U.S. Government & Politics: Elections, Branches of Government

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Visitors leave the United States Capitol, the seat of the United States Congress and the legislative branch of the U.S. government, in Washington, D.C.

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Three Branches of Government

Separation of Powers The Enlightenment philosopher Montesquieu coined the phrase “trias politica,” or separation of powers, in his influential 18th-century work “Spirit of the Laws.” His concept of a government divided into legislative, executive and judicial branches acting independently of each other inspired the framers of the U.S. Constitution, who vehemently opposed concentrating too much […]

Populism in the United States: A Timeline

The Know Nothings • 1849-1860 One of the earliest populist political parties in America was the Know Nothings in 1849. Opposed to immigrants and Catholics, the Know Nothings used the beliefs of white Christian supremacy to seize political power over minority populations. The Know Nothings grew out of a Protestant secret society known as the Order […]

Checks and Balances

Separation of Powers The idea that a just and fair government must divide power between various branches did not originate at the Constitutional Convention, but has deep philosophical and historical roots. In his analysis of the government of Ancient Rome, the Greek statesman and historian Polybius identified it as a “mixed” regime with three branches: […]

Affirmative Action

Affirmative action programs attempt to address past discrimination by encouraging minority and women’s representation in college admissions and employment.

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How Are US Government Documents Classified?

Top Secret became an official government category in 1951. Here’s what qualifies documents as classified—and how they’re supposed to be handled.

Chief Justice Earl Warren, pictured in 1966.

How the Warren Court Expanded Civil Rights in America

As chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Warren led a court that decided multiple historic rulings on civil rights cases.

Exterior of Supreme Court of the United States on First Street in Washington, D.C., with statue by James Earle Fraser titled Authority of Law.

8 Landmark Supreme Court Cases That Were Overturned

U.S. Supreme Court justices have generally deferred to precedent, but there have been notable exceptions.

Black Women Who Have Run for President

Since 1968, 11 Black women have entered the running for the highest office in the nation.

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Vet Dogs

Zac Baker learns about America’s Vet Dogs and their mission to support veterans returning to civilian life.

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The Rise of Populism

Populism is characterized by a political party member claiming to champion the interests of common people. However, delving into its roots requires revisiting the 19th century, when the term was first coined.

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