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US Government Info: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
State Small Business Grants
Small business grants are closer than you think. In fact, the small business grant you need to start or expand your business may be available right in your own home state.
Sample INS Citizenship Questions
Samples of questions used by the INS in testing immigrants for citizentship
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that women often experience new or different physical symptoms as long as a month or more before experiencing heart attacks.
Questions and Answers for New Naturalization Test
The 100 questions on U.S. history and government designed to replace the set of questions currently used as part of the citizenship test.
Congress Salaries and Benefits
Salaries and benefits paid to Members of the US Congress
cash for appliances
The federal cash for appliances program will offer rebates on purchases of a wide array of home appliances certified as energy-efficient by the EPA’s Energy Star program.
Presidential Pay
Pay and Compensation of the President of the United States
Letters to Congress
Tips for writing effective letters to Congress
Supreme Court Justices
Current Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court
How to Get a Tax ID No.
At some point, your business will need a federal tax ID number, also called an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Here's how to get one.
Issues, Organizations, and Interest Groups
Pick an issue - pick an opinion. There's an online organization for you.
Money for a Small Business
The U.S. government does not currently provide grants for starting or expanding a small business. However, the government does offer plenty of free help in planning how to start or improve your business and in securing low-interest SBA-backed small business loans. In addition, many states DO offer small business grants to individuals.
About Unclaimed Money
Information for finding and recovering unclaimed property held by state governments.
Electoral College System
Every fourth November, after almost two years of campaign hype and money, over 90 million Americans vote for the presidential candidates. Then, in the middle of December, the president and vice president of the United States are really elected by the votes of only 538 citizens -- the "electors" of the Electoral College.
White House Greetings
The White House will send greeting cards signed by the President of the United States to commemorate special events, accomplishments or milestones free of charge to U.S. citizens. To request a greeting card from the President, just follow these guidelines from the White House Greetings Office.
The Great Compromise
Perhaps the greatest debate undertaken by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 centered on how many representatives each state should have in the new government's lawmaking branch, the U.S. Congress. As is often the case in government and politics, resolving a great debate, required a Great Compromise.
Requirements to be President
So you want to be president? Forget the nerves of steel, the charisma, the skeleton-free closet, the fund-raising network, the thick skin and the legions of loyal folks who agree with your stance on all the issues. Just to get into the game, you have to ask: How old are you and where were you born?
2008 Tax Rebate Checks
Starting in May 2008, some 130 million U.S. families and individuals will be getting tax rebate checks from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Few actions of the U.S. government have generated so much interest or so many questions as the tax rebate checks. Here you will find answers to many of those questions, as well as resources directly from the IRS to help you understand the tax rebate.
SBA Loan Programs
Small business loans offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
About Federalism
Our government is based on a system called "federalism," under which the national and state governments are granted specific powers. This power-sharing form of government is the opposite of "centralized" governments, such as those in England and France, under which national government maintains total power. What are the powers of federalism?
Do You Need a Tax ID No.?
The government form you're feverishly filling out has a blank demanding your business's "Federal Tax ID Number" or "Employer Identification Number (EIN)." Unfortunately, you don't have one. What is a federal tax ID number, does your business even need one, and how do you get it?
Grants No Free Lunch
Federal government grants are not a free lunch. Learn the truth about federal government grants.
State Unclaimed Index
State resources for finding and recovering unclaimed money and other property.
Register for the Draft
The Selective Service System wants you to know that the requirement to register for the military draft did not go away with the end of the Vietnam War. Under the law, virtually all male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the U.S., who are ages 18 through 25, are required to register with the Selective Service System.
Aid No Grants Needed
Sources of assistance from the U.S. Government that do not involve getting a federal grant.
Requirements to be a Senator
The Senate is the United States' higher legislative chamber (the House of Representatives being the lower chamber), containing 100 members. If you have dreams of becoming one of the two senators who represent each state for six-year terms, you might want to check the Constitution first. The guiding document for our government specifically spells out the requirements to be a senator.
The Legislative Process
How the Congressional Legislative Process Works
Why House and Senate
Why the US Congress Has Two Chambers, the House and Senate
Gender Gap Grows
The workplace pay gap between men and women, once thought to be narrowing, has only been getting worse, according to an analysis of recently released census data conducted by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.
National Health Insurance
Health care reform, basically a national health insurance plan, administered by the federal government as an alternative to private health insurance, will probably be proposed this year by President Obama. The plan will probably resemble Jacob Hacker's “Health Care for America” plan. Learn how it will work, who can get it and what it will cost.
Supreme Court - A Brief History
From its first assembly in 1790, a short history of the U.S. Supreme Court.
George Washington the Man
He grew marijuana and was America's only Founding Father to free his slaves. On the night he died, his doctor friend tried to bring him back to life in a most bizarre manner. As a politician, he was the only president-elect to win a unanimous vote of the Electoral College. Learn some lesser-known facts about our very first president, George Washington.
Stimulus Hub Page
How the 2009 economic stimulus package -- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- could affect American families and individuals.
The Branches of Government
The United States has three branches of government: the executive, the legislative and the judicial. Each of these branches has a distinct and essential role in the function of the government, and they were established in Articles 1 (legislative), 2 (executive) and 3 (judicial) of the U.S. Constitution.
Higher Education Results in Higher Lifetime Income
A college master's degree is worth $1.3 million more in lifetime earnings than a high school diploma, according to a recent report from the Commerce Department's Census Bureau.
We're Getting Taller - Fatter
Average adult Americans are about one inch taller, but nearly a whopping 25 pounds heavier than they were in 1960, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bad news, says CDC is that average BMI (body mass index, a weight-for-height formula used to measure obesity) has increased among adults from approximately 25 in 1960 to 28 in 2002.
Congress Votes Itself a Pay...
For the fifth year in a row, lawmakers voted not to reject their automatic "cost of living" raise that will increase the annual salary of Congress Members by $3,400 to a total of $158,103 per year.
Government Employee Benefits
Federal government employees enjoy a wide range of family-friendly benefits that go far beyond insurance and retirement. Here is an extensive list of government job benefits.
About the DD-214
How to request a copy of the Veterans' Military records form DD-214.
Food Stamp Program
Details on the federal Food Stamp program, now called the SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and how to apply for benefits.
Unemployment Compensation
Unemployment benefits represent the first and perhaps last line of defense against the ripple effect of joblessness. Then intention of unemployment benefits is to provide eligible, unemployed workers with a weekly income adequate to allow them to afford the necessities of life, including food, shelter and clothing while they look for new jobs.
U.S. Birth Rate Hits All-Ti...
The U.S. birth rate has dropped to the lowest level since national data have been available, according to statistics just released by the Centers for Disease Control.
Amending the Constitution
Article V of the U.S. Constitution spells out the processes by which amendments can be proposed and ratified.
Executive Branch
The executive branch of the United States government consists of the president, the vice president and 15 Cabinet-level executive departments.
The Legislative Branch
Every society needs laws. In the United States, the power to make laws is given to Congress, which represents the legislative branch of government.
Download Adobe .PDF Reader Here
Read about the popular Adobe .pdf file format and download the free software here.
Jobs in Iraq and Afghanistan
Looking for a challenging civilian job in which you can serve our country while making a true contribution to world peace? If so, SOFIA - Support Our Friends in Iraq and Afghanistan - a branch of the Department of Defense may have just the job for you.
Government Aid and Money - No Grants Needed
Assistance from the U.S. Government for home repair or improvement and homelessness.
U.S. Prison Population Tops...
America's prison population topped 2 million inmates for the first time in history on June 30, 2002 according to a new report from the the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Top 10 Benefit Programs
There are federal benefit programs available to help with many other life situations and needs. Here you will find profiles, including basic eligibility criteria and contact information for 10 of the most popular federal benefit and assistance programs.
Applying for Social Security
Social Security Retirement Benefits – The trick to applying for Social Security retirement benefits is knowing when to retire.
How To: Get Copies of Your Old IRS Tax Returns - U.S. Government Info/Resources
How to get copies of your old IRS tax returns There are two ways to obtain information that you listed
SBA Loan Requirements
You've decided you are ready to run your own small business. You've done your homework, have a business plan, know why unsuccessful small businesses fail and have sworn not to make those mistakes. Now you're shopping for an SBA-backed loan to finance your business. What will you need to show the lender?
health care centers
The Federal Consolidated Health Care Centers Program provides comprehensive primary and preventive health care and social services to uninsured persons regardless of their ability to pay.
Biography of John G. Roberts
Biography of Chief Justice of the United States John Glover Roberts, Jr.
Stimulus Plan - Taxes
Tax cuts provided for families, individuals and businesses by the 2009 economic stimulus package – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
About the Presidential Veto
A presidential veto is the rejection of a bill passed by the majority votes of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. While Congress can vote to override a presidential veto, causing the bill to become law without the president's approval, this is rarely done. The threat of presidential veto is often sufficient motivation for Congress to modify the bill prior to its final passage. This article provides a brief overview of the veto and the ways Congress can override it.
Payday Loan Site Warning
The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) is warning consumers to exercise extreme caution when using Internet payday loan sites, where loans due by the next payday, can cost up to $30 per $100 borrowed and borrowers typically face annual interest rates (APRs) of 650%.
Nationalized Health Insurance?
Should the United States adopt a nationalized health insurance plan in which doctors, hospitals and the health care delivery system would be under the control of the federal government?
California Business
Small Business Grants and Resources in California
Why Women Make Less
Despite a sense of continued progress toward gender equality in the workplace, the federal government has confirmed that the workplace earnings gap between men and women still persists today.
Low Income Housing Loans
These USDA-backed loans are offered to assist very low, low-income, and moderate-income households to obtain modest, decent, safe, and sanitary housing for use as a permanent residence in rural areas.
Presidential Succession
Who becomes president of the United States if the sitting president quits, dies, becomes disabled or is impeached? The presidential succession system takes over.
Constitution Day - September 17, 1787
On September 17, 1787, the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention held their final meeting. Only one item of business occupied the agenda that day, to sign and make official the Constitution of the United States of America.
U.S. Supreme Court Mailing Address
Mailing address and contact information for the U.S. Supreme Court.
Primary - Caucus - Convention
Every four years, along come -- Primaries, Caucuses, Delegates and Conventions -- the U.S. presidential election. How do these key processes of American democracy work? How are our presidential candidates chosen? Read the basics here.
About the Speaker of the House
The Speaker of the House of Representatives not only stands second in the line of presidential succession, the Speaker of the House is typically responsible for helping bills supported by the majority party win the approval of the House. Learn more about the influential office of Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The Federal Reserve System
The Federal Reserve System History, Function & Organization Early American Banking: 1791-1863 Banking
No Free or Cheap Government Land
No matter what you may have heard or read, there is no such thing as free land from the government. There is no federal homesteading program and land the government does sell is sold only at market value.
How We Got Miranda Rights
A cop points at you and says, "Read him his rights." From TV, you know this is not good. You know that you have been taken into police custody and are about to be informed of your "Miranda Rights" prior to being questioned. Fine, but what are these rights, and what did "Miranda" do to get them for you?
Jobs for Civilians at US Military Facilities
US Military web sites listing civilian job vacancies, from your About.com Guide
"tear down this wall!"
On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan spoke the people of West Berlin at the base of the Brandenburg Gate, near the Berlin wall. Due to the amplification system being used, the President's words could also be heard on the Eastern (Communist-controlled) side of the wall. The address Reagan delivered that day is considered by many to have affirmed the beginning of the end of the Cold War and the fall of communism. On Nov. 9-11, 1989, the people of a free Berlin tore down that wall.
Florida Business
Small Business Grants and Resources in Florida
US Rep. Requirements
The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Congress, and it currently counts 435 men and women among its members. House members are popularly elected by constituents in their home states; they don't represent the entire state, but rather specific geographic districts within the state. House members serve two-year terms, but what does it take to be a representative in the first place, besides money, legions of loyal constituents, charisma and the stamina to make it through a campaign?
Miranda Rights Q and A
"So, were my Miranda rights violated?" In many cases, that's a question only the courts can answer. No two crimes or crime investigations are identical. There are, however some procedures police are required to follow when dealing with the Miranda warnings and the rights of persons taken into custody. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about Miranda rights and Miranda warnings.
Civilian Jobs in the US Military - U.S. Government Info/Resources - 05/29/98
Civilian Jobs in the US Military Looking for a civilian sector job at a military facility? Good luck.
Impeachment Process
The process of impeachment of the President of the United States. It's the last thing you would ever think could happen to an American President. Since 1841, over one-third of all American Presidents have either died in office, became disabled, or resigned. However, no American President has ever been forced from office due to impeachment proceedings.
About SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal government benefit program providing cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter to persons who are blind or otherwise disabled and have little or no other income.
Iraq: Oil and Economy
How much oil DOES Iraq have and how important is it to the United States?
Home Repair Loans - Grants
These USDA-backed loans and grants are to help very low-income rural homeowners an opportunity to make essential repairs to their homes to make them safe and to remove health hazards to the family or the community.
Illegals Cost CA \$10.5 Billion
In hosting America's largest population of illegal immigrants, California bears a huge cost to provide basic human services for this fast growing, low-income segment of its population. A new study from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) examines the costs of education, health care and incarceration of illegal aliens, and concludes that the costs to Californians is $10.5 billion per year.
Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients
U.S. Government and private sources of financial assistnace and support for cancer patients and their families.
Bridgestone/Firestone Tire Recall
Press release from Bridgestone/Firestone regarding the recall of 3.85 million tires.
Government Job Finder
A new tool for finding job openings in the U.S. Government. Simply click on your area of interest or expertise, for a complete list of all job openings in that category. When the list appears, clicking on any job title will get you complete, detailed information on that job, including instructions on how to apply.
The House of Representatives
The United States is a large, fractured, diverse and yet still unified nation, and few government bodies reflect the paradox that is this country better than the House of Representatives.
Gun Control Laws in Canada
Gun Control Laws in Canada >Page 1 , 2 , 3 [ Poll: Should US enact gun laws like Canada's? ] Results
Order a Replacement Medicare Card Via the Internet
As part of the growing E-government initiative, the Social Security Administration has made it possible -- even easy -- for Medicare beneficiaries to order a replacement Medicare card over the Internet.
Insurance for Uninsured Kids
The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, makes funds available to states that have in place federally approved programs providing health insurance coverage to uninsured children.
States With No Income Tax
While individuals and businesses in all 50 states pay federal income tax, residents in 41 states also pay state income tax. Nine states have no state income tax.
Presidential Legislative Power
The President of the United States is commonly referred to as the most powerful person in the free world, but his legislative powers are strictly defined by the Constitution and by a system of checks and balances among the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the government.
More on Cabinet
More Information About the President’s Cabinet
Why Keep the Electoral College?
Why did America's Founding Fathers take the selection of the president out of the hands of the people with the Electoral College?
The Federal Minimum Wage
While the federal minimum wage is currently set at $7.25 per hour, your age, type of employment, even where you live can alter the legal minimum hourly wage your employer is required to pay.
Collete Degree Worth Big Bucks
Just in case you still had some doubts, the U.S. Census Bureau has released data proving the substantial value of a college education in the United States. Workers 18 and over sporting bachelors degrees earn an average of $51,206 a year, while those with a high school diploma earn $27,915.
NASA Plans Elevators to Space
Open your imagination now. You hop into the elevator and hit the button for the 11,457,600th floor. Hope you dressed warmly, because when you hop out, you'll be hopping right into space. Science fiction? Not anymore, says NASA.
About the U.S. Postal Service
About the United States Postal Service (USPS). Is it government agency or a private business? It's both.
Texas Business
Small Business Grants and Resources in Texas
How To Write Letters to Elected Officials
a simple how to on how to write effective letters to elected officials
Get a Birth Certificate
A birth certificate or a certified copy of an original birth certificate is becoming increasingly important as a required form of identification. Learn how to get a copy of your birth certificate.
Congressional Powers
So what are all those senators and representatives doing on Capitol Hill, anyway? The Congress has specific powers spelled out in the Constitution, none more important than its duty to make laws.
The Federalist Papers: Index to the Federalist Papers
Index to the Federalist Papers.: new york state newspapers federalist papers gun control issue federalist 37 articles of confederation
Gun Control Timeline
Gun Control Timeline Dateline: 09/26/99 When did this whole gun control debate start? It could have started
Are You Eligible for Federal Aid
How can the government help me? A new Web site from the U.S. Department of Labor answers that often-asked question by helping Americans determine their eligibility for 55 U.S. government assistance programs.
Recent Legal History of the Death Penalty in America
According to data collected by the Federal Government, from 1930 to 2000, 4,542 persons were executed under civil (non-military) authority. During the ten-year period from 1967-1977, however, punitive death took a holiday as a voluntary moratorium and the U.S. Supreme Court brought a temporary halt to executions.
U.S. Government Jobs
Resources for finding and getting government jobs.
State Voter Registration Requirements - U.S. Government Info/Resources
State Voter Registration Requirements, from your About.com Guide
Uninsured Statistics
As Congress crawls closer to its consideration of the America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, a bill that would require virtually all Americans to be covered by either private or government administered health insurance, you will increasingly read and hear a bleak statistic stating that 46 million Americans have are without health insurance. Really?
Federalism
Federalism – a description of federalism as practiced in the United States
History of the Pledge
As written in 1892, the Pledge of Allegiance didn't even include the words "under God." Who wrote the Pledge and where did the constitutionally controversial reference to God come from? Read the brief history of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jobs at Agencies
Handy links to employment information Web pages at several major U.S. Government agencies and their sub-agencies.
Ohio Business
Small Business Grants and Resources in Ohio
Penn Business
Small Business Grants and Resources in Pennsylvania
Social Security Administrat...
The Social Security Administration announces a new fresh, user-friendly version of its Website.
U.S. Federal Court System
US Federal Court System Primer
HUD Grants to Help Disabled Renters
HUD has announced the awarding of government grants totaling $39.9 million in 21 states to assist non-elderly individuals and families with disabilities in leasing affordable private housing.
Duties of the Chief Justice
Other than presiding over the Supreme Court and voting on cases, what are the duties of the Chief Justice of the United States?
About PACs
Love them or hate them, PACs have become an important and influential part of U.S. politics. What kind of PACs are there and what rules must they follow
U.S. Government 101
The basics of U.S. Government. The three branches of government, from which grow checks and balances, and the separation of powers as envisioned by the Founding Fathers.
About Presidential Pardons
Where does the President of the United States get the power to pardon criminals? Are there legal limitations to presidential pardons?
President of the United State
The primary duty of the president of the United States is to make sure that all U.S. laws are carried out and that the federal government is run effectively. Although the president may not introduce new legislation - that's the duty of Congress - he does wield veto power over all bills that are approved by the legislature. In addition, the president has the weighty role of commander in chief of the armed forces.
State Unclaimed Property Searches: Find Forgotten Money
Here you will find state government resources for finding and claiming unclaimed money and property.
House Agenda
Summary of the daily scheduled activities of the U.S. House of Representatives
How America Has Changed Over Last 100 Years - 1900 to 2000
The 11 national censuses conducted between 1900 and 2000 show our nation has undergone a century of tremendous changes in both the makeup of the population and in how Americans live their lives.
Al Gore: Creator of the Internet? - U.S. Government Info/Resources
Al Gore: Creator of the Internet? Guide Special Dateline: March 13, 1999 Just for the record... During
Who Pays Most Tax?
Feeling overtaxed? Under the U.S. income tax system, most of the taxes collected are supposed to be paid by the people who make the most money. Thanks to President Bush's tax cuts, that is exactly the way the system works, says the U.S. Treasury Department.
Administrative Procedures Act
The Administrative Procedures Act is the law under which the U.S. federal agencies create the regulations they enforce.
Replacing Mutilated US Currency
The process used for replacing damaged US currency depends on how badly the bills are damaged. Here is what to look for and what to do in order to get damaged US money replaced.
Rules of a Gun Show
Gun Show Rules and Gun Laws Guide Extra: 6/20/99 Selling guns at gun shows has gotten a lot of press
John Paul Stevens Bio
Biography of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court John Paul Stevens.
Constitutional Powers of the Presidency - from About.com
Presidential Powers granted by the U.S. Constitution, from your About.com Guide
SBA loan checklist
SBA Small Business Loan Checklist – A checklist of forms and information needed when applying for an SBA small business loan
North Carolina Business
Small Business Grants and Resources in North Carolina
Code of Ethics for U.S. Government Service
The Code of Ethics applied to all persons serving in any position withing the U.S federal government.
U.S. Supreme Court Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction and constitutional authority of the U.S. Supreme Court.
US Veterans in 2005
The U.S. Census Bureau offers revealing facts about U.S. veterans in 2005.
Buying Real Estate from the U.S. Goverment
Sources for buying real estate including land and commercial property from the U.S. Government.
New York Business
Small Business Grants and Resources in New York
Campaign Contribution Laws
Are you thinking about contributing money to the campaign of a presidential candidate? If you do, you will be far from alone. If you do contribute to a candidate, you should know that the Federal Campaign Finance Law places legal limits on how much and what you can give. Find out what those limits are right here...
Stroke Warning Signs
Warning signs of a stroke may appear as early as seven days before an attack and require urgent treatment to prevent serious damage to the brain, according to a study of stroke patients published in the March 8, 2005 issue of Neurology. Learn the warning signs of ischemic stroke.
Suspending Habeas Corpus
On Oct. 17, 2006, President Bush suspended the constitutionally bestowed right of writs of habeas corpus. President Abraham Lincoln did the same thing 144 years ago. Both presidents based their action on the dangers of war, and both presidents faced sharp criticism for carrying out what many believed to be an attack on the Constitution. But there were some significant differences and similarities in both the circumstances and the details of the two presidents' actions.
U.S. Government Sales and Auctions
Where and how to buy from the U.S. Government. From houses and land to horses and rings. Just about anything you can think of, the government may sell, ofen online.
Federal Regulations
Federal regulations and the federal rulemaking process.
'Spoofing' and 'Phishing' a...
The FBI, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Earthlink have jointly issued a warning on how the growing ranks of Internet crooks are using new tricks called "phishing" and "spoofing" to steal your identity.
Estimated Costs of an Iraq War According to CBO
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated the cost of prosecuting a war against Iraq at up to $9 billion per month.
War on Terrorism
Daily log of events and headlines in the War on Terrorism since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
Michigan Business
Small Business Grants and Resources in Michigan
Electoral College: States and Votes - U.S. Government Info/Resources
Electoral College: States and Votes Electoral College -- Sates and Vote by State The Electoral College
Georgia Business
Small Business Grants and Resources in Georgia
Public Schools Don't Have a Prayer
All forms of religion may soon vanish from America's public schools. Find out why and when it is still okay to pray.

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