Civics 101

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 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.

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 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.

David Sirota, editor in chief of The Lever and host of Master Plan, dives deep into the complexities of political corruption. He discusses how corruption shapes policy and erodes trust in democracy, emphasizing the need for citizen activism, especially around issues like prescription drug prices. Sirota highlights the historical roots of political corruption from Nixon’s era, revealing the ongoing challenges of campaign finance reform. He advocates for transparency and collective action to combat the financial influence undermining democratic integrity.

Whenever there's a big strike in the news, someone inevitably invokes the phrase "Taft-Hartely Act" when talking about whether or not the president should intervene. But what is Taft-Hartley? How did it come about? And what can it actually do?Nick chats with Erik Loomis, a professor at the University of Rhode Island and expert on all things labor-related.  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.

Raj Vinakoda, president of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, joins social justice advocate Mustafa Santiago Ali and constitutional law expert Kim Whaley to discuss civic engagement's vital role in democracy. They debunk myths about participation barriers like time and skepticism, promoting informed voting as essential. Educator Cheryl Cook-Caglio emphasizes community involvement and civil discourse. Together, they inspire listeners to utilize their unique skills and advocate for their democratic rights to foster a more engaged society.