This Is What Democracy Looks Like: A Graphic Guide to Governance

by Dan Nott (Cartoonist), Kevin Czap (Cover Artist), Hallie Jay Pope (Contributer)

This is a 32-page comic book created by The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS). It is the result of a collaboration of educators and world-class cartoonists and is designed to help teachers who are working hard to prepare students to be empowered, informed, and civic-minded. 

“It is hard to imagine a more important book to get in the hands of students young and old. Civics, democracy, and cartoons all in a non-partisan approach to raise people’s awareness of the real power that they and their communities hold. A funding opportunity that will pay dividends for years.” –Max Silverman, Executive Director, Center for Educational Leadership.


Contributing cartoonists includes Summer Pierre (Eisner-nominee and contributor), Hallie Jay Pope (founder of The Graphic Advocacy Project), Nomi Kane '11 ( contributor), publisher and cartoonist Kevin Czap, and James Sturm (author of the graphic novels and ). Lead cartoonist, CCS graduate Dan Nott ‘18, is currently writing and drawing a book about infrastructure called for Random House Graphic.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Politics, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics

Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Zedsdead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A largely non-partisan, single-issue examination of the American system of government, with helpful cartoons, graphics, and illustrations. It lightly breaks down the three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) and the three levels (federal, state, municipal). Checks and balances, limitations, the Constitution...it's a broad-not-deep overview.

The only message it pushes is Get involved. "Democracy works best when everyone participates." Even if one's only participation is educating oneself and voting reliably.

I liked it. It's appropriate for high schoolers and possibly middle schoolers. I'm going to give it to my read-ophile 12yo niece and see if it sparks a conversation.

[Kat Mayerovitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent explanation of how democracy works (and sometimes doesn't quite work) in the United States and what role we play within it. I love that it doesn't focus too exclusively on the federal level like most overviews, but also explains state and local governments. This would be a great educational resource for middle school students, but even as an adult I learned a thing or two! Definitely worth picking up a paper copy, plus an extra to give away.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, informative breakdown of the American political system and why democracy is important. This would be perfect for teachers of middle schoolers and high schoolers to use to teach U.S. government. It's also downloadable online!

[Karen Gedeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Describes the structure of the US Government from the local to the federal level. Can easily be used as curriculum support for any US Government class or lesson. Makes a great addition to a school library.

[Zachary Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little cringe, but pretty informative

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading.

[Foxtrot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and straight to the point guide of how government works and powers are separated in the US