A Brief History of Vice Presidential Inaugurations
Vice presidential inaugurations haven’t always shared the pomp and circumstance reserved for the highest office in the land.
What Poinsettias Have to do with U.S.-Mexico Relations
Poinsettias were named for the first US diplomat to Mexico. The flower was more successful than he was. How it went from Aztec dye to Christmas decoration.
Why the Presidential Inauguration is in January
The Presidential Inauguration is January 20th as a result of a twentieth century change to the U.S. Constitution. Originally, it was March 4th.
Time for Reform of the Electoral College?
Is it finally time to reform the Electoral College after 2000 and 2016? If so, how could this be done?
When Did the Media Become a “Watchdog?”
The media changed its coverage over the course of the Vietnam War. But it may not have become more adversarial.
Should Nixon Have Demanded a Recount?
A lot about the 2016 presidential election has been unprecedented, but this isn’t the first time we’ve seen calls for recounts in some states.
The National Security Advisor: A Primer
Presidents have appointed National Security Advisors since 1953. Since the 1960s, they've become increasingly powerful within the Executive Branch.
The Most Contentious Presidential Transition in American History
Was Abraham Lincoln's the most tumultuous presidential transition in American history?
How Do White House Transitions Actually Work?
How do presidential transitions really work? Political science scholarship on White House staffers provides some insight.
Creating the Voter Fraud Myth
Although in-person voter fraud is close to nonexistent, it’s a big concern for many voters.