U.S. Presidents
America’s Founding Fathers decided that one elected civilian—the U.S. president—would lead the executive branch of the federal government, a structure that has remained in place for nearly 250 years. Learn about U.S. presidents and presidential elections, from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to John F. Kennedy and Donald Trump.
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Framers of the Constitution identified just three requirements. The 14th and 22nd Amendments added two more.
Over a span of six decades, the first 10 presidents of the United States helped define the role of the executive branch.
His privileged childhood on a Virginia plantation gave him access to a rich education. He fell in love with Enlightenment ideas.
From carefully staged speeches to radio to Twitter, U.S. presidents have always leveraged the cutting edge to connect directly with voters.
Presidential Advice
Advice from the Founding Fathers: George Washington
When George Washington was young, he copied down 101 rules of social behavior that would later become a book of his titled Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.
3 Surprising Facts
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Before formally entering World War II, FDR came up with a few key strategies to provide critical aid to allies in Europe in the fight against Hitler's Nazi Party.
In November 1979, a group of Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held its occupants hostage, beginning a 444-day standoff that nearly brought the two countries to war.
How JFK Established the Peace Corps
Less than two months into his presidency, JFK signed Executive Order 10924, formally creating the Peace Corps as an agency within the U.S. State Department. By the end of 1961, 750 inaugural Peace Corps volunteers had served in 13 countries.
From a 19th-century president who killed a man in a duel, to a 20th-century leader who once worked as a lifeguard, learn surprising facts about each U.S. president.
President Wilson and Congress sought to silence vocal and written opposition to U.S. involvement in the war.
Here's how Jackie Kennedy consciously shaped her husband’s legacy.
