Our Government | The White House (2024)

The Federal Government is composed of three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, whose powers are vested by the U.S. Constitution in the Congress, the President, and the Federal courts, respectively.

There are hundreds of Federal agencies and commissions charged with handling responsibilities as varied as managing America’s space program, protecting its forests, gathering intelligence, and advancing the general welfare of the American people. For a full listing of Federal Agencies, Departments, and Commissions, visit USA.gov.

Elections & Voting

Federal elections occur every two years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Every member of the House of Representatives and about one-third of the Senate is up for reelection in any given election year. Federal elections are administered by state and local governments, although the specifics of how elections are conducted differ between the states.

Learn more about Elections & Voting

State & Local Government

Under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, all powers not granted to the Federal Government are reserved for the States and the people. All State Governments are modeled after the Federal Government and consist of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The U.S. Constitution mandates that all states uphold a “republican form” of government, although the three-branch structure is not required.

Learn more about State & Local Government

Our Government | The White House (2024)

FAQs

What is the White House answer? ›

The White House is the official office and residence of the president of the United States. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. in Washington, D.C.

Does the government live in the White House? ›

By tradition, the President and the First Family live in the White House in Washington, D.C., also the location of the President's Oval Office and the offices of his or her senior staff.

Which president had to flee the White House? ›

In 1829, a horde of 20,000 Inaugural callers forced President Andrew Jackson to flee to the safety of a hotel while, on the lawn, aides filled washtubs with orange juice and whiskey to lure the mob out of the mud-tracked White House.

Who currently lives in the White House? ›

White House
Current tenantsJoe Biden, President of the United States and the First Family
Construction startedOctober 13, 1792
CompletedNovember 1, 1800
OwnerFederal Government of the United States
19 more rows

Which US president never lived in the White House? ›

1. President Washington never lived in Washington, D.C. George Washington is the only US president to have never occupied the White House.

Where does the President sleep? ›

The President's Bedroom is a second floor bedroom in the White House. The bedroom makes up the White House master suite along with the adjacent sitting room and the smaller dressing room, all located in the southwest corner.

Can I email the President? ›

You must have a browser that supports forms in order to use it. If you do not see text editing areas below, your browser does not support forms. In that case, send mail directly to president@whitehouse.gov instead.

Who was the oldest U.S. president? ›

The oldest president at the end of his tenure was Ronald Reagan at 77; this distinction will eventually fall upon Joe Biden, who is currently 81.

What is the US government made up of? ›

The Federal Government is composed of three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, whose powers are vested by the U.S. Constitution in the Congress, the President, and the Federal courts, respectively.

Which president threw a party at the White House? ›

Seventh President 1829-1837. Fun Fact: Anyone could come to Andrew Jackson's public parties at the White House, and just about everyone did! At his last one, a wheel of cheese weighing 1,400 lbs. was eaten in two hours.

Who burnt the White House down? ›

The young national capital at Washington, D.C. became the center of the War of 1812 with Great Britain during the summer of 1814. The burning of the public buildings by the British was a humiliating defeat that struck at the symbolic heart of the country.

What is the red room in the White House? ›

The Red Room is one of three state parlors on the State Floor in the White House, the Washington D.C. home of the president of the United States. The room has served as a parlor and music room, and recent presidents have held small dinner parties in it. It has been traditionally decorated in shades of red.

Is there a pool in the White House? ›

The White House requires 570 gallons of paint to cover its outside surface. For recreation, the White House has a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, a jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, billiard room, and a bowling lane.

How many floors are in the White House? ›

There are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the Residence. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators.

Does the president live in the White House with his family? ›

The White House is where the President and First Family of the United States live and work — but it's also the People's House, where we hope all Americans feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.

What is the White House explained? ›

The White House is where the President and First Family of the United States live and work — but it's also the People's House, where we hope all Americans feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.

What is the White House referred to? ›

At various times in history, the White House has been known as the "President's Palace," the "President's House," and the "Executive Mansion." President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901. Presidential Firsts while in office...

Why is the White House so called? ›

The British invaded Washington during the War of 1812 - and burned parts of the President's House. Then to cover the burn marks after the war, the house was painted white. Gradually, people started calling it “The White House”, but that name was not officially used until Theodore Roosevelt was President - early 1900's.

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