Join Anne Applebaum, a Staff writer for The Atlantic and a historian, as she delves into the multifaceted world of authoritarianism. She breaks down the characteristics of autocratic regimes and discusses how they erode individual rights and manipulate laws. Applebaum highlights the alarming shift toward autocracy in the U.S., emphasizing the need for civic engagement to combat modern propaganda. The conversation touches on the influence of technology and the dangers of polarizing political rhetoric that threaten democracy.

Kathleen Sebelius, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and governor of Kansas, discusses the critical role and limitations of the Secretary within the health sector. She explores the implications of potentially controversial nominations, like Robert Kennedy Jr., and their impact on public health policies, including vaccination initiatives. Sebelius highlights the significant responsibilities tied to the position, the challenges of navigating political dynamics, and the importance of maintaining public trust in health leadership.

Delve into the gripping story of Ed Johnson, a young Black man wrongfully convicted in 1906, whose tragic fate sparked a rare Supreme Court trial. Discover the emotional journey of students exploring local history and the impacts of racial bias in justice. The podcast examines systemic injustices, the resilience of the African American community, and the evolution of criminal rights. It emphasizes the vital role of citizen engagement in the courts, advocating for education and participation to uphold justice and foster hope within a flawed legal system.

Dan Cassino, a political expert and professor at Farleigh Dickinson University, explores the evolution and function of the U.S. Cabinet from its origins under George Washington to its modern role in governance. He delves into the nomination process, revealing how appointments can bypass Senate approval through recess appointments. The discussion further uncovers the tension between presidential authority and congressional oversight, illustrating the impact of controversial nominees on legislative agendas. A fascinating look at the intricacies of political power!

President Elect Donald Trump has said he won't be a dictator "except for day one." We take a look at all of the "day one" promises he's made over the course of his campaign and explain how he might get them done. Or not.For a sense of how many times Donald Trump made these promises, check out the Washington Post's data here.Click HERE to buy tickets for NHPR's Holiday Raffle! NHPR’s Holiday Raffle is open to any United States resident 18 years or older in any state where the Raffle is not prohibited by state, local or other laws. (States where raffles are not permitted: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina, and Utah.) (edited)   CLICK HERE: Visit our website to 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. 

Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, dives into the intricate world of presidential transitions. He discusses the staggering number of appointments—nearly 4,000—that a new president must tackle and the challenges involved in this process. Stier also explores the historical context of these transitions and the critical role of preparation in ensuring government continuity. He highlights the tension between political appointments and apolitical governance, urging for efficiency in the appointment process for effective leadership.

In this engaging discussion, Jessica Huseman, editorial director of VoteBeat, and Derek Muller, a law professor at Notre Dame, dive into the complex journey your vote takes after casting it. They elucidate the critical processes of vote counting and ballot certification, spotlighting the importance of transparency in maintaining electoral integrity. The conversation also touches on the judiciary's pivotal role in overseeing elections and legal challenges that arose post-2020, revealing the robust systems in place to ensure that every voice is heard and counted.

Amelia Campbell, a former Capitol Police officer, shares her profound journey after the January 6th riot, detailing the chaos and trauma she faced that day. Alongside Lauren Chulgin, a reporter who produced stories about Amelia's experiences, they discuss the emotional toll on law enforcement and the struggles of returning to duty post-trauma. Amelia bravely opens up about her PTSD and her aspirations to create a nonprofit for mental health support in policing. Their conversation highlights resilience, community, and the lasting impact of that fateful day.

In this discussion featuring Sue Tolleson-Rinehart, a seasoned Professor Emerita of Pediatrics, and Amélie Quesnel-Vallée, a noted Canada Research Chair, the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system are revealed. They delve into the striking disparities in healthcare costs between the U.S. and other wealthy nations like Canada. The duo examines doctor salary differences and the challenges undocumented immigrants face. They also tackle crucial topics like reproductive rights, drug pricing, and the necessity of political accountability in healthcare.

The Smithsonian is the world's largest research institution, but much of it is out of public sight. And one particular kind of collection is part of a growing debate over where ethical lines and scientific discovery should be drawn.This week, we present the first part of a special series from our colleagues at Outside/In. You can listen to the rest of the series here, or get Outside/In wherever listen to podcasts. You can support our journalism by making a donation to our show! Thanks so much.  CLICK HERE: Visit our website to 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.