Politics for Dummies (For Dummies Series)

Whether you understand politics or not, it still affects your life in very real ways. But American politics can be confusing. What€s a caucus? How do primaries work? How can you sift through all the babble to get to the truth?

Politics For Dummies offers all these answers and more. And it€s not just for political novices; even those with a firm understanding of politics can use this book to fill out their knowledge of the little complexities €“ from how the Electoral College works to campaign contribution limits. If you have little or no knowledge of politics, don€t worry. Most people need answers just like you do, that€s why this book helps you:

• Pick the candidate who best represents your views
• Donate time or money to a campaign
• Let your representatives know how you feel
• Run for office yourself

This simple, friendly guide offers the kind of straight talk on politics you won€t get from a politician. It covers the nuts and bolts of the political process so you€ll have a working knowledge of the system. It shows you how to get involved at the grass-roots level and explains the rationale behind the two-party system. It helps you parse the propaganda to get at the truth and offers a complete explanation of presidential politics. Politics For Dummies covers these topics and many more:

• How public opinion polls work
• How money influences policy
• Why your opinion really does count
• How to donate to political campaigns and causes
• Contacting your representatives
• Politics on the Internet
• Choosing parties and candidates
• Lobbyists and special interest groups
•  How candidates sell themselves
• How negative campaigning works
• What happened in the 2000 presidential election

You€ll also find fun and helpful extras like famous political quotes, the ten things you should teach your children about politics, and voting requirements for every state. Democracy won€t work for if you don€t participate in it. So pick up Politics For Dummies, get informed, and get involved. Your country will thank you!