Democracy
We the People. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  All men are created equal. Freedom of the press. Trial by jury.

The ideals expressed at the founding of the United States, a great experiment in freedom and democracy, have continued to evolve for more than 250 years. Join us as we explore how America’s government began and how it functions today. 

Government By the Numbers

Facts about key elements of American government

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At a Glance

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Defining Documents

Facts about America's founding documents, including the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights

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PolICY ISSUES

Facts about the key policy issues facing our country

 

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Fifty states, 332 million people, and 245 years old. Beyond these basic facts, find out how well you know your fellow Americans.

How Well Do You Know Your Country?

Fifty states, 332 million people, and 245 years old. Beyond these basic facts, find out how well you know your fellow Americans.

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Test your knowledge
Test your knowledge about the first people of color in various branches of the U.S. government.

How Well Do You Know America’s Barrier-Breaking Leaders?

Test your knowledge about the first people of color in various branches of the U.S. government.

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Six questions about the roles of our state and federal governments

How Much Do You Know About Federalism in the U.S.?

Six questions about the roles of our state and federal governments

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14 Americans who changed the face of U.S. government and military leadership

Trailblazing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

14 Americans who changed the face of U.S. government and military leadership

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Notable Firsts: American Women Leaders
10 trailblazers in top government and military positions, in their own words 

America’s First Women in Office

10 trailblazers in top government and military positions, in their own words 

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How well do you know the top leaders of our land?

Pop Quiz: The U.S. Presidents

How well do you know the top leaders of our land?

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Notable Firsts: Black American Leaders
15 men and women who broke color barriers in the U.S. military and government 

How Many of These Black American Leaders Do You Know?

15 men and women who broke color barriers in the U.S. military and government 

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Our nation’s leaders have been sworn in since the early days of the republic

Where Did the Oath of Office Come From?

Our nation’s leaders have been sworn in since the early days of the republic

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How much do you know about the executive, legislative and judicial branches?

Quiz Yourself on Our Three Branches of Government

How much do you know about the executive, legislative and judicial branches?

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Nation’s highest court rules on only 1% of requests

How the Supreme Court Decides Which Cases to Hear

Nation’s highest court rules on only 1% of requests

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Test your knowledge on the stars and stripes and everything in between

How Much Do You Know About the American Flag?

Test your knowledge on the stars and stripes and everything in between

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Libraries remain trusted places to learn and exchange ideas

American Democracy Can Be Found at the Library

Libraries remain trusted places to learn and exchange ideas

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A Constitution and Citizenship Day Q&A with Jeffrey Rosen

What Are Our Responsibilities as U.S. Citizens?

A Constitution and Citizenship Day Q&A with Jeffrey Rosen

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We curated a list of resources about American democracy and history from trusted nonpartisan sources.

Want to Learn More?

We curated a list of resources about American democracy and history from trusted nonpartisan sources.

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Why Do You Vote?

91% of Americans say that voting in elections is important. To find out why, we interviewed voters from 18 to 80, from Maryland to Mississippi.

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