Kids News - Civics Articles

The federal government reopened on November 13, 2025, ending a 43-day shutdown, the longest in US history. This followed President Donald Trump’s signing of a temporary funding bill late on November 12, which let federal employees return to work and allowed government services to resume....

Sanae Takaichi made history on October 21, 2025, when she became Japan's first female prime minister. Just weeks earlier, on October 4, she was elected as the first woman to lead the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Japan's most powerful political party. Her rise is a major milestone in a country where women are still rare in politics....

The 13th Amendment is one of the most important documents in American history. Passed in 1865, it abolished slavery in the US, freeing about four million people. On June 26, 2025, a handwritten copy of the Amendment sold for a record $13.7 million at a Sotheby’s auction. Purchased by American billionaire Kenneth Griffin, it is the highest price ever paid for a document signed by President Abraham Lincoln. The previous auction record for a copy of the 13th Amendment was $2.4 million, set in 2016....

On August 7, 2025, the United States increased tariffs on products from more than 30 countries. The new taxes affect many items, including cars, electronics, and clothing. The rates vary depending on the product and the country from which it comes. For example, imports from Brazil now face a 50 percent tariff, while those from Europe will be taxed at 15 percent. Below is a breakdown of what this means and how it may impact Americans....