U.S. Government and Politics
The U.S. government, with its three distinct branches and system of checks and balances, is responsible for governing the 50 states and all districts and territories of the United States.
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The framers referred to Congress as the “first branch” of government—and they established a wide range of powers for both the House and Senate.
Checks and balances refers to a system in U.S. government that ensures no one branch becomes too powerful. The framers of the U.S. Constitution built a system that divides power between the three branches—legislative, executive and judicial—and includes various limits and controls on the powers of each.
From accepting a case to issuing a ruling, this is the process the nine Supreme Court justices follow in considering a case and reaching a decision.
Federalism, or the separation of powers between state and federal government, was entirely new when the founders baked it into the Constitution.
Gerrymandering Explained
Gerrymandering Explained
Where does the term "Gerrymandering" come from, and how long has it been a part of U.S. politics?
3 Branches of Government
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As growing numbers of young men were conscripted to fight in the war in Vietnam, a hit song helped drive the push to lower the voting age to match the draft age.
In the early days of air travel, getting on a plane required no ID and minimal screening.
Congress has the sole authority to formally declare war, but it has only happened 11 times.
The roots of the event go back to the nation's founding. But when one president chose to avoid the spotlight, his precedent stuck—for nearly a century.
Over a span of six decades, the first 10 presidents of the United States helped define the role of the executive branch.
According to the U.S. Constitution, states oversee federal elections, but Congress has the power to intervene.
The impact of President James Monroe’s signature foreign policy has changed over the years.
Government shutdowns can trigger painful economic consequences—and they only began happening in recent decades.
At first, Latin America applauded President James Monroe’s 1823 declaration. Europe’s reaction was a different story.
President James Monroe issued a firm warning to Europe, but in the absence of U.S. military and economic might, Britain stepped in to help.
What are the four principles of the Monroe Doctrine? A political science professor breaks it down.
It's a crash course in protocol, politics and public life.
