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US Government Info: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
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.
Sample INS Citizenship Questions
INS Citizenship Test Questions The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers a test
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.
IRS on the Rebate Checks
The Internal Revenue Services has released theses details on the tax rebate checks to be issued to taxpayers in 2008.
For Small Business Grants Look to the States
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.
Money for a Small Business
While there are no federal grants for starting a small business, the U.S government offers plenty of free help and a great program of low-interest business loans.
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.
Federal Government Grants - No Free Lunch
The truth about federal grants. How to find and apply for grants.
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.
Salaries and Benefits of U.S. Congress Members
Current salaries and benefits for members of the U.S. Congress.
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?
Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence Signatures High Resolution Images of the Declaration from NARA Easy to Print
Government Aid and Money - No Grants Needed
Sources of assistance from the U.S. Government that do not involve getting a federal grant.
How to Write Letters to Congress
Letters to Congress So, you're going to write your Congressman? Good idea. Make it a good letter. People
Finding and Recovering Unclaimed Money Held by State Goverments
Information for finding and recovering unclaimed property held by state governments.
Money to Start a Business: SBA Loan Programs
These SBA loan programs are how most U.S. small businesses get started.
Iraq: Oil and Economy
How much oil DOES Iraq have and how important is it to the United States?
About the DD-214 Form - US Military Records
About the DD-214 In response to inquiries about the form DD-214, Report of Separation : The DD-214 can
The President's Cabinet: Departments and Secretaries
The President's Cabinet - Agencies and Secretaries - Web sites and addresses.
How the Federal Grant Process Works
Resources for finding and applying for grants from the U.S. Government.
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%.
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?
U.S. Supreme Court Justices
Current membership = Justices - of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Illegal Fireworks Dangers
Ah, the 4th of July, firecrackers, sparklers, M80 sticks of dynamite... No wait, M80s and similar unstable little bombs are illegal and extremely dangerous, according to ATF agents. Have a good time on the 4th, but don't blow yourself to bits doing it. Learn here how to recognize illegal fireworks.
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.
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.
U.S. Government Jobs
Resources for finding and getting government jobs.
Brief History of the Declar...
A brief chronicle of events leading up to the official adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
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.
Presidential Pay and Compensation
The salary and other compensation of the president of the United States
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.
State Unclaimed Property Searches: Find Forgotten Money
Here you will find state government resources for finding and claiming unclaimed money and property.
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.
Government Agency Grant Resources
Government Agency grant resources, grant proposal writing help.
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans provide capital directly from the Federal government (rather than through private lenders) to vocational, undergraduate, and graduate postsecondary school students and their parents.
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.
The Federal Minimum Wage
While the current federal minimum wage has been set at $5.15 per hour since Sept. 1, 1997, your age, type of employment, even where you live can alter the legal minimum hourly wage your employer is required to pay.
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.
Download Adobe .PDF Reader Here
Read about the popular Adobe .pdf file format and download the free software here.
How to get your tax check
The IRS is reminding eligible taxpayers that they have until Dec. 5 to claim 115,744 undelivered checks from this summer’s advance child tax credit. After the December cut-off, taxpayers cannot claim the checks until they file their tax returns next year.
Social Security Administrat...
The Social Security Administration announces a new fresh, user-friendly version of its Website.
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.
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.
Job Resources at Major U.S. Government Agencies
Career and job opening information at major U.S. government agencies
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.
Buying Real Estate from the U.S. Goverment
Sources for buying real estate including land and commercial property from the U.S. Government.
Tips for Mailing US Troops in Iraq War Zone
The US Postal Service offers some tips for sending regular mail to U.S. troops in the Iraq war zone.
Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients
U.S. Government and private sources of financial assistnace and support for cancer patients and their families.
Issues, Organizations, and Interest Groups
Issues, Organizations, and Interest Groups Pick an issue. Pick an opinion. Congratulations! There's an
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.
U.S. Government Grant Information Sources
The Web sites listed here offer information concerning grants offered by the major agencies of the U.S. federal government.
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.
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.
Greetings From the White House
The White House will send greeting cards signed by President Bush to commemorate special events, accomplishments or milestones free of charge to U.S. citizens. To request a greeting card from President Bush, just follow these guidelines from the White House Greetings Office.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Supreme Court - A Brief History
From its first assembly in 1790, a short history of the U.S. Supreme Court.
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.
Bridgestone/Firestone Tire Recall
Press release from Bridgestone/Firestone regarding the recall of 3.85 million tires.
Administrative Procedures Act
The Administrative Procedures Act is the law under which the U.S. federal agencies create the regulations they enforce.
Free Help in Planning a Small Business
Sources of free small business planning assistance from the U.S. Government
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.
Most Against ANWR Drilling
A bipartisan national survey has found that by a margin of 53 percent to 35 percent, Americans oppose proposals to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
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.
Ab Belt Device Claims False, says FTC
You cannot get rock-hard abs with no sweat, said the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in filing false advertising complaints in federal court against maker of three widely advertised electronic abdominal exercise belts.
When the Check's NOT In the Mail
Government benefit check late? Here is some advice on how to deal with missing or incorrect checks from the government.
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
U.S. Supreme Court History
A brief history of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Federal Hourly Minimum Wage History
A history of the U.S. Federal minimum wage, from your About.com Guide
U.S. Federal Circuit Courts
Links to all federal circuit courts of appeals, district courts, bankcruptcy courts and special courts.
Jobs for Civilians at US Military Facilities
US Military web sites listing civilian job vacancies, from your About.com Guide
Federal Student Aid Primer
You want to go to college so you can make lots of money, but you don't have any money to go to college. Congratulations! You have just met the main requirement for getting government student financial aid.
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?
A Citizenship Test Experience
The experiences of a person who recently took the actual INS Citizenship test
Government Auto Auctions
It's easy and economical to purchase a pre-owned vehicle from the U.S. government. Join the thousands of people who buy at government auto auctions.
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.
Jobs for Civilians in the US Air Force
Jobs for Civilians in the US Air Force Service-wide Resources US Air Force Civilian Employment Air Force
Student Loan Interest Rates Drop
Interest rates on federal student loans will drop to the lowest rate in decades - only 4.06 percent - on July 1, announced Secretary of Education Rod Paige.
Social Security Primer
Handy links on the Social Security Website.
Amending the Constitution
The process of amending the United States Constitution, from your About.com Guide
Student Jobs and Internship Programs
Student jobs and internships in U.S. Government agencies open to all high-school and college students.
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.
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.
Gun Control Laws in Canada
Gun Control Laws in Canada >Page 1 , 2 , 3 [ Poll: Should US enact gun laws like Canada's? ] Results
About the U.S. Postal Service
The United States Postal Service. Is it government agency or a private business? It's both.
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.
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.
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.
Millions in Tax Checks Returned to IRS
The IRS reports that more than 390,000 tax refunds or advance payment checks have been returned to the agency due to addressing problems and urges Americans to act now so their checks can be processed and mailed to them by the end of December.
The Federal Reserve System
The Federal Reserve System History, Function & Organization Early American Banking: 1791-1863 Banking
Why We Have a House and a Senate
Why do we have two chambers in Congress, the House and Senate? Since members of both are elected by and represent the people, wouldn't the lawmaking process be more efficient if bills were considered by only one body?
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.
Complaints? Turn 'Em In!
Complaints? Turn 'Em In! Whether you've been scammed, harmed by an unsafe product, or not gotten your
Jobs for Civilians - Department of Defense Agencies
Jobs for Civilians - Department of Defense Agencies Ready acronym fans? DoD HRSC NCR stands for Department
California Online Auction
The State of California now offers an online auction of certain unclaimed property. Get the links and details here.
NASA on Watch for Earth-threatening Asteroids
NASA astronomers say the chances of the 1.2-mile-wide (2 km) asteroid called 2002 NT7actually hitting the Earth on Feb. 1, 2019, are slim, however they will be watching this and other orbitingdoomsday rocks very closely.
Size Limits for Small Business Loans
How small is small enough when it comes to qualifying for a small business loan from the SBA?
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.
Jobs - USDA
Jobs - USDA - U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Employment and Career Information Agricultural Marketing
Government Benefit Basics
At any time, the U.S. government offers over 1,400 programs offering discretionary assistance or benefits. Most people call these grants, but "grants" is far too general a term. Under the general category of "domestic assistance," are 15 types of assistance available including surplus equipment, training, guaranteed loans, and even some grants.
U.S. Supreme Court Mailing Address
Mailing address and contact information for the U.S. Supreme Court.
Gun Control Timeline
Gun Control Timeline Dateline: 09/26/99 When did this whole gun control debate start? It could have started
How To Write Letters to Elected Officials
a simple how to on how to write effective letters to elected officials
U.S. Median Age Highest Ever
The median age in America reached its highest point ever at 35.3 years, up from 32.9 years in 1990.
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.
Jobs at the CIA: Want to be a Spy? - U.S. Government Info/Resources - Date: 04/10/98
Jobs at the CIA: Want to be a Spy? Dateline: 04/10/98 Job Openings at the CIA Right of the bat, most
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.
US Presidents Who Have Died in Office - U.S. Government Info/Resources
US Presidents who have died in office, from your About.com Guide
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
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?
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.
Hold My Mail, Please
You spent months planning the perfect vacation and the time has finally come. The bags are packed, the car is loaded, and the dog's in the kennel. At the last minute you remember you haven't asked the Post Office to hold your mail while you're away. Well, just run back into the house, fire up your PC and get the job done. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) now offers customers the option of requesting that their mail be held from 3 to 30 days quickly and easily online.
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.
Jobs at the Central Intelligence Agency - the CIA
Jobs at the CIA: What kind of job they have, how to qualify for them and much more.
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...
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.
Was Abraham Lincoln a Racist?
In his latested book, black American author Lerone Bennett contends that Abraham Lincoln was a devoted racist.
California Ponders Tough New Gun Laws
California considers a new gun control law requiring licensing and testing of handgun buyers.
Texas State Government Job Resources
Jobs resources in Texas state government
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.
Taking Guns to Canada? Beware!
The Canadian government is warning Americans bringing firearms across the border, or even borrowing guns while in Canada, that the new Canadian Firearms Act apply equally to visitors.
'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.
Who Cannot Have a Gun in America? - U.S. Government Info/Resources
Who Cannot Have a Gun in America? Guide Extra: The Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibits certain people from
Bush's Faith-Based Initiatives Launched
Amidst complaints of separation of church andstate violations, the Bush Administration launches its faith-based initiatives with promises to fund soup and shelter, but no bibles.
U.S. Congress Today
Current news and daily agendas of the United States Congress.
Job Openings in the US House of Representatives
The U.S. House of Representatives adds a job vacancy page to its Web site.
Buy a HUD Home and Save Money
Every month, over a half-million Internet users hit the Homes for Sale page of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where they find a daily-updated selection of thousands of highly affordable homes and apartments offered by HUD plus nine other government agencies.
HUD 'Tracer' Business? Watch Out!
Make big money as a HUD Tracer? Probably not, but you might become a felon.
SBA Outline for a Small Business Plan
A suggested outline for a good business plan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Why Small Businesses Fail
The U.S. Small Business Administration has seen lots of small businesses come and, unfortunately, go. According to the SBA, over 50% of small businesses fail within the first five years. Why? What goes wrong?
Federal Marriage Amendment ...
Text of a congressional resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution that would legally define marriage as the union between a man and a woman only.
Modern Slavery: People for Sale
During 2001, at least 700,000 and potentially as many as 4 million men, womenand children worldwide were bought, sold, transported and held against their will in slave-like conditions, according to the U.S. State Department.
Turn In Bad Telemarketers
The Federal Communication Commission has released detailed information outlining specific steps consumer should take if they have put their names on the National Do-Not-Call Registry and are called by telemarketers on or after October 1, 2003. It provides information about when there is a violation of the FCC do-not-call rules, and specifics about how to file a complaint.
U.S. Government Acronyms and Abbreviations
A handy list of acronyms and abbreviations commonly used in United States Government. Where possible, links to related agencies, offices or related information are provided.
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.
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.
US House Prices Rising
The U.S. national average purchase price for a single-family home reached $264,540 in October 2004, according to figures released by the Federal Housing Finance Board. The October 2004 average price compares with a national average one-family house purchase price of $243,756 in October 2003.
U.S. Legislative Process
How bills become laws - the workings of our Congressional system.
High School Grad Rate
An all-time high 85 percent of U.S. adults age 25 and over had completed at least high school in 2003, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Also in 2003, 27 percent of adults age 25 and over had a college degree, another record.
2005 Fuel Economy Ratings
The EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have released their 2005 Fuel Economy Guide for passenger cars, small trucks and SUVs.
At Last! Online Change of Address
The U.S. Postal Service has just made one of the many hassles of moving -- getting your mail to follow you -- a little easier by initiating an Internet online change of address service.
The President's Cabinet: History and More Information
The history and more information about the president's Cabinet.
Applying for Government Jobs
The federal government is the largest single employer in the united States, with almost 2 million civilian workers. About 1.6 million are full-time permanent employees. Contrary to popular belief, five of six federal employees work outside the Washington, D.C. area, in locations across the U.S. and even abroad. When you apply for a job in federal government, there are some specific instructions you need to follow in order to give your application best chance of winning an interview.
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.
How To Apply For Food Stamps
a simple how to on applying for food stamps.
Gun Control Laws - What Gives Congress the Right?
Where the U.S. Congress gets the authority to enact gun control laws.

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