Every community has rules and laws. Governments of all kinds make laws for citizens of communities. This volume provides an accessible guide to these rules and laws for readers who haven't been involved in civic engagement. Readers will learn about both the history of laws and legislatures as well as modern civil and criminal laws. Thought-provoking sidebars enhance the text, adding to essential vocabulary as well as posing questions that promote critical thinking about the rules and laws of society. Expertly selected photographs support reading comprehension.