This manuscript seeks to bring to life the historical development of the United States government, interpreting it for those who lack background knowledge on its origins and tracing its evolution through the critical founding years of the republic. There is complete coverage of themes that promote an understanding of how the national government of the United States was formed. An innovative pedagogical approach incorporates best practices in reading and study skills development to make the text unique and serves to make the U.S. political system understandable to different types of learners. The textbook provides an integrated approach to reading, writing, and thinking within social studies. Study skills are tightly woven into each chapter to support the content and to help students reinforce and expand their knowledge as they move through the book.