politics 101: introduction book or website?

Is there a book, website, or other source which I can use as a sort of “introduction” to American politics, including in-depth definitions of terms such as “pork barrel” and “reconciliation”, as well as descriptions of the modern and historical political stances of the Republican and Democratic parties and the other smaller political parties?

How about America the Book, Teachers Edition.

America the Book is a satirical look at the Country from Jon Stewart and the writers of the Daily Show. Obviously, a book written by a bunch of comics isn’t exactly what one might call… accurate. However, for the teachers edition, they hired a professional historian to go through the book and apply corrections and notes so you can actually learn the facts that make the jokes funny.

I read the original edition because I’m already well educated in the history, terms, and political ins and outs, so I had no trouble getting the jokes. I can’t really attest to the quality of the Teacher’s Edition because I haven’t read it, but if you get the jokes in the original book, you have to know politics and history pretty well. If the Teacher’s Edition helps you understand the jokes, it’ll function as a decent first primer.

Plus, it’s really funny.

Note: This is not a substitute for a substantive course on history or political science, it is strictly “infotainment”, an entertaining way to get some basic info. And remember, I haven’t read the Teacher’s Edition, I read the original edition. I think the Teacher’s Edition contains actual facts that explain the jokes, but I’m not 100% sure.

Investing & Money Management : What Is the Definition of Bank Reconciliation Statement?

Reconciliation $34.19 Whether born in the Mideast, Africa, Asia, or brought home to the streets of America, violent hatreds often threaten to swamp the minimal cooperation needed to foster life and health. Does Christianity have anything besides warmed-over pieties to offer a world torn by estrangement, alienation, and violently opposed worldviews? In this signal contribution to public theology, John de Gruchy, an internationally esteemed political theologian, emphatically affirms the possibility and necessity of reconciliation. For Christians, he says, reconciliation is the center and perennial test of their faith. De Gruchy expands reconciliation’s relevance beyond personal piety and ecclesial harmony to encompass group relations, politics, and even the environment. In all cases, he argues, it involves the restoration of justice. Forged in the recent experience of South Africa, his work delineates the political and ecclesial significance of reconciliation and shows its importance for interreligious relations, addressing victimization, and international peace. Reconciliation will be welcomed by all whose faith leads them to help alleviate the world’s mounting agonies.