GOVERNMENT

A painting of Gouverneur Morris by Pierre Henri, 1798.

When a Founding Father Performed His Own Penis Surgery (And Then Died)

There are many weird ways to die. But Gouverneur Morris’s DIY whale-bone catheter might take the cake.

The U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Why Isn't Washington, D.C., a State?

Residents of Washington, D.C., have no governor, no voting representation in Congress, and only limited local authority. The reason is simple: D.C. isn't a state.

A pasta vendor in Naples during the late 19th or early 20th century.

Anti-Pasta: When Italian Futurists Tried to Ban Pasta in Italy

Futurist leaders considered pasta an “absurd Italian gastronomic religion” that went against the grain of fascism (literally).

Theodore Roosevelt would want you to transcribe these letters.

The Library of Congress Needs Help Transcribing More Than 20,000 Letters Written to Teddy Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt was constantly writing letters, so it’s no surprise that he received plenty, too.

Why Doesn’t the U.S. Use the Metric System?

The U.S. measurement system of choice has been the imperial system since the 1800s, and switching now would be pretty expensive.

In 1914, Red Fox James rode from Montana to the White House to champion a celebration of America's indigenous peoples.

November Is Native American Heritage Month—Here Are 5 Things to Know

Thanksgiving isn’t the only major November holiday—here’s how Native American Heritage Month first came to be.

Pete Souza/The White House, Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Can Presidents Pardon Themselves?

It’s a question that has been debated since the writing of the Constitution: Can Presidents pardon themselves?

Shirley Chisholm speaks at the 1972 Democratic National Convention.

Shirley Chisholm’s History-Making 1972 Presidential Campaign Is the Subject of a New Movie Starring Danai Gurira

‘The Fighting Shirley Chisholm’ will chronicle the trailblazing politician’s presidential campaign of 1972.

Where Did the Term Lame Duck Originate?

Lame duck presidents date back to the beginning of U.S. history, but we didn’t start calling them that until the 20th century.

A portrait of Horace Greeley engraved by Adam B. Walter.

When Horace Greeley Lost the 1872 Presidential Election—Then Promptly Died

Horace Greeley’s sudden death sent the Electoral College—which had yet to vote—into a state of confusion.

President Woodrow Wilson photographed in good health.

When Woodrow Wilson Caught the 1918 Flu During a Pandemic, But Hid It From the Public

Woodrow Wilson never publicly acknowledged the 1918 influenza pandemic—not even after he caught the virus himself.

FDR's Lincoln K Sunshine Special at the now-closed Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Michigan.

The Evolution of the Presidential State Car

From FDR’s modest Lincoln to Obama’s massive Ground Force One, here’s how the president’s car has changed over the years.

Front row, left to right: Stephen G. Breyer, Clarence Thomas, (Chief Justice) John G. Roberts, Jr., Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Samuel A. Alito. Back row: Neil M. Gorsuch, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Brett M. Kavanaugh.

Why Does the Supreme Court Have Nine Justices?

The Constitution never specified a number of Supreme Court justices, and it’s fluctuated quite a lot over the years.

The flag for the United States Space Force.

7 Facts About the United States Space Force

On December 20, 2019, Donald Trump signed the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, creating a sixth branch of the U.S. military: The United States Space Force.

Guy Fawkes is the reason we remember, remember, the 5th of November.

10 Explosive Facts About Guy Fawkes Night

On November 5, people across Great Britain celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with bonfires and fireworks. But who was Guy Fawkes and why does he have a celebration named after him?

Just a couple of Subway employees making dessert.

Ireland's Supreme Court Rules That Subway's Bread Is Too Sugary to Be Called 'Bread'

While certain Subway bread types are healthier than others, the sugar content pushes them all toward the “dessert” end of the spectrum.

Can you tell that this is real bear fur?

The Queen’s Guard May Have to Give Up Their Iconic Bearskin Hats

The 1.5-foot hats famously worn by the Buckingham Palace guards date back to the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Voting by mail isn't the type of task you can procrastinate.

How—and When—to Vote by Mail in Each State

Many states are letting residents vote by mail in this November’s presidential election—here’s how to do it.

Uphold democracy and maybe make a few hundred dollars, too.

There's a Shortage of Poll Workers in 2020. Here's How You Can Become One

Election Day 2020 is less than two months away, and you can help things run smoothly (and probably get paid for it).

Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, and Martin Sheen in The West Wing.

The West Wing Cast Is Filming a Reunion Special to Promote Voter Participation This Fall

It’s a stage adaptation of an episode from season three, and Aaron Sorkin is on board to write new material for it.

The cover of the English edition of the book.

Zabiba and the King: The 2000 Romance Novel ... Written by Saddam Hussein

It’s literally about a mighty king’s love affair with a commoner, but it’s figuratively about Operation Desert Storm.

Buckling up was once a political statement.

When a Radio Host Led an Uprising Against Massachusetts’s Seat Belt Law

“We are smart enough to buckle up without police, tickets, and Big Brother,” Jerry Williams said. But were they?

No word yet on whether Amy Adams will be a member of the task force.

The Federal Government Is Organizing a Task Force to Examine UFO Sightings—Because Aliens

The Navy keeps spotting UFOs along the coast, and the Department of Defense wants to get to the bottom of it.

Inclement weather doesn't stop them, but a lack of funding could.

The U.S. Postal Service Is Struggling—Buying Stamps Can Help

You can decorate your envelope with Sally Ride, Scooby-Doo, or a lovely portrait of mustachioed Walt Whitman.

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