60-Second Civics

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60-Second Civics: Episode 2347, Colonial legislatures
Today we learn about colonial legislatures and checks on their authority.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2346, Structure of colonial governments
Learn about the structure of American colonial governments on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2345, Inequality in the colonies
Indentured servants, Native Americans, and slaves did not have equal rights in colonial America.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2344, Not all Americans enjoyed basic rights
Although guarantees of basic rights appeared in many American colonies, not all Americans benefited equally.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2343, The Massachusetts Body of Liberties of 1641
The Massachusetts Body of Liberties was America's first bill of rights.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2342, A royal charter
The royal charter for Jamestown guaranteed the settlers the rights of Englishmen.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2341, The Southern Colonies
The Southern Colonies were mostly rural. They produced agricultural products and exploited the labor of slaves.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2340, The New England Colonies
The New England Colonies featured the first confederation among European settlers.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2339, The Middle Colonies
The Middle Colonies were diverse, tolerant, and cosmopolitan.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2338, Success in America
The chance to improve one's lot in life is fundamental to the American experience.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2337, Work in colonial America
In colonial America you had to work hard to survive.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2336, The land of opportunity
How America became the land of opportunity


60-Second Civics: Episode 2335, The labor shortage in colonial America
In colonial America land was cheap, but labor was scarce.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2334, Corporate and proprietary charters
The English Crown tried many methods to lure colonists to America, but eventually the colonists were considered to be too independent.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2333, The Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower was a long way off course. But what they agreed to do would make history.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2332, Royal proprietorships and joint-stock companies
Eleven of the 13 colonies were royal proprietorships.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2331, British settlers needed
Britain used royal proprietorships and joint-stock companies to entice settlers to settle America.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2330, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 21:The English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights expressed two important principles that influenced American constitutionalism.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2329, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 20: Parliament's power grows
Parliament's power grew in the 17th century, and struggles for power led to the English Bill of Rights of 1689.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2328, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 19: Habeas Corpus Act of 1679
Today we learn about one of the most important limits on governmental power.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2327, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 18: Petition of right of 1628
With the Restoration, the right to habeas corpus gained new authority.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2326, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 17: Struggles for power
In the 17th century, the Crown and Parliament squabbled over money, religion, and foreign policy.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2325, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 16: The British Constitution
The British constitution is not a single written document. Learn more on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2324, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 15: Common-law rights in America
American colonists in Britain cherished their common-law rights and devised ways to protect them.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2323, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 14: Common-law rights
Learn about the evolution of common-law rights on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2322, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 13: The Magna Carta's bumpy ride
King John tried to subvert the Magna Carta as soon as his signed it.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2321, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 12: The Magna Carta and constitutional principles
Americans would find the seed of important constitutional principles in the Magna Carta.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2320, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 11: More Magna Carta
The barons didn't believe they were making any drastic change in the power of the king when they forced King John to sign the Magna Carta.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2319, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 10: The rule of law
What does the rule of law have to do with the Magna Carta? Find out on 60-Second Civics.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2318, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 9: The Magna Carta
The Magna Carta established three principles important for the development of constitutional government.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2317, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 8: Precedent to the Magna Carta
Learn about the Charter of Liberties, a forerunner of the Magna Carta.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2316, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 7: Common-law rights
Learn about the English common-law system on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2315, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 6: Stare decisis
How did the system of stare decisis evolve in England? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2314, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 5: Parliament develops
Learn how Parliament evolved into a check on monarchical power on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2313, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 4: The Model Parliament
What was the Model Parliament? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2312, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 3: The origins of Parliament
How did the English Parliament begin? We find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2311, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 2: 1066 and all that
William the Conqueror changed the way England was governed.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2310, British origins of American constitutionalism, Part 1: The Anglo-Saxon era
Today we begin our series on the British origins of American constitutionalism.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2309, History and rights, Part 17: New science of politics
What was the "new science of politics"? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2308, History and rights, Part 16: Enlightenment political philosophers
Today we learn about four influential political philosophers of the Enlightenment.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2307, History and rights, Part 15: Science and reason
On today's podcast, we discuss the factors that led to the Age of Enlightenment.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2306, History and rights, Part 14: Age of Enlightenment
On today's podcast, we discuss the factors that led to the Age of Enlightenment.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2305, History and rights, Part 13: Capitalism, natural rights, Protestantism, and Adam Smith.
Capitalism was justified by both natural rights philosophy and Protestant religious ideas.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2304, History and rights, Part 12: The rise of capitalism
The increase in over greater distances help break up feudalism in Europe.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2303, History and rights, Part 11: The Peace of Westphalia
The Peace of Westphalia gave rise to the modern nation-state.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2302, History and rights, Part 10: Wars of the Reformation
The Reformation sparked bloody violence in Europe that would spawn the modern nation-state.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2301, History and rights, Part 9: The Reformation, individualism, and the Puritans
The Reformation posed a threat to most established institutions and authority.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2300, History and rights, Part 8: Greater freedom of conscience
The Reformation encouraged greater freedom of conscience and decentralzed religious authority.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2299, History and rights, Part 7: The Protestant Reformation
The Reformation was a powerful stimulus to modern individualism.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2298, History and rights, Part 6: The Renaissance
A lot of things changed during the Renaissance. Find out what happened on 60-Second Civics.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2297, History and rights, Part 5: Medieval European society
Imagine a society where you never leave the social class you were born in: this was medieval Europe.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2296, History and rights, Part 4: Classical republicanism in medieval Europe
Some medieval ideas about society and government came from classical republicanism.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2295, History and rights, Part 3: Feudalism
Europe in the Middle Ages was fragmented, people were isolated, and feudalism predominated.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2294, History and rights, Part 2: The influence of the Church
Christianity was a powerful force during the Middle Ages but political loyalties were still local.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2293, History and rights, Part 1: The Judeo-Christian religious tradition
Much of the Founders' commitment to liberty and individual rights sprang from the Judeo-Christian tradition.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2292, Natural rights philosophy, Part 10: Human equality
Slavery was introduced in Virginia in 1619. Nevertheless, the idea of human equality would be used as a weapon to attach slavery.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2291, Natural rights philosophy, Part 9: Limited government
According to John Locke, the people own government and the people can terminate it.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2290, Natural rights philosophy, Part 8: Popular sovereignty
Two important ideas from natural rights philosophy: popular sovereignty and government by consent.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2289, Natural rights philosophy, Part 7: Inalienable rights
During the crisis of the Revolution, Americans took a more personal view of their inalienable rights.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2288, Natural rights philosophy, Part 6: The Bible of the Revolution
Whose work was considered to be the Bible of the Revolution? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2287, Natural rights philosophy, Part 5: The right to revolution
The right to revolution became a key argument of the Declaration of Independence.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2286, Natural rights philosophy, Part 4: Life, Liberty, and Leviathan
In contrast to Thomas Hobbes, John Locke imagined that people form social contracts to preserve their rights.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2285, Natural rights philosophy, Part 3: Leviathan
It was a century of rapid change. Classical republicanism had lost its luster. Then came Hobbes and Locke.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2284, Natural rights philosophy, Part 2: Basic questions
What would life be like in a state of nature? That's what Hobbes and Locke asked themselves.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2283, Natural rights philosophy, Part 1: Divine right vs. self-government
The Declaration of Indepence put forth a radical proposition: that government had to have the consent of the people.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2282, Ideas about civic life, Part 9: The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence contains some of the most important ideas underlying our government.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2281, Ideas about civic life, Part 8: Civic virtue and moral education
Classical republicans believed that civic virtue must be learned.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2280, Constitution Day 2015
What does the Preamble to the Constitution say? What is its significance? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2279, Ideas about civic life, Part 7: Cincinnatus
What do Cincinnatus and George Washington have in common? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2278, Ideas about civic life, Part 6: The office of citizen in classical republics
Classical republicans believed that virtuous citizens should have the courage to do what is right even under trying circumstances.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2277, Ideas about civic life, Part 5: Disparities cause conflict
Today we learn why classical republicans believed that members of political communities must be fundamentally alike.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2276, Ideas about civic life, Part 4: Small, uniform communities
Classical republicans thought that good government was only possible in small communities.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2275, Ideas about civic life, Part 3: Three aspects of classical republicanism
What three aspects of classical republicanism most influenced the founding generation of Americans? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2274, Ideas about civic life, Part 2: Lessons from the Roman Republic
The Roman Republic was both a lesson and a warning to those who wrote the Constitution.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2273, Ideas about civic life, Part 1: The mixed constitution of Rome
The Roman Republic had an influence on the American Founders. Find out why on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2272, Colonial America, Part 20: Direct vs. representative democracy
Every constitutional system faces the same problem: ensuring that those in power obey constitutional limits


60-Second Civics: Episode 2271, Colonial America, Part 19: The Constitution as a higher law
What makes a higher law different from laws passed by legislatures? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2270, Colonial America, Part 18: What is constitutional government?
The Founders learned the lesson of unrestrained government power and sought to create a government of limited power.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2269, Colonial America, Part 17: Constitutions are controversial!
Constitutions are controversial! Find out why on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2268, Colonial America, Part 16: What is a constitution?
Today we learn exactly what a constitution is.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2267, Colonial America, Part 15: Republican government
What exactly is representative government, anyway? We find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2266, Colonial America, Part 14: England as a mixed constitution
The idea of a mixed constitution was popularized by Polybius; Montesquieu would later cite England as an example of one.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2265, Colonial America, Part 13: Aristotle, Polybius, and the mixed constitution
What do Aristotle and Polybius have to do with the American Founders? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2264, Colonial America, Part 12: Democracy
Why did Aristotle think that democracy wasn't the best form of government?


60-Second Civics: Episode 2263, Colonial America, Part 11: Aristotle's forms of governments.
Aristotle defined "right" and "corrupt" forms of government. Learn what these are on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2262, Colonial America, Part 10: Aristotle and the branches of government
Aristotle observed that every country's government must perform three functions.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2261, Colonial America, Part 9: Lessons learned by the Founders
The American Founders learned two important lessons about government. Listen to today's podcast to learn about them.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2260, Colonial America, Part 8: Hamilton on the lessons of history
Alexander Hamilton was not a fan of using examples from history when designing modern governments.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2259, Colonial America, Part 7: John Locke and the Founders
Why was John Locke considered "America's philosopher"? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2258, Colonial America, Part 6: Lessons from Greek and Roman philosophy
Democracies did not have a history of success, but the Founders learned the lessons of history.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2257, Colonial America, Part 5: Self-government
Even by 1776, Americans had 150 years of experience in self-governance.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2256, Colonial America, Part 4: Well-read Founders
America's Founders were well-read, familiar with Aristotle, Cicero, and Blackstone.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2255, Colonial America, Part 3: A rural nation
The America of the 1700s was a largely rural nation.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2254, Colonial America, Part 2: A diverse nation
America of the 1700s was a diverse place.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2253, Colonial America, Part 1: The American colonies
America was established as a large, diverse nation composed of people of varying backgrounds, religions, and languages.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2252, Introduction, Part 2: The American Founders
Today we learn about America's Founders and the ideas that influenced them.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2251, Introduction, Part 1: An adventure in ideas
Americans are defined as people by our shared values, such as our belief in liberty, equality, and justice.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2250, Political parties, Part 17: The downside of political parties
Today we learn about some of the downsides of the political party system in the United States.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2249, Political parties, Part 16: Political parties as agents of stability
Despite James Madison's fears, political parties can be agents of stability.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2248, Political parties, Part 15: The role of political parties today
What are political parties good for, anyway? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2247, Political parties, Part 14: Political parties as a revolutionary idea
Are political parties good for the nation? Here are some arguments in favor of them.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2246, Political parties, Part 13: Martin Van Buren on political parties
Martin Van Buren believed that political parties could act as a kind of glue in the American political system.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2245, Political parties, Part 12: Political parties as a permanent part of the American political system
At the time of his inauguration, Thomas Jefferson hoped that political parties would disappear.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2244, Political parties, Part 11: Tied presidential election
The Twelfth Amendment ended a problem with the Constitution and created an ongoing role for political parties in the American system.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2243, Political parties, Part 10: The Election of 1800
Why was the election of 1800 revolutionary? Find out on today's episode.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2242, Political parties, Part 9: Anatomy of the Alien and Sedition Acts
Today we examine the Alien and Sedition Acts in detail.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2241, Political parties, Part 8: The Alien and Sedition Acts
The Alien and Sedition Acts would shock us today. They arguably caused John Adams to lose reelection.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2240, Political parties, Part 7: Federalists and Republicans
The Federalists and Republicans became the first national political parties in the United States, but neither considered the other to be the "loyal opposition."


60-Second Civics: Episode 2239, Political parties, Part 6: France or England?
Jefferson's and Hamilton's supporters were at odds over which side to support during the Napoleonic Wars. This division, among others, led to America's first political parties.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2238, Political parties, Part 5: Hamilton and Jefferson and the necessary and proper clause
Hamilton and Jefferson had different interpretations of the necessary and proper clause.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2237, Political parties, Part 4: The first parties debate the power of government
Americans have been debating the power of the national government for quite a long time.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2236, Political parties, Part 3: Factionalism in colonial America
Americans were no strangers to factionalism, even in colonial America.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2235, Political parties, Part 2: The potential value of factions
Is there any value in having factions in a representative system?


60-Second Civics: Episode 2234, Political parties, Part 1: Madison, Hume, and Burke on factions
James Madison and Alexander Hamilton differed on whether factions and political parties were good for the country.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2233, Amendments and judicial review, Part 17: Justice John Gibson's arguments against judicial review
Justice John Gibson created some powerful arguments against judicial review.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2232, Amendments and judicial review, Part 16: Arguments against judicial review
Judicial review wasn't accepted by everyone. President Andrew Jackson even threatened not to enforce Supreme Court decisions he disagreed with.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2231, Amendments and judicial review, Part 15: The Judiciary Act of 1789
Article III of the Constitution only outlines the national judiciary; Congress had to fill in the details.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2230, Amendments and judicial review, Part 14: Marshall's arguments
What were John Marshall's arguments in favor of judicial review? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2229, Amendments and judicial review, Part 13: Judicial review
Who has the final say about the meaning of the Constitution? Find out on today's episode.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2228, Amendments and judicial review, Part 12: Marbury v. Madison
Does the Supreme Court have the authority to declare laws unconstitutional? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2227, Amendments and judicial review, Part 11: James Madison's other proposals
James Madison had many ideas for improving the Constitution.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2226, Amendments and judicial review, Part 10: Prominent supporters of a bill of rights
Jefferson, Washington, and Madison all supported a bill of rights. Ten of the amendments proposed by Madison were later adopted as the Bill of Rights.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2225, Amendments and judicial review, Part 9: Unsuccessful arguments for a bill of rights
George Mason and others argued that a bill of rights be added to the Constitution. They did not gain enough support for the idea during the Philadelphia Convention, but their idea would eventually triumph.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2224, Amendments and judicial review, Part 8: Prohibition
Americans thought better about Prohibition, repealing it in 1933.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2223, Amendments and judicial review, Part 7: The Constitution amended
On today's podcast, amendments to the Constitution affecting the president and Congress.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2222, Amendments and judicial review, Part 6: Fundamental changes
Today we learn about some important constitutional amendments that go to the core of our constitutional system.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2221, Amendments and judicial review, Part 5: The Bill of Rights
What is the Bill of Rights? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2220, Amendments and judicial review, Part 4: Madison and the Bill of Rights
Which Framer of the Constitution pushed the Bill of Rights through Congress? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2219, Amendments and judicial review, Part 3: How the Constitution has been amended
Most proposed amendments fail to be approved by Congress before being sent to the states. Learn about some of these on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2218, Amendments and judicial review, Part 2: How to amend the Constitution
How to amend the Constitution.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2217, 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 2216, 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 2215, The Federalists, Part 13: The Constitution is ratified
On today's podcast, the Constitution is finally ratified.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2214, The Federalists, Part 12: A compromise saves the Constitution
On today's podcast, a compromise saves the Constitution.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2213, 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 2212, 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 2211, 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 2210, 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 2209, 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 2208, 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 2207, The Federalists, Part 5: The fear of faction
The Framers of the Constitution knew the danger of factions.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2206, 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 2205, 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 2204, 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 2203, 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 2202, 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 2201, 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 2200, 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 2199, 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 2198, 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 2197, 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 2196, 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 2195, 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 2194, 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 2193, 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 2192, 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 2191, 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 2190, The Anti-Federalists, Part 3: The ratification debates begin
Who were the Anti-Federalists? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2189, 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 2188, 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 2187, 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 2186, Federalism, Part 13: Secession
Since the 1790s some states argued that they had a right to secede.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2185, 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 2184, Federalism, Part 11: National citizenship
The Framers of the Constitution never defined citizenship, but left it up to the states.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2183, 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 2182, 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 2181, 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 2180, 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 2179, 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 2178, 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 2177, 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 2176, 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 2175, 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 2174, Federalism, Part 1: Concerns about abuses by state governments
The Framers were concerned about states restricting individual freedom, so they gave the federal government some power of the states.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2173, 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 2172, 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 2171, 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 2170, 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 2169, 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 2168, The Three Branches of Government, Part 13: Judges and judicial power
Today we learn about judges and judicial power.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2167, The Three Branches of Government, Part 12: The judicial branch
Today we learn about the federal judiciary.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2166, The Three Branches of Government, Part 11: The Electoral College explained
Today on the podcast, we explain the Electoral College.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2165, 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 2164, 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 2163, 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 2162, 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 2161, 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 2160, 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 2159, 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 2158, 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 2157, 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 2156, 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 2155, 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 2154, The Philadelphia Convention, Part 18: The Northern position on proportional representation
Northern delegates to the Philadelphia convention were opposed to counting slaves for purposes of representation.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2153, 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 2152, 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 2151, 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 2150, 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 2149, 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 2148, 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 2146, 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.

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