Fifth Edition - with appendices of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. The framers of the U.S. Constitution created a blueprint for government unlike any other in history, maximizing individual freedom while creating a strong, flexible system capable of building a great, powerful nation. But in times of ideological partisanship, their visionary purpose is often obscured by disinformation spread by politicians and media pundits. How Our Government Really Works, Despite What They Say presents an antidote to such manipulations and misunderstandings. By examining divisive issues like federalism, checks and balances, activist vs. traditionalist judges, and clarifying the roles of Congress, the president, the federal bureaucracy and the Supreme Court, it articulates what our framers meant and provides readers with an understanding of the way our system of government is intended to work. As Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Democracy demands an educated and informed electorate!