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Government - Research Tools

Databases

Checks and Balances: The Three Branches of the American Government

Presents easy to understand information about the inner workings of the federal government. Includes historical overviews and examinations of the day-to-day operations of each branch, as well as Constitutional duties and obligations of each branch, specifics related to eligibility, elections and appointments of key positions, changes since 1776, the future of each branch, and other topics.

Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. Economic History


A searchable, comprehensive accounting of the history of the United States economy. Designed to answer such key questions as: How has the U.S. Constitution shaped the economy of the United States? What were the consequences of Prohibition on consumers' behavior?

Major Acts of Congress


An illustrated encyclopedia of congressional acts from the earliest days of the American republic up through recent years.

Supreme Court Drama: Cases That Changed America

Profiles major U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have made a significant impact on American society. Each volume is organized by broad legal principles such as individual liberties, criminal justice, equal protection, and business and government law.

Web Sites
Ben's Guide to U.S. Government

Developed by the U.S. Government Printing Office, this site teaches students how the U.S. government works.

City of Columbia

The City of Columbia's official website shows public meetings, events and contact information for city government.

FirstGov

The official web portal for the U.S. government.

Internal Revenue Service

This site provides individual and business federal tax forms and publications. Taxpayers are also able to determine when they will receive their returns.

National Park Service

The National Park Service website provides current park information as well as indepth historical information.  

Richland County South Carolina

 Official website of Richland County.
Includes government and county council
information.

SC.Gov

MySCGov is the hub for South Carolina Government legal forms and information. This site provides users with links to individual and business tax forms, as well as health forms.

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

Provides South Carolina vital records, health regulations and restaurant inspection scores. Users can also acquire state health statistics and a
list of state licensed health facilities.  

South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

Allows users to verify state occupational licenses, as well as
contact the various licensing boards.

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles

The DMV website provides title, registration and license forms and instructions. The South Carolina Driver's Manual can also be viewed at this website.

South Carolina Department of Revenue

 The South Carolina Department of Revenue website provides individuals and corporations with current and past years' tax forms and publications.

South Carolina Driver's Manual

Provides all the information needed to obtain a South Carolina driver's license.

South Carolina Governors Office

Provides a biography of the current governor and lists his executive orders and proclamations. This site also includes the 2009-10 executive budget.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

Official South Carolina source for sex offender,most wanted and amber alert information. A detailed directory of SLED and procedures for filing a complaint against an officer are also included.

U.S. Social Security Department

The Social Security website can be used to apply online for retirement benefits, to apply for disability benefits and to request a social security card. In addition, you will find many forms and publications on this website.

United States Census Bureau

The official government source for actual and estimated United States demographic information. Users can access the population/household data, as well as the economic census. 

United States Copyright Office

Provides official copyright forms, publications and copyright searching capabilities.

United States Department of Homeland Security

Provides U.S. citizens with a terrorist attack advisory system,
ways to prepare for an attack and news related to homeland security.

United States House of Representatives

Features a representative website locator, current house floor and committee schedules and a current vote roll call.  

United States Patent and Trademark Office

Provides patent and trademark application forms, searching capabilities and publications.

United States Postal Service

Enables users to track packages, look up zipcodes, locate post offices, calculate postage and change their address.

United States Senate

Users can track current floor
activity, obtain current and past voting records and access biographical data on current senators.  

Vote Smart

By entering a 9 digit zipcode users can determine their current state and federal legistlative officials and candidates. Voting records and campaign finance data is also available.

White House

Provides an online tour of the White House, biographical information on the current and past presidents, vice presidents and first ladies. In addition, "Ask the White House,"is a sevice that allows users to ask the current administration questions.

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