POLITICS

8 Centuries-Old Etiquette Rules for Talking Politics

Keep these tips in mind when discussing politics during the holidays.

Bluesky is seeing a massive influx of users.

Migrating to Bluesky? This Extension Finds Your X Followers on the App

If you’re having trouble finding all of your X followers on Bluesky, Sky Follower Bridge will save the day.

The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest did not go well for the Romans.

8 Places the Romans Failed to Conquer

Ireland and Scotland are not the only places the mighty Roman Empire failed to vanquish.

President Obama departing the White House on January 20, 2016.

Here’s When a President’s Term Officially Ends

Inauguration Day isn’t just a matter of scheduling—presidential term limits are exactly four years, down to the hour.

If the Polls Close While You’re Still in Line to Vote, Don’t Leave

What do you do if you’re stuck at the back of the line when your polling place closes? You stay right where you are.

You can save this one for the next time someone makes you mad (though it might not do you any favors, either).

Where Does the Phrase ‘May You Live In Interesting Times’ Actually Come From?

This common phrase is often used during times of political uncertainty, and has even been described as an ancient Chinese curse. History says otherwise, though.

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.

Something to think about while you’re casting your ballot.

Why Do We Vote in November?

There were some very compelling reasons for choosing the first Tuesday in November as Election Day—at least, they were when that date was chosen.

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.

Margaret Chase Smith and Eleanor Roosevelt duked it out for their political parties.

The First-Ever Televised Presidential Debate Was Between Two Women

In 1956, two highly-regarded party figures stepped in for candidates Eisenhower and Stevenson to tackle election issues.

11 Things You Might Not Know About Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, is 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.

Victoria Claflin Woodhull led a very interesting life.

The First Woman to Run For President Was a Spiritualist, Wall Street Broker, and Free-Love Advocate

Long before Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris launched their presidential campaigns, Victoria Claflin Woodhull ran as a third party candidate in the 1872 election.

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.

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!”).

A three-day weekend makes bidding farewell to summer a little easier.

Why Is Labor Day Always Celebrated on a Monday?

Like Memorial Day and Presidents Day, Labor Day falls on a Monday each year. To understand how the federal holiday came to be, you need a brief history lesson in labor politics.

It’s easy to recognize these political symbols.

How Did the Donkey and Elephant Become Political Mascots?

Andrew Jackson’s 1828 political campaign kicked it off, and cartoonist Thomas Nast made the political symbols really gain traction.

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.

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.