presidency

Waiter carrying tray of drinks, seen through oval window (© White House/Samantha Appleton/AP)

As the White House prepares to honor South Korea, take a...

State dinners have several elements, including a VIP guest list, delicious cuisine and high fashion. Read on for a behind-the-scenes look.
Illustration of man placing hand on book in front of U.S. Capitol (State Dept./D. Thompson)

Why these 35 words matter to every American

Presidents Day is February 20. Learn why every U.S. president must take the oath of office upon assuming the presidency.
Overhead view of Joe Biden speaking in the Chamber of the House of Representatives (© Jim Lo Scalzo/AP)

Who sits where during a State of the Union speech? [infographic]

The three branches of the U.S. government get together each year to hear the president give the State of the Union address. Who comes and where do they sit?
President Biden speaking to members of Congress (© Win McNamee/AP)

The president’s State of the Union speech: Why it matters

Millions of people around the world are expected to watch President Biden's State of the Union address. Learn why the speech gets attention.
President Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron shaking hands (© Andrew Harnik/AP Images)

Bidens honor Macrons at White House state dinner

U.S.-French relations were celebrated at the Biden administration’s first state dinner, reflecting France’s status as the oldest U.S. ally.
Visitors look at National Christmas Tree (© Jose Luis Magana/AP Images)

National Christmas Tree celebration turns 100

Cheers to the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony's 100th birthday! Read on to find out how the ceremony began and evolved over time.
President Biden placing medal around Simone Biles' neck (© J. Scott Applewhite/AP Images)

Biden honors 17 Americans with Medal of Freedom

Learn more about the 17 extraordinary Americans who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a White House ceremony.
Audience member waving small Ukrainian flag as Joe Biden addresses Congress (© Saul Loeb/AP Images)

Biden salutes Ukrainians’ resolve in State of the Union

In his first State of the Union address to Congress, the president highlighted how the U.S. and partners are united behind Ukraine.
Left photo: Ronald Reagan sitting in chair next to radio equipment (© AP Images) Center photo: Jimmy Carter holding crops at his peanut farm (© PhotoQuest/Getty Images) Right photo: Gerald Ford wearing park ranger uniform in front of park office (Courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library)

U.S. presidents come from many professions

Many U.S. presidents previously held elective office, but not all. And some once held unusual jobs, which started them on their way.