The American political system can be challenging to navigate.

In a time when the political climate can be contentious, understanding the American system of government is an important tool to have. This comprehensive guide covers the basics of U.S. politics in a clear, easy-to-follow format, beginning with the founding principles of government and concluding with a nonpartisan look at today’s political parties, elections, and public policy.

Learn about the underlying processes that affect all Americans, including the establishment of civil liberties, the role of the Electoral College, and how policy decisions are made, along with so much more.

Franco Scardino is a recently retired teacher of social studies with the New York City Department of Education. He has 24 years of experience teaching subjects such as Advanced Placement US Government and Politics, Advanced Placement World History, and AP Capstone. He has consulted for Oxford University Press in the development of a civics education curriculum, and he served on the Social Studies Curriculum Writing Team for the NYC Department of Education. Scardino received his bachelor’s degree in history and economics from New York University and his master of arts in social studies from Teacher’s College, Columbia University.