The Next New Thing
 
Innovation is the art of creating something new, and everyday in the U.S. and around the world, scientists, students, and everyday people are working to bring to life an idea that is theirs alone. This edition of eJournal USA tells the story of innovators and their creations.
 
 
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America Is

This photo essay depicts facets of the United States' cherished values, from community to opportunity, as well as the variety and diversity of its people.
 

Democracy in Brief

An introduction to the origins, history, and basic values of democratic systems of government, including sections on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, elections, and the role of a free media.
 
Video on the Four Freedoms

Additional Readings

"In Brief" Series
USA Economy in Brief — This mini-publication discusses the factors that make the U.S. economy the world's most productive, competitive, and influential.

USA History in Brief — An illustrated summary of U.S. History, beginning with the Early Americans to the 21st century.

USA Literature in Brief — Pinpoints and describes the contributions to U.S. literature of some of its top poets, novelists, and dramatists.

Facts
College and University Education in the United States — If you have ever wondered what it would be like to be a college student in the United States, this is the publication you need to read.

How the U.S. Is Governed — Three levels of government in the USA can sound confusing. This guide lays out the roles for federal, state, and local governments in a nutshell.

The Movie Business Today — Learn about the film industry in the United States and what American movies reveal about U.S. society and values.

See You in the USA — Just about everything you always wanted to know about traveling to America, from must-see sights to the ins-and-outs of travel documents.

USA Map with Facts in Brief — Short, fun facts about the United States — from its economy and government to sports and entertainment.

Feelings
American Teenagers — Some typical American teenagers — and the atypical soccer star Freddy Adu — talk about work, school, religion, and their plans for the future.

Snapshot USA — Five Americans in their 20s explain the values they live by — plus a brief tour of this country's regions and 32 "American icons" worth knowing.

Ideas
Principles of Democracy — The building blocks of democracy explained — rule of law, freedom of speech, minority rights, and 18 more essentials.

Stories
Visions of Native Americans: The Photographs of Edward S. Curtis — Flash slide show with highlights of the most extensive photographic record ever made of the indigenous people of North America.

World Youth Building a Future — In this edition of eJournal USA, young people from the United States and other countries tell about their international exchange programs experiences.