Posts Tagged ‘The Executive Branch’
Federal Budget Glossary
The Library of Congress: A National Treasure
The Library of Congress (LOC) is one of the most important institutions in the United States. It’s more than just a collection of books—it’s a symbol of knowledge and a cornerstone of democracy. From its humble beginnings in 1800 to becoming the most extensive library in the world, the Library of Congress has grown to…
Read MoreThe Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: A Nation in Mourning and a Legacy Shaped by Tragedy
On the evening of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer and well-known actor, while attending a performance of Our American Cousin at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. The attack came just days after the Union victory in the Civil War, a moment that should have been…
Read MoreBalancing Power: The U.S. Checks and Balances System
The United States’ system of checks and balances is a cornerstone of its constitutional democracy, designed to ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. Rooted in Enlightenment philosophy and shaped by thinkers like Montesquieu, this system was carefully crafted by the Founding Fathers to protect individual freedoms and maintain a fair distribution…
Read MoreWhy President Lyndon B. Johnson Chose Not to Run for Re-Election
On March 31, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson surprised the nation when he announced that he wouldn’t run for another term as President of the United States. His decision came at a time when the country was deeply divided. The Vietnam War was dragging on with no clear end in sight, protests were growing louder,…
Read MoreFrances Perkins: The Woman Who Changed Work in America
Frances Perkins wasn’t just a politician—she was a fighter for working people. She believed that everyone deserved fair wages, safe workplaces, and a secure future. As the first woman to serve in a U.S. Cabinet position, she helped shape policies that still impact millions of Americans today. From Social Security to minimum wage laws, her…
Read MoreAbraham Lincoln: His Birthday, Life, and Lasting Legacy
What will I find in this article? Every year on February 12, Americans remember and celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. He was born in 1809 in a small, one-room log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky (now LaRue County). His parents, Thomas and Nancy Lincoln, were hardworking farmers, but life was tough. The family didn’t have much…
Read MoreThe Creation and History of Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day, observed on the third Monday of February, is a federal holiday in the United States that honors the nation’s past leaders, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Initially, it was established to recognize Washington’s birthday, but Presidents Day has become a broader celebration of all U.S. presidents. Today, it includes retail sales, historical…
Read MoreThe 18th Amendment: America’s Experiment with Prohibition
The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified on January 16, 1919, marked the beginning of Prohibition, a nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. This amendment, along with the Volstead Act, which provided the legal framework for enforcement, represented one of the most ambitious and controversial social experiments in…
Read MoreAlaska Becomes the 49th State: A Milestone in American History
On January 3, 1959, Alaska officially became the 49th state of the United States, marking the culmination of a long journey from a remote territory to statehood. Known as “The Last Frontier,” Alaska’s statehood was transformative for the U.S., symbolizing growth and a broader inclusion of its territories. The Path to Statehood Alaska’s history with…
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