You need the Flash Player version 8.0.0.0 or higher and a JavaScript enabled browser to view this site

Public Places: State and National Parks

Related Article: Learn more about government.

State and national parks are examples of public lands.

browse videos in government

The Election Process: Political Parties (1:45)

In addition to the two main political parties, the Republicans and Democrats, there are also many third parties as well.

Presidential Election: Obama Heralds Change (1:53)

Barack Obama entered Denver's outdoor Invesco Field through giant pillars that resembled a Greek temple. Obama, the former community organizer and current first-term Illinois Senator, officially accepted his party's nomination and promised change.

CIA in Italy (1:26)

The former chiefs of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency in Rome and Milan and one of Italy's military intelligence agency have been indicted over the abduction and alleged torture in Egypt of Muslim cleric Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr.

CIA Operative Out-ed By Government (1:24)

Watch this video about the CIA on HowStuffWorks. Valerie Plame Wilson, the former CIA operative whose identity was revealed after her diplomat husband criticized the Iraq war, told U.S. lawmakers that politics was behind the disclosure of her... More »

U.S. Postal Service (1:02)

Watch this video about the U.S. Postal Service on HowStuffWorks. If you've noticed extra postal trucks on the road recently there's a reason. With more than 900 million pieces of mail being delivered, December 20th is the busiest mail delivery day... More »

recently added

Animal Cops Detroit: Rush Hour Rescue (3:42)

A rescue driver must battle rush hour traffic on the freeway to save a dog running in the lanes.

Our Constitution: A Review of the Constitution Series (1:00)

This segment reviews the creation, purpose and nature of the U.S. Constitution.

Revolution: Motivations for War (2:39)

Throughout history, the motivations for going to war have not really changed.

Revolution: Motivating Factors for Soldiers (4:28)

The factors that keep people motivated to continue fighting are discussed in this video.

Revolution: The Political Ideals Behind Revolutions (1:14)

This section looks at the different ideals that have spurred revolution.

Revolution: Change Caused by Revolutions (1:15)

Revolutions are not always for the good of the people; some are led by those wishing for more power.

The Election Process: The Electoral College (2:08)

Presidents are not elected by a simple popular vote. Instead, there is a more complicated process called the Electoral College.

The Election Process: Referendums and Recalls (0:31)

A referendum is placed on a ballot by state legislators, to ask voters to approve a law they have already passed. A recall vote is used to remove someone from office.

The Election Process: Political Initiatives (1:11)

If citizens can collect a minimum number of signatures of qualified voters on a petition, then the proposed legislation is put on the ballot. This is called and "initiative" or "proposition."

The Election Process: Primary Elections (0:33)

A primary is an election where voters choose a party's candidate for the upcoming general election.