Do you know what the Secretary of Defense does all day? Do you feel overwhelmed and confused by the web of administration and legislation that manages your taxes, your healthcare, your safety? Have you been pretending you know what Federalism is for the last 20 years? Don’t worry–you’re not alone. The American government and its processes can be dizzyingly complex and obscure.

Until now.

Within this book are the keys to knowing what you’re talking about when you argue politics with the uncle you only see at Thanksgiving. It’s the book that sits on your desk for quick reference when the nightly news boggles your mind. This approachable and informative guide gives you the lowdown on everything from the three branches of government, to what you can actually do to make your vote count, to how our founding documents practically affect our daily lives. Because it’s finally time to understand who does what, how they do it, and the best way to get them to listen to you.