60-Second Civics: Episode 1941, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 10: The Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party What happened at the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party? We find out on today's 60-Second Civics. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1940, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 9: The Sons and Daughters of Liberty Today we learn about the Sons of Liberty and the Daughters of Liberty. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1939, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 8: Committees of correspondence On today's podcast, the American colonists begin to organize resistance against the British. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1938, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 7: Differing views on taxation Britain and America differed widely on the unpopular taxes levied on the American colonies. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1937, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 6: The Stamp, Quartering, Declaratory, and Tea Acts Today we learn about four unpopular taxes in American colonial history. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1936, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 5: The Proclamation of 1763 and the Sugar Act Today we learn about two British laws that quickly became unpopular in the colonies. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1935, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 4: A new interest in America For most of the colonial period, Britain left its American colonies alone. But then it needed money. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1934, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 3: Separation of powers and checks and balances in colonial America Today we learn about the three branches of colonial governments. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1932, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 1: Establishing government in the colonies The first priority for American colonists: protecting themselves from the abuse of power. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1931, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 8: The English Bill of Rights Parliament gained more power in 1689 with the English Bill of Rights. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1930, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 7: The Petition of Right of 1628 Today on 60-Second Civics: A struggle between Parliament and the king leads to revolution. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1929, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 6: The creation of Parliament Today on the podcast we learn about the origins of the British Parliament. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1928, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 5: The rule of law The Magna Carta established a powerful idea: even the king must obey the law. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1927, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 4: The Magna Carta King John tried to take back some of the rights of the nobles. It was a mistake that produced the Magna Carta. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1926, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 2: Government based on contract Feudalism wasn't exactly democratic, but it did introduce one important concept familiar to today's democracies: government based on a contract. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1925, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 2:Feudalism On today's podcast, we learn about feudalism in England. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1924, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 1: The rights of Englishmen The American colonists were British subjects and had the rights of Englishmen. Today we learn what these rights were. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1923, We the People, Lesson 5, Part 3: Checks and balances Today we learn how each branch of government checks and balances the other branches. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1922, We the People, Lesson 5, Part 2: Separation of powers Today we learn are introduced to the three branches of government. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1921, We the People, Lesson 5, Part 1: Separation and balance of power Today we learn two ways that constitutional governments ensure that no one person or group gets too much power. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1919, 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? This episode originally aired in 2014.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1918, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1917, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1916, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1915, We the People, Lesson 4, Part 2: Constitutional government Happy Constitution Day! Today on 60-Second Civics we learn about constitutional government. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1914, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1913, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 10: Civic virtue in the American colonies How was civic virtue taught in early America? We find out on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1912, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1911, 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 1910, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1909, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1908, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1907, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1906, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1905, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 2: Republican government In a republic, citizens and their representatives work together to promote he common good. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1904, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 1: The Roman Republic What was the Roman Republic? We find out on today's podcast. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1903, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1902, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1901, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 5: The people must consent to be governed. This episode originally aired in 2013. What gives government its legitimacy? We find out on today's episode.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1900, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1899, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1898, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1897, We the People, Lesson 2, Part 1: John Locke Today we learn about a philosopher who strongly influenced the Founders: John Locke. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1896, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1895, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1894, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1893, 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 1892, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1891, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1890, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1889, We the People, Lesson 1, Part 4: How did people in the colonies earn a living? This episode originally aired in 2013. On today's podcast, we learn where the American colonists lived and what they did for a living.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1887, 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. This episode originally aired in 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1886, 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. This episode originally aired in August 2013.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1885, 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 1884, 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 1883, 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 1882, 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 1881, 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 1880, 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 1879, 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 1878, 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 1877, 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 1876, 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 1875, 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 1874, 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 1873, 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 1872, 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 1871, Political parties, Part 3: Factionalism in colonial America Americans were no strangers to factionalism, even in colonial America.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1870, Political parties, Part 2: The potential value of factions Is there any value in having factions in a representative system?
60-Second Civics: Episode 1869, 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 1868, 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 1867, 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 1866, 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 1865, 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 1864, 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 1863, 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 1862, Amendments and judicial review, Part 11: James Madison's other proposals James Madison had many ideas for improving the Constitution.
60-Second Civics: Episode 1861, 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 1860, 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 1858, 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 1857, 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 1855, 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 1854, 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 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.
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This site is brought to you by the Center for Civic Education. The Center's mission is to promote an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy. The Center has reached more than 30 million students and their teachers since 1965. Learn more.