America 101

john f. kennedy, president john f. kennedy, kennedy's inauguration, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country, 1961
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America 101: What happens on Inauguration Day?

Voting on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November seems arbitrary, but there is actually a logical reason for it. Franchesca Ramsey takes a close look at how farming influenced Election Day.
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America 101: Why do we vote on the first Tuesday?

With talk about this election supposedly being rigged, what happens if a candidate contests? Historian David Eisenbach looks at what a contested election is and shares examples from the 1800s to 2000.  
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America 101: What is a Contested Election?

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America 101: What Are the Nastiest Political Campaigns in History?

Ebro Darden describes how it's not the popular vote but rather the Electoral College that officially elects the president.
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America 101: What is the Electoral College?

Ben Stein explains the history and current state of the president's group of closest advisors, the Cabinet.
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America 101: What is the Cabinet?

Today, every President is restricted to serving two full terms in office. But that wasn't always the case. Historian David Eisenbach explains why.
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America 101: Why Do We Have Presidential Term Limits?

The vice presidency is more than just a stepping stone to the presidency. Ebro Darden of Hot97 explains what really goes into being the nation's second-in-command.
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America 101: What is the Role of the Vice President?

With all the talk about experience, you might be surprised to learn there are actually only a few qualifications to become President. Ebro Darden explains.
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America 101: What Qualifications Do You Need to Be President?

Lara Spencer breaks down how presidential politics can sometimes feel like a family reunion.
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America 101: Why is the Presidency a Family Affair?

Ben Stein explains where campaign slogans originated and why they're more popular today than ever before.
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America 101: Why Do Presidential Campaigns Use Slogans?

Red and blue are closely associated with the top two parties in the United States, but it's only been that way for a little more than a decade. George Stephanopoulos discusses where the colors came from.
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America 101: Why Red for Republicans and Blue for Democrats?

Democrats and Republicans dominate the headlines, but there are dozens of third parties active in the United States. David Eisenbach explains how we became a two-party system.
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America 101: Why Do We Have a Two-Party System?

Jon Favreau, a former speechwriter for President Obama, sheds light on the formula for crafting a perfect stump speech.
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America 101: What is a Stump Speech?

Presidential debates are the final spectacle on a long campaign trail. Jon Favreau explains that they're a far more recent creation than many imagine.
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America 101: Why Do We Have Presidential Debates?

David Eisenbach explains how the Republican party and the symbol of the elephant came together.
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America 101: Why an Elephant for Republicans?

Lara Spencer discusses the political figures who come out of nowhere to take America by storm.
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America 101: What is a "Political Outsider"?

Kevin O’Leary of "Shark Tank" explains the evolution of money in politics.
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America 101: How Are Presidential Campaigns Financed?

Kevin O'Leary describes America's succession plan in the event that something should happen to the president.
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America 101: Who is the Next in Line for Succession After the President?

Lara Spencer examines how the role of First Lady has changed over time.
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America 101: What is the Role of First Lady?

David Eisenbach explains the origin of the donkey as a symbol of the Democratic party.
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America 101: Why a Donkey for Democrats?