Civics 101

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. 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!

Liza Goitin, Senior Director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, dives into the controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act under the Trump administration. She unpacks how this historical law is reshaping deportation policy, particularly targeting Venezuelan nationals. The discussion highlights legal challenges, the balance between national security and due process, and the implications of expanding the definitions of 'invasion'. Goitin also raises questions about constitutional limits and future Supreme Court challenges.

Delve into the intriguing Alien Enemies Act, a powerful wartime tool used just four times since 1798. Discover its historical roots during U.S.-France tensions and how it reflects changing constitutional understandings. The conversation unpacks the act's controversial implications for noncitizens and due process. A recent resurgence of this law sparks debate over presidential authority and justice. Join experts like Liza Goitein as they illuminate the act's lasting impact on American democracy and civil liberties.

In March, President Trump signed an executive order that promises to preserve and protect the integrity of American elections. The data shows the integrity of our election system is intact despite the claims of many politicians and the perception of many voters. So what is the president trying to change about a system that isn't broken? Who will it affect and how much will it cost them? Finally, while Congress and the States are constitutionally-empowered to make election law, the president is not. So... can he?Our guide to this executive order is Jason Carter of the Carter Center.  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!

The SAVE Act passed the House in April, 2025. As it awaits consideration in Congress, we spoke with Jason Carter from the Carter Center. Yes, like that Carter. Jason is asking why Congress is working on a vanishingly rare problem: noncitizen voting. The SAVE Act, if it becomes law, will require additional proof of citizenship for all Americans seeking to register -- or reregister -- to vote. The goal? To stop all noncitizens from voting -- which rarely happens. 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!

Joining the discussion is Eric Schickler, a Political Science professor at UC Berkeley and author of Investigating the President. He dives into the essential checks and balances designed by the framers of the Constitution to prevent presidential overreach. Topics include Congress's power of the purse and impeachment, the impact of political polarization on effective oversight, and historical examples like the Iran-Contra affair. Schickler also highlights how civic engagement can strengthen Congress's role in holding the presidency accountable.

Anne Brockman, Senior VP of External Affairs at the CPB, shares her insights on the history and funding of public media. She discusses the significance of federal support, which constitutes less than 0.001% of the budget, and the ongoing threats to public media integrity posed by political moves. Brockman explains the firewall protecting editorial independence, the ethical implications of funding transparency, and the struggles faced by rural stations. She contrasts public and commercial media, emphasizing their unique societal roles in a landscape where defunding risks vital programming.

Explore the alarming decline of civic knowledge in America and its impact on democracy. Discover why fostering an informed citizenry is crucial for rebuilding trust in political systems. The conversation highlights the urgency of educational reforms to empower both youth and adults. Personal anecdotes reveal the humorous yet sobering realities of political ignorance. Delve into the necessity of civic engagement and responsibility to combat disillusionment. The episode emphasizes a renewed commitment to democratic values and resources for active participation.

Patricia Alvarez, Senior Justice in the 4th Appellate District of Texas, shares her insights on the fundamental concept of the rule of law. She distinguishes it from the rule of men, emphasizing its essential role in protecting individual rights. The discussion sheds light on judicial independence and the pursuit of equality under the law. Alvarez highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities and warns about the erosion of democracy. She champions informed citizen engagement as vital for preserving democratic values and accountability.