GOVERNMENT

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.

Barack Obama walks on the colonnade after leaving the Oval Office for the last time as President on January 20, 2017.

What Benefits Do Presidents Get After They Leave Office?

The Former Presidents Act, which was passed by Dwight Eisenhower in 1958—largely to help Harry Truman, who struggled financially after leaving the Oval Office—entitles ex-presidents to a handful of benefits.

Who let the dogs out? The New York State Senate, that's who.

New York Senate Passes Bill Banning Sale of Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits in Pet Stores

Legislators hope the bill will help put an end to puppy mills and encourage people to adopt rescue animals.

10 Fierce Facts About Bella Abzug

“Larger than life” sums up Bella Abzug. The New York-based Democratic congresswoman gained 1970s notoriety with her big hats and bold feminist voice.

Compost is delicious trash salad for your soil.

Vermont Just Banned Residents From Throwing Food Scraps in the Trash

The state has expanded its trash pick-up services to accommodate the new policy, but many residents are already composting pros.

Sadly, Congress voted 'No' on using Thomas Edison's voting machine.

Thomas Edison’s First Patented Invention—a Voting Machine for Congress—Was a Total Flop

“If there is any invention on earth that we don't want down here, that is it,” a Congressman said about Edison’s voting machine.

The Insurrection Act gives the president the authority to address domestic disturbances using the military.

What Is the Insurrection Act?

Introduced in 1807, the Act affords the president the power to intervene in state law enforcement efforts. But debate rages over when it's appropriate to do so.

That red ribbon is the literal "red tape" that we now use as an idiom to describe bureaucratic processes.

The Arlington National Cemetery Just Opened Its Time Capsule from 1915—See What’s Inside

The items from Woodrow Wilson’s century-old time capsule are on virtual display just in time for Memorial Day.

The IRS Launched an Online Tool to Track Your Stimulus Check

The first of the 2020 stimulus checks go out this week. This tool from the IRS will tell you when to expect yours.

Most Americans will soon be receiving a stimulus check.

Coronavirus Stimulus Checks Are Coming: Here's How to See If You Qualify

The federal government is offering financial support to Americans in the coming weeks. Here's how to find out how much you'll get.

Tax Day for Americans Will Be Pushed Back to July 15

On March 20, U.S. treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin announced via Twitter that Tax Day will be pushed back by three months—to July 15—amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Lorne Grabher shows off his forbidden license plate.

Canadian Man Named Lorne Grabher Stripped of His Right to Have a ‘GRABHER’ License Plate Is Appealing the Court’s Decision

Lorne Grabher had bought the vanity license plate as a 65th birthday gift for his father to celebrate their family name.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during a visit to Australia in 2011.

Why Queen Elizabeth II Doesn’t Need a Passport to Travel Abroad

It’s unnecessary for the queen to carry a UK passport, but the perk doesn’t extend to the rest of the royal family.

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