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Why Are Social Security Cards So Flimsy?
A super-important piece of your identity is about as durable as toilet paper.
GOVERNMENT
A Man Named 'Santa Claus' Was Elected to City Council in North Pole, Alaska
The 66-year-old government official uses his Christmas-y credentials to advocate for children.
The 10 Current Scent Trademarks Currently Recognized by the U.S. Patent Office
10 Things Banned in Other Countries, but Legal in the U.S.
Babies in Canada have to learn to walk the old-fashioned way.
19 Facts About the 19th Amendment
One hundred years ago today, the 19th Amendment—extending the right to vote to women—was passed by the Senate and sent to the states for ratification. On August 18, 1920, American women finally secured that right. Calling the victory hard-won would be a t
John and Abigail Adams: America's First Power Couple
The Adamses set the tone for generations of American political celebrity pairs to come.
15 Illustrious Facts About Magna Carta
One of the most important documents in the history of government celebrates its 800th birthday today.
15 Ideas That Have Helped Shape American Cities
There's a reason parking lots are often really big and really empty.
10 Cases of Mistaken Mail Deliveries
Everyone loves getting packages in the mail—assuming it’s what they ordered. But occasionally, delivery services make mistakes, and depending on what gets misdelivered, the results can run from mildly amusing to straight up catastrophic.
7 Times Government Figures and Sesame Street Collaborated
Laura Starcher and the Petticoat Revolution of 1916
How Susan B. Anthony Fought the Law in 1872
16 Facts About James Madison
At 5 feet 4 inches, Madison was America’s shortest commander-in-chief—but he left behind a towering legacy.
4 Other Notable White House Security Breaches
While ostensibly a fortress and one of the most heavily defended buildings in the world, the White House gets a lot of visitors who aren’t exactly on State Dinner guest lists.
10 Ridiculous Documents Released via the Freedom of Information Act
In addition to being a massive asset to journalists and eager members of the public, FOIA has also shed light on some of the weirder corners of America’s functioning democracy.
The 15 Weirdest Wikipedia Pages Edited From Congress
Your government at work!
11 Grammar Lessons From a Leaked CIA Style Book
In 2014, a leaked copy of the Directorate of Intelligence Style Manual & Writer's Guide for Intelligence Publication, a.k.a. Strunk & White for spies, found its way to the Internet.
10 Things China Has Banned
They do not like Green Eggs and Ham.
The Epic Battle Over Congressional Seating
During the State of the Union a few weeks ago, I noticed that the members of Congress were sitting on rows of theater-style seating in the House Chamber. In a lot of period movies, though, you often see them seated at individual desks pre-20th century.
How Does the FCC Find Naughty Language?
It was a banner weekend for F-bombs. In Boston last Saturday, Red Sox designated hitter David “Big Papi” Ortiz dropped one into a pre-game speech, saying “This is our f***ing city. And nobody’s going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong.”
10 U.S. Cabinet Departments that were Renamed or No Longer Exist
After George Washington took office, he assembled a Presidential Cabinet that had just four positions—Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of War Henry Knox, and Attorney General Edmund Randolph. Sin
Why Do Nebraska and Maine Split Electoral Votes?
In the majority of the United States, one candidate gets all of a state’s electoral votes. Two states, however, don’t have to go the all-or-nothing route: Nebraska and Maine, thanks to the Congressional District Method.