Government
Government is a key part of any society and culture. Learn more about different types of government, politics and civic issues.
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10 Essential Supreme Court Cases of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg may be tiny, but she's left a huge mark on the U.S. judicial system in the 25 years since being appointed to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton, more than earning her nickname the "Notorious RBG."
Navigating the Nightmare of a Natural Disaster
Your home's totaled. You have no cash. No supplies. And nowhere to go. Now what?
Taxpayer-funded Pension and Perks of Former U.S. Officials
Former U.S. presidents draw a hefty pension for life, but what about members of Congress? You might be surprised to know where your tax dollars are going to fund their retirement.
Birth Tourism: A Controversial Road to Citizenship
It's also known as "maternity tourism," and defined as travel to the U.S. for the purpose of having a child on American soil.
How Midterm Elections Work
Midterm elections in the U.S. don't get the public excited the way presidential elections do. But there's a lot at stake, actually, during these contests. Why do midterms exist, anyway?
The Ugly History of Supreme Court Nominee Showdowns
Brett Kavanaugh's nomination certainly isn't the worst the U.S. has seen. Anybody remember Harriet Miers?
What Does 'Treason' Actually Mean?
Though treason is the only crime mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, few know what the word actually means and fewer still have ever been indicted for it.
FEMA Will Be Sending Americans with Cell Phones 'Presidential Alert' on Oct. 3
Unlike other emergency alerts, you can't opt out of this one.
Lyft Will Help You Get to the Polls This November
Now you have no excuse not to vote in the midterms.
Homeless Americans Can Vote, But It Isn’t Easy
Federal law doesn't require Americans to have a fixed address in order to vote, but state and local laws often pile on additional restrictions that make it hard for the homeless to cast a ballot.
More Women in Government Means Less Corruption
A new and comprehensive study finds corruption is lower in countries that have more women in elected roles.
How Supreme Court Appointments Work
When a Supreme Court justice retires, there's a lot of speculation and political maneuvering regarding the replacement. Find out how Supreme Court justices are nominated, who is qualified to serve and how a nominee is approved.
Why the Father of Modern Journalism Distrusted Democracy
In the age of endless information, are voters too distracted to make informed decisions?
Fight for Equal Rights Amendment Enters a New Era
The ERA just got a big boost from the Illinois House of Representatives. Is now finally the time?
USPS Introduces First Scratch-and-sniff Stamps
The exact summer-evoking scents of the stamps won't be revealed until the dedication party on June 20, 2018.
Why Doesn't the First Lady Get Paid?
First ladies have traditionally played significant roles at the White House. But so far that work has been sans pay.
James Comey: A Higher Loyalty or Shameful Disgrace?
Whether you agree with President Donald Trump's firing of former FBI director James Comey or not, Comey's place in history will forever be marred by the scandal. Now he's telling his side of the story.
It Can Take More Than 20 Years to Legally Immigrate to the U.S.
The complicated U.S. immigration system, with its numerous categories and caps, can require some applicants to wait decades to become permanent legal residents.
Conservative Senator Wants to Legalize Hemp
Hemp farmers have an unlikely ally in the senate these days and he wants to see the plant removed from the DEA's controlled substances list.
How American Exceptionalism Works
'American Exceptionalism' is a slippery term that has been used both positively and negatively. What does it really mean and how did it come to be embraced by both American Democrats and Republicans?
Do You Have to Be a Genius to Get an 'Einstein Visa'?
The EB-1 visa is intended for immigrants who have extraordinary abilities or achievements. So who gets them?
Dickey Amendment Blocks Research on Gun Violence, Critics Say
With so much public outcry and concern over the rash of gun violence in the U.S., why would Congress cut federal funding for research into causes and solutions?
Will the 2020 Census Count the LGBTQ Community?
Members of the U.S. LGBTQ community want to be counted in the 2020 Census. So what's the big deal, and why would the government not count sexual orientation?
Who Decides What Goes on Postage Stamps?
Anyone can submit an idea for a postage stamp, but who decides which ideas make the cut?
How Colonialism Works
Before World War II, a third of the world's population lived a territory controlled by a colonial power. How did this start and how did it end?
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