Civics 101

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.

In this engaging discussion, Bruce Peabody, a political expert from Fairleigh Dickinson University, tackles the intriguing question of whether a president can serve a third term. He delves into the complexities of the 22nd Amendment, dissecting its historical roots and implications. The conversation covers potential legal challenges and contemporary political dynamics, especially regarding Donald Trump's aspirations. With surprising insights and theoretical scenarios, Peabody sheds light on the evolving interpretation of presidential term limits and their impact on governance.

As subjects of the British king, the very idea of criticizing monarchy -- or King George III himself -- was a dangerous one. So how did we become a country where "no kings" is a guiding principle? Something we take for granted? Holly Brewer is our guide to the resistance, risk and eventual revolution that transformed a British colony into a democratic country that would have no king.  WIN A NEW CAR OR 25K IN CASH DURING NHPR'S SUMMER RAFFLE! GET YOUR TICKETS 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!

Jason Matthews, a renowned game designer famous for Twilight Struggle and 1960: The Making of a President, shares insights on how tariffs are reshaping the board game industry. He highlights the staggering price hikes and production hurdles stemming from fluctuating tariffs, especially a notable 145% increase on imports from China. Despite these challenges, Matthews emphasizes the passion that drives designers, even as many face shrinking profit margins and legal battles. The conversation sheds light on the broader implications for American manufacturing and local businesses.

The team delves into some of the many civics lessons the public got while watching Karen Read’s retrial, which ended with her acquittal on all major charges in June. Topics include the First Amendment, judicial discretion, courtroom tactics, and more. Our expert for this episode is Colin Miller, blogger, podcaster, and professor at University of South Carolina School of Law. Read Vanity Fair's extensive reporting on this case. WIN A NEW CAR OR 25K IN CASH DURING NHPR'S SUMMER RAFFLE! GET YOUR TICKETS 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!

Is there a civics lesson in the 1996 film Independence Day? We think so. Join the Civics 101 team for a conversation about the film, its politics, and what it says about the United States and its place in the world. There's even a fire-jumping dog! WIN A NEW CAR OR 25K IN CASH DURING NHPR'S SUMMER RAFFLE! GET YOUR TICKETS 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!

Former Senate Parliamentarian Alan Frumin shares insights from his 35 years navigating the intricacies of Senate procedure. He explains the role of the Senate Parliamentarian as a nonpartisan referee, outlining how they ensure compliance with rules like the Byrd Rule. The discussion highlights the influence this position wields over significant legislation, such as budget reconciliation bills. Frumin also lightens the mood with anecdotes, illustrating the balance between seriousness and humor in congressional operations.

Dr. Jennifer Mercieca, a communication and journalism professor and author of "Demagogue for President," delves into the power of political framing. She explains how politicians and the media manipulate language to shape public perceptions and influence opinions without our awareness. The conversation highlights the subtlety of framing, using examples like tax discourse and historical instances from the Federalist Papers. Jen offers insights on countering these narratives and explores the ethical implications of framing strategies in political communication.

The Civics 101 team delves into the 1962 film The Manchurian Candidate, a political satire and thriller that is more than relevant in today’s political climate. Note: this episode contains spoilers for the film. WIN A NEW CAR OR 25K IN CASH DURING NHPR'S SUMMER RAFFLE! GET YOUR TICKETS 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!