Arizona’s state motto, “Ditat Deus,” has remained consistent since 1863. It is believed to be taken from the Latin translation of Genesis Vulgate 2:23 pm. The state seal has evolved over the years, but the current one depicts mountains, the sun, a reservoir, a dam, orchards, grazing cattle, and a miner. Arizona was admitted to […]
The western skylark is Nebraska’s state bird, adopted in 1929. It is a large songbird found in North American grasslands, with a distinctive black “V” on its yellow neck and chest. The bird is omnivorous and nests on the ground, with a long incubation period. Its natural predators include hawks, crows, coyotes, and raccoons, and […]
Battleground states in US politics are where the race between Republican and Democrat candidates for president is close. The popular vote is less important than the individual count of states, making these states critical. Battleground states are identified through political polls and campaigns target them with media purchases, direct mail, staffing, and personal visits. In […]
The difference between a state and a province depends on the country’s governmental authority and geographical organization. China has a provincial structure with more control over domestic affairs, while the US has a state structure that cannot pass laws contradicting federal laws. The relationship between a province/state and its federal/central government varies by country. The […]
The state bird of New Jersey is the eastern goldfinch, which lives in northern regions of the US and Canada, feeds on seeds, and prefers wild meadows. The male has bright yellow plumage with black wing tips and tail, while the female is slightly darker with brown wing tips and tail. They are monogamous and […]
Voting rules for US primaries vary by state, with closed, open, and semi-closed systems in place. Some states use conventions and caucuses, and rules can change. Voters should check with their state’s secretary of state to ensure proper registration. The state-by-state rules for voting in the U.S. primaries are extremely complex, as each state has […]
State architects oversee the construction, renovation, and maintenance of state-owned properties in the US. They select architectural firms, ensure code compliance, and review construction plans. They also develop recommendations for renovations and maintenance and may audit budgets and accounts. The job requires a valid architect license and involves office work and travel. In the United […]
The purple finch became the state bird of New Hampshire in 1957. It was proposed by Representative Robert S. Monahan and supported by various organizations. The bird is migratory and nests in forests, feeding on fruits, flowers, seeds, and insects. It is considered a pest by farmers and its range is threatened by urban development […]
Wyoming’s state flower is the Indian paintbrush, characterized by its bright tube-shaped flowers. It was adopted in 1917 after controversy and opposition from a botany professor who believed it was a poor choice. Wyoming’s state flower is the Indian paintbrush, known in Latin as castilleja linariaefolia. It is characterized by its bright tube-shaped flowers that […]
“Go Mississippi” is the official state song of Mississippi, adopted in 1962. It was written by William Houston Davis and reflects the state’s positive attitude. Mississippi also has other state symbols, such as the flag, coat of arms, and state bird, the Mockingbird. In 2000 and 2011, attempts were made to change the state song, […]
The state tree of Iowa is the oak, with the bench oak being the most common species. Oak trees have lobed leaves and produce acorns, which are a staple food source for many animals. Iowa also has other state emblems, including the wild rose as the state flower and the American goldfinch as the state […]
The state flower of North Carolina is the flowering dogwood, which blooms in spring and summer and bears red berries in fall and winter. It was chosen over the daisy as the state flower in 1941 due to its predominance in the state. The tree can grow up to 40 feet tall and is found […]
The California grizzly bear is the state animal of California and appears on the state flag. It was designated as the state animal in 1953, long after other state symbols. The last known California grizzly bear was shot in 1922 due to ranchers and settlers protecting their livestock. Other state symbols include the California quail, […]
State capitals in the United States are decided by the state legislature with no strict rules. They house the state government, Supreme Court, and federal agencies. There is no geographic requirement, and capitals can change. Boston and Santa Fe have been capitals for the longest time. A state capital is the city in a state […]
The grouse, a relative of turkeys, quails, and pheasants, is Pennsylvania’s state bird. It is known for its courtship displays and thrives in bushy areas on forest edges. The adult grouse weighs 17 to 25 ounces and is brown with black and white patches. It is frequently hunted and attracts bird watchers with its courtship […]
The white-tailed deer is the official state animal of Illinois, chosen by schoolchildren in 1980 and officially recognized by the State General Assembly two years later. They have a distinctive white patch on their tail and are hunted by humans due to declining populations of predators. They have a varied diet and are found throughout […]
Michigan is known as the Great Lakes State due to its shores touching four of the Great Lakes, including Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Michigan. Almost half of the state consists of water, with over 11,000 inland lakes. The state’s name comes from the Chippewa Indian word for “big lake.” Lake Erie […]
The cardinal is the official state bird of Indiana and six other US states. Male cardinals are bright red with a black mask, while females are duller in color. They are year-round residents and can be found in a wide geographic range. They breed from March to September and are monogamous. In 1933, the Indiana […]
The northern thrush is the state bird of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. It is known for guarding nests and mimicking sounds. Arkansas also has state symbols such as the Diana Fritillary butterfly, white-tailed deer, and apple blossom. A thrush is the state bird of Arkansas. More specifically, it is the northern thrush that […]
Illinois adopted its official state song, “Illinois,” in 1925, written by Charles H. Chamberlain and Archibald Johnston. It celebrates the state’s prairies, agricultural history, and Civil War role. The state name is a common trend in official state songs, and to the Algonquin Indian tribes, “Illinois” means superior men or warriors. According to the Illinois […]
