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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Alabama, the "Heart of Dixie," is a state steeped in Southern history, natural beauty and vibrant culture. Its largest cities range from bustling economic hubs to charming towns with rich traditions. From civil rights landmarks to thriving industries, the largest cities in Alabama reflect the state's dynamic character.

By Talon Homer

Georgia, the Peach State, is a blend of Southern charm, rich history and modern growth. The largest cities in Georgia range from bustling metropolises to charming towns that have grown into thriving urban centers. Known for its warm hospitality, Georgia offers vibrant culture, innovative industries and picturesque landscapes.

By Talon Homer

Montana, known as Big Sky Country, is a state of stunning natural beauty, mountain ranges and a growing population. The largest cities in Montana are characterized by a mix of historic charm and modern development, serving as gateways to outdoor adventures and economic hubs for their regions.

By Talon Homer

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The most populous country in North America (the United States) is also home to some of the largest cities in North America, but the No. 1 spot goes to Mexico City.

By Ada Tseng

Ohio, known as the Buckeye State, is located in the Midwest of the United States. The state is known for its rich history and vibrant culture scene. With a diverse population of about 11.9 million spread across its major cities, Ohio is the seventh-most populous state in America. According to the United States Census Bureau, its median household income is $58,000.

By Ada Tseng

Although many major European cities are considered iconic, none of them break into the top 10 most populous cities in the world. The cities with the highest populations are spread through Asia, North America and Africa; the largest cities in Europe simply can't compete with those numbers.

By Ada Tseng

Illinois, the Prairie State, is known for its towering skyscrapers, charming small towns and diverse neighborhoods. According to Census population data, the Illinois population is the fifth-largest in the United States.

By Ada Tseng

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Italy is the birthplace of the Renaissance. It boasts works by legendary artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio. Italy also plays an important role in the United Nations, as one of the founding members of UNICEF (United Nation's Childrens Fund) and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization, which is based in Rome).

By Ada Tseng

China is one of the most populous countries in the world, surpassed only by India. By the end of 2023, China boasted a population of about 1.4 billion people. Although this marked the country's second year of population decline, the largest cities in China are still some of the biggest cities in the world.

By Ada Tseng

Florida is one of the most populous states in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 23.4 million people call Florida home. With its sandy beaches, mix of cultures and diverse ecosystems, there are many reasons people gravitate toward the Sunshine State.

By Yara Simón

New York, often called the Empire State, is one of fourth-most populated in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 19.9 million people live in the state.

By Yara Simón

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Everything's bigger in Texas, and that includes its sprawling urban centers. Known for its cowboy culture, barbecue and booming energy industry, the Lone Star State is home to some of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Whether you're a fan of history, art or nightlife, the largest cities in Texas offer something for everyone.

By Mack Hayden

Spain — the fourth-largest European country by area with a population of about 47.3 million — is home to some of the continent's most vibrant cities.

By Yara Simón

Identifying the most racist states in the U.S. is a contentious topic, reflecting the complex interplay of historical legacies, the enduring impact of landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act, and current systemic inequalities.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

In order to measure the most corrupt countries in the world, it's important to first understand what makes a country corrupt. According to Transparency International, a global coalition against corruption, corruption is "the abuse of entrusted power for private gain."

By Ada Tseng

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Everyone probably likes to imagine that they live in one of the freest countries in the world, but is "freedom" something that can even be quantified? Is there a definitive way to say that my country is more free than your country?

By Talon Homer

Assessing racial equity globally is complex, involving policies, cultural attitudes and systemic issues that impact minority communities differently across regions.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

The world's population is constantly changing, growing and moving from place to place. However, certain governments provide better societal safety and social welfare for their citizens than others.

By Mitch Ryan

You use it all the time, but what is a postal code, really? In short, a zip code expedites mail delivery and helps prevent fraudulent activity on credit cards.

By Yara Simón

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Defining what is and isn't a country is a lot more complicated than many people would realize. Is Taiwan a country or part of the People's Republic of China?

By Joshua Holzer

While the words "equality" and "equity" sound alike, the meanings are quite different. Here's what they stand for and why it matters.

By Dave Roos

The Comstock Act, pulled out of Victorian-era mothballs, is suddenly in the public spotlight, and has become the newest weapon in the fight against legal abortion in the U.S.

By Jesslyn Shields

Human skulls, a Napoleonic-era saber, decades-old prosthetic legs and a telescope from Victorian England - they all live on the shelves of the 220-year-old Bureau of Found Objects in Paris, France.

By Kate Morgan

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The speaker of the House occupies a central role in our government, but what exactly does the job entail?

By Rachel Paine Caufield

Every few years, a group of White House historians and scholars rank America's presidents in order. The "winner" of the worst president ever category has been pretty consistent.

By Kate Morgan