presidency

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.
President Reagan shopping for Valentine's Day cards (Ronald Reagan Presidential Library/National Archives and Records Administration)

In the Valentine’s Day archives: Love from presidents

U.S. presidents aren't shy about showing their wives some love, especially on Valentine's Day. Read some of their love letters — and tweets.
Framed pictures hanging on wall of Oval Office (© Alex Brandon/AP Images)

What’s on the walls of Biden’s Oval Office?

Learn more about the portraits of presidents, presidential hopefuls and social justice leaders that sit across from President Biden's desk.
Pete Buttigieg raises hand and places other on book held by Chasten Buttigieg as Kamala Harris speaks (© Andrew Harnik/AP Images)

Biden administration appoints record number of LGBTQI+ officials

Meet four U.S. officials who have broken new ground as the first openly LGBTQI+ people in their positions as a part of the most diverse administration.
Infographic explaining five steps to becoming a U.S. ambassador (State Dept./H. Efrem)

Steps to becoming a U.S. ambassador [infographic]

Being asked by the president to represent America as ambassador to another nation is the job and honor of a lifetime. Learn how one becomes an ambassador.
Photo of White House within circle (State Dept./H. Efrem. Photo: © Shutterstock)

Who is in Biden’s Cabinet? [infographic]

Learn more about the members of President Biden's Cabinet, their areas of responsibility and where they traditionally sit during meetings.
Illustration of a man swearing in before a Senate hearing (State Dept./Doug Thompson)

How does Senate confirmation work?

Before nominees for Cabinet positions can start work, they have one important hurdle to clear: the Senate confirmation process.
Illustration of Major Biden romping on White House grounds (State Dept./D. Thompson)

Major Biden: From shelter dog to ‘first pet’

President Biden's second dog, Major Biden, is the first presidential pet in U.S. history to go from shelter dog to White House companion.
Man holding painting in storage room with packed shelves (Allan Goodrich/JFK Library)

Presidential libraries help humanize former U.S. leaders

History often transforms presidents into mythical figures, but U.S. presidential libraries help us understand these leaders and the eras they shaped.