Why Does Congress Have Two Houses?

Product Description

When the framers of the Constitution were creating a new government, representation was an issue near and dear to their patriotic hearts. After all, No Taxation Without Representation was a reason they'd just fought with Britain. They decided on a legislative branch with two houses, each with its own powers and limitations. Why did they choose this system? Which famous figures battled over this bicameral vision? Over 200 years later, how has it changed, and does it still fulfill their expectations? Historical data, fun facts, and quotes from important Americans teach students about the law-making branch of government.

From School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-Each volume in this series on American government answers and explains the questions in the respective titles. How Are Laws Made? explains the steps taken in Congress to pass laws, the steps territories must execute to achieve statehood are outlined in How Are New States Added?, brief descriptions of the three branches of government are covered in What Are Checks and Balances?, in What are States' Rights? readers learn about federalism and how the tenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees states' power, and Why Does Congress Have Two Houses? provides an explanation for the "The Great Compromise" made when the Constitution was being created. All titles provide suitable, if not exciting, introductions to the various facets of the United States government. Maps, pictures, and photographs are included but they serve more to break up the text than enhance it. What Is the Electoral College? will be considered dated as it contains electoral college allocations to each state based on the 2010 census. VERDICT Report writers will find the information valuable and all volumes, excepting What Is the Electoral College?, should be considered for purchase where there is a demand.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.