Book excerpt: Whether you’re a student or an adult looking to refresh your knowledge, Barron’s Painless American Government provides review and practice in an easy, step-by-step format. An essential resource for: Virtual learning Homeschool Learning pods Supplementing classes/in-person learning Inside you’ll find: Clear explanations for all topics, including the U.S. Constitution, civil liberties and civil rights, the branches of government, how public policy is shaped, and much more Painless tips, common misconceptions to avoid, and informative sidebars Brain Tickler quizzes throughout each chapter to test your progress Easy-to-follow definitions of all key terms and concepts to know when studying the basics of American government and politics Advice for staying informed about American government and ways to get involved in local and national government