U.S. Presidents
America’s Founding Fathers decided that one elected civilian—the U.S. president—would lead the executive branch of the federal government, a structure that has remained in place for nearly 250 years. Learn about U.S. presidents and presidential elections, from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to John F. Kennedy and Donald Trump.
Start Here
Framers of the Constitution identified just three requirements. The 14th and 22nd Amendments added two more.
Over a span of six decades, the first 10 presidents of the United States helped define the role of the executive branch.
His privileged childhood on a Virginia plantation gave him access to a rich education. He fell in love with Enlightenment ideas.
From carefully staged speeches to radio to Twitter, U.S. presidents have always leveraged the cutting edge to connect directly with voters.
Presidential Advice
Advice from the Founding Fathers: George Washington
When George Washington was young, he copied down 101 rules of social behavior that would later become a book of his titled Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.
3 Surprising Facts
Explore All Related Topics
From its design and construction to its famous rooms, gardens and renovations, these books trace the history of the White House and the overlooked people who lived and worked there.
George Washington is the only U.S. president who hasn’t lived at the White House.
After his first battle in North Africa exposed U.S. weaknesses, Eisenhower regrouped, hired General Patton and led major military victories.
As the famous saying goes, 'If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.'
Despite the important role of the Electoral College, the Constitution doesn’t say much about the electors themselves.
It was the first presidential shooting since the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy.
What began as a lame joke in a Boston newspaper morphed into one of the most ubiquitous expressions in the English language.
Before formally entering World War II, FDR came up with a few key strategies to provide critical aid to allies in Europe in the fight against Hitler's Nazi Party.
In November 1979, a group of Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held its occupants hostage, beginning a 444-day standoff that nearly brought the two countries to war.
