Voices and Votes

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How Government Works in Wisconsin

By the Wisconsin Historical Society

An engaging introduction to civics and government for young readers, with tips on how people of all ages can get involved!

112 pages, 8 x 9, 53 color and b&w photos
Paperback: $20.00 | ISBN: 978-1-9766-0026-5
Ebook: $15.99 | ISBN: 978-1-9766-0027-2
Publication Date: 2/4/2025

Reading Level: Ages 8–12, Grades 3–6

BUY

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Description

What are the different levels of government in Wisconsin? How are laws made? What is a political party? Who is allowed to vote in elections? How can citizens get involved in their communities?

These questions and many more are answered in this revised and updated edition, written for students in grades 3–5.

Filled with color photos and illustrations—as well as diagrams, maps, and vocabulary words that make the material easy to absorb—this book explores:

The fundamentals of federal, state, local, and Tribal government
How Wisconsin’s constitution was created and how it has changed
The way elections work and why voting matters

Readers will also find compelling examples of citizens from our state’s past who spoke up and worked to change laws and policies in order to improve their communities, including:

Jesus Salas, who worked with state agencies to improve the lives of migrant farmworkers in Wisconsin
Gaylord Nelson, who advocated for the environment as a state senator, member of Congress, and governor
Vel Phillips, who helped expand housing opportunities as a member of Milwaukee’s city council

The book also offers contemporary stories of young people engaging with their communities, working to solve problems, and sharing their voices across our state. Voices and Votes will inspire new generations of readers to understand and participate in our democracy.