This graphic history of American politics is well-intended but boring. I guess there's no good way to go over all of this as this work gives about a solid paragraph per page illustrated with people representing different groups (and in some way the small number represented kind of rubbed me wrong even though I realize representation isn't easy to do in a black and white illustration) trying to show in a few comic book style exchanges the point of each topic and paragraph. This work covers the U.S. Constitution, amendments, government roles and policies, and Constitutional interpretation. Nice try. My rating is 3 stars for good information.

Good, if shallow, overview of U.S. institutions, but the authors ignored some essential topics. There was almost complete lack of attention to corporate political funding and power and how it distorts the political system and process (other than a small bit about the Citizens United case). No coverage of corporate ownership of politicians or organizations like the DNC, and the huge impact that has on elections and policy. Addresses the issue of "fake news" and the problems with 24-hour news, but does not mention the problem of corporate ownership of the media. Almost no coverage of foreign affairs or the vast amount of resources devoted to war/terrorism. Explores the civil rights movements of women, African Americans and LGBTQ people and the U.S. government's treatment of Native Americans, but limits Latino issues/history to immigration, and does not address other groups (such as Asian Americans, disabled populations, Muslims) at all. Overall, the book seriously underplays how incredibly broken our political system is and ends on a hopeful message that we can all just work together, ignoring the huge non-voting mass of the population that is completely disengaged.
hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

A clear and concise introduction to American politics and it’s fundamentals

An excellent primer on the American political system that does a lot to contextualize where we are via how we got here.

Jules Scheele's cast of characters are very finely drawn, and illustrate the democratic ideals of the nation without ever obscuring the jagged realities.

lesley's review

3.0

This is a good overview of american politics and gives a generally unbiased and informative look at how we got to where we are today. This would be a good book to give someone who doesn't understand a lot of the issues driving politics currently to give them the info to ponder and make up their own minds.