Equally at home as a companion to an introductory text or as a stand-alone resource, Virginia Government offers an excellent introduction to the political institutions, actors, and policy processes of the Old Dominion State. Paying special attention to the governing arrangements that make Virginia unique, from statewide city-county separation to a single-term governor to shifting electoral alignments, Peaslee and Swartz strike the perfect balance, combining necessary background and historical analysis with current events and policy issues to make the information relevant and engaging for today’s students. Grounded in the comparative method, the text provides useful comparisons with governing institutions, political processes, and public polices in other states and localities.

"The modern political landscape of Virginia bears little resemblance to the past. The commonwealth is a nationally influential swing state alongside stalwarts like Florida or Ohio. But with increased power comes greater scrutiny--and corruption. Governor Bob McDonnell received a jail sentence on federal corruption charges, later vacated by the U.S. Supreme Court. Corporate influence on the state legislature and other leaders resulted in numerous ethics violations. Scandal erupted at the prestigious University of Virginia when the school ousted its president amid political drama and intrigue. Author Jeff Thomas reveals the intersection of money, power and politics and the corrosive effect on government in a new era."--Page [4] of cover.

This unique book combines state-specific facts and 30 fun-to-do hands-on projects. The Government Projects Book includes making a three branches state government tree and adding leaves of each branch's functions, designing a simple census questionnaire, staging a mock classroom election, holding a meeting with Robert's Rules of Order and more! Kids will have a blast and build essential knowledge skills including research, reading, writing, science and math. Great for students in K-8 grades and for displaying in the classroom, library or home.

The "Constitution of Virginia" is a document that contains the law that governs the state of Virginia. It describes the extent of the power of the Virginia government and the rights of the citizens. It contains twelve articles: Bill of Rights, Franchise and Officers, Divisions of Power, Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Local Government, Education, Corporations, Taxation and Finance, Conservation, and Future Changes.