Civics 101

"He" has done bad things. Twenty seven of them. And these things were so bad that the colonists used them to demonstrate that they had no choice but to become an independent nation. King George III was, in their eyes, a despot. So what did he do?Today we talk about grievances 1-12 in the Declaration of Independence. We will cover the rest, as well as modern-day parallels, in a few weeks. Our guest is Craig Gallagher, professor at Colby-Sawyer College.To hear about the entire Declaration of Independence, please listen to our episode on it here. CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more!To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.Check out our other weekly NHPR podcast, Outside/In - we think you'll love it! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Congress appropriates funds, the executive branch ensures those funds are spent and spent wisely. That is how it works. It is not, however, how it is working right now. The Trump Administration has, in recent months, repeatedly and often successfully frozen the funds that Congress assigned to certain departments and agencies. Jobs have been lost, research shelved, life-saving care ended, budgets and plans thrown into disarray.So why and how has this happened? Why were we funding education, science, medicine and foreign aid in the first place? Our guide to this tumult is Samuel Bagenstos, professor of law at the University of Michigan and former Chief Counsel at both the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Health and Human Services.   CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more!To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.Check out our other weekly NHPR podcast, Outside/In - we think you'll love it! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dive into a playful trivia showdown covering quirky tax policies and the absurdities of chocolate-covered snacks. Enjoy anecdotes about the influence of government in Hollywood, showcasing iconic films and hilarious debates. Revel in sentimental farewells as hosts reminisce about their shared journey, spiced with nostalgia for 'The West Wing.' Plus, explore whimsical comparisons between 'Lord of the Rings' and everyday life, all while blending humor with interesting historical insights. It's a delightful mix of trivia, camaraderie, and heartfelt moments!

Join Danaya Wright, a Constitutional Law Professor at the University of Florida, as she delves into the potential legal challenges facing same-sex marriage. They discuss the implications of Kim Davis' recent petition to overturn Obergefell and how this could parallel other overturned precedents like Roe v. Wade. Wright also explores the evolving landscape of privacy rights, the responsibilities of public officials, and reassures listeners about the current security of same-sex marriage rights while emphasizing the need for vigilance.

Jim Obergefell, the named plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case for marriage equality, shares his personal journey alongside Melissa Wasser, an expert in legal aspects of marriage rights. They explore the evolution of marriage laws, detailing the struggles faced by same-sex couples prior to 2015. The discussion highlights the emotional weight of the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling and its significance in protecting marriage under the 14th Amendment. They also reflect on ongoing challenges within the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of continued advocacy for equality.

The discussion dives into the rarely invoked Article V of the Constitution, highlighting its potential for amendments through state conventions. Curiosity surrounds the current movement advocating for a constitutional convention amid disillusionment with the federal government. The risks of radical changes emerge, as historical contexts are examined. Economic theories, like those of Milton Friedman, influence calls for a balanced budget amendment, adding layers to the complexities of constitutional amendments. Political dynamics and representation are also key themes in this engaging discourse.

On Monday, August 11th, Trump announced a takeover of Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan police. He also deployed National Guard troops and federal agents to the streets, all in the name of cracking down on crime. We called on political scientist and historian Dan Cassino to help us understand what happened, why it's legal and what could happen next. CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more!To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.Check out our other weekly NHPR podcast, Outside/In - we think you'll love it! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s a weird time to be an environmental scientist. The proposed cuts to federal science funding in the United States are profound, and if they come to pass, it’s not clear what American science will look like on the other side. But for many researchers, science is much more than a career: it’s a community, lifestyle, and sometimes even a family business. This episode was produced by our fellow NHPR podcast Outside/In. You can check out photos and more related to this episode right here.  CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more!To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.Check out our other weekly NHPR podcast, Outside/In - we think you'll love it! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Explore the timeless themes of hope and perseverance in 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,' a film that sparked political outrage in 1939. Delve into the interplay between idealism and political reality, and hear personal stories that echo the film’s messages. The emotional journey of Jefferson Smith and his filibuster reveal the challenges of corruption and civic responsibility. Discover the legacy of this cinematic masterpiece, its impact on audiences and politicians alike, and the enduring call for civic engagement in today’s society.

Professor Stephen Vladeck, a federal courts expert at the University of Texas School of Law, delves into the enigmatic world of the Supreme Court's shadow docket. He discusses how this practice allows the court to make urgent decisions without formal debates, raising questions about accountability. With notable cases like the Texas abortion ban, Vladeck examines the political implications and ideological divides, urging for greater transparency in judicial processes. His insights reveal the complexities of a crucial component of American governance often overlooked.