U.S. Citizenship

Is the U.S. a democracy or a republic? Or both? And what's the difference, anyway?

By Dave Roos

The U.S. census is a headcount of the nation that takes place every 10 years. How has it changed over time and what's happening with the 2020 census?

By Dave Roos

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

The complicated U.S. immigration system, with its numerous categories and caps, can require some applicants to wait decades to become permanent legal residents.

By Patrick J. Kiger

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?

By John Donovan

Voting on a Tuesday in November has been a U.S. tradition since the 1840s, but the timing makes it difficult for many people to exercise their right to vote. What are states doing about it?

By Patrick J. Kiger & Kathryn Whitbourne

"Immigration" has become a loaded word in the U.S. and many other places. But what is the truth about immigration in America? Is it a good thing or not? We sort out the facts from the fictions.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Candidates for the "51st state" include Puerto Rico, Guam and Washington, D.C. How likely is this to happen for any of them, and how did the U.S. get the 50 it already has?

By Dave Roos

It's safe to say most every American is familiar with the two magic words: "American dream." But what is this dream exactly? And how do you know if you're living it?

By Patrick J. Kiger

Wishing you could start your own country? There's good news and bad news. The bad news is that it will take a lot of hard work to make this dream come true. But the good news is that there's actually a procedure in place to make it happen.

By Josh Clark

If you decide to go nameless, the cops won't hunt you down and throw you in the slammer. But you may have trouble functioning in society.

By Cristen Conger

The world's population hit 6 billion people on this day in October of 1999. Read about the historic day in which the world's population hit the 6 billion mark.

By Sam Abramson

Are you up to date with your passport or e-passport? It's a must-have when you're traveling out of the country. Read up on the latest laws and watch videos on cutting-edge passport technology.

By Nicholas Gerbis

A U.S. soldier is about to deploy to Iraq for his third tour of duty. While he's gone, his wife may be deported to Guatemala while his son is left in limbo. What's behind immigration laws?

By Jacob Silverman

Babies are born when they want to be, even on airplanes midflight over the ocean. When birth happens 30,000 feet in the air, citizenship - among other things - gets a little tricky.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Is it just a random number? Moreover, do they recycle Social Security numbers so that if someone dies, that number goes back into action?

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

The 54 percent voter turnout may not be as bad as it seems.

By Dave Roos

On my census form it says, 'Your response is required by law.' What happens to me if I don't fill it out? Will anyone even notice?

By Kathryn Whitbourne