The United States president preserves, protects, and defends the U.S. Constitution. Each president's term influences events in America and around the world for years to come. This biography introduces young readers to the life of Chester Arthur, beginning with his childhood in Fairfield, Vermont. Information about Arthur's education at Union College and his early career as a civil rights lawyer is discussed. In addition, his family and personal life, as well as his retirement years in New York are highlighted. Easy-to-read text details Arthur's political career as the New York state engineer-in-chief, the New York quartermaster general, New York customhouse collector, chairman of the New York Republican Party, and vice president to James A. Garfield. Finally, students will explore key events from Republican president Arthur's administration, including improvements to the U.S. Navy, the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Edmunds Anti-Polygamy Act, and the Pendleton Civil Service Act. Beautiful graphics showcase the primary source documents and photographs. A timeline, fast facts, and sidebars help put essential information at students' fingertips. In addition, a quick-reference chart provides easy access to facts about every U.S. president. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.