8 Ways the National Security Act of 1947 Created the Modern Pentagon, Air Force, and CIA
Learn how the National Security Act of 1947 created the Pentagon, Air Force, CIA, and NSC, permanently transforming American military and intelligence power.
Olivia
Olivia edits Today on Politics lists on state politics, odd laws and the history of political parties. Olivia checks each statute against the state's own legislative records and each party milestone against platforms and archival sources.
15 stories
Olivia stories
8 Facts About How Labor Day Became a Federal Holiday in 1894 Amid a National Rail Strike
Discover how Congress and President Cleveland created Labor Day in 1894 during the violent Pullman rail strike, and why they chose September…
8 Facts About How the National Park Service Was Created in 1916—and How Federal Public Lands Are Managed
Discover how the 1916 Organic Act and Antiquities Act created the National Park Service and why federal public lands follow different management…
8 Facts About How Juneteenth Became the 11th Modern Federal Holiday in 2021
Discover 8 verified facts about how Juneteenth became the 11th modern federal holiday in 2021, from Texas House Bill 1016 to the…
10 Facts About the Flag Code and How Congress Standardizes the U.S. Flag
Learn how Congress and executive orders standardize the U.S. flag, why the Flag Code carries no penalties, and what Title 4 requires…
10 Major Laws That Shaped the U.S. Income Tax System Before April 15
Discover the 10 major laws that shaped the U.S. income tax system, from Civil War levies and the 16th Amendment to paycheck…
9 Facts About How the Peace Corps and USAID Were Created During the Cold War
Discover 9 verified historical facts about how Congress and President Kennedy created the Peace Corps and USAID during the height of the…
9 Ways State Governors Exercise Powers That the U.S. President Does Not Have
Discover 9 significant constitutional and legal powers state governors possess that the President of the United States cannot exercise under federal law.
6 Facts About How Martin Luther King Jr. Day Passed a Divided Congress in 1983
Discover how Martin Luther King Jr. Day passed a divided Congress in 1983 through strategic compromises, grassroots petitions, and veto-proof majorities.
6 Historic Moments That Took Place on Capitol Hill and in the White House During December Holidays
Explore 6 historic moments on Capitol Hill and at the White House during December holidays, from Churchill's wartime visit to landmark Christmas…