From George Washington to George W. In the course of the 2008 presidential campaigns, Americans became involved in the political process at a level rarely seen in modern history. But even before the historic race, George W. Bush's tenure had left many Americans wondering how we got to where we are today. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to the American Presidency takes readers from the first president to the one who just stepped down-exploring the legacies of the greatest leaders and the black marks against others, and showing the ways in which they left their stamp on both the nation and the presidency itself. • Written by the author of the highly successful The Complete Idiot's Guide® to American History, Fifth Edition • Appendices that list the presidents and their vice presidents, the presidential elections, and further reading

Details the career path, presidential policies, key events, trivial facts, and historical impact of each president from George Washington to Bill Clinton.

Chronicles the history of the presidential office from George Washington to the 2008 election, exploring the positive and negative legacies of forefront leaders while discussing how various commanders-in-chief affected the presidency itself.

Accessible, authoritative, and entertaining in the signature style of theComplete Idiot'sGuide® series, The Complete Idiot's Guide® to U.S. Government and Politicsprovides a wonderful foundation of knowledge about the way our country's system of government works. Understanding how our government functions and the political forces that influence it is vital for all Americans. At the high school level, U.S. government, the class formerly called civics, has evolved to become a focus of the Advanced Placement test. In 2007, the AP U.S. government and politics exam was the most widely taken test among high school students on a college track, with over 333,562 students sitting for the 3.5-hour exam. Several strictly test prep books help students prepare for this exam. However, they're limited to the key points covered by the exam and don't afford much information outside the strict curriculum. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to U.S. Government and Politics gives the reader much more. As a comprehensive overview and history of the subject, this book is designed to help anyone interested in learning about our government and the origins of its complex inner workings, our political system, and key elements that have affected our growth as a nation-all while serving as a the best supplementary reading a student can get to help them prepare for the AP exam.

Discusses American history from prehistory through 2006, including brief biographical sketches of historical figures and events from popular culture.

Discusses American history from prehistory through 2006, including brief biographical sketches of historical figures and events from popular culture.

You're no idiot, of course. You know the American Revolution started when those guys in Boston threw some tea off a boat. Or was it when Paul Revere made his famous ride? Let's face it: when it comes to knowing about our nation's struggle for independence, our grade-school memories are about as trustworthy as Benedict Arnold. Don't blush red (or white, or blue) yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide® to the American Revolution is an authoritative overview of the conflict, filled with little-known facts that will enlighten even the most educated history buff. In this Complete Idiot's Guide®, you get:

Provides an overview of the people, events, and ideas that shaped the twentieth century, covering wars and political conflicts, innovations in technology, and the contributions of such great minds as Sigmund Freud and Albert Einstein

Traces the origins and history of jazz, its major artists, and its stylistic varieties, and offers suggestions for assembling a recording collection

At a loss for words The gift of understanding power words and phrases will allow readers to set themselves apart, be more assertive, and impress and inspire others. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Power Words also discusses how to develop and encourage clear-headed attention between parties, proactive listening techniques, genuine interest, and open-mindedness. Engaging in the craft of utilizing power words and phrases makes readers more important-and more influential. • Word power books continue to be popular • Provides practical, step–by–step advice for learning the words and phrases that will make all the difference when arguing a point