The essential reference for citizens of the United States of America"--Cover.

The Handbook for Americans is a guide for Americans to the United States and its tradition of freedoms and responsibilities. The book features the foundational documents of our democracy-- The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights-- and provides information about how the government works and the balance of powers set forth by the Nation's founders. An overview of key moments in America's history, including the long march toward equal rights, provides inspiration and a valuable historical perspective.

Part I. What it means to be an American. A brief history of the United States ; Brief timeline of America history ; The rights and responsibilities of a citizen -- Part II. The documents of democracy. The Declaration of Independence ; The Constitution of the United States ; The Bill of Rights -- The Emancipation Proclamation -- Part III. By the people, for the people. How the United States government works ; Executive: Presidents of the United States ; Legislative: How a bill gets passed into law ; Judicial: Landmark decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court ; States rights: States and their capitals ; National security and defense: War and military action timeline -- Part IV. The voices of freedom. George Washington: Farewell address ; Elizabeth Cady Stanton: The Declaration of Sentiments ; Sojourner Truth: Ain't I a Woman? ; Abraham Lincoln: The Gettysburg Address ; Franklin Delano Roosevelt: The Four Freedoms ; John F. Kennedy: Inaugural Address ; Gerald R. Ford: A War That Is Finished ; Ronald Reagan: Tear Down This Wall -- Part V. Traditions and customs of the United States. The Great Seal ; The National motto ; The National Anthem ; The flag, history, and tradition ; The Pledge of Allegiance ; National holidays.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 301-303).