Topic: John Quincy Adams

Bunker Hill

Nathaniel Philbrick retells the story of the bloodiest battle of the American Revolution, after which there was no turning back.

Robert Remini dies, leaves legacy as Andrew Jackson scholar

Robert Remini dies: The Andrew Jackson scholar wrote at least 10 books about the former president. Robert Remini also wrote books about Mormon leader Joseph Smith and President John Quincy Adams.

Inauguration Day Bibles: how presidents choose, and what that reveals (+ video)

President Obama will have two highly symbolic Bibles at his Inauguration Day swearing-in ceremony: one used by Abraham Lincoln and another from the family of Martin Luther King Jr.

Four curious outcomes if the Electoral College ends in a tie

Here are four ways that a 269-to-269 tie in the Electoral College could play out in the 2012 presidential election.

The Monitor's View: Election Day: Voting is our ‘civic sacrament’

Apathy keeps many Americans away from the polls. They figure their vote is meaningless among millions of others. But that’s not true. Go vote.

Political dynasties (Romney, Bush, Kennedy) betray basic American values

Families like the Kennedys, Bushes, and Romneys will likely ever seek political power – and the public may well respond with a certain star-struck awe. But hereditary ambition and home-grown royalty run counter to the American Revolution premise ‘that all men are created equal.

Opinion: A look back: In spite of super PACs, this isn't the most negative campaign in history

Negative campaigning is actually an American tradition. In fact, attack campaigning has been around since the beginning without derailing the electoral process. Mudslinging can hardly be called a positive campaign feature, but it is a sign of democracy in action.

How many presidents felt earthquakes in the White House?

President Obama didn't feel this week's Virginia earthquake much, because he was on Martha's Vineyard. But two other presidents wrote about being shaken by tremors in the White House.

Michele Bachmann: What do her favorite books tell us?

A list of Michele Bachmann's favorite books includes one that "startles" an interviewer.

Will Michele Bachmann's gaffes hurt her presidential candidacy?

Flaps about Michele Bachmann's grasp of Colonial history or movie-star birthplaces probably won't mean a lot to many voters. But her misstatements of fact about current political history could be a problem.

Commencement 2011: what 10 eminent speakers told graduates

"Follow your bliss." "You can be whatever you want to be." "Never give up." Google reveals those three platitudes to be the ones most often spoken at commencements, according to Richard Stengel, managing editor of Time magazine. Many speakers, however – including Mr. Stengel – offered more insightful advice to college graduates this spring. Here are the Monitor's hand-picked highlights from the 2011 season.

Libya intervention: US cannot afford to 'go in search of monsters to destroy'

Change in Arab governments may come moderately, as in Morocco, or with the blood of thousands, as in Libya. But it is not in America's interests to intervene. US action in Libya may result in big civilian causalities, anti-US blowback, and a loss of treasure America can ill afford.

Notable architects of US foreign policy

From 'Seward's folly' to the marshall plan, a snapshot of American diplomacy of the past.

Presidents Day 2010: facts about a holiday with an identity crisis

Presidents Day 2010 is not observed the same way – or even the same day – in all states. Which presidents get top billing depends on where you live.

Is it Presidents Day or President's Day or Presidents' Day?

In Virginia there is no Presidents' Day. It's legally only George Washington's birthday. How well do you know America's (often bogus) holidays?

Why presidents' kids struggle with careers

Jenna Bush Hager landed a plum job with 'Today,' but presidential offspring often falter in their efforts to establish meaningful livelihoods.

The Bidens, and six other political dynasties in the making

Beau Biden, son of Vice President Joe Biden, returned from Iraq Wednesday. He's tipped to run for the US Senate. Several other political families also have members eyeing 2010.

Even John Quincy Adams uses Twitter

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about the lessons that can be learned from Kosovo, the systemic debt problem in US higher education, and another way President Obama may unite rivals.

Etc.

Obama's speech: An inaugural past not hard to surpass

Many inaugural addresses have droned on, dwelling on Roman history or forgotten legislative quarrels.

A presidential reading quest

A father's goal to read a biography of every president helps enrich his family's knowledge.

Waking Giant: America in the Years of Jackson

A lively look at 1815-1848, America's coming-of-age era.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about comparing George W. Bush with John Quincy Adams, whether either party really manages the economy better, and the promotion of nuclear power.

Etc.