America.gov-U.S. Government: Introduction

Commission Oversees U.S. Securities Markets with Tough Love

Howard Cincotta — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:04:31 GMT

Once a citadel for elite financiers, Wall Street today represents a nation of shareholders. In 1952, 4 percent of Americans owned shares of stock; today, more than half of all Americans do. The SEC oversees this vast securities market with encouragement and realism -- a kind of tough love.

Federal Agency Encourages, Supports Small Businesses

Howard Cincotta — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:56:26 GMT

In an age of multinational corporations, it is easy to see how “Big Business” affects national economies and global finance, but the fresh ideas of entrepreneurs are needed to stimulate competition and create new fields of enterprise. One U.S. agency is dedicated to aiding, counseling and protecting the interests of small business.

Capital Punishment in United States Continues To Be Debated

Howard Cincotta — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:20:06 GMT

The number of executions in the United States in 2007 dropped to its lowest number since 1994, in part due to legal challenges that cause many states to halt executions temporarily. Today, criminals in 36 states and those convicted of federal crimes could face the death penalty in the United States. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia have abolished it.

U.S. Agency Charged with Protecting, Enhancing Environment

Howard Cincotta — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:18:12 GMT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency coordinates the nation’s attack on pollutants that threaten human health and degrade the environment. America.gov looks at its history, its mandate and its mission.

Americans "Celebrate" Tax Day

Howard Cincotta — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:24:12 GMT

It is for many Americans a chore delayed until the last possible moment. America.gov looks at the U.S. citizens’ love-hate relationship with the federal income tax.

Four Congressional Committees Hold Hearings on War in Iraq

Howard Cincotta — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:26:46 GMT

When four congressional committees recently questioned U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and General David Petraeus on progress in Iraq, Congress was exercising its oversight authority. In hearings, committee members collect information to improve their own knowledge and that of the American public on issues of national interest.

Congressional Hearing on Virtual Worlds Simulcast in Second Life

Howard Cincotta — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:11:19 GMT

Participation in Internet-based virtual worlds is growing planetwide, and citizens called avatars from Second Life, one of most popular, have even started showing up in real life -- most recently in the chambers of the U.S. House of Representatives. Find out more about virtual worlds and why a House subcommittee is interested in them.

Right to Dissent a Cherished American Freedom

Howard Cincotta — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:05:26 GMT

Families and school tours visiting the nation’s capital during spring vacation are treated to an example of direct political action as protestors against the Iraq War mingled with throngs of tourists and residents. Political protests and nonviolent civil disobedience are time-honored traditions in the American exercise of free speech.