Book Description
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!


From the Back Cover
"Provides useful insights into the often mysterious world of politics." —The Honorable Evan Bayh, United States Senator from Indiana Discover how just one vote can make a difference Politics made simple–from choosing candidates to lobbying for legislation Confused by caucuses, primaries, and pollsters? Puzzled by the various parties and special interest groups? This fun and easy guide cuts through the political jargon and provides clear up-to-date details about everything from legislation to polls to presidential elections–and explains how you can become a political player yourself. The Dummies Way Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun Get smart! @www.dummies.com Find listings of all our books Create your own personalized book with Hungry Minds a la Carte™ Sign up for daily eTips at www.dummiesdaily.com


About the Author
Ann DeLaney is the first woman to be nominated by a major party as a candidate for lieutenant governor of Indiana. She has also served as commissioner of the Marion Superior Court.

ANNOTATION

In a fun and friendly way, this guide informs and educates people about the basics of politics by using timely examples from the headlines of today's newspapers and TV news programs to illustrate important political issues, concerns, concepts, procedures, and policies. Real-world analogies help readers understand the vast world of politics in the 1990s. Cartoons.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Discover how just one vote can make a difference

Politics made simple-from choosing candidates to lobbying for legislation

Confused by caucuses, primaries, and pollsters? Puzzled by the various parties and special interest groups? This fun and easy guide cuts through the political jargon and provides clear up-to-date details about everything from legislation to polls to presidential elections-and explains how you can become a political player yourself.