In 1789, the total U.S. federal government debt was $190,000.
3
There was a pre-WWII movement called Technocracy, which held that scientists and engineers should take over the government and economy from politicians and economists. The leader of the movement was known as the Great Engineer.
6
Of all things, Andrew Jackson's tombstone does not mention that he served as the president of the United States!
36
In 1916, a US amendment was proposed to put all acts of war to a national vote. If you voted yes you would have to register as a volunteer for service in the United States Army.
5
In 1955, the citizens of São Paulo were so upset with their government that they elected a rhinoceros named Cacareco (meaning rubbish) to the city council in protest, with over 100,000 votes.
18
President Lyndon Johnson smoked at least 3 packs of cigarettes a day.
4
J. Edgar Hoover liked to fire FBI agents whose palms were sweaty when shaking hands.
26