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Electronic Books By Themes
Democracy and CIVIL Rights About America: How the United States Is Governed (PDF file, 1.10MB) 
This joint publication of the State Department's Bureau of International Information Programs and Braddock Communications presents a comprehensive yet easy-to-read overview of the various levels of and institutions related to government in the U.S. "How the United States Is Governed" describes how federal, state, and local governments are elected, how they operate, and how the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government relate under the U.S. constitutional system. It also highlights how nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other institutions allow Americans to influence and shape government policy. This publication contains a glossary and a list of useful Web sites. (October 2005) About America: The Constitution of the United States of America With Explanatory Notes (PDF file, 1.77MB)
This illustrated publication includes the complete text of the U.S. Constitution (preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments), as well an updated introduction and explanatory notes by J.W. Peltason, author of Understanding the Constitution and Government by the People. The introduction includes sections explaining how the Constitution set up the U.S. federal system, the background to the Constitutional Convention and how the participants arrived at a final version of the document, its ratification, and sections on the call for a Bill of Rights and the need for additional amendments over the years. Dr. Peltason is currently professor of Political Science Emeritus, University of California, Irvine, as well as President Emeritus, University of California. (July 2004) About America: Women of Influence (PDF file, 1.61MB)
This collection chronicles how 21 notable American women broke new ground, some by championing equal rights for all and others by their accomplishments in fields such as government, literature, and even in war. It consists of seven mini-chapters featuring: Pocahontas, Sacagawea, Anne Marbury Hutchinson, Anne Dudley Bradstreet, Abigail Adams, Margaret Cochran Corbin, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Jeannette Rankin, Hattie Ophelia Wyatt Caraway, a Eleanor Roosevelt, Sandra Day O'Connor, Wilma Mankiller, Clara Barton, Jane Addams, Nellie Bly, Rosalyn Yalow, Sheila C. Johnson, and Maya Lin. (Revised November 2006) Barack Obama: 44th President of the United States (PDF file, 774KB)
Barack Obama, elected the 44th President of the United States, has lived a truly American life, and has opened a new chapter in American politics. This publication tells the story of Obama’s life, describes how he captured the presidency, and portrays his vision for the future. It also introduces readers to the Obama family and to the new Vice President, Joseph Biden. Democracy Papers (PDF file, 585KB)
This series of 12 essays on democracy-building is the successor to the "Freedom Papers" series published by USIA in the early 1990s. It was edited by Melvin Urofsky, a professor of constitutional law at Virginia Commonwealth University and the editor of the USIA publication "Basic Readings in U.S. Democracy." Topics are: Introduction: Root Principles of Democracy; Constitutionalism: America and Beyond; Principles of Democratic Elections; Federalism and Democracy; Creation of Law in a Democratic Society; Role of an Independent Judiciary; Powers of the Presidency; Role of a Free Media; Protecting Minority Rights; Role of Interest Groups; Civilian Control of the Military; The Public's Right to Know: Transparency in Government. (November 2001) Free at Last: The U.S. Civil Rights Movement (PDF file, 3.6MB)
This publication tells the story of the African-American civil rights movement in the United States, as well as of its roots in the injustices of slavery and segregation. (January 2009) Democracy In Brief (PDF file, 1MB)
Democracy in Brief gives a concise account of the intellectual origins, history, and basic values of democratic systems of government. The book touches on topics such as rights and responsibilities of citizens, free and fair elections, the rule of law, the role of a written constitution, separation of powers, a free media, the role of parties and interest groups, military-civilian relations and democratic culture. (December 2007) Justice for All: The Legacy of Thurgood Marshall (PDF file, 1.65MB)
The name of Thurgood Marshall may not be as well-known outside the United States as that of his fellow civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. And yet, Marshall's achievement in demolishing the legal structure that sustained racial segregation in the American South advanced the civil rights cause as profoundly as the nonviolent protests led by King. (January 2007) Making a Difference in the U.S.A.: Women in Politics (PDF file, 1.44MB)
This publication offers the stories of women who believed that they could make a difference by participating in politics and government, and forged ahead to do so. (March 2008) Outline of U.S. Government (PDF file, 468KB)
What makes U.S. government uniquely American...its Constitution, the separation of powers, the concept of “checks and balances,” the decentralized roles of state and local governments, and a citizenry with wide opportunity to be part of it all. (September 2000) Principles of Democracy (PDF file, 181KB)
Explains fundamental principles that contribute to making a democratic government work effectively. This series of one-page primers provides the reader with a concise definition of democracy and expands on supporting elements such as good governance and the rights and responsibilities of people living in democracies. (Updated March 2005) Rights of the People: Individual Freedom and the Bill of Rights (PDF file, 900KB)
"Rights of the People" is a history of American law and justice, written by Constitutional historian Melvin Urofsky. By focusing on the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution, and the legal interpretations, many of them written by America's finest jurists, that refined and expanded the Bill of Rights, Urofsky presents a history of the United States from the standpoint of individual liberty. (December 2003) USA Elections in Brief (PDF file, 770kB)
A background guide to the entire U.S. electoral system, from federal, state, local, and primary elections to related topics such as polling and the role of the parties and the media. (January 2008)
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Focus on: Intellectual Property Rights (PDF file, 2.67MB)
Essays by government, academic, and industry experts introduce intellectual property rights issues and key concepts -- patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and new forms of IP. Articles also explain why countries need effective intellectual property systems, and what governments in each region are doing to enforce IPR. Includes a glossary of IP terms, a list of print and Internet IP resources, and a separate resource list for children and young adults. (January 2006) Principles of Entrepreneurship (PDF file, 70KB)
Economists and business people differ in their definitions of entrepreneurship. Most, however, agree that entrepreneurship is vital for stimulating economic growth and employment opportunities in all societies. This is particularly true in the developing world, where successful small businesses are the primary engines of job creation and poverty reduction. This page introduces the first eight of what eventually will be a series of 21 one-page primers on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. It discusses the essentials for building and running a business from the planning stages to marketing a product. (November 2007) USA Economy in Brief (PDF file, 3.75MB)
This mini-publication discusses the factors that make the U.S. economy the world's most productive, competitive, and influential. It focuses on workers and productivity, small and large business, the service economy, goods and services, the role of government, and the concept of "creative destruction," the process where jobs, companies, entire industries come and go because of their success or failure in the marketplace. USA Economy in Brief includes colorful charts to illustrate, for instance, U.S. annual exports and imports and the U.S. trade deficit. (July 2007) back to top ^
About America: Edward R. Murrow, Journalism at Its Best (PDF file, 979kB)
The career of Edward R. Murrow, the eminent broadcast journalist, is discussed in this publication as an example of the essential role the free press plays in a democratic society. With his reports from London during World War II and his exposé of Senator McCarthy's anti-Communist campaign in the 1950s, Murrow showed how a fearless reporter can use journalistic skills in the public's service in times of crisis. The publication also highlights Murrow's creativity in developing reporting formats for the new media of his day — first radio, then TV. Audio of Murrow's broadcasts and a photo gallery are also included. (April 2006) Handbook of Independent Journalism (PDF file, 815kB)
This handbook covers the ins and outs of what every professional journalist should know — from how to research, write, and edit a story to how to write headlines, choose graphics, and select quotes and sound bites. Print, radio, TV, and Web-based or online journalism forms are discussed in detail, as well as the skills required in beat reporting. One chapter focuses on ethical principles, codes, community standards, and internationally endorsed journalism norms. The "Journalism Resources" section lists membership groups, resource sites for reporting and editing, and sample ethics codes. The author, Deborah Potter, is the director of NewsLab in Washington, D.C., and a former network correspondent for CBS News and CNN. (July 2006) Rachel Carson: Pen Against Poison (PDF file, 1.82MB)
Rachel Carson was a quiet woman who stirred extraordinary controversy that persists decades after her death. Her 1962 book Silent Spring brought worldwide attention to the harm to human health and the environment wrought by mishandling of a powerful pesticide, fomenting the environmental movement. In the 100th anniversary year of Carson's birth, this publication examines how occasionally in history a book with a powerful idea can bring about peaceful but dramatic change in a democratic society. (March 2007) A Responsible Press Office: An Insiders Guide (PDF file, 319KB)
A how-to publication for government leaders and public information officials who want to create an effective mechanism of communication between the media and the government. This handbook offers practical advice based on the significant professional experience of author Marguerite Hoxie Sullivan and other top-level U.S. government spokespersons. The book's 12 chapters cover, among other things, the roles and characteristics of a press spokesperson, the day-to-day activities of a press office, how to mount a media campaign, the tools available to a press office, how to ensure that the government's message is communicated effectively to the people, how to handle unexpected events that require a quick response, and how to conduct media events. (September 2001) back to top ^
The Marshall Plan (PDF File, 1.34MB)
June 5, 2007, marks the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of the Marshall Plan, the U.S. program of assistance to the countries of Europe in the wake of World War II. This publication presents the story behind this joint European-American venture, from its conception by then Secretary of State George C. Marshall to its eventual success in laying out the economic and political basis for the renewal of countries like Britain, Germany, Turkey, and Italy. (May 2007)
American Popular Music (PDF file, 7.70MB)
Popular music, like so much of American culture, reflects a kaleidoscope of contributions,a cross-fertilization of styles,and a blending of dreams. It couldhardly be otherwise in this nation of immigrants. Arguably the United States is a perfect musical laboratory: take people from every corner of the globe, give them freedom to create. Distribute their effort: by sheet music, phonograph, radio — or, for the younger reader: by Blu-ray Disc, mp3, Internet stream. America Is (PDF file, 3.17MB)
This photo essay offers facets of the United States' cherished values, as well as the variety and diversity of its people. The photos are grouped by values: love of family, community, individuality, liberty and freedom, justice, democracy, freedom of faith, freedom of speech, compassion, diversity, equal rights, education, innovation, opportunity, and hope. (January 2008) Art on the Edge: 17 Contemporary American Artists (PDF file, 4.10MB)
This joint publication of the State Department's ART in Embassies Program and its Bureau of International Information Programs showcases the work of 17 contemporary American artists. All have made their art available in U.S. ambassador's residences in countries around the world. As a group, these up-and-comers exemplify such bedrock American values as innovation, diversity, freedom, individualism, and competitive excellence. (November 2004) Historians on America (PDF file, 3.56MB)
Historians on America is a series of individual essays that selects specific moments, decisions, and intellectual or legislative or legal developments and explains how they altered the course of U.S. history. The book consists of 11 separate essays by major historians, ranging from The Trial of John Peter Zenger in 1735 to The Immigration Act of 1965.(September 2007) USA History in Brief (PDF file, 1.64MB)
The first title in the new "In Brief" series, this publication summarizes in a few thousand words the history of how the United States was founded and the forces and events that shaped the dynamic and varied country that it has become today. (March 2007)
U.S. Literature In Brief (PDF file, 474KB)
USA Literature in Brief pinpoints and describes the contributions to American literature of some of the best-recognized American poets, novelists, philosophers and dramatists from pre-Colonial days through the present. Major literary figures are discussed in detail, as are their major works. Brief discussions of cultural periods and movements such as romanticism, transcendentalism, and modernism put individuals in context and lend perspective. This condensed version of Outline of American Literature highlights major achievers and important works in the canon.(May 2007) USA Map with Facts in Brief (PDF file, 352KB) This brochure features a full-color map of the United States. It includes plenty of facts and statistics about the United States -- its government, geography, environment, sports and entertainment, the economy and employment, education, transportation, and population.(October 2007) Writers on America (PDF file, 520KB)
Presents 15 essays by a diverse group of contemporary American writers, poets, essayists, and intellectuals, on how being an American has affected their decision to write and what they have written during successful careers. Their meditations illuminate in an interesting way certain American values — freedom, diversity, democracy, in the context of individual development. Frequently, for this group of writers, the sense of home means an immigrant culture, with a parent or grandparent from another land; however, the central concept for many of these authors, no matter what their backgrounds, is "possibility," both in personal and creative terms. (December 2002) back to top ^
Outline Series Outline of American Geography (PDF file, 560KB)
Considers the physical environment of the United States — landforms, climate, soils, and vegetation — in terms of its impact on the country's cultural, regional, and political development. (November 1998) Outline of American Literature (PDF file, 1.17MB)
The Outline of American literature, newly revised, traces the paths of American narrative, fiction, poetry and drama as they move from pre-colonial times into the present, through such literary movements as romanticism, realism and experimentation. (December 2006) Outline of the U.S. Economy (PDF file, 555KB)
Examines how the U.S. economy works and how it has evolved over the past 225 years. Considers forms of business enterprise, the role of financial markets, how government shapes the economy and seeks to manage the pace of economic activity, the agricultural sector and U.S. farm policy, the changing role of labor, and current U.S. policies on trade and international economic affairs. (February 2001) Outline of the U.S. Government (PDF file, 468KB)
What makes U.S. government uniquely American...its Constitution, the separation of powers, the concept of “checks and balances,” the decentralized roles of state and local governments, and a citizenry with wide opportunity to be part of it all. (September 2000) Outline of the U.S. Legal System (PDF file, 5.35MB)
This Outline covers the history and organization of the federal and state judicial systems; the criminal and civil court processes; the background, qualifications, and selection of federal judges; the role of other participants (lawyers, defendants, interest groups) in the judicial process; and the implementation and impact of judicial policies. It is based on the Congressional Quarterly Press' Judicial Process in America, 5th edition, by political science professors Robert A. Carp and Ronald Stidham. (December 2004) Outline of U.S. History (PDF file, 4.38MB)
A chronological look at how the United States took shape -- from its origins as an obscure set of colonies on the Atlantic coast a little more than 200 years ago into what one political analyst today calls "the first universal nation." This fully illustrated edition has been completely revised and updated by Alonzo L. Hamby, Distinguished Professor of History at Ohio University. (November 2005)
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