Civics 101

For more than two hundred years Americans have tried to tame the Mississippi River. And, for that entire time, the river has fought back. This week we present an episode of our sister podcast Outside/In. Journalist and author Boyce Upholt has spent dozens of nights camping along the Lower Mississippi and knows the river for what it is: both a water-moving machine and a supremely wild place. His recent book, “The Great River: The Making and Unmaking of the Mississippi River” tells the story of how engineers have made the Mississippi into one of the most engineered waterways in the world, and in turn have transformed it into a bit of a cyborg — half mechanical, half natural. In this episode, host Nate Hegyi and Upholt take us from the flood ravaged town of Greenville, Mississippi, to the small office of a group of army engineers, in a tale of faulty science, big egos and a river that will ultimately do what it wants. Featuring Boyce Upholt CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE SHOW AND CHECK OUT OUR NEW TOTE BAG!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!

Today, we bring you a special bonus - a SMACKDOWN episode of NPR's It's Been a Minute featuring our own hosts Nick and Hannah! IBAM host Brittany Luse has been taking this smackdown on the road  to cities all across the country.  Hear the other debates on the It's Been a Minute podcast. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE SHOW AND CHECK OUT OUR NEW TOTE BAG!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!

Akhil Amar, a Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale, and Andy Lipka, president of EverScholar, dive deep into the multifaceted role of the U.S. President. They discuss the evolution of presidential responsibilities and the enduring impact of George Washington's legacy. Key topics include the importance of civic engagement in democracy, the balance of powers, and how Washington’s ideals contrast with today's political landscape. Their insights challenge us to reflect on what qualities future leaders must embody.

Jennifer Frost, an author specializing in youth voting rights, shares her insights on the significant shift in America's voting age from 21 to 18. She explores the rapid ratification of the 26th Amendment amidst a backdrop of historical activism, including the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. Frost discusses key advocates and the legislative battles won by young activists. The conversation also dives into the complexities surrounding state and federal voting standards, highlighting the ongoing importance of youth participation in democracy.

Why do very different political candidates say the same things over and over? Things like "middle class," "coastal elites" and "middle America?" What do those things even mean? That's what this episode is all about. Also...some civics and history trivia that's VERY much on-topic. Sort of.  CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE SHOW AND CHECK OUT OUR NEW TOTE BAG!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!

Robin Kundis Craig, an expert in environmental law, and Mustafa Santiago Ali, a champion of environmental justice, delve into the ramifications of the recent Supreme Court decision overturning the Chevron Doctrine. They discuss how this reshaping of judicial principles will impact agency interpretations of laws, especially in environmental regulation, and explore the balance between legislative intent and agency discretion. The conversation highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls in regulation amidst a changing judicial landscape.

Tory Brown, a designer behind civic games like 'Votes for Women', and Cole Wehrle, known for 'John Company', explore the fascinating interplay of board games and civic engagement. They discuss how games can illuminate historical movements, provoke thoughts on uncomfortable truths, and encourage empathy. From Jenna's insightful reflections on governance in 'John Company' to the community dynamics in 'Cross Bronx Expressway', the conversation highlights how gaming can serve as a powerful tool for education and dialogue around social issues.

Kathleen McClella, Deputy Director at WHISPeR, Danielle Brian, Executive Director of the Project on Government Oversight, and Chris Appy, a Professor of History, discuss the precarious world of whistleblowing. They dive into famous cases like Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning, exploring the motivations and repercussions of revealing government secrets. The conversation highlights the challenges whistleblowers face in navigating legal protections and the moral dilemmas in their choices. The transformative legacy of figures like Daniel Ellsberg is also examined in relation to today's whistleblowers.

Delve into the fascinating history of America's presidential succession, dating back to the 1790s. Discover who takes the helm when both the President and Vice President are absent and explore the role of the 'designated survivor.' Uncover intriguing details about the nuclear football and the constitutional debates that follow. Learn about the evolution of the Presidential Succession Act and its implications for governance during crises. This lively discussion is peppered with anecdotes and trivia that make complex ideas accessible.

Jules Boykoff, professor of government and politics, discusses how cities are chosen for the Olympics. They explore the political dynamics, sustainability efforts, motivations for hosting, and the impact on weaker states. The episode also touches on athlete activism and the political implications of hosting the games.