About the Podcast: 60-Second Civics is a daily podcast that provides a quick and convenient way for listeners to learn about our nation’s government, the Constitution, and our history. The podcast explores themes related to civics and government, the constitutional issues behind the headlines, and the people and ideas that formed our nation’s history and government.
Get Involved: Join the conversation about each episode on Twitter. Or you can contact the show by emailing Mark Gage. Let me know what you think!
You Can Help: 60-Second Civics is supported by private donations. You can help keep the podcasts coming by donating, buying an ebook, or by writing a nice review in iTunes to help others discover the show. We love our listeners. You are the reason we created the podcast. Thank you for your kind support!
Music: The theme music for 60-Second Civics is provided by Cheryl B. Engelhardt. You can find her online at cbemusic.com. The song featured on the podcast is Cheryl B. Engelhardt's "Complacent," which you purchase on iTunes, along with all of Cheryl's music.
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60-Second Civics: Episode 1852, Amendments and judicial review, Part 1: Amending the Constitution The Framers wanted the Constitution to be difficult to amend, but not sacrosanct.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1851, The Federalists, Part 14: The robust political scene of the Founding era Political operatives in the Founding era weren't above using unsavory tactics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1848, The Federalists, Part 11: The lack of a bill of rights On today's podcast, Alexander Hamilton's arguments against a bill of rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1847, The Federalists, Part 10: The branches of government protect basic rights Do the three branches of government protect our basic rights? The Federalists thought so.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1846, The Federalists, Part 9: The Constitution promotes republicanism The Federalists argued that the rights and welfare of everyone is protected by the unamended Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1845, The Federalists, Part 8: State legislatures and civic virtue In the early years of the American republic, state legislatures sometimes favored creditors over debtors. The Founders saw this as a betrayal of the ideals of the Revolution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1844, The Federalists, Part 7: Civic virtue is not reliable Is civic virtue enough to ensure good government? Not according to the Federalists.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1843, The Federalists, Part 6: Federalist 10 and republican government James Madison devised powerful arguments supporting the idea that a republic could be successful in the United States. Learn about some of these arguments on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1842, The Federalists, Part 5: The fear of faction The Framers of the Constitution knew the danger of factions. But Madison thought
60-Second Civics: Episode 1841, The Federalists, Part 4: How can republican government survive? The Federalists needed to counter the claim that republican government could not survive in America. They sent in their pinch hitter: James Madison.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1840, The Federalists, Part 3: A new science of politics The Federalists argued that the Constitution represented a "new science of politics" that made Anti-Federalist critiques obsolete.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1839, The Federalists, Part 2: The Federalist Today we discuss one of the most important sources of information about the Constitution: A series of essays known as The Federalist.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1838, The Federalists, Part 1: The Federalists organize Today we kick off our series on the Federalists, who supported ratification of the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1837, The Anti-Federalists, Part 16: Concern about rights Today on the podcast, the Anti-Federalists argue that the lack of a bill of rights is a serious flaw in the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1836, The Anti-Federalists, Part 15: The Anti-Federalists warn against tyranny Are the general welfare and necessary and proper clauses dangerous? The Anti-Federalists thought so.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1835, The Anti-Federalists, Part 14: The lack of a bill of rights Most states already had bills of rights. So why not the Constitution?
60-Second Civics: Episode 1834, The Anti-Federalists, Part 13: Robert Yates and Patrick Henry Why did Robert Yates and Patrick Henry object to the Constitution? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1833, The Anti-Federalists, Part 12: Senate accountability and mixed powers The Anti-Federalists had a lot of problems with the Constitution, even with the system of checks and balances.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1832, The Anti-Federalists, Part 11: Executive and judicial power The Anti-Federalists believed that the executive and judicial branches would have too much power under the proposed Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1831, The Anti-Federalists, Part 10: The potential for tyranny The Anti-Federalists argued that the Constitution contained the potential for tyranny.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1830, The Anti-Federalists, Part 9: Civic virtue rather than a strong national government The Anti-Federalists believed that civic virtue rather than a strong national government was the best solution to America's problems.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1829, The Anti-Federalists, Part 8: A distant government Anti-Federalists argued that a distant national government would require a standing army and taxation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1828, The Anti-Federalists, Part 7: Anti-Federalist arguments against a strong national government Today we learn some Anti-Federalists against a strong national government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1827, The Anti-Federalists, Part 6: The effect of Anti-Federalist opinion George Washington wrote that Anti-Federalist opposition to the Constitution might not ultimately be such a bad thing for the country.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1826, The Anti-Federalists, Part 5: Reasoned discourse The Federalists and Anti-Federalists sought to use reasoned discourse to persuade the citizenry.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1825, The Anti-Federalists, Part 3: The ratification debates begin Who were the Anti-Federalists? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1824, The Anti-Federalists, Part 3: The ratification debates begin Today on the podcast, the ratification debates begin with a speech by Benjamin Franklin. George Mason leaves and refuses to sign the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1823, The Anti-Federalists, Part 2: Ratification by the people The ratification of the Constitution was consistent with John Locke's social contract theory.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1822, The Anti-Federalists, Part 1: A plan to ratify the Constitution The Framers of the Constitution went around state legislatures to get the Constitution ratified.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1820, Federalism, Part 12: Restricting suffrage to landowners Gouverneur Morris suggested that suffrage should be limited to landowners. This caused an uproar.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1819, Federalism, Part 11: National citizenship The Framers of the Constitution never defined citizenship, but left it up to the states.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1818, Federalism, Part 10: Slavery and commerce The delegates to the Philadelphia Convention had to compromise in order to get the authority to regulate commerce among the states.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1817, Federalism, Part 9: Compromises on slavery The Framers of the Constitution had to make many compromises on the issue of slavery. Today we learn some of them.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1816, Federalism, Part 8: Slavery and the states The words "slave" and "slavery" never appeared in the Constitution, perhaps because the Framers were ashamed of it.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1815, Federalism, Part 7: A history of protecting individual rights The Framers saw the need to limit state power. Find out how on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1814, Federalism, Part 6: Limitations on state power The Framers saw the need to limit state power. Find out how on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1813, Federalism, Part 5: The Constitution protects political independence. How does the Constitution protect political independence? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1812, Federalism, Part 4: More protections of rights in the Constitution The Framers of the Constitution tried hard to protect individuals from a powerful national government. Learn how on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1811, Federalism, Part 3: Habeas corpus, ex post facto laws, and bills of attainder Do you know what an ex post facto law is? What about a bill of attainder? They are prohibited by the Constitution. Learn more on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1810, Federalism, Part 2: Some powers of the federal government What authority does the national government have over the states? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1809, Federalism, Part 1: Concerns about abuses by state governments The Framers were concerned about states restricting individual freedom, so the gave the federal government some power of the states.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1808, The Three Branches of Government, Part 18: Impeachment and judicial review Today we learn about two important checks on government: impeachment and judicial review.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1807, The Three Branches of Government, Part 17: Appointments, treaties, and warmaking powers How do checks and balances work? Today we provide some examples.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1806, The Three Branches of Government, Part 16: Checks and balances On today's podcast we learn about checks and balances and take a close look at the president's veto power.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1805, The Three Branches of Government, Part 14: How should federal judges be selected? How should federal judges be selected? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1804, The Three Branches of Government, Part 13: Reasons to separate the judicial branch Why is the judicial branch independent of the president and Congress? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1801, The Three Branches of Government, Part 11: The Electoral College explained Today on the podcast, we explain the Electoral College.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1800, The Three Branches of Government, Part 10: Why not direct popular election? Why didn't most Framers of the Constitution want the people to elect the president directly?
60-Second Civics: Episode 1799, The Three Branches of Government, Part 9: How should the president be selected? Deciding how the president should be selected was a tricky matter for the delegates to the Philadelphia Convention.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1798, The Three Branches of Government, Part 8: How long should a president remain in office? How long should a president remain in office? The Framers' original proposal was for one seven-year term.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1797, The Three Branches of Government, Part 7: Should there be more than one chief executive? How many chief executives should there be? Learn the arguments for and against a plural executive on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1796, The Three Branches of Government, Part 6: An energetic executive The Framers of the Constitution thought that the executive should have "energy." We learn why on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1795, The Three Branches of Government, Part 5: Broad versus enumerated powers How broad should be the powers of Congress? The Virginia and New Jersey plans proposed different visions of legislative power.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1794, The Three Branches of Government, Part 4: Enumerated powers Should Congress be able to make any laws it wants to? The Framers didn't think so.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1793, The Three Branches of Government, Part 3: A deliberative body The Framers of the Constitution wanted Congress to thoroughly debate issues and avoid corruption.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1792, The Three Branches of Government, Part 2: Checks and balances Their experiences with British royal governors led Americans to create weak executives, but this would have a cost.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1791, The Three Branches of Government, Part 1: The corruption of Parliament by the Crown Since ancient times, philosophers have argued that governments must do three things: make, execute, and judge laws.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1790, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 19: The debate over representation in the expanding republic The delegates to the Philadelphia Convention recognized that the United States would expand, and planned accordingly.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1789, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 18: The Northern position on proportional representation Today we discuss the terms of the Three-Fifths Compromise.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1788, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 17: The Southern position on proportional representation Should enslaved people be counted as persons for determining representation? This was hotly debated at the Philadelphia Convention.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1787, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 16: What does proportional representation mean? The Great Compromise was only the first step in settling the issue of proportional representation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1786, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 15: The Great Compromise saves the convention The Great Compromise passed by a single vote. Each side have to give up something to make the compromise work.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1785, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 14: The Great Compromise The Great Compromise finally broke the impasse at the Philadelphia Convention over representation in Congress.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1784, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 13: Equal representation in the Senate Today on 60-Second Civics, a vote on equal representation in the Senate results in a deadlocked convention. But there was a way out.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1783, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 12: Defeat of the New Jersey Plan The New Jersey Plan was defeated at the Philadelphia Convention. This meant the Virginia Plan became the basis for discussion at the Philadelphia Convention.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1782, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 11: The New Jersey Plan The New Jersey Plan called for a unicameral legislature with increased powers.
60-Second Civics: Episode 2147, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 11: The New Jersey Plan The New Jersey Plan called for a unicameral legislature with increased powers.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1781, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 10: The debate over proportional representation Proportional representation was the most controversial part of the Virginia Plan. Find out why on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1780, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 9: Proportional representation in the Virginia Plan What was the most controversial element of the Virginia Plan? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1779, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 8: More features of the Virginia Plan Some features of the Virginia Plan might strike you as being unusual. Find out on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1778, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 7: Representation in the Virginia Plan The Virginia Plan proposed proportional representation and a government with three branches.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1777, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 6: James Madison's Virginia Plan Today on 60-Second Civics: James Madison's Virginia plan proposes a strong national government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1776, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 5: Laying the groundwork The Framers established rules for the Philadelphia Convention right away. One of them was secrecy.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1775, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 4: Founders who did not attend the Philadelphia Convention Jefferson, Adams, Paine, Henry, and Hancock did not attend the Philadelphia Convention, but for different reasons.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1774, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 3: Benjamin Franklin and Gouverneur Morris Benjamin Franklin and Gouverneur Morris made important contributions to the Philadelphia Convention.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1773, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 2: Washington and Madison Today we learn about two important Framers: George Washington and James Madison.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1772, The first national government, Part 7: Delegates to the Philadelphia Convention The delegates to the Philadelphia Convention did not represent all parts of American society of the time.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1771, The first national government, Part 6: The aftermath of Shays' Rebellion Shays' Rebellion and the popular reaction to it gave Congress an extra incentive to reform the Articles of Confederation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1770, The first national government, Part 5: Shays' Rebellion Angry farmers led by Daniel Shays led an armed rebellion in Massachusetts. Find out why on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1769, The first national government, Part 4: Economic trouble in the early republic Hard economic times afflict the United States after the American Revolution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1768, The first national government, Part 3: Achievements under the Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation had its weaknesses, but the government under the Articles also had significant achievements.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1767, The first national government, Part 2: Government under the Articles of Confederation Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress could not raise taxes directly. Each state had one vote, regardless of population.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1766, The first national government, Part 1: The Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation established a weak national government with very limited powers.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1764, State constitutions, Part 6: Rights protected in state declarations of rights Most states had their own declarations or bills of rights. These were designed to protect the rights of the people.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1763, State constitutions, Part 6: The Virginia Declaration of Rights The Virginia Declaration of Rights served as a model for our Bill of Rights. Learn about this fascinating document on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1762, State constitutions, Part 5: State declarations of rights States were keen to protect the rights of citizens. Most states therefore had bills or declarations of rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1761, State constitutions, Part 4: The judicial branch of early state governments The states created their own judicial branches, but made sure not to give them too much power.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1760, State constitutions, Part 3: Constitutional government in the states On today's podcast, we learn more principles of government the states incorporated into their constitutions.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1759, State constitutions, Part 2: Natural rights and republicanism State governments adopted ideas from natural rights and republicanism in their constitutions.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1758, State constitutions, Part 1: State governments The newly independent Americans needed a national government, but how would they go about creating one that respected their rights?
60-Second Civics: Episode 1757, The Declaration of Independence, Part 15: Loyalists The Loyalists thought that rebellion against the king went too far. They paid a steep price for their views.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1756, The Declaration of Independence, Part 14: Right to revolution Did the colonies have the right to revolution against George III? The colonists thought so.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1755, The Declaration of Independence, Part 13: Complaints against King George III What were some of the complaints the colonists had against King George III? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1754, The Declaration of Independence, Part 12: Human equality and government by consent Today on the podcast we discuss human equality and government by consent.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1753, The Declaration of Independence, Part 11: The Declaration and natural rights philosophy Today we learn about natural rights philosophy and the Declaration of Independence.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1752, The Declaration of Independence, Part 10: The three parts of the Declaration On today's podcast, we learn about the three parts of the Declaration of Independence.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1751, The Declaration of Independence, Part 9: The Second Continental Congress Today we learn about the Second Continental Congress at the start of the war.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1750, The Declaration of Independence, Part 8: A state of rebellion On today's podcast, the king declares the colonies to be in a state of rebellion and a committee is appointed to write the Declaration of Independence.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1749, The Declaration of Independence, Part 7: Lexington and Concord Today on the podcast we learn about the start of the Revolutionary War.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1748, The Declaration of Independence, Part 6: The First Continental Congress The First Continental Congress met in 1774 and took steps that would anger the British government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1747, The Declaration of Independence, Part 5: The Boston Tea Party The Tea Act led directly to the an incident known as the Boston Tea Party, a prelude to the American Revolution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1746, The Declaration of Independence, Part 4: The Boston Massacre Who represented the soldiers during the trial for the Boston Massacre? The answer may surprise you.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1745, The Declaration of Independence, Part 3: Stamp Act Congress and the Daughters of Liberty On today's podcast, we learn about the Stamp Act Congress, the Declaratory Act, and the Daughters of Liberty.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1744, The Declaration of Independence, Part 2: Resistance to increasing British control. Unpopular taxes like the Stamp Act spawned popular resistance in the colonies.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1743, The Declaration of Independence, Part 1: No taxation without representation As the British tightened their control over the colonies, the colonists grew resentful of British control.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1742, Republican government, Part 5: Cincinnatus, a model of civic virtue Who was Cincinnatus? The American Founders thought all American should emulate him.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1741, Republican government, Part 4: Common good and civic virtue The main purpose of government, according to the Founders, is to promote the common good.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1740, Republican government, Part 3: The advantages of republican government Today we discuss the advantages of republican government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1739, Republican government, Part 2: Direct democracy and republican government What sort of government did the Roman Republic have? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1738, Republican government, Part 1: The Roman Republic The American Founders saw the Roman Republic as both an example and a warning.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1737, Why do people need a government? Part 5: Human equality Do people naturally have equal political rights? John Locke thought so.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1736, Why do people need a government? Part 4: Limited government According to John Locke, the people own their government and can terminate it when it does not guard their interests.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1735, Why do people need a government? Part 3: Individual rights and popular sovereignty Learn how natural rights philosophy informed the Founders' conceptions of individual rights and sovereignty on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1734, Why do people need a government? Part 2: John Locke and the state of nature Today we are introduced to the natural rights philosophy of John Locke.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1733, Why do people need a government? Part 1: Life, liberty, and property The Founders believed that all people had the right to life, liberty, and property.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1732, Life in the American colonies, Part 6: The British increase control As the British increased their control of the 13 colonies, discontent grew among the colonists.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1731, Life in the American colonies, Part 5: A land of opportunity, for some Many Americans in the colonies were prosperous, but not everyone was treated equally.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1730, Life in the American colonies, Part 4: The Southern Colonies Although most Americans in the thirteen colonies were self-sufficient, others exploited the labor of enslaved people.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1729, Life in the American colonies, Part 3: New England and the Middle Colonies Learn about colonial life in New England and the Middle Colonies on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1728, Life in the American colonies, Part 2: The diverse American colonies The diversity of the thirteen colonies created a society that was different from that of Europe.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1726, We the People, Lesson 30, Part 6: Why you should participate in government Our republic requires the participation of it citizens in order to function.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1725, We the People, Lesson 30, Part 5: Social and political action Today we learn about two ways that citizens can address community problems.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1722, We the People, Lesson 30, Part 2: Civic participation Civic participation very important to American democracy.Learn how you can get involved on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1721, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 7: The rights and responsibilities of citizens Citizenship has been called the highest office of government. But what does this mean?
60-Second Civics: Episode 1720, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 6: Civil disobedience What did Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King Jr have in common? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1719, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 5: Responsibilities of citizens Sure, citizens have rights, but what are their responsibilities? We find out on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1718, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 4: Economic rights Today we learn about economic rights and are reminded of situation in which rights can be limited.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1717, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 3: Personal and political rights On today's 60-Second Civics, we explore personal and political rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1716, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 2: U.S. citizenship What's the difference between a U.S. citizens and a legal permanent resident? How do you become a citizen? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1715, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 1: What it means to be a citizen What does it mean to you to be a citizen? Today we discuss the meaning of American citizenship.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1714, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 7: The ideal of self-government spreads to the world How have American ideas about self-government spread to the world? Find out on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1713, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 6: What the Founders learned from other countries Today on the podcast, we discover what America's Founders learned from other countries.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1712, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 5: Contributions of the United States to the world In today's podcast we spell out some of the America's most important democratic principles.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1711, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 4: International relations and the Constitution The Constitution grants each branch of government certain powers over international relations. Learn what these powers are on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 2076, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 4: International relations and the Constitution The Constitution grants each branch of government certain powers over international relations. Learn what these powers are on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1710, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 3: International organizations Governments aren't the only organized bodies that operate regionally or internationally.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1709, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 2: How nations interact Today on the podcast, we explore how countries interact with each other.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1708, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 1: The nation-state and international law How much do you know about international law? Expand your knowledge with today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1707, We the People, Lesson 27, Part 2: Problems of due process Due process means that government must protect both the public and the individual accused of breaking the law.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1705, We the People, Lesson 26, Part 5: The civil rights movement The years 1963-64 were exciting years for the civil rights movement. Find out why on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1704, We the People, Lesson 26, Part 4: The civil rights movement Brown v. Board of Education was a turning point in the fight against demonstration, but the struggle against inequality had just begun.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1702, We the People, Lesson 26, Part 2: Plessy v. Ferguson On today's podcast, we learn about the case of Plessy v. Ferguson.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1701, We the People, Lesson 26, Part 1: The Fourteenth Amendment The equal protection clause was meant to protect African Americans against discrimination. It didn't work out that way. On today's episode, we learn why.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1700, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 8: Voting rights today Responsible voting is essential to democracy. Today we discuss what citizens must do in order to vote.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1699, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 7: Eighteen-year-olds gain the right to vote Today on 60-Second Civics we learn how 18-year-olds gained the right to vote
60-Second Civics: Episode 1698, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 6: Native Americans and voting rights The Indian Citizenship Act made it easy for Native Americans to vote, right? Well, not exactly.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1697, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 5: Women and the right to vote How long did it take for women to gain the right to vote? Too long. Learn about the long struggle on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1696, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 4: The long road to voting rights People of all races worked together to change unfair voting laws: it wasn't until the 1960s that full voting rights for African Americans were achieved.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1695, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 3: Literacy tests, grandfather clauses, and poll taxes Laws passed after the Civil War made it easier for African American men to vote, but some states passed laws to stop them.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1694, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 2: The Civil War Amendments Today on 60-Second Civics, we learn about the Civil War Amendments.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1693, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 1: Expanding the right to vote The right to vote was limited to white men who owned property in the early republic, but change came in fits and starts.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1692, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 5: How the courts decide establishment of religion cases How do the courts decide whether a law violates the establishment clause? We find out on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1691, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 4: Can government limit the way you practice your religion? The government can't tell you what to believe, but it can limit certain religious practices. Find out more on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1690, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 3: Conflicts over freedom of religion Americans generally agree that freedom of religion is an important right, but that doesn't mean the issue is without controversy.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1689, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 2: Protecting religious freedom Religious freedom wasn't always protected in America. Learn more on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1688, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 1: The establishment and free exercise clauses Do you know what the establishment and free exercise clauses are? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1687, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 5: Limits on free expression Does free expression have its limits? The court think so. Learn more on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1686, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 4: Tinker v. Des Moines Is Tinker v. Des Moines still relevant? Listen to today's podcast and decide for yourself.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1685, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 3: Freedom of expression: Representative democracy and peaceful change Today on 60-Second Civics: how freedom of expression helps maintain representative democracy and promotes peaceful change.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1684, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 2: Freedom of expression: human development, dignity, and development On today's episode, we discuss several benefits of freedom of expression.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1682, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 5: How justices decide cases How do today's justices decide Supreme Court cases? Well, it's complicated.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1681, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 4: Fundamental principles and modernist methods of constitutional interpretation Today on the podcast: the fundamental principles and modernist methods of constitutional interpretation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1680, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 3: The original intent method of constitutional interpretation On today's 60-Second Civics, we learn about the "original intent" method of constitutional interpretation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1679, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 2: The plain meaning of constitutional interpretation What four methods of constitutional interpretation are used today? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1678, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 1: Introduction to interpreting the Constitution Today we learn why it is so hard to interpret the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1677, We the People, Lesson 21, Part 4: Marbury v. Madison explained John Marshall argued that Congress overstepped its bounds, and it was the job of the Supreme Court to strike down acts of Congress that violate the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1676, We the People, Lesson 21, Part 3: Introduction to Marbury v. Madison How did the Supreme Court establish its power of judicial review? We find out on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1675, We the People, Lesson 21, Part 2: Judicial review and state laws What is the supremacy clause? Can state laws trump the Constitution? We find out on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1674, We the People, Lesson 21, Part 1: Judicial review Who decides what the words of the Constitution mean? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1673, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 10: Political parties today Political parties aren't necessarily a bad thing. On today's podcast, we learn what political parties do for the nation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1672, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 9: The Election of 1800 Thomas Jefferson called it the "revolution of 1800." Learn why on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1671, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 8: The Alien and Sedition Acts In an time of heated partisan bickering, the John Adams administration passed the Alien and Sedition Acts.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1670, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 7: American neutrality; Republican anger John Jay negotiates an unpopular treaty, and Washington advises neutrality.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1668, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 5: A national bank Alexander Hamilton wanted a national bank to issue paper money. It was a controversial idea.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1667, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 4: The challenge of creating a strong economy The first Secretary of the Treasury had an ambitious agenda.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1666, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 3: The birth of political parties in the United States Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton had very different views on the role of government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1665, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 2: Hamilton and Jefferson Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson clashed over the role of government in American life. Does this sound familiar?
60-Second Civics: Episode 1664, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 1: The rise of political parties On today's podcast, we learn how political parties began in the United States.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1663, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 5: An overview of the Bill of Rights On today's podcast, we provide a brief overview of the Bill of Rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1662, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 4: The compromise that produced the Bill of Rights The Bill of Rights was the result of a compromise between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Learn more on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1661, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 3: The establishment of the judicial branch How was the judicial branch of American government organized? Find out on today's 60-Second Civics.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1660, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 2: The first cabinet Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Alexander Hamilton formed George Washington's first cabinet.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1659, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 1: George Washington elected president Today we learn the story behind the election of George Washington as the nation's first president.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1658, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 8: A powerful argument against the Constitution The Anti-Federalists had a powerful argument against the proposed constitution: It did not contain a bill of rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1657, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 7: Would the Constitution guard against tyranny? Would the Constitution guard against tyranny? The Federalists and Anti-Federalists disagreed.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1656, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 6: Would the Constitution provide republican government? On today's episode, the debate over whether the Constitution would provide for republican government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1655, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 5: Debating the power of the national government On today's podcast, the Anti-Federalists and Federalists square off over the proposed constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1654, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 4: The Anti-Federalists On today's 60-Second Civics, we learn about the Anti-Federalists.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1653, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 3: The Federalists What do Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay all have in common? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1652, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 2: Madison's plan for ratification James Madison's plan for ratification of the Constitution relied on idea of a social contract.
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