Resources for participating in U.S. Government
By Robert Longley, About.com Guide
Voting and Elections
Participatory government, government by the people, is the foundation of democracy, and voting is the foundation of democracy. If you only do one thing to take part in your government, whether at the national, state or local level, make it voting.
- Why So Many Americans Don't Vote
- Registering to Vote
- Election Day Guide Questions and Answers
- People Who Can Help You at the Polls
- If You Make a Mistake While Voting
- Counting the Votes
- Primaries, Caucuses and Conventions
- The Electoral College System: Electing a President
- Why the Electoral College?
- Electoral College Not the Founders' First Choice
- Electoral Votes for Each State
- Why America Needs Third Political Parties
- Political Campaign Contribution Laws for Individuals
- Why We Vote When We Vote
- Protecting Your Right to Vote: Four Laws with One Goal
- How to Report Voting Rights Problems
- Bad Ballots Cause Bad Elections
Make Your Voice Heard
The people you elect work for you. You should and can talk to them – tell them what you expect them to do. You can write your elected officials letters, you can even meet with them face-to-face. If done right, personal contact with your elected representatives can have a tremendous effect.
Keeping Current
Congress passes hundreds of laws every session. Government agencies enact dozens of federal regulations to enforce those laws. These actions impact the daily lives of Americans. You need to know.
- Eleven Great Web Sites for Keeping an Eye on Government
- Daily Senate Agenda
- Daily House Agenda
- Federal Regulations: The Laws Behind the Acts
US Citizenship
Naturalization is the voluntary process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to foreign citizens or nationals after they have fulfilled the requirements established by Congress. The naturalization process offers immigrants a road to the benefits of U.S. citizenship.