From Kramer and the National Priorities Project, a non-profit research organization that aims to make the federal budget transparent and accessible, this guide seeks to inform general readers and high school and college students about the federal budget to make them more active citizens. It details the steps of the federal budget process to help readers identify the impact of spending and tax policies on them and their community. It explains the budget's terminology and language, its history, its decision makers, where the money comes from and how it is allocated, the federal debt, the president's 2013 budget request, and how to take action. Appendices include activities for educators, a table of federal spending in the states, and other resources. The book does not have an index. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)