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.
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.
Three Ways the President Can Affect Science
Given some of the campaign rhetoric, many scientists are concerned about what a new administration might mean for scientific research.
How Do White House Transitions Actually Work?
How do presidential transitions really work? Political science scholarship on White House staffers provides some insight.
The Venerable Tradition of the Presidential Sex Scandal
Americans have been obsessed with the sexual character and moral rectitude, or lack thereof, of politicians from the beginning.
History’s Biggest Presidential Health Cover-Up
How important is a President's health? Should the public know all? History suggests that full disclosure is better than not.
Publishing the Presidents
President Obama made news for being the first President to publish a scholarly article while in office. Many past Presidents can be found in JSTOR.
The Significance of Shirley Chisholm’s Presidential Campaign
Shirley Chisholm: the first black female U.S. Representative, first black major-party candidate for President, and the first Democratic Party woman to run.
The First Ugly Election: America, 1800
The 1800 election saw America's first contested presidential campaigns: Thomas Jefferson vs. John Adams.
Free Love and the First Female Presidential Nominee
Victoria Woodhull who was known to her enemies as "Mrs. Satan," was the first woman to run for president of the United States.