Almost nothing affects our daily lives as much as government and politics. Here are resources to inform yourself about  local, state and federal government, as well as foreign governments. 

Wisconsin Documents

The library has a collection of state-produced publications on a wide range of subjects that are specific to Wisconsin residents and issues.

Search the library catalog . In “Search the catalog,” type in your topic and the word “wisconsin.” 

They have a document number that starts with WIS., and they can be checked out for three weeks. Ask at the Reference Desk for help.

There are also links in the catalog to online documents in the Wisconsin Digital Archives.

Federal Documents

 
The library has been a selective member of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) since 1883. What does this mean to you?  It means that the library has past and current federally produced information. This collection is made up of books, periodicals, maps, CDs/DVDs and other formats. You can find them listed in the library catalog , and they can be checked out. Today's FDLP collection increasingly consists of links to selected government resources published on the web. These resources can be found and accessed through the library catalog.

Military & Government Collection

This portion of the Ebscohost magazine and newspaper articles and publications relating to military, defense, political and government issues.  

Federal Web Sites (In-Library use only)

 
STAT-USA - Obtain current and historical U.S. statistical releases, state and regional reports, forecasts and financial data, current and historical trade-relations releases, international market research, and country analysis. (Ask at the reference desk)

• Homeland Security Digital Library - The Homeland Security Digital Library provides access to important U.S. policy documents, presidential directives, and national strategy documents as well as specialized resources such as theses and research reports from various universities, organizations, local agencies, and state agencies. (Ask at the reference desk)
   

State

Department of Motor Vehicles, La Crosse County Service Center
The local DMV office is in Onalaska and is where you would take care of driver's licenses, license plates, motor vehicle registration, ID cards, and other related matters. Driver licensing and vehicle registration: 800-924-3570; Road test appointments: 888-368-9556.

State of Wisconsin
If you need to know anything about Wisconsin government, this is a good place to start. You can find the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government, as well as links to local governmental bodies.

Wisconsin State Legislature
The state legislature, made up of the Assembly and the Senate, creates many of the laws we live by. This is the place to learn more about the legislative process and the people and groups that affect it: legislators, committees, lobbyists, and legislative service agencies. There are also links to full text of statutes, acts, bills, and administrative code.

Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance
The purpose of this private, nonpartisan, independent organization is promoting better government through public policy research and citizen education.

Wisconsin Counties Association
The WCA is a lobbying and advocacy group for Wisconsin counties. This website includes directories of county officials throughout the state.

Federal

 Office of the President:

White House  

Publications of the President:

Budget of the United States  Paper editions can be found in the collection – just ask at the reference desk for assistance.

Economic Report of the President  An annual overview of the nation’s economic progress using text and extensive data. Paper editions can be found in the collection.

Public Papers of the President of the United States The Public Papers is series of Presidential writings, addresses, and remarks of  a public nature. The library has paper editions for past presidents.

Legislative Branch:

Thomas Thomas includes text of public and private laws, roll call votes, the Congressional Record, and all documents related to the legislative process.

United States House of Representatives

United States Senate

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

Judicial Branch:

Constitution of the United States of America It details the three branches of government and outlines the basic rights of citizens of the United States.

Charters of Freedom  This site contains the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights.

Government Statistics:

American Factfinder  American Factfinder is a good resource to find data from the current Decennial Census, Economic Censuses, and American Community Surveys. For historical coverage check out the website, Historical United States Census Data Browser  that covers 1790-1970.

Bureau of Labor Statistics  The Department of Labor provides statistics on wages, employment and unemployment in the United States.

Statistical Abstract of the United States  The Statistical Abstract is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political and economic organization of the United States.

FedStats  This site offers a wide range of official statistical information produced by the Federal Government without having to know in advance which Federal agency produces which particular statistic.

Government Grants:

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance  This site is a single source for all Federal programs available to state and local governments (including the District of Columbia); federally-recognized Indian tribal governments; territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals.

Government Benefits
This is the official benefits website for the U.S. government with information on over 1000 benefit and assistance programs.

Grants.gov  This site is a directory for locating federal government grants.  

Foreign Countries: 

World Factbook  It includes country profiles and maps that are regularly updated.

Country Background Notes  This publication includes facts about the land, people, history, government political conditions, and foreign relations of independent states.

BBC News Country Profiles "Full profiles provide an instant guide to history, politics and economic backgroun on key institutions."

 

Misc.

U.S. Government Manual  This handbook provides comprehensive information on the agencies of the legislative, judicial and executive branches.

Federal Forms   This site is a directory to find a specific federal form.

United States Government

American Presidents

United States Electoral College

_{Local and State updated 2013/03/07 by Jeff ; Federal updated 8/11-Kathy}