Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

The Congress of the United States: A Student Companion, 3rd ed. By Donald A. Ritchie. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. 1 vol. 269 p. $. ISBN 10: 0-19-530924-3; 13: 978-0-19-530924-9.

With the national elections coming in two years, teachers and students will have a primary focus on the presidency and only secondarily be interested in Congress. Because most adults know little about Congress, today’s students from middle school through high school should study the powers of Congress, the elections and succession, Congressional agencies and staff the leadership of Congress, its procedures, and traditions. They will learn about the Capitol Building, relationships with the president and the executive branch, notable events and legislation, and other information about Congress such as its publications. Black and white illustrations are given further explanation in sidebars. If we are to encourage our young people to go into politics, it is essential that they understand this branch of government as much as the presidency. This resource is an excellent introduction.