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Untold: Government Explained

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Season 1

The Department of the Treasury

The Department of the Treasury, inspired by its first secretary, Alexander Hamilton, is responsible for managing the production of money and maintaining the crucial systems underpinning the financial infrastructure of the United States.

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31. The Department of the Treasury

The Department of the Treasury, inspired by its first secretary, Alexander Hamilton, is responsible for managing the production of money and maintaining the crucial systems underpinning the financial infrastructure of the United States.

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Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce is one of the largest, most powerful of U.S. government agencies. Its mission? To “create the conditions for economic growth and opportunities for all communities.”

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30. Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce is one of the largest, most powerful of U.S. government agencies. Its mission? To “create the conditions for economic growth and opportunities for all communities.”

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The Federal Reserve

Born from a series of financial crises in the 20th century, the Federal Reserve, or Fed, controls monetary policy in the United States to ensure economic growth through maximum employment and fair pricing.

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29. The Federal Reserve

Born from a series of financial crises in the 20th century, the Federal Reserve, or Fed, controls monetary policy in the United States to ensure economic growth through maximum employment and fair pricing.

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U.S. Department of Agriculture

Founded by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, the Department of Agriculture safeguards farming standards and boosts rural development through a series of progressive programs.

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28. U.S. Department of Agriculture

Founded by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, the Department of Agriculture safeguards farming standards and boosts rural development through a series of progressive programs.

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Library of Congress

Home to millions of books and manuscripts, the Library of Congress is a hub of culture and knowledge, pioneering digital accessibility while safeguarding America's rich history.

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27. Library of Congress

Home to millions of books and manuscripts, the Library of Congress is a hub of culture and knowledge, pioneering digital accessibility while safeguarding America's rich history.

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The Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission is an independent agency dedicated to limiting the power of big business, protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair competition. It’s the reason you can buy what you want, when you want it – providing you have the money.

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26. The Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission is an independent agency dedicated to limiting the power of big business, protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair competition. It’s the reason you can buy what you want, when you want it – providing you have the money.

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Social Security

When times get tough, Social Security provides a vital financial lifeline for U.S. citizens in need. But how did this revolutionary legislation come into being and what benefits does it provide?

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25. Social Security

When times get tough, Social Security provides a vital financial lifeline for U.S. citizens in need. But how did this revolutionary legislation come into being and what benefits does it provide?

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The Federal Election Commission

How do you know that the politicians you vote for will represent your interests in office – and not those of powerful corporations? Well, there’s a law for that, and an independent regulatory agency: the Federal Election Commission.

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24. The Federal Election Commission

How do you know that the politicians you vote for will represent your interests in office – and not those of powerful corporations? Well, there’s a law for that, and an independent regulatory agency: the Federal Election Commission.

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Department of Homeland Security

Established in 2002, the Department of Homeland Security might be the youngest of all the federal government’s departments, but its work to safeguard “the American people, our homeland, and our values” couldn't be more important.

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23. Department of Homeland Security

Established in 2002, the Department of Homeland Security might be the youngest of all the federal government’s departments, but its work to safeguard “the American people, our homeland, and our values” couldn't be more important.

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NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, aka NASA, has been at the forefront of science, technology, and space exploration since 1958. Its work remains an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

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22. NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, aka NASA, has been at the forefront of science, technology, and space exploration since 1958. Its work remains an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

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Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation ensures the equitable and safe transport of goods and people along our roads, railways, skies, waterways and airspace. So, why did it take so long to come into existence?

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21. Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation ensures the equitable and safe transport of goods and people along our roads, railways, skies, waterways and airspace. So, why did it take so long to come into existence?

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Department of the Interior

Many government departments have a focused mission, but the Department of the Interior is known as the "Department of Everything Else." So what are its responsibilities and how does it keep our country in check?

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20. Department of the Interior

Many government departments have a focused mission, but the Department of the Interior is known as the "Department of Everything Else." So what are its responsibilities and how does it keep our country in check?

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National Archives and Records Administration

The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency dedicated to the preservation of historic government records. With storage facilities across the United States, NARA's contents give us an insight into our country's history.

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19. National Archives and Records Administration

The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency dedicated to the preservation of historic government records. With storage facilities across the United States, NARA's contents give us an insight into our country's history.

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Congressional Investigations

Congressional Investigations have uncovered some serious wrongdoing over the past 200 years. But where does Congress get the power to conduct investigations and how has it used that power throughout U.S. history?

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18. Congressional Investigations

Congressional Investigations have uncovered some serious wrongdoing over the past 200 years. But where does Congress get the power to conduct investigations and how has it used that power throughout U.S. history?

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Department of Justice

Established in 1870, the Department of Justice not only provides legal advice to the US government, it also ensures the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.

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17. Department of Justice

Established in 1870, the Department of Justice not only provides legal advice to the US government, it also ensures the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.

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The Federal Bureau of Investigations is a fact-finding, crime-fighting national security machine. But how did it come about – and what do FBI agents actually do?

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The Federal Bureau of Investigations is a fact-finding, crime-fighting national security machine. But how did it come about – and what do FBI agents actually do?

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The Story of the CIA

CIA agents make it their business to be intelligent. They may know more about you than you think. But what do you know about the CIA?

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15. The Story of the CIA

CIA agents make it their business to be intelligent. They may know more about you than you think. But what do you know about the CIA?

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The Attorney General

The top legal officer in the country, the Attorney General advises the US government on legal matters, including the President. But how did the role come about and what are his or her responsibilities?

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14. The Attorney General

The top legal officer in the country, the Attorney General advises the US government on legal matters, including the President. But how did the role come about and what are his or her responsibilities?

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State of the Union Address

The annual State of the Union Address is the only speech that the President delivers in person to the public and all three branches of government at the same time.

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13. State of the Union Address

The annual State of the Union Address is the only speech that the President delivers in person to the public and all three branches of government at the same time.

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When the going gets tough, the president calls on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, an advisory council to help make important military decisions.

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12. Joint Chiefs

When the going gets tough, the president calls on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, an advisory council to help make important military decisions.

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Promises might just seem like words, but in the legal system and government, they’re crucial. Oath of Office is part of a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

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11. Oath of Office

Promises might just seem like words, but in the legal system and government, they’re crucial. Oath of Office is part of a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

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Congressional Whip

A Congressional Whip works with the party’s leadership in Congress to make sure everyone follows the agenda and votes together. They’re the muscle – the enforcer in a smart suit.

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10. Congressional Whip

A Congressional Whip works with the party’s leadership in Congress to make sure everyone follows the agenda and votes together. They’re the muscle – the enforcer in a smart suit.

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Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

The top ranking officer of the US federal judiciary, the Chief Justice presides over the US Supreme Court. But how did the role come into being and what are his or her roles and responsibilities?

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9. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

The top ranking officer of the US federal judiciary, the Chief Justice presides over the US Supreme Court. But how did the role come into being and what are his or her roles and responsibilities?

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POTUS gets the big house, the fancy cars, and all the attention. But there’s someone in the background who deserves respect. Let’s give it up for the VP!

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8. Vice President

POTUS gets the big house, the fancy cars, and all the attention. But there’s someone in the background who deserves respect. Let’s give it up for the VP!

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The Secret Service

They’re the shadowy agents who keep the President safe – but what is the Secret Service and why was it formed?

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7. The Secret Service

They’re the shadowy agents who keep the President safe – but what is the Secret Service and why was it formed?

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Secretary of State

The Secretary of State is one of the most powerful politicians in America – but where does their power come from and what are their roles and responsibilities?

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6. Secretary of State

The Secretary of State is one of the most powerful politicians in America – but where does their power come from and what are their roles and responsibilities?

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President's Cabinet

The President’s Cabinet is made up of the most important people in the Executive Branch of government. But who are they and what are their roles?

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5. President's Cabinet

The President’s Cabinet is made up of the most important people in the Executive Branch of government. But who are they and what are their roles?

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Speaker of the House

As the head of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House is one of the most important roles in the United States government.

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4. Speaker of the House

As the head of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House is one of the most important roles in the United States government.

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Executive Order

What actual powers does the President have? Well, as it turns out – a lot. Including the power to make new orders at the stroke of a pen.

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3. Executive Order

What actual powers does the President have? Well, as it turns out – a lot. Including the power to make new orders at the stroke of a pen.

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The Presidential Veto

One of the most powerful tools the President of the United States has is the veto - but what is it and how has it evolved over time?

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2. The Presidential Veto

One of the most powerful tools the President of the United States has is the veto - but what is it and how has it evolved over time?

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Amending the Constitution

The U.S. Constitution has been amended 27 times in its history, but what did they change, and how?

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1. Amending the Constitution

The U.S. Constitution has been amended 27 times in its history, but what did they change, and how?

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