Wonderscape
The Executive Branch: Powers and Responsibilities
This video explains the executive branch of the US government, led by the president, who ensures that laws are followed. It covers the qualifications to be president, the role of cabinet members, and the president’s duties, such as...
Wonderscape
George Washington's Revolutionary Leadership
Explore George Washington's pivotal role in the American Revolution, from his political activism to his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Witness his initial challenges, strategic victories, and the ultimate...
Curated Video
Presidential Transportation
U.S. Presidential transportation has evolved over time, from George Washington's horse-drawn carriage to the modern "Air Force One" and "The Beast."
Curated Video
Joint Chiefs
When the going gets tough, the president calls on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, an advisory council to help make important military decisions.
Curated Video
First Pets of the White House
A succession of presidents and their families have kept animals at the White House, some more unusual than others, including sheep, a raccoon, a snake, and of course, cats and dogs.
Curated Video
Election of 1948: The Underdog
The suspenseful 1948 presidential election exposed the consequences of flawed polls, as Truman's astonishing victory upended expectations and forever changed how pollsters make predictions.
Curated Video
The Showdown: MacArthur v. Truman
History is packed with epic rivalries, but when U.S. President Harry S. Truman went up against Five Star General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War – there was only going to be one winner.
Curated Video
Election of 1824: When the House Chose
In the Presidential Election of 1824, five men from one party were up for the job. It was left to the House of Representatives to figure out a winner – and the aftermath led to the modern two-party system.
Curated Video
Election of 1800: Presidential Tie
The 1800 Presidential Election, which ended in a tie between Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Burr, presented Congress with a dilemma – how to stop a tie from happening again.
Curated Video
Caretakers and Confidants: Presidential Valets
Presidential valets have been a mainstay at the White House since its earliest days. They not only perform vital tasks for the President, but act as confidantes and companions in the most trying of circumstances.
Curated Video
The Secret Service
They’re the shadowy agents who keep the President safe – but what is the Secret Service and why was it formed?
Curated Video
Vice President
When you think of American tough guys, who springs to mind? Probably not the President. But two-term Commander-in-Chief Teddy Roosevelt was hard as nails.
Curated Video
Invoking The 25th Amendment
What happens when the President is no longer able to perform their duties? That’s when the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution comes into play.
Curated Video
How Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football
It’s America’s national sport – but when football almost came to a crashing halt following the deaths of 19 players in 1905, US President Theodore Roosevelt made a decisive play.
Curated Video
“You're Fired!” How To Get Rid Of The President
Impeachment is the process of removing the President from office. But what does it really take to get fired as Commander-in-Chief?
Curated Video
Teddy Roosevelt: One of the Toughest Presidents
When you think of American tough guys, who springs to mind? Probably not the President. But two-term Commander-in-Chief Teddy Roosevelt was hard as nails.
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: Role of President Pt. 15: President as Commander in Chief
One of the President's roles is as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and this power has been used by every president since World War II to send troops to other countries.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Madison, Foreign Policy, and Declaring War
Lynne Cheney, author of "James Madison: A Life Reconsidered" in conversation with Walter Isaacson of the Aspen Institute about the Election of 1800. [4:46]