Seeking Good "Basics of American Government and History" Book for Incoming Law Students:

Brian Kalt, a lawprof at Michigan State, asks this question, which struck me as much worth raising:

What is a good book to recommend to students who (whether because they are from another country, were engineering or fine arts majors, or just plain didn't pay attention in high school) don't know the basics of American history and American government?

What do you folks think?

UPDATE: The introductory paragraphs that preceded the question were removed at the questioner's request.