A detailed introductory essay concentrates on Congress itself, reviewing its organization and procedures. A great addition to collections in need of resources on government, civics, citizenship, history and the law.
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2004 - Booklist Editor's Choice Reference Title
2005 - RUSA Best Reference Sources
"Intended for a broad, general readership, high school level and above. Selections were made based on such criteria as historical significance, contemporary impact, and potential contribution to the understanding of American government."
"The writing is generally informative and interesting and is suitable for a general, as opposed to a strictly legal, reference work. In fact, the editor\'s goal was to provide a reference work usable by student, professional, and layman. The book succeeds in this manner...Patrons may find that it sufficiently answers their query, or they may find that it will propel them into further research as needed. Sidebars on related information as well as key term definitions make the essays more accessible and understandable...these faults aside, however, this work is helpful, informative, and a worthwhile reference work, and would be a smart purchase for public and academic libraries."
"Written in a clear and accessible style, with sidebars, illustrations, and definitions of terms, Major Acts of Congress contains signed articles summarizing and analyzing 262 statutes selected on the basis of their historical significance, contemporary impact, and contribution to an understanding of American government.\n"
"Major Acts of Congress, pitched to both students and general readers, is therefore a welcome addition to larger collections whose readers require fuller background on major legislation. Summing Up: Recommended."
"An essential resource for students looking for summaries of significant U.S. legislation. Landsberg offers historical overviews of the importance and impact of 262 major congressional acts from 1789 to 2002. The signed, alphabetically arranged entries range from one to five pages in length and conclude with bibliographies and occasional Internet resources. Selected articles contain sidebars of helpful information; excerpts from the act; and/or a black-and-white photo, reproduction, or political cartoon. The wide margins contain definitions of terms. Citations to the Public Law number and to the United Statutes at Large are provided for students needing to locate the text of a law. A topical outline allows users to locate the acts by broad subjects such as civil rights, the environment, education, slavery, and social programs and welfare. The appendixes contain the U.S. Constitution, a glossary, a set index, and the court cases interpreting the law. A lengthy time line lists the years the acts were passed, the president who signed the law, a breakdown of how the Congressional parties voted, and events and policies of that year."