GOVERNMENT

Why Do Supreme Court Justices Serve for Life?

Alexander Hamilton argued that lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court were the only way, but some modern scholars disagree.

There are actually multiple versions of this iconic sticker.

A Brief but Fascinating History of the ‘I Voted’ Sticker

The origins of those ‘I Voted’ stickers you see everyone rocking on Election Day go back to the 1950s in the United States, but the design everyone recognizes most was created by Janet Boudreau in the late 1980s.

‘Free the McFlurry’: The McDonald’s Machines Can Now Be Fixed Quickly, Thanks to Government Ruling

It was once literally illegal to tamper with a broken McFlurry machine. Not anymore.

Cacti are not welcome in one German town.

Such Pricks: A German Town Has Banned Cactus From Government Buildings

The mayor in ‘Footloose’ banned dancing. The mayor of Plettenberg has banned cactus.

The White House’s most mysterious occupant remains unidentified.

“The Thing”: When a Mysterious Teenage Ghost Haunted Taft’s White House

To this day, no one knows who "The Thing" might have been.

Some of these presidents were well versed in October surprises.

Where Did the Term ‘October Surprise’ Originate?

Its political legacy began during the Iran hostage crisis, but other kinds of October surprises had been happening for decades.

When France’s Père Lachaise Cemetery Used Celebrity Remains to Boost Business

The cemetery failed to interest the public until it started seeking out famous corpses.

11 Things You Might Not Know About Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024 at the age of 100. He was one of the most esteemed humanitarians ever to hold the office. He was also once chased by a wild rabbit.

President Theodore Roosevelt, the youngest U.S. president.

Who Are the Youngest Presidents Ever Elected?

Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton are among the youngest U.S. presidents.

Why Does Grover Cleveland Count as Two Presidents?

Historians suggest that while Grover Cleveland was but one person, he was actually two presidents thanks to his nonconsecutive terms.

How to Find Out If You’re Registered to Vote

If you’ve recently moved or changed your name (or just haven’t voted in a while), you probably need to re-register to vote.

Portraits of John Quincy Adams (left) and Andrew Jackson (right)

The Time Andrew Jackson Won the Vote But Lost the Presidency

In 1824, Jackson both won the popular vote and got the most votes in the electoral college, but lost the election anyway.

These days, we use ‘GOP’ to refer to Republicans—but that wasn’t always the case.

What Does ‘GOP’ Stand For?

What ‘GOP’ means isn’t complicated—but its history is.

The signed archetype of the U.S. Constitution now up for auction.

Ultra-Rare Copy of the U.S. Constitution, Found in a Filing Cabinet, Heads to Auction

Bidding on the signed Constitution copy starts at $1 million—but it will likely sell for much, much more.

How the Bootleg Nintendo System ‘Dendy’ Took Over 1990s Russia

In the '90s, Russian kids coveted unauthorized Nintendo systems with an elephant mascot named Dendy.

He wants you to learn about the symbol’s history.

Who Was Uncle Sam, and Why Did He ‘Want’ You?

Uncle Sam is an easily recognizable piece of wartime propaganda. And legend says he was based off a real person—though that may not actually be the case.

6 Politicians Who Got Elected Despite Being Dead

Several politicians have won elections posthumously. And no, fraud was not to blame.

Abraham Lincoln just after uttering his last words.

The Last Words and Final Moments of 39 U.S. Presidents

Some presidents’ last words have been profound (“This is the last of earth; I am content”) and others have been merely practical (“Help!”).

If you drive the same route long enough, sign fonts become fascinating.

Why Does the U.S. Highway System Use Two Different Fonts?

Attentive drivers will notice more than one kind of typeface during their travels.

10 Things You Might Not Know About Ronald Reagan

President Ronald Reagan served from 1981-1989 and is remembered for his Reaganomics policies, the war on drugs, and other political endeavors. He also ate a lot of jelly beans.

1/72 Testors F19 Secret Stealth Fighter unboxing and review LIVE!

The ’80s Toy That Was Considered a Threat to National Security

The F-19 became the bestselling model plane of all time. Some feared it leaked some highly classified military secrets.

One-term presidents exited office for not-always-voluntary reasons.

All 28 Presidents Who Served One Term, More or Less

A surprisingly high number of U.S. presidents has left office—by choice or for a less voluntary reason—after serving only one term.

President George Washington delivering his inaugural address.

Why Do Presidents Serve Four-Year Terms?

Here’s the history behind four-year presidential term limits, plus answers to all your other questions about presidential terms.

Richard Nixon resigned the presidency on August 8, 1974, as a result of his involvement in the Watergate scandal.

10 Deep Facts About the Watergate Scandal

Fifty years ago today, President Richard Nixon resigned as a consequence of his role in the Watergate break-in and cover-up.

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