About the Podcast: 60-Second Civics is a daily podcast that provides a quick and convenient way for listeners to learn about our nation’s government, the Constitution, and our history. The podcast explores themes related to civics and government, the constitutional issues behind the headlines, and the people and ideas that formed our nation’s history and government.
Get Involved: Join the conversation about each episode on Twitter. Or you can contact the show by emailing Mark Gage. Let me know what you think!
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Music: The theme music for 60-Second Civics is provided by Cheryl B. Engelhardt. You can find her online at cbemusic.com. The song featured on the podcast is Cheryl B. Engelhardt's "Complacent," which you purchase on iTunes, along with all of Cheryl's music.
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60-Second Civics: Episode 1695, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 3: Literacy tests, grandfather clauses, and poll taxes Laws passed after the Civil War made it easier for African American men to vote, but some states passed laws to stop them.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1694, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 2: The Civil War Amendments Today on 60-Second Civics, we learn about the Civil War Amendments.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1693, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 1: Expanding the right to vote The right to vote was limited to white men who owned property in the early republic, but change came in fits and starts.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1692, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 5: How the courts decide establishment of religion cases How do the courts decide whether a law violates the establishment clause? We find out on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1691, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 4: Can government limit the way you practice your religion? The government can't tell you what to believe, but it can limit certain religious practices. Find out more on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1690, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 3: Conflicts over freedom of religion Americans generally agree that freedom of religion is an important right, but that doesn't mean the issue is without controversy.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1689, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 2: Protecting religious freedom Religious freedom wasn't always protected in America. Learn more on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1688, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 1: The establishment and free exercise clauses Do you know what the establishment and free exercise clauses are? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1687, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 5: Limits on free expression Does free expression have its limits? The court think so. Learn more on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1686, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 4: Tinker v. Des Moines Is Tinker v. Des Moines still relevant? Listen to today's podcast and decide for yourself.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1685, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 3: Freedom of expression: Representative democracy and peaceful change Today on 60-Second Civics: how freedom of expression helps maintain representative democracy and promotes peaceful change.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1684, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 2: Freedom of expression: human development, dignity, and development On today's episode, we discuss several benefits of freedom of expression.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1682, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 5: How justices decide cases How do today's justices decide Supreme Court cases? Well, it's complicated.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1681, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 4: Fundamental principles and modernist methods of constitutional interpretation Today on the podcast: the fundamental principles and modernist methods of constitutional interpretation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1680, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 3: The original intent method of constitutional interpretation On today's 60-Second Civics, we learn about the "original intent" method of constitutional interpretation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1679, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 2: The plain meaning of constitutional interpretation What four methods of constitutional interpretation are used today? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1678, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 1: Introduction to interpreting the Constitution Today we learn why it is so hard to interpret the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1677, We the People, Lesson 21, Part 4: Marbury v. Madison explained John Marshall argued that Congress overstepped its bounds, and it was the job of the Supreme Court to strike down acts of Congress that violate the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1676, We the People, Lesson 21, Part 3: Introduction to Marbury v. Madison How did the Supreme Court establish its power of judicial review? We find out on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1675, We the People, Lesson 21, Part 2: Judicial review and state laws What is the supremacy clause? Can state laws trump the Constitution? We find out on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1674, We the People, Lesson 21, Part 1: Judicial review Who decides what the words of the Constitution mean? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1673, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 10: Political parties today Political parties aren't necessarily a bad thing. On today's podcast, we learn what political parties do for the nation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1672, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 9: The Election of 1800 Thomas Jefferson called it the "revolution of 1800." Learn why on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1671, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 8: The Alien and Sedition Acts In an time of heated partisan bickering, the John Adams administration passed the Alien and Sedition Acts.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1670, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 7: American neutrality; Republican anger John Jay negotiates an unpopular treaty, and Washington advises neutrality.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1668, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 5: A national bank Alexander Hamilton wanted a national bank to issue paper money. It was a controversial idea.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1667, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 4: The challenge of creating a strong economy The first Secretary of the Treasury had an ambitious agenda.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1666, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 3: The birth of political parties in the United States Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton had very different views on the role of government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1665, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 2: Hamilton and Jefferson Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson clashed over the role of government in American life. Does this sound familiar?
60-Second Civics: Episode 1664, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 1: The rise of political parties On today's podcast, we learn how political parties began in the United States.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1663, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 5: An overview of the Bill of Rights On today's podcast, we provide a brief overview of the Bill of Rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1662, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 4: The compromise that produced the Bill of Rights The Bill of Rights was the result of a compromise between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Learn more on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1661, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 3: The establishment of the judicial branch How was the judicial branch of American government organized? Find out on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1660, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 2: The first cabinet Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Alexander Hamilton formed George Washington's first cabinet.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1659, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 1: George Washington elected president Today we learn the story behind the election of George Washington as the nation's first president.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1658, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 8: A powerful argument against the Constitution The Anti-Federalists had a powerful argument against the proposed constitution: It did not contain a bill of rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1657, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 7: Would the Constitution guard against tyranny? Would the Constitution guard against tyranny? The Federalists and Anti-Federalists disagreed.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1656, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 6: Would the Constitution provide republican government? On today's episode, the debate over whether the Constitution would provide for republican government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1655, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 5: Debating the power of the national government On today's podcast, the Anti-Federalists and Federalists square off over the proposed constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1654, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 4: The Anti-Federalists On today's 60-Second Civics, we learn about the Anti-Federalists.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1653, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 3: The Federalists What do Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay all have in common? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1652, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 2: Madison's plan for ratification James Madison's plan for ratification of the Constitution relied on idea of a social contract.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1651, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 1: Approving the Constitution How do you get a nation to approve a new Constitution? James Madison had the answer.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1650, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 8: The relationship between the federal and state governments Today, the federal government is very powerful. Nevertheless, most laws that effect us directly are state and local laws.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1648, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 6: Powers denied to the federal and state governments Today's podcast is all about limits on the power of the federal and state governments.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1647, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 5: Powers of the state and federal governments The federal and state governments have certain, specified powers. Some powers are held by the people themselves.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1645, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 3: The people are sovereign According to natural rights philosophy, the people control their government. This philosophy inspired the Framers. The result: The Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1643, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 1: Unitary government Today we learn the differences between federal and unitary government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1642, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 8: Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court How much do you know about the Supreme Court? Learn the basics on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1641, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 7: A national judiciary Article III of the Constitution established the judicial branch of government. Learn about the judiciary on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1640, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 6: The Electoral College today How do we elect a new president? This podcast explains the Electoral College.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1639, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 5: Creating the Electoral College Not trusting Congress, the states, or the people to directly elect a president, the Framers created the Electoral College.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1638, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 4: Selecting a president The Framers wanted to design a system to elect a president as qualified as George Washington. Doing so would not prove to be easy.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1636, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 2: Limits on the power of the executive branch How is presidential power limited? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1635, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 1: The powers of the executive branch What are the powers of the president under the Constitution? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1634, We the People, Lesson 15, Part 6: Checks on the power of Congress Today we learn about checks on the power of Congress.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1633, We the People, Lesson 15, Part 5: Limits on the power of Congress Are there any limits on the power of Congress? You bet. We learn about some of these limits on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1632, We the People, Lesson 15, Part 4: Powers of Congress in the Constitution The Constitution grants Congress both general and enumerated powers. Learn what these are in today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1631, We the People, Lesson 15, Part 3: General and enumerated powers The Framers gave Congress some general and some enumerated powers.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1630, We the People, Lesson 15, Part 2: Madison proposes a powerful Congress James Madison proposed a strong Congress; some Framers thought this was risky.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1629, We the People, Lesson 15, Part 1: Creating a strong national government The national government under the Articles of Confederation was weak. The Framers set out to fix that problem.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1628, We the People, Lesson 14, Part 4: Compromise over slavery The Framers of the Constitution compromised over slavery in order to convince delegates to the Philadelphia Convention to support the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1627, We the People, Lesson 14, Part 3: The issue of slavery at the Philadelphia Convention On today's 60-Second Civics, we learn about the issue of slavery at the Philadelphia Convention.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1626, We the People, Lesson 14, Part 2: Tariffs a divisive issue at the Philadelphia Convention Today we look at how the issue of tariffs were a divisive issue at the Philadelphia Convention.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1625, We the People, Lesson 14, Part 1: Economic differences between North and South On today's podcast, we explore the economic differences between the North and South at the time of the Philadelphia Convention.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1624, We the People, Lesson 13, Part 4: The Connecticut Compromise The Connecticut Compromise had three parts. Do you know what they are?
60-Second Civics: Episode 1623, We the People, Lesson 13, Part 3: The New Jersey Plan The New Jersey plan called for a weak national government and equal representation in a unicameral Congress.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1622, We the People, Lesson 13, Part 2: The Virginia Plan James Madison came well-prepared to the Philadelphia Convention: he brought the Virginia Plan with him.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1621, We the People, Lesson 13, Part 1: Equal vs. proportional representation One of the most important agreements at the Philadelphia Convention was about representation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1620, We the People, Lesson 12, Part 6: Basic ideas about government Today on 60-Second Civics: The basic ideas about government agreed upon by the delegates to the Philadelphia Convention.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1619, We the People, Lesson 12, Part 5: The Philadelphia Convention begins The delegates to the Philadelphia Convention agreed on three important points at the start of the convention.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1618, We the People, Lesson 12, Part 4: Founders who did not attend the Philadelphia Convention A number of notable American statesmen did not attend the Philadelphia Convention.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1617, We the People, Lesson 12, Part 3: Benjamin Franklin and Gouverneur Morris What did Benjamin Franklin and Gouverneur Morris contribute to the writing of the Constitution? Find out on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1616, We the People, Lesson 12, Part 2: Madison and Washington Today we discuss two influential Framers of the Constitution: James Madison and George Washington.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1615, We the People, Lesson 12, Part 1: The Philadelphia Convention Fifty-five men met in Philadelphia in 1787. Their task: to amend the Articles of Confederation. Their accomplishment: a new framework for a government that would last more than 200 years.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1614, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 10: The Annapolis Convention Only five states bothered to show up at the Annapolis Convention, but something important happened there: delegates agreed that the Articles of Confederation should be revised.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1613, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 9: Shays' Rebellion Shays' Rebellion failed, but it pointed out the downside of having of a weak federal government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1612, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 8: Economic turmoil breeds discontent in the early republic On today's podcast, economic turmoil breeds discontent after the Revolution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1611, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 7: Property rights threatened under the Articles of Confederation Under the Articles of Confederation, factions in state legislatures threatened property rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1610, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 6: Congress, the states, and trade under the Articles Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government had no control over trade.This caused economic problems and people began to lose their jobs.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1609, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 5: Problems with the Articles of Confederation There were lots of problems with the Articles of Confederation. Congress, for example, had no money and could not directly raise funds.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1608, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 4: Achievements under the Articles of Confederation Despite a weak central government under the Articles of Confederation, the national government had some important achievements.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1607, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 3: The Articles of Confederation: A weak central government The Articles of Confederation provided for a weak central government and equal representation in Congress. This would prove problematic.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1606, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 2: Challenges of writing the Articles of Confederation The writers of the Articles of Confederation had to overcome many obstacles in creating the nation's first constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1605, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 1: The Articles of Confederation In 1776, Richard Henry Lee made two bold proposals: for Independence and a national government to unify the states.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1604, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 9: State bills of rights State bills of rights included many of the rights we now recognize as essential.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1603, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 8: The Virginia Declaration of Rights On today's podcast, we learn about the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1602, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 7: State declarations of rights State declarations of rights were meant to show that people had certain rights that could not be taken away.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1601, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 6: Voting in Massachusetts In early Massachusetts people were divided into different voting groups based on wealth. No property, no vote.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1600, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 5: The Massachusetts constitution How was the constitution of Massachusetts different from that of most states? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1599, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 4: Legislative supremacy The majority of early state governments gave most power to the legislature. This was known as legislative supremacy.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1598, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 3: Representation, separation of powers, and checks and balances Today we examine the concepts of representation, separation of powers, and checks and balances in early state governments.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1597, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 2: Basic rights in state constitutions On today's 60-Second Civics, we learn about the basic rights included in state constitutions.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1596, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 1: New state governments The American people used principles of political philosophy to protect their rights in their new state governments.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1595, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 10: Battlefield victory and the Treaty of Paris With the critical help of the French navy, American forces defeated the British at the Battle of Yorktown; in 1783, the Treaty of Paris ended the war.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1594, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 9: Eliza Lucas Pinckney Today we learn about Eliza Lucas Pinckney, whose resistance to British rule came at a price.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1593, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 8: The South during the revolution The Revolutionary War wasn't going too well for the Americans in 1780: Charleston fell to the British and Benedict Arnold defected.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1592, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 7: French aid turns the tide in the war On today's podcast, we learn how French aid helped turn the tide in the Revolutionary War.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1591, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 6: Valley Forge Winter at Valley Forge was miserable for American troops, but it did not break their resolve.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1590, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 5: Victory and defeat The British tried to strangle the Revolution, but the Americans gained an important victory at the Battle of Saratoga.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1589, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 4: A bleak start to the war The Revolutionary War did not begin well for the Americans, and the prospects for American success looked bleak.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1588, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 3: The Articles of Confederation American soldiers during the Revolution often went unpaid, unfed, and without uniforms. This was only one of the problems of the Continental Congress.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1585, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 7: Loyalists Today we learn about the Loyalists, those Americans who were opposed to the Revolution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1584, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 6: Complaints against the king Today: complaints against King George III in the Declaration of Independence.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1583, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 5: Jefferson's arguments in the Declaration of Independence Why did the American colonists declare independence? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1582, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 4: Natural rights and the Declaration of Independence What does the Declaration of Independence have to do with natural rights? We find out on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1581, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 3: All men are created equal The Declaration of Independence asserted that all people have certain basic rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1580, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 2: Explaining the Declaration of Independence On today's podcast, we explain how the Declaration of Independence is organized.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1579, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 1: The Declaration of Independence On today's podcast, a committee is appointed to write the Declaration of Independence.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1576, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 10: The Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party What happened at the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party? We find out on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1575, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 9: The Sons and Daughters of Liberty Today we learn about the Sons of Liberty and the Daughters of Liberty.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1574, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 8: Committees of correspondence On today's podcast, the American colonists begin to organize resistance against the British.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1573, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 7: Differing views on taxation Britain and America differed widely on the unpopular taxes levied on the American colonies.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1572, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 6: The Stamp, Quartering, Declaratory, and Tea Acts Today we learn about four unpopular taxes in American colonial history.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1570, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 4: A new interest in America For most of the colonial period, Britain left its American colonies alone. But then it needed money.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1569, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 3: Separation of powers and checks and balances in colonial America Today we learn about the three branches of colonial governments.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1568, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 1: Establishing government in the colonies The first priority for American colonists: protecting themselves from the abuse of power.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1567, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 1: Establishing government in the colonies The first priority for American colonists: protecting themselves from the abuse of power.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1566, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 8: The English Bill of Rights Parliament gained more power in 1689 with the English Bill of Rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1564, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 6: The creation of Parliament Today on the podcast we learn about the origins of the British Parliament.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1563, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 5: The rule of law The Magna Carta established a powerful idea: even the king must obey the law.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1562, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 4: The Magna Carta King John tried to take back some of the rights of the nobles. It was a mistake that produced the Magna Carta.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1561, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 2: Government based on contract Feudalism wasn't exactly democratic, but it did introduce one important concept familiar to today's democracies: government based on a contract.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1559, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 1: The rights of Englishmen The American colonists were British subjects and had the rights of Englishmen. Today we learn what these rights were.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1558, We the People, Lesson 5, Part 3: Checks and balances Today we learn how each branch of government checks and balances the other branches.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1557, We the People, Lesson 5, Part 2: Separation of powers Today we learn are introduced to the three branches of government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1556, We the People, Lesson 5, Part 1: Separation and balance of power Today we learn two ways that constitutional governments ensure that no one person or group gets too much power.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1555, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 8: Antigone, Part 4 In this episode, Creon passes sentence on Antigone. Did Antigone make the right choice when she defied Creon's orders?
60-Second Civics: Episode 1554, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 6: Antigone, Part 3 Ismene insisted that the state, in the person of Creon, is too powerful to be resisted. Was she right?
60-Second Civics: Episode 1553, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 5: Antigone, Part 2 Antigone's conscience troubled her. She felt it was her duty to bury her brother. So she defied the king.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1552, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 4: Antigone, Part 1 What does the tragedy of Antigone have to do with the study of government? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1551, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 3: A higher law What are the five characteristics of a constitution in a system of constitutional government? You'll find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1550, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 2: Constitutional government Happy Constitution Day! Today on 60-Second Civics we learn about constitutional government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1549, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 1: What is a constitution? What is a constitution? Do all countries have them? Do they have to be written down? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1548, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 9: Civic virtue What did James Madison have to say about civic virtue? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1547, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 9: Civic virtue What did James Madison have to say about civic virtue? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1546, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 8: Cincinnatus Do you know the story of Cincinnatus? You should. Learn more about this ancient Roman whose example was important to America's Founders.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1545, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 7: A republican form of government What kind of government did James Madison think America should have? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1544, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 6: Direct democracy vs. republican government Today on the podcast, we look at how James Madison explained the difference between a direct democracy and republican government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1543, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 4: The disadvantages of republican government A republican government sounds great, right? Well, the Founders feared that such a system might not work in America.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1542, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 4: Two more benefits of republican government A republican form of government has many benefits, but the people also have responsibilities.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1541, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 3: Two benefits of republican government Do you know what the main purpose of republican government is? You'll find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1540, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 2: Republican government In a republic, citizens and their representatives work together to promote he common good.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1538, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 7: Social contract and the purpose of government On today's podcast, we learn what people gain, when they agree to give up the absolute right to do anything they want.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1537, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 6: Why people form a social contract Why do people agree to form governments? John Locke thought he had the answer.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1536, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 5: The people must consent to be governed. What gives government its legitimacy? We find out on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1535, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 4: Most people are reasonable and good John Locke thought most people were reasonable and good. But those few, troublesome exceptions caused people to band together.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1534, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 3: Natural rights: Life, liberty, and property John Locke thought that people could use reason to determine their natural rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1533, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 2: John Locke and the state of nature By imagining life in a state of nature, John Locke was able to answer some important questions about government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1532, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 1: John Locke Today we learn about a philosopher who strongly influenced the Founders: John Locke.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1531, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 11: The Founders The Founders led the fight against British rule and their ideas influenced the writing of the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1530, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 10: American colonists and rights On today's podcast, we discuss the rights American colonists were accustomed to and why they refused to have these rights abridged.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1529, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 9: Opportunity and equality in colonial America Colonial America really was a land of opportunity for many people, but not for everyone: equal opportunity was still many years away.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1528, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 8: J. Hector St. John wrote about life in colonial America as being vastly different from that in Europe. Find out why on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1527, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 7: How were the people living in the colonies different from one another? American colonists in the 1770s worked hard and lived well. But there was one serious problem that would result a century later in civil war: slavery.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1526, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 6: Prosperity and slavery American colonists in the 1770s worked hard and lived well. But there was one serious problem that would result a century later in civil war: slavery.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1525, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 5: Self-sufficiency American colonists were largely self-sufficient. This self-sufficiency would become an important part of the American experience.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1524, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 4: How did people in the colonies earn a living? On today's podcast, we learn where the American colonists lived and what they did for a living.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1523, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 3: Where did the British colonists settle? Today we learn about the impressive size of the American colonies.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1522, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 2: How did American Indians live before Europeans came? Today we learn about the people who originally lived in the land that later became the thirteen American colonies.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1521, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 1: Why study the British colonies in North America? Today, 60-Second Civics begins our exploration of the colonies of British North America.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1520, We the People, Introduction, Part 2: What were the Founders' basic ideas about government? On today's podcast we learn about the American Founders and the Framers of the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1519, We the People, Introduction, Part 1: Why study the Constitution? Today we launch our new series on the U.S. Constitution. Join us over the coming year to learn more about the American system of government and this history behind our country's cherished principles.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1518, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 10: Civil discourse in 1787 On today's podcast, we learn why compromise was important to the Constitutional Convention. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1517, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 19: A model for civil discourse On today's episode, we discuss the Framers' rules for debate during the Constitutional Convention. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1516, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 8: Civil discourse On today's podcast, we examine why civil discourse is important. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1515, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 7: Are we too dependent on government? On today's episode, we examine the debate over whether Americans are too dependent on government. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1514, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 6: American self-sufficiency On today's podcast, we discuss Americans' increasing reliance on government's social safety net. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1513, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 5: Challenges of technology On today's podcast, we examine how advances in technology do not guarantee that Americans are better informed. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1512, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 4: The rise of electronic communication Today we analyze how electronic communcation has changed our political system. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1511, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 3: Increasing diversity and its effects Today on the podcast, we discuss the argument over the effects of increasing diversity. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1510, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 2: A nation of immigrants On today's episode, we discuss how the United States achieves unity despite diversity. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1509, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 1: A growing nation On today's podcast, we discuss how the United States is projected to change by 2050. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1508, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 26: Globalization, capital, and technology Today we explore the role of investment and capital in globalization and recognize the leading role of technology in globalization. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1507, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 25: Outsourcing On today's podcast, we discuss worker mobility and outsourcing.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1506, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 24: Increasing world trade Today we discuss how globalization has taken place over the years. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1505, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 23: Globalization and an example from China This episode kicks off our exploration of globalization. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1504, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 22: A less isolationist country On today's podcast, we learn how the United States became a less isolationist country. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1503, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 21: Becoming informed about international issues Today we learn how to become informed about international affairs.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1502, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 20: Contacting public officials On today's podcast, we discuss how citizens can influence party by voting and participating in nongovernmental organizations. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1501, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 19: How to influence foreign policy On today's episode, we discuss the ways that Americans can influence foreign policy. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1500, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 18: The United Nations and other international organizations Today we discuss the United Nations, NATO, and other international organizations. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1499, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 17: The United Nations Security Council On today's episode, we discuss the United Nations Security Council. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1498, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 16: The United Nations Today we discuss the fundamental principles of the United Nations. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1497, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 15: The League of Nations and the birth of the United Nations On today's episode, we discuss the formation of the League of Nations, its demise, and its successor. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1496, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 14: Problems with international law On today's podcast, we discuss some of the challenges of international law. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1495, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 13: The four ideals of international law Today we explain the four ideals of international law. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1494, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 12: International law On today's episode, we discuss the basic principles of international law. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1493, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 11: The Supreme Court and international relations Today we learn how the Supreme Court affects international diplomacy. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
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