The reference collection is a good place to start your research. Dictionaries and encyclopedias provide definitions and concise background information on a specific topic. Here are a few of the books you can find in the reference collection:
The U.S. Constitution, A to Z
Going beyond the typical review, attorney Maddex offers surprises on a full range of issues from abortion to zoning. He provides biographies of leading legal lights, a very useful set of historic milestones, and a careful assessment of important cases such as Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka and Hamdi v. Rumsfeld. He includes a full range of resources such as charters, plans, amendments, and articles of ratification, a table of cases, bibliography and list of Internet sites. Fully illustrated with period graphics, photos, political cartoons and line art.
The Princeton Encyclopedia of American Political History - eBook by
An essential resource for anyone interested in U.S. history and politics, this two-volume encyclopedia covers the major forces that have shaped American politics from the founding to today. Broad in scope, the book addresses both the traditional topics of political history--such as eras, institutions, political parties, presidents, and founding documents--and the wider subjects of current scholarship, including military, electoral, and economic events, as well as social movements, popular culture, religion, education, race, gender, and more. Each article, specially commissioned for this book, goes beyond basic facts to provide readers with crucial context, expert analysis, and informed perspectives on the evolution of American politics. Written by more than 170 leading historians and social scientists, The Princeton Encyclopedia of American Political History gives students, scholars, and researchers authoritative introductions to the subject's most important topics and a first step to further research. Features nearly 190 entries, organized alphabetically and written by a distinguished team of scholars, including Dean Baker, Lewis L. Gould, Alexander Keyssar, James T. Kloppenberg, Patricia Nelson Limerick, Lisa McGirr, Mark A. Noll, Jack N. Rakove, Nick Salvatore, Stephen Skowronek, Jeremi Suri, and Julian E. Zelizer Describes key political periods and eras, from the founding to the present day Traces the history of political institutions, parties, and founding documents Explains ideas, philosophies, and movements that shaped American politics Presents the political history and influence of geographic regions Describes the roles of ethnic, racial, and religious groups in the political process Explores the influence of mass culture, from political cartoons to the Internet Examines recurring issues that shape political campaigns and policy, from class, gender, and race to crime, education, taxation, voting, welfare, and much more Includes bibliographies, cross-references, appendixes, a comprehensive index, and more than 50 illustrations and maps
Taming the Elephant: Politics, Government, and Law in Pioneer California
Madison's Nightmare: How Executive Power Threatens American Democracy by 