Civics 104

About the Book

This volume contains all of the official documents that have expanded America's political boundaries over the years. This volume starts with the Treaty of Paris, that led to the formation of America's original thirteen colonies. After this, the United States geographically expanded by the approval of the Western Terrority Land Ordinance, and the Northwest Territory Ordinance. These legal documents helped to expand America to the west and the northwest. Then came the expansion of our nation to the south with the passage of the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, frequently called the French Territory Treaty.. Then came the West Florida Territory Treaty, frequently referred to as the transcontinental Treaty. These original land acquisition documents were prepared for the country's westward movement. As the nation moved west, the Texas Annexation Resolution was adopted, the Oregon Territory Treaty was approved, the Southern Mexico Territory Treaty, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, was also adopted. The nation's movement west was completed with the approval of the Western Mexico Territory Treaty, sometimes called the Gadsden Purchase Treaty. Our nation's final two states, Alaska and Hawaii, were approved by the adoption of the Alaska Treaty, and the approval of the Hawaiian Island Annexation Resolution, which is frequently called the Hawaii Resolution. These two documents led to the formation of our nation's 49th and 50th states. Once the nation was formed, additional information is provided on the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, laws the were approved by the U.S. Congress that must be followed by all our nation's state governments.

About the Author

Roger L. Kemp has worked in city government for a quarter century, serving nearly two decades of this time as a city manager. He has served in cities in California, New Jersey and Connecticut. He holds a Ph.D. degree in public administration from Golden Gate University, and is a graduate of the Program for Senior Executive in State and Local Government at Harvard University. Dr. Kemp has written, edited, and has been contributing editor of over 50 books dealing with numerous aspects of local government. One of his most significant books, Managing America’s Cities: A Handbook for Local Government Productivity, was published in 1998 - - many years ago. Additionally, he has had over 500 articles published in leading professional journals throughout the world. During his career, Dr. Kemp has served a dozen mayors, several city councils, and scores of elected officials. His experience was gained from many years of public service in politically, economically, socially, and racially diverse communities on both the East and West Coasts. He is frequently called upon to speak about cities and how they work before various community groups and professional organizations, both nationally and internationally. Roger can be reached by telephone (203-686-0281) or by e-mail (rogerlkemp46@gmail.com). He is available for speaking and consulting assignments. His personal website shows additional information about his background (http://www.rogerkemp.org/).