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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Quiz: Can a U.S. President Do That?

If you follow politics long enough, there'll be headlines that make you wonder if a U.S. president can really do that thing you just read about. Take our quiz to learn what's within a president's rights.

By Nathan Chandler Government / Political Issues

Why Data Encryption Remains a Really Complex Issue

Encryption grants your data privacy, while locking out others, including law enforcement. Could encryption ever stay strong and grant law enforcement access?

By Greg Fish Jan 15, 2019 Government / Privacy

The Ripple Effect of the U.S. Government Shutdown

When the federal government shuts down, U.S. government employees aren't the only ones affected. There's a pronounced chain of events that happen the longer the fed is closed.

By John Donovan Jan 8, 2019 Government / Political Issues

5 Things to Expect if the Government Shuts Down

Congress is at odds over the federal budget, and a deadline is looming. If they can't agree, the government could shut down. We'll tell you what to expect if it does.

By John Perritano Dec 11, 2018 Government / Political Issues

How a U.S. Vice Presidential Vacancy Is Filled

If the U.S. vice president must step up and become president, who becomes vice president?

By John Donovan Dec 11, 2018 Government / Elections

Is It OK for Nondisabled People to Use the Big Bathroom Stall?

Among the line of cramped toilet stalls, there's usually a larger one reserved for people with disabilities. But if no one seems to need it, is it OK to borrow it?

By Alia Hoyt Dec 6, 2018 Government / Political Issues

Uncle Sam: The Man, the Myth, the Legend

He wants YOU, but who the heck was he?

By Stell Simonton Dec 5, 2018 Government / Political Issues

Posse Comitatus: The 140-Year-Old Law That Affects U.S. Troops at the Border

Is sending federal troops to the U.S.-Mexico border even legal? As it turns out, a U.S. law called the Posse Comitatus Act has something to say about it.

By John Donovan Nov 29, 2018 Government / Political Issues

Private Firefighters Have Been Dousing Flames for Decades

The 2018 California wildfires have called attention to the private firefighting industry. Can anyone hire a private, personal firefighting team?

By Patrick J. Kiger Nov 29, 2018 Government / Emergency Services

Quiz: What Do You Know About U.S. Midterm Elections?

Halfway through every presidential term, the United States holds its midterm elections. The results can reshape the country's political map. Test your knowledge of midterms with this quiz.

By Nathan Chandler Government / Political Issues

What Does It Really Mean to be a 'Nationalist'?

President Donald Trump proudly declared he is a 'nationalist,' much to the chagrin of many Americans. Still others support his comment. So what exactly does it mean?

By John Donovan Oct 24, 2018 Government / Political Issues

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."

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Government / Agencies

Navigating the Nightmare of a Natural Disaster

Your home's totaled. You have no cash. No supplies. And nowhere to go. Now what?

By John Donovan Oct 18, 2018 Government / Emergency Services

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.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Oct 16, 2018 Government / Agencies

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.

By John Donovan Oct 10, 2018 Government / Citizenship

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?

By Dave Roos Government / Political Issues

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?

By John Donovan Oct 3, 2018 Government / Agencies

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.

By Patrick J. Kiger Oct 2, 2018 Government / Political Issues

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.

By Sarah Gleim Sep 18, 2018 Government / Emergency Services

Lyft Will Help You Get to the Polls This November

Now you have no excuse not to vote in the midterms.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Aug 29, 2018 Government / Elections

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.

By Dave Roos Aug 6, 2018 Government / Elections

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.

By Laurie L. Dove Jul 16, 2018 Government / Political Issues

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.

By Ed Grabianowski Government / Agencies