Senators Blackburn and Cruz Find Potential Truce on State AI Laws and Online Safety for Children

The **GOP**, or **Grand Old Party**, is the widely recognized nickname for the **Republican Party** of the United States, a major conservative political party founded in 1854. It originated from anti-slavery activists opposing the Kansas-Nebraska Act, uniting former Whigs and Free Soilers with a platform centered on halting the expansion of slavery. The party's early historic milestone was the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, which precipitated the Civil War; under Lincoln’s leadership, the GOP focused on preserving the Union and abolishing slavery[1][2][3]. Throughout its history, the Republican Party has evolved from its abolitionist roots to champion business interests, industrial growth, and economic policies favoring limited government intervention. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it promoted protective tariffs and infrastructure development. The party experienced fluctuating influence, losing ground during the New Deal era but regaining prominence with Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency in the 1950s, marked by moderate conservatism[1][2]. Today, the GOP advocates for reduced taxes, conservative social policies, limited government regulation, strong national defense, and states’ rights. It remains one of the two dominant forces in American politics, consistently shaping legislative agendas and national discourse[2]. The party is organized and led nationally by the **Republican National Committee (RNC)**, which manages fundraising, election strategies, and the party platform, coordinating efforts across states and counties under the leadership of a chairman[3][4]. Notably, the acronym "GOP" was popularized in the late 19th century and originally stood for "Grand Old Party," symbolizing the party's legacy in preserving the Union and championing liberty. It is now a common term in political commentary and media[3][5]. In recent years, the GOP has undergone significant membership changes in Congress and leadership adjustments, reflecting its dynamic role in U.S. politics as

The **Democratic Party** is one of the two major political parties in the United States, widely recognized as a liberal and progressive organization that advocates for social and economic equality, civil rights, environmental protection, and worker rights. It generally supports stronger government intervention in the economy and social welfare programs such as Medicaid and food aid, funded through progressive taxation[1][3]. Founded in 1848 with the creation of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), it is the oldest continuing political party and party committee in the U.S.[2]. The **Democratic National Committee (DNC)** is the central governing body, overseeing campaign activities, party organization, and the Democratic National Convention. It coordinates efforts across all 57 states and territories, supporting local and state party organizations to elect Democrats at every level of government[1][2]. The current DNC chair as of 2025 is Ken Martin[1][2]. Historically, the party has undergone significant transformations, evolving from its roots as the Jacksonian Party to its current identity emphasizing progressive policies and social justice[3]. The party is known for using the color blue as its symbol since the 2000 presidential election[3]. It has pioneered civil rights legislation and expanded social safety nets, shaping much of modern American social policy. In recent years, the Democratic Party has focused on renewal efforts to address changing public expectations and declining support among certain voter groups. This involves reevaluating policies and strategies to build a sustainable majority amid rapid social and technological change[4]. It also actively fights to protect democratic institutions and voting rights, coordinating a broad coalition of organizations to defend against anti-democratic threats[6]. Currently, the party continues to mobilize grassroots voters and organize campaigns across all levels, aiming to secure electoral victories and promote a fairer, more equal future for Americans—efforts often highlighted in business and technology news for their impact on policy and governance[5].

## Overview “Social media” refers not to a single organization but to a broad category of digital platforms and technologies that enable users to create, share, and interact with content and communities online. These platforms—such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter)—have become central to global communication, marketing, entertainment, and commerce. In 2025, social media is a dominant force in both daily life and the global economy, with over 61% of the world’s population actively using these platforms—a figure that continues to rise as traditional media consumption declines[3]. ## History and Evolution Social media’s origins trace back to the late 1990s and early 2000s with platforms like Six Degrees, Friendster, and MySpace. However, it was the launch of Facebook in 2004 that marked a turning point, rapidly popularizing the concept of online social networking. Over the next two decades, platforms diversified to include microblogging (Twitter), visual sharing (Instagram), professional networking (LinkedIn), and short-form video (TikTok). The sector has been characterized by rapid innovation, frequent platform shifts, and intense competition for user attention and advertiser dollars. ## Key Achievements and Impact Social media has fundamentally reshaped how people connect, access information, and conduct business. In the U.S. alone, 72.5% of the population—about 246 million people—are active social media users, and social commerce sales are projected to surpass $90 billion in 2025[1]. Globally, the average user spends nearly 2.5 hours daily on these platforms, accounting for over a third of total online time[3]. Social media has also become the primary channel for brand discovery, customer engagement, and influencer marketing, with ad spending in the sector reaching $276.7 billion in the U.S. this year[1]. The industry has driven the rise of new professions (in

The **Federal Government of the United States** is the national governing body established by the U.S. Constitution, operating under a system of federalism where power is shared between the national government and the 50 individual states[1][3]. It is divided into three distinct branches—**legislative**, **executive**, and **judicial**—each with constitutionally defined powers designed to balance and check one another to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful[1][2][5]. The **legislative branch**, embodied by the bicameral Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate), is responsible for creating laws, declaring war, regulating interstate and foreign commerce, and controlling federal taxing and spending policies[2][6]. The **executive branch**, headed by the President and including the Vice President and 15 Cabinet-level departments, enforces laws and manages federal agencies[2][6]. The **judicial branch** includes the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal courts, tasked with interpreting laws and ensuring they comply with the Constitution[2][5][7]. Historically, the federal government was established in 1789 following the ratification of the Constitution, which laid the foundation for a representative democracy and division of powers. It has since grown to govern a nation of 50 states with diverse populations and territories, including the District of Columbia and sovereign Indigenous tribes under federal jurisdiction[1][4]. The government’s structure symbolizes stability and democratic governance, with Washington, D.C. serving as the central seat of power[1][4]. Key achievements include establishing a comprehensive legal framework that balances federal and state powers, managing national defense and foreign policy, and continually adapting to technological and societal changes. The government oversees numerous agencies that drive innovation, security, and public services, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration[1]. Today, the federal government remains a critical institution influencing business, technology, and societal progress, maintaining constitutiona