The Handy Civics Answer Book: How to be a Good Citizen

by David L Hudson, Jr., J.D.

"... Written in simple, clear language with minimal jargon, this desktop handbook answers everyday questions about the workings of Congress, amending the Constitution, separation of powers, voting, immigration, the Bill of Rights, the path to citizenship, and much more. ... excellent handbook is enthusiastically recommended and warrants a spot in public libraries, secondary-school libraries, and perhaps in most folks' back pocket. ... This comprehensive and accessible guide will be a boon to civics students.

Booklist

The person on your list who’s mourning the end of the political season, will be happy to get “The Handy Civics Answer Book: How to Be a Good Citizen” by David L. Hudson, Jr. J.D. (Visible Ink Press, $29.99). It’s a large, heavy book about our American documents, the Amendments they should know about, what it means to be a “good citizen,” and more.

Bookworm Sez

★ Starred Review. A thorough and accessible primer on citizenship in the United States that breaks down the three branches of government. … An essential purchase for high school libraries and public library collections.

School Library Journal

Citizenship Unleashed: Nurturing Democracy and Strengthening America!

Delve into the essence of citizenship and the part we play in the functioning of our government with this enlightening guide!

Civic engagement and understanding the functions of government are cornerstones of a healthy and vibrant democracy. From the founding and functioning of the U.S. government to intriguing historical tidbits to the intricate inner workings of the law, The Handy Civics Answer Book: How to Be a Good Citizen is a treasure trove of civics knowledge, answering more than 500 of the most intriguing questions about civics, citizenship, and the government, including ...

What types of rights do citizens possess?
Do states require the teaching of civic education?
What legal duties generally may only citizens perform?
What are three defining concepts important to understanding the Constitution?
Does the Constitution mention executive orders?
Does the Constitution explicitly give the power of judicial review to the U.S. Supreme Court, allowing it to strike down laws that violate the Constitution?
How did the Bill of Rights come to be added to the Constitution?
What does the U.S. Constitution say about state government?
What sort of additional protections are found in state’s declarations of rights?
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

Which President said, “Let us at all times remember that all American citizens are brothers of a common country and should dwell together in bonds of fraternal feeling.”?

Whether through the vote, exercising our free speech rights, defending our country, serving on a jury, respecting laws, staying informed, or respecting the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others, civic engagement empowers citizens to shape the policies and decisions that affect their lives, ensuring that government remains accountable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people it serves. The Handy Civics Answer Book will arm you with the knowledge they need to be an informed and active participant in the democratic process. After all, a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against bad actors and political dysfunction!

About David L Hudson, Jr., J.D.

David L Hudson, Jr., J.D. David L. Hudson, Jr., J.D. is an Assistant Professor of Law, teaching First Amendment Law and Bar Exam Workshop at Belmont University’s College of Law. For 17 years, he was an attorney and scholar at the First Amendment Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Hudson also has taught classes at Vanderbilt Law School and the Nashville School of Law, and he served as a senior law clerk for the Tennessee Supreme Court. In June 2018, the Nashville School of Law awarded him its Distinguished Faculty Award. He earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School. He is an author, co-author, or co-editor of more than 40 books, including Visible Ink Press’s The Handy Law Answer Book, The Handy Supreme Court Answer Book, and The Handy American History Answer Book, as well as Let the Students Speak: A History of the Fight for Free Expression in American Schools and The Encyclopedia of the First Amendment (co-editor). He writes regularly for the American Bar Association’s Preview of United States Supreme Court Cases and ABA Journal, and the First Amendment Watch, and the Free Speech Center. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee.