseases.
Irena Sendler was born into a Catholic family in Poland in 1910. Throughout the German occupation in World War II, Irena worked tirelessly to help save Polands Jews from the Nazi horror. Irena saved at least 2,500 Jewish children from certain death during the Holocaust. By the time of her death in 2008, Irena had been honored by the governments of Poland and Israel, Pope John Paul II, and many of those she had rescued.
Examples are used to illustrate how many laws began as grass-roots initiatives, and how much a law can change from the time it is first suggested to the time it is approved.
Emphasis is placed on how all levels must work together to succeed and examples are presented demonstrating how all levels of government contribute to the lives of every citizen.
The legislative branch of the United States government represents the people and makes the laws which they live by. This book introduces readers to the House of Representatives and Senate, and the main players in both. Whips, committees, and filibusters are also discussed. A comparison to other legislative bodies in state and local governments, as well as in other countries, is also included.
The judicial branch of government consists of the nations courts. This title explores the role of the United States Supreme Court and its role in interpreting the U.S. Constitution, as well as the role of Federal Courts. Justices and judges, and how they are selected for their jobs is also provided. A comparison to other judicial bodies in state governments, as well as in other countries, is also included.
This entertaining and insightful book will show young readers about the chemical compounds that make up the world around them. Colorful illustrations encourage interest in this vital basic science, giving readers knowledge of the periodic table and the importance of chemical compounds in their lives.
This book provides essential information on all aspects of the election process. How is a government elected? is packed with plenty of full-color images to help deliver a fundamental message: that the right to vote is one of the cornerstones of a free and democratic society.
