American Government: Expert Guides and Resources

The most important key dates in U.S. history highlight major events in U.S. history and show the continuing evolution of both U.S. government and U.S. culture. Key dates in American history July 4, 1776: The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence. November 15, 1777: The Articles of Confederation are adopted by the Continental Congress.

You can gather information about your representative from his or her Web site, but if you need to contact another member or staffer of the House of Representatives, try the email formula below. Of course, you can always call or go the old-fashioned way and mail a letter. Here’s the House contact information you'll need: The House of Representatives Web site: www.

If you’re planning a trip to Washington, D.C., follow some basic recommendations for protocol when visiting with a member of Congress or a White House staffer. Plan your trip to the Capitol Building around Congressional recesses, and be sure to have all the correct contact information for the House of Representatives and Senate to make travel easier and quicker.

If the thought of politics makes you cringe, don’t worry, you can get involved as little or as much as you like in politics. If you want to voice your concerns, use these handy resources to contact your representative, and when you do call, be prepared to offer some information to them. Use a checklist of things to look for (and not look for) when searching for a candidate worthy of your vote.

You should tell your children some facts about politics. Who knows? Maybe some or all of it will sink in. Your kids may not look as though they’re paying attention, but they’ll probably remember. After all, someday, when you suddenly go from being the dumbest parent in the world to being okay (if only by comparison to the even dumber parents of your kids’ friends), some of these points may have an impact on your children.

Before the 2000 election, most U.S. residents hadn’t thought about the electoral college since high school. A few people discussed changing the electoral college after the close election of 1960, but those discussions were short-lived. Al Gore won the popular vote in 2000 by about a half-million votes, but George W.

Both major U.S. political parties hold conventions during the summer of a presidential election year. Delegates to each convention ratify the party’s choice for president and nominate the choice for vice president.Independent candidates for president don’t undergo the nominating process; after all, independent candidates don’t represent a party.

The answer is a resounding yes, but only if you’re registered to vote! If you don’t register, you declare yourself out of the game, and no one makes any effort to find out what you think or what you want. Officials don’t contact you to solicit your ideas or concerns because you don’t show up on their carefully compiled lists of registered voters.