ABOUT THIS BOOK

Voices & Votes: How Democracy Works in Wisconsin invites upper elementary school students to explore the intersection of American civics and Wisconsin history. This sixth and final book in the New Badger History series introduces students to the basic structures of American democracy, state government, and Wisconsin's road to statehood. The first seven chapters help students grasp how the three branches of government function at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels, while tying these structural notions to Wisconsin history. Students will learn that citizens' voices and votes help government evolve to meet ever-changing societal needs. The last chapter emphasizes how young people can actively engage in their communities to bring about positive change.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Bobbie Malone, Ph.D., worked as the Director of the Office of School Services at the Wisconsin Historical Society from 1995 to 2011. With a master's degree in elementary education, she taught school for ten years before taking a doctorate in American history. She has authored and edited many student books and teacher's guides on Wisconsin history for the state's classrooms.

Jonathan Kasparek, a native of Taylor County, received a Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2003. He is the author of several works on Wisconsin history, including Fighting Son: A Biography of Philip F. La Follette. Since 2004 he has taught history at UW-Waukesha and speaks regularly to public organizations on Wisconsin's political history. He lives in Madison with his wife and fellow historian Abigail Markwyn and their two sons James and William.

REVIEWS

"A wonderful primer on our government and Wisconsin's democratic process — very complete yet thoroughly understandable. It is written at a level that can be used in a variety of settings outside of the classroom as well as in. A great review for adults as well. And of course, ESL students would benefit from this publication not to mention, kids in alternative schools or detention programs . . . this book will serve the needs of many students throughout our state." (Dee Runaas, Law-related Education Coordinator, State Bar of Wisconsin)

"The civic mission of public education in our democracy has never been more important. The future of our American democracy depends upon an educated citizenry possessing the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be full participants in our communities, state, nation, and world. Through Voices and Votes, the final book in the Wisconsin Historical Society's excellent New Badger History series, students learn the importance of democracy and our framework of government at the local, country, state and tribal levels. And, by showcasing Wisconsin students working for positive change in their communities, Voices and Votes demonstrates how citizenship education activities can take students out of the classroom and into the community as engaged citizens. This new resource is a must for teaching out Wisconsin Model Academic Standards in Wisconsin government and history to all our students as we prepare our young people to be active, contributing citizens of our democratic society." (State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster)

"Expertly researched and co-authored by Johnathan Kasparek and Bobbie Malone, Voices And Votes: How Democracy Works In Wisconsin is an informed and informative study of historical happenings and significant landmarks in Wisconsin's political evolution. Knowledgeably offering an extensive compendium for young readers to learn from, Voices And Votes grants a comprehensive and thorough analysis of the history and civics of Wisconsin's state, tribal, and local governments. Voices And Votes is very strongly recommended reading material for students and adults for its invaluable, 'reader friendly' format providing an accessible reference for Wisconsin's political history." (James A. Cox, Editor of The Midwest Book Review)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents
Introduction: Making Democracy Work
Chapter One: How Does Government Work?
Questions to Think About
Government Has Different Levels
Why Do We Have to Have All These Levels of Government?
Government Can Change
Why Did Wisconsin Want to Become a State?
Looking Back
Chapter Two: The Wisconsin Constitution
Questions to Think About
Constitutions Define Basic Rights and Responsibilities
Constitutions Describe Government
Constitutions Can Change . . . Sometimes
The Need for Consensus
The Story of Wisconsin's Constitution
Looking Back
Chapter Three: State Government and Tribal Government
Questions to Think About
The Legislative Branch
The Executive Branch
The Judicial Branch
Checks and Balances
Tribal Governments
Looking Back
Chapter Four: Government Working for the People
Questions to Think About
Teaching the People
Protecting our Resources
Travel Around the State
Keeping Business Safe and Fair
Looking Back
Chapter Five: Local Government
Questions to Think About
County Government
Municipal Government for Cities, Villages, and Towns
Looking Back
Chapter Six: Who Are the Voters in Wisconsin?
Questions to Think About
Defining "the People"
Women Demand the Right to Vote
African Americans' Struggle for the Vote
American Indians and the Question of Citizenship
Looking Back
Chapter Seven: Political Parties and Elections
Questions to Think About
Political Parties in Wisconsin
Political Parties in Wisconsin History
The Republican Party is Born
The Progressives
Political Parties in Wisconsin Today
Elections in Wisconsin
Fall Elections
Spring Elections
Presidential Elections
Looking Back
Chapter Eight: Voices for Change
Questions to Think About
Our Communities/Ourselves
Students Organize for Change
Changes Take Time
Jumping In with Strong Feelings
Looking Back
Glossary
Index