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 1555, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 8: Antigone, Part 4 In this episode, Creon passes sentence on Antigone. Did Antigone make the right choice when she defied Creon's orders?
60-Second Civics: Episode 1554, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 6: Antigone, Part 3 Ismene insisted that the state, in the person of Creon, is too powerful to be resisted. Was she right?
60-Second Civics: Episode 1553, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 5: Antigone, Part 2 Antigone's conscience troubled her. She felt it was her duty to bury her brother. So she defied the king.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1552, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 4: Antigone, Part 1 What does the tragedy of Antigone have to do with the study of government? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1551, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 3: A higher law What are the five characteristics of a constitution in a system of constitutional government? You'll find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1550, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 2: Constitutional government Happy Constitution Day! Today on 60-Second Civics we learn about constitutional government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1549, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 1: What is a constitution? What is a constitution? Do all countries have them? Do they have to be written down? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1548, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 9: Civic virtue What did James Madison have to say about civic virtue? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1547, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 9: Civic virtue What did James Madison have to say about civic virtue? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1546, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 8: Cincinnatus Do you know the story of Cincinnatus? You should. Learn more about this ancient Roman whose example was important to America's Founders.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1545, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 7: A republican form of government What kind of government did James Madison think America should have? We find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1544, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 6: Direct democracy vs. republican government Today on the podcast, we look at how James Madison explained the difference between a direct democracy and republican government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1543, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 4: The disadvantages of republican government A republican government sounds great, right? Well, the Founders feared that such a system might not work in America.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1542, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 4: Two more benefits of republican government A republican form of government has many benefits, but the people also have responsibilities.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1541, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 3: Two benefits of republican government Do you know what the main purpose of republican government is? You'll find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1540, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 2: Republican government In a republic, citizens and their representatives work together to promote he common good.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1538, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 7: Social contract and the purpose of government On today's podcast, we learn what people gain, when they agree to give up the absolute right to do anything they want.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1537, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 6: Why people form a social contract Why do people agree to form governments? John Locke thought he had the answer.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1536, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 5: The people must consent to be governed. What gives government its legitimacy? We find out on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1535, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 4: Most people are reasonable and good John Locke thought most people were reasonable and good. But those few, troublesome exceptions caused people to band together.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1534, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 3: Natural rights: Life, liberty, and property John Locke thought that people could use reason to determine their natural rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1533, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 2: John Locke and the state of nature By imagining life in a state of nature, John Locke was able to answer some important questions about government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1532, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 1: John Locke Today we learn about a philosopher who strongly influenced the Founders: John Locke.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1531, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 11: The Founders The Founders led the fight against British rule and their ideas influenced the writing of the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1530, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 10: American colonists and rights On today's podcast, we discuss the rights American colonists were accustomed to and why they refused to have these rights abridged.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1529, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 9: Opportunity and equality in colonial America Colonial America really was a land of opportunity for many people, but not for everyone: equal opportunity was still many years away.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1528, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 8: J. Hector St. John wrote about life in colonial America as being vastly different from that in Europe. Find out why on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1527, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 7: How were the people living in the colonies different from one another? American colonists in the 1770s worked hard and lived well. But there was one serious problem that would result a century later in civil war: slavery.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1526, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 6: Prosperity and slavery American colonists in the 1770s worked hard and lived well. But there was one serious problem that would result a century later in civil war: slavery.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1525, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 5: Self-sufficiency American colonists were largely self-sufficient. This self-sufficiency would become an important part of the American experience.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1524, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 4: How did people in the colonies earn a living? On today's podcast, we learn where the American colonists lived and what they did for a living.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1523, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 3: Where did the British colonists settle? Today we learn about the impressive size of the American colonies.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1522, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 2: How did American Indians live before Europeans came? Today we learn about the people who originally lived in the land that later became the thirteen American colonies.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1521, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 1: Why study the British colonies in North America? Today, 60-Second Civics begins our exploration of the colonies of British North America.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1520, We the People, Introduction, Part 2: What were the Founders' basic ideas about government? On today's podcast we learn about the American Founders and the Framers of the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1519, We the People, Introduction, Part 1: Why study the Constitution? Today we launch our new series on the U.S. Constitution. Join us over the coming year to learn more about the American system of government and this history behind our country's cherished principles.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1518, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 10: Civil discourse in 1787 On today's podcast, we learn why compromise was important to the Constitutional Convention. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1517, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 19: A model for civil discourse On today's episode, we discuss the Framers' rules for debate during the Constitutional Convention. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1516, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 8: Civil discourse On today's podcast, we examine why civil discourse is important. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1515, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 7: Are we too dependent on government? On today's episode, we examine the debate over whether Americans are too dependent on government. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1514, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 6: American self-sufficiency On today's podcast, we discuss Americans' increasing reliance on government's social safety net. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1513, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 5: Challenges of technology On today's podcast, we examine how advances in technology do not guarantee that Americans are better informed. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1512, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 4: The rise of electronic communication Today we analyze how electronic communcation has changed our political system. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1511, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 3: Increasing diversity and its effects Today on the podcast, we discuss the argument over the effects of increasing diversity. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1510, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 2: A nation of immigrants On today's episode, we discuss how the United States achieves unity despite diversity. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1509, Key challenges facing the United States, Part 1: A growing nation On today's podcast, we discuss how the United States is projected to change by 2050. This episode originally aired in December 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1508, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 26: Globalization, capital, and technology Today we explore the role of investment and capital in globalization and recognize the leading role of technology in globalization. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1507, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 25: Outsourcing On today's podcast, we discuss worker mobility and outsourcing.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1506, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 24: Increasing world trade Today we discuss how globalization has taken place over the years. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1505, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 23: Globalization and an example from China This episode kicks off our exploration of globalization. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1504, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 22: A less isolationist country On today's podcast, we learn how the United States became a less isolationist country. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1503, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 21: Becoming informed about international issues Today we learn how to become informed about international affairs.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1502, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 20: Contacting public officials On today's podcast, we discuss how citizens can influence party by voting and participating in nongovernmental organizations. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1501, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 19: How to influence foreign policy On today's episode, we discuss the ways that Americans can influence foreign policy. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1500, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 18: The United Nations and other international organizations Today we discuss the United Nations, NATO, and other international organizations. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1499, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 17: The United Nations Security Council On today's episode, we discuss the United Nations Security Council. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1498, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 16: The United Nations Today we discuss the fundamental principles of the United Nations. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1497, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 15: The League of Nations and the birth of the United Nations On today's episode, we discuss the formation of the League of Nations, its demise, and its successor. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1496, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 14: Problems with international law On today's podcast, we discuss some of the challenges of international law. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1495, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 13: The four ideals of international law Today we explain the four ideals of international law. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1494, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 12: International law On today's episode, we discuss the basic principles of international law. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1493, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 11: The Supreme Court and international relations Today we learn how the Supreme Court affects international diplomacy. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1492, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 10: Presidential power over diplomatic relations On today's podcast, we discuss presidential authority over diplomatic relations. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1491, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 9: Treaties Today we discuss the power of the president and Congress over treaties. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1490, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 8: Presidential power to deal with other nations. Today we discuss the powers of the president to conduct relations with foreign nations. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1489, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 7: Congress and piracy On today's episode, we examine the power of Congress over piracy. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1488, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 6: Congressional war powers On today's episode, we examine the power of Congress over the military. This episode originally aired in January 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1487, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 5: Congressional power to regulate commerce. Today we examine the power of Congress to regulate commerce. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1486, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 4: Power of Congress to deal with other nations In this episode, we describe the powers of Congress to engage in international relations. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1485, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 3: Isolationism is not an option We begin this episode with a look at early attitudes about isolationism and discuss whether it is still a relevant option. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1484, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 2: France and the United States An early episode of the history of the United States demonstrates the inescapable nature of international affairs. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1483, Challenges to U.S. Participation in World Affairs, Part 1: Thucydides and Machiavelli Today we examine thoughts behind the idea that nations must be involved in world affairs. This episode originally aired in January 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1482, Organizing the U.S. Government, Part 10: Madison's Bill of Rights Today we conclude our series on the organization of the U.S. government with a discussion of the Bill of Rights. This episode originally aired in May 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1481, Organizing the U.S. Government, Part 9: The promise to draft a bill of rights Federalists had to promise to create a bill of rights in order to get the Constitution approved. They were keen on following through. This episode originally aired in May 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1480, Organizing the U.S. Government, Part 8: The importance of the Supreme Court The Supreme Court wasn't always as influential as it is now. In fact, one justice didn't even show up. This episode originally aired in May 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1479, Organizing the U.S. Government, Part 7: The Judiciary Act of 1789 Ever wonder how the U.S. court system was created? This podcast will explain it. This episode originally aired in May 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1478, Organizing the U.S. Government, Part 7: Article III How did Article III of the Constitution and Congress establish our judicial branch? Find out on today's episode. This episode originally aired in May 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1477, Organizing the U.S. Government, Part 6: The expanding executive branch When Jefferson was president, about 2,000 people worked for the executive branch; today, that number is about 3 million. This episode originally aired in May 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1476, Organizing the U.S. Government, Part 5: The first cabinet Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox: These were the first three secretaries of the first executive departments. This episode first aired in May 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1475, Organizing the U.S. Government, Part 4: The first executive departments What were the first three executive departments? Find out on today's episode. This episode originally aired in May 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1474, Organizing the U.S. Government, Part 3: His Highness, the President Congress once debated addressing the chief executive as "His Highness, the President." Find out why they changed their minds on today's episode. This episode originally aired in May 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1473, Organizing the U.S. Government, Part 2: Finding a source of income In 1789 the U.S government faced a serious problem: it did not have any income. This episode originally aired in May 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1472, Organizing the U.S. Government, Part 1: The important tasks of the first Congress. Want to learn how the U.S. government was organized? Then tune in to this series of podcasts. This episode originally aired in May 2012.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1471, Civic Engagement, Part 21: Serving the common good Today we discuss why Americans should serve the common good. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1469, Civic Engagement, Part 19: Benefits of civic engagement On today's podcast, we discuss the benefits of civic engagement. This episode originally aired in October 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1468, Civic Engagement, Part 18: Making voting easier On today's podcast, we discuss how states are making it easier for citizens to vote. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1467, Civic Engagement, Part 17: Voter registration and voting On today's episode, we discuss registering to vote and voting. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1466, Civic Engagement, Part 16: Elections Today we discuss how elections work in the United States. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1465, Civic Engagement, Part 15: Influencing the executive branch On today's podcast, we discuss howe citizens can influence the executive branch. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1464, Civic Engagement, Part 14: Contacting your representatives Today we learn how citizens can communicate with members of Congress and other national officials. This episode originally aired in October 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1463, Civic Engagement, Part 13: Public participation in national politics Today we learn how citizens can participate in national politics. This episode originally aired in October 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1462, Civic Engagement, Part 12: State governments On today's podcast, we learn about the significance of state government. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1461, Civic Engagement, Part 11: Local government Today we examine the role of local government and the responsibilities of citizens. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1460, Civic Engagement, Part 10: Citizenship and local government On today's podcast, we discuss the role of local government in developing qualities of citizenship and self-government. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1459, Civic Engagement, Part 9: Nongovernmental organizations Today, we discuss the role nongovernmental organizations play in American civic life. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1458, Civic Engagement, Part 8: Service and business organizations On today's episode, we discuss the role service and business organizations play in civic life in the United States. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1457, Civic Engagement, Part 7: Social organizations On today's episode, we discuss the role social organizations play in civic life in the United States.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1456, Civic Engagement, Part 6: Religious organizations and civic life Today we discuss the participation of Americans in religious organizations. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1455, Civic Engagement, Part 5: Voluntary associations Today we explain why people in the United States participate in voluntary associations. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1454, Civic Engagement, Part 4: Toqueville and voluntary associations On today's episode, we discuss Alexis de Toqueville's impressions of voluntary associations in America. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1453, Civic Engagement, Part 3: Participation in civic life Today we discuss the benefits of participating in civic life. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1452, Civic Engagement, Part 2: The American experiment in self-government On today's podcast, we discuss the American experiment in self-government. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1451, Civic Engagement, Part 1: Introduction On today's podcast, we begin our discussion of civic engagement. This episode originally aired in October 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1450, Civil Rights, Part 26: Laws forbidding discrimination against women Today we discuss laws that accomplished some of the goals of the Equal Rights Amendment. This episode originally aired in November 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1449, Civil Rights, Part 25: The Equal Rights Amendment On today's episode, we discuss the Equal Rights Amendment. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1448, Civil Rights, Part 24: The American Indian Movement On 60-Second Civics today, we discuss the origins and issues of the American Indian Movement. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1447, Civil Rights, Part 23: Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and the United Farm Workers Union On today's episode we discuss Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and the United Farm Workers Union. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1445, Civil Rights, Part 21: Supporting civil disobedience Today we explore how supporters of civil disobedience defend their arguments. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1446, Civil Rights, Part 22: The civil rights movement after Martin Luther King Jr. On the podcast today, we discuss how the civil rights movement changed after the death of Martin Luther King Jr. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1444, Civil Rights, Part 20: Criticism of civil disobedience Today we learn about some of the criticism of civil disobedience. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1443, Civil Rights, Part 19: The ancient roots of higher law On today's 60-Second Civics, we learn about the ancient roots of the idea of civil disobedience. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1441, Civil Rights, Part 17: Martin Luther King Jr. on civil disobedience Today we learn what Martin Luther King Jr. wrote about civil disobedience. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1440, Civil Rights, Part 16: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 today On today's podcast, we discuss how the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is applied today. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1439, Civil Rights, Part 15: Voting Rights Act of 1965 Today we discuss the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1437, Civil Rights, Part 13: The March on Washington During today's episode, we discuss the August 1963 March on Washington. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1436, Civil Rights, Part 13: Violence in Birmingham On today's episode, we examine the civil rights protests of 1963. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1435, Civil Rights, Part 11: Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott. On today's podcast, we discuss Rosa Parks, the NAACP, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Montgomery bus boycott. This episode originally aired in November 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1434, Civil Rights, Part 10: Preparation and education Today we examine the importance of preparation and education in the civil rights movement. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1433, Civil Rights, Part 9: Nonviolent direct action On today's podcast we learn about the NAACP and other civil rights organizations and examine nonviolent direct action. This podcast originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1432, Civil Rights, Part 8: Resisting Jim Crow On today's episode, we discuss Jim Crow laws and the ways African Americans organized to resist them.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1431, Civil Rights, Part 7: State resistance to desegregation Today we discuss backlash against desegregation in the South. This episode originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1429, Civil Rights, Part 5: Discrimination's lasting impact Today we learn why the Brown v. Board of Education decisions were not universally popular. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired in November 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1428, Civil Rights, Part 4: Desegregation and the Supreme Court Today we discuss the two Brown v. Board of Education decisions. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired in November 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1427, Civil Rights, Part 3: De facto segregation Today we define de facto segregation. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired in November 2011.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1426, Civil Rights, Part 2: De jure segregation On today's podcast, we define de jure segregation. This is a rebroadcast of a show that originally aired on November 4, 2011
60-Second Civics: Episode 1424, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 19: Voting and women Although woman suffragists had long been supporters of the anti-slavery cause, they were denied the right to vote in the Fourteenth Amendment.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1423, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 17: Self-reliance Rutherford B. Hayes refused to enforce the Civil War Amendments. This led to the birth of the civil rights movement.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1422, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 16: The Civil Rights of 1875 was held to be unconstitutional and President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed a former Confederate to his cabinet. Clearly, the Reconstruction era was over.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1421, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 15: The Supreme Court had an opportunity in 1873 to extend the protections of the federal Bill of Rights to the states. It decided not to.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1420, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 14: Poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses Southern states after the Civil War devised many methods for preventing African Americans from voting.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1419, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 13: The Fifteenth Amendment The Fifteenth Amendment was intended to protect the rights of African Americans to vote. It worked, for a while.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1418, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 12: Passage of the Fourteenth Amendment It wasn't easy to pass the Fourteenth Amendment. Even the president was against it.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1417, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 11: Due process and equal protection The due process and equal protection clauses are considered by many scholars to be the most important clauses in the Constitution. Find out why on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1416, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 9: Moral and political motivations After the Civil War, Republicans had both moral and political reasons to support the civil rights of African Americans.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1415, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 9: Moral and political motivations After the Civil War, Republicans had both moral and political reasons to support the civil rights of African Americans.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1414, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 8: When Union troops left the South, a reign of terror began. And Congress could not stop it.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1413, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 7: Threats and intimidation In southern states after the Civil War, African Americans were systematically denied basic civil rights. Vigilante groups engaged in campaigns of terror against African Americans.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1412, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 6: Black Codes What were the Black Codes? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1411, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 5: Challenges to civil rights On today's podcast, we learn about economic interests that worked against the expansion of civil rights for African Americans after the Civil War.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1410, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 4: Unfair treatment after the Civil War Today we learn how some northern states granted increasing rights to African Americans. In the South, the situation was quite different.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1409, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 3: The Civil War Amendments On today's podcast we learn about the Civil War Amendments and why they were not effective.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1408, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 2: Reconstruction Today we discuss the political landscape of the United States during Reconstruction.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1407, Amendments to Protect the Rights of African Americans, Part 1: Political parties before the Civil War Today we learn about the origins of the Democratic and Republican parties.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1406, Rights before the Civil War, Part 14: The Emancipation Proclamation Contrary to popular opinion, the Emancipation Proclamation didn't actually free all slaves.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1405, Rights before the Civil War, Part 13: To save the Union The Civil War began in April of 1861. President Lincoln declared that his primary goal to was save the Union.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1404, Rights before the Civil War, Part 12: The ideal of equality The ideal of equality was stated in the Declaration of Independence. Abolitionists and African Americans used this as an argument against segregation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1403, Rights before the Civil War, Part 11: Dred Scott v. Sanford The Supreme Court in 1857 thought it could avoid war by finding that African Americans were not citizens. The effect was precisely the opposite.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1402, Rights before the Civil War, Part 10: Not slaves, but not free Even free African Americans living in the North in the nineteenth century were not treated as full citizens.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1401, Rights before the Civil War, Part 9: Corruption in state governments State governments proved to be corruptible early in American history with the advent of the railroad.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1400, Rights before the Civil War, Part 8:After Barron vs. Baltimore In the nineteenth century, the protection of citizens' rights from state governments was not very strong.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1399, Rights before the Civil War, Part 7: Barron v. Baltimore In 1833, the Supreme Court decided that the Bill of Rights did not protect people from violation of their rights by state governments. It took a long time for this to change.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1398, Rights before the Civil War, Part 6: Applying judicial review The Supreme Court established its power of judicial review in 1803, but exercised this power only rarely.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1397, Rights before the Civil War, Part 5: Marbury v. Madison How did the Supreme Court establish its power of judicial review? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1396, Rights before the Civil War, Part 4: The election of 1800 The Sedition Act of 1798 proved so unpopular that the Federalists lost the presidential election of 1800.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1394, Rights before the Civil War, Part 2: States and rights Could people rely on the states to protect their rights? Not everyone, it turns out.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1393, Rights before the Civil War, Part 1: The Bill of Rights did not extend to the states How much did the federal government impact people's lives in the 1790s? Not as much as you might think.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1392, Creating the Bill of Rights, Part 8: A "nauseous project" When the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791, most Americans were ambivalent. Find out why on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1391, Creating the Bill of Rights, Part 7: The Bill of Rights is adopted On December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights was finally ratified by the states. It wasn't until the Fourteenth Amendment that citizens would be protected by the Constitution against violation of their rights by state governments.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1390, Creating the Bill of Rights, Part 6: The House drags its feet Members of the House of Representatives were unimpressed with the proposed Bill of Rights at first.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1389, Creating the Bill of Rights, Part 5: Madison's concerns about state governments Madison was concerned about state governments violating individual rights. So, he included several amendments that protected these rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1388, Creating the Bill of Rights, Part 4: Madison proposes the Bill of Rights Madison proposed the Bill of Rights in 1789 to the House of Representatives.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1387, Creating the Bill of Rights, Part 3: Drafting the Bill of Rights The amendments James Madison considered for the Bill of Rights either (1) placed limitations on the power of the federal government or (2) protected individual rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1386, Creating the Bill of Rights, Part 2: James Madison and the Bill of Rights James Madison faced a big task: sorting through almost two hundred proposed amendments to create the Bill of Rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1385, Creating the Bill of Rights, Part 1: Beginning of a new government For the first time in history, the people held the ultimate power of government and had selected the person to lead their government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1384, Ratifying the Constitution, Part 6: The Constitution is ratified New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify the Constitution. The Federalists had to concede one point, however: to add a bill of rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1383, Ratifying the Constitution, Part 5: The lack of a bill of rights The lack of a bill of rights was the most powerful weapon in the Anti-Federalist arsenal.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1382, Ratifying the Constitution, Part 4: The Anti-Federalists George Mason, Elbridge Gerry, Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, and Mercy Otis Warren were all notable Anti-Federalists. Their strongest objection to the Constitution was that it lacked a Bill of Rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1381, Ratifying the Constitution, Part 3: Debates over ratification The ratification debates were intense and often bitter. The debates in New York produced a series of articles now known as The Federalist.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1380, Ratifying the Constitution, Part 2: A plan for ratification James Madison's plan for ratification of the Constitution would not give Anti-Federalists much time to organize their opposition. The Federalists wanted to stack the odds in their favor.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1379, Ratifying the Constitution, Part 1: The Constitution as a social contract James Madison proposed conventions made up of delegates elected by the people to approve the Constitution. This popular approval made the document a social conract.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1378, Rights in the Constitution, Part 5: The need for a bill of rights It wasn't easy convincing the states to ratify the Constitution. First, proponents of the new Constitution would have to overcome some serious objections.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1377, Rights in the Constitution, Part 4: Protecting individual rights against violation by the federal government How does the Constitution protect you from the federal government? Learn all about it on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1376, Rights in the Constitution, Part 3: Protection of individual rights against violation by the state government How does the Constitution protect you from the government of your state? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1375, Rights in the Constitution, Part 2: Political independence It's important that elected representatives have rights, too. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to do their jobs.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1374, Rights in the Constitution, Part 1: Three categories of rights The Constitution itself contains protections of rights that can be organized into three categories. Learn what they are on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1373, Rights after independence, Part 16: No bill of rights The Constitution did not originally contain a bill of rights. Find out why on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1372, Rights after independence, Part 15: A complicated system of government Framers like James Madison believed that the competing interests in a country as large and diverse as the United States would make it harder for any one group to gain too much power.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1370, Rights after independence, Part 13: Separation of powers What is the separation of powers? Find out on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1369, Rights after independence, Part 12: Federalism On of the most important innovations in government to arise from the Philadelphia Convention was federalism.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1368, Rights after independence, Part 11: The Philadelphia Convention The Philadelphia Convention assembled in 1787 to amend the Articles of Confederation. The Framers quickly decided that merely amending the Articles was not nearly enough.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1367, Rights after independence, Part 10: Shays' Rebellion In 1786, a group of farmers in Massachusetts started a rebellion. It would ultimately be the last nail in the coffin of the Articles of Confederation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1366, Rights after independence, Part 9: Economic problems of the new nation America was threatened with economic problems in the early years of the republic. These problems and an attack on property rights led to calls for replacement of the Articles of Confederation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1365, Rights after independence, Part 8: High taxes and the violation of rights Americans in the Revolutionary era did not lead lives of leisure: they were afflicted with war, high taxes, and the violation of their own rights by the states.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1364, Rights after independence, Part 7: Legislative supremacy The Articles of Confederation were organized around the principle of legislative supremacy. Americans were wary of a strong central goverment. This would later cause problems.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1363, Rights after independence, Part 6: Achievements of the Articles of Confederation Although the Articles of Confederation are often criticized for not giving the national government enough power, the national government under the Articles had many accomplishments.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1362, Rights after independence, Part 5: A weak national government The Founders feared a strong national government so much that they made the national government under the Articles extremely weak.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1361, Rights after independence, Part 4: Fears of a powerful and distant national government Their experience with a powerful and distant government made Americans reluctant to empower to a strong national government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1360, Rights after independence, Part 3: The Articles of Confederation It wasn't easy crafting a new constitution, even one as flawed as the Articles of Confederation.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1359, Rights after independence, Part 2: Protecting the rights of individuals The Founders went to extraordinary lengths to protect the rights of the people.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1358, Rights after independence, Part 1: The threat from a national government Americans during the eighteenth century thought that the greatest threat to their rights came from the national government.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1357, State declarations of rights, Part 9: The courage of their convictions The writers of state declarations of rights and the American Founders were principled people who were compelled to justify the American revolution to the world.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1356, State declarations of rights, Part 8: State declarations as moral and philosophical foundations How do state declarations of rights differ from the Bill of Rights? We find out on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1355, State declarations of rights, Part 7: State declarations of rights Most states adopted bills of rights that strongly resembled the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1354, State declarations of rights, Part 6: Rights missing from the Virginia Declaration of Rights Certain rights we value highly today were not protected by the Virginia Declaration of Rights. This gave ammunition to opponents of the Bill of Rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1353, State declarations of rights, Part 5: Civic virtue in the Virginia Declaration The Virginia Declaration of Rights protected many rights, but it also stressed the need for civic virtue.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1352, State declarations of rights, Part 4: All men are equally free and independent The Virginia Declaration of Rights was a radical document: it guaranteed people certain unalienable rights.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1351, State declarations of rights, Part 3: The Virginia Declaration of Rights The Virginia Declaration of Rights was a very influential document. Learn more on today's podcast.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1350, State declarations of rights, Part 2: Rights first, then government The framers of state constitutions after 1776 first made sure that certain basic rights of the people were protected.
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