60-Second Civics

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60-Second Civics: Episode 1737, Why do people need a government? Part 5: Human equality
Do people naturally have equal political rights? John Locke thought so.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1736, Why do people need a government? Part 4: Limited government
According to John Locke, the people own their government and can terminate it when it does not guard their interests.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1735, Why do people need a government? Part 3: Individual rights and popular sovereignty
Learn how natural rights philosophy informed the Founders' conceptions of individual rights and sovereignty on today's episode.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1734, Why do people need a government? Part 2: John Locke and the state of nature
Today we are introduced to the natural rights philosophy of John Locke.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1733, Why do people need a government? Part 1: Life, liberty, and property
The Founders believed that all people had the right to life, liberty, and property.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1732, Life in the American colonies, Part 6: The British increase control
As the British increased their control of the 13 colonies, discontent grew among the colonists.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1731, Life in the American colonies, Part 5: A land of opportunity, for some
Many Americans in the colonies were prosperous, but not everyone was treated equally.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1730, Life in the American colonies, Part 4: The Southern Colonies
Although most Americans in the thirteen colonies were self-sufficient, others exploited the labor of enslaved people.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1729, Life in the American colonies, Part 3: New England and the Middle Colonies
Learn about colonial life in New England and the Middle Colonies on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1728, Life in the American colonies, Part 2: The diverse American colonies
The diversity of the thirteen colonies created a society that was different from that of Europe.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1726, We the People, Lesson 30, Part 6: Why you should participate in government
Our republic requires the participation of it citizens in order to function.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1725, We the People, Lesson 30, Part 5: Social and political action
Today we learn about two ways that citizens can address community problems.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1724, We the People, Lesson 30, Part 4: Civic life
Today we learn about civic life and why it is important.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1723, We the People, Lesson 30, Part 3: Civic responsibility
When civic participation declines, our democracy declines.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1722, We the People, Lesson 30, Part 2: Civic participation
Civic participation very important to American democracy.Learn how you can get involved on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1721, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 7: The rights and responsibilities of citizens
Citizenship has been called the highest office of government. But what does this mean?


60-Second Civics: Episode 1720, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 6: Civil disobedience
What did Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King Jr have in common? We find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1719, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 5: Responsibilities of citizens
Sure, citizens have rights, but what are their responsibilities? We find out on today's 60-Second Civics.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1718, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 4: Economic rights
Today we learn about economic rights and are reminded of situation in which rights can be limited.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1717, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 3: Personal and political rights
On today's 60-Second Civics, we explore personal and political rights.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1716, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 2: U.S. citizenship
What's the difference between a U.S. citizens and a legal permanent resident? How do you become a citizen? We find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1715, We the People, Lesson 29, Part 1: What it means to be a citizen
What does it mean to you to be a citizen? Today we discuss the meaning of American citizenship.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1714, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 7: The ideal of self-government spreads to the world
How have American ideas about self-government spread to the world? Find out on today's 60-Second Civics.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1713, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 6: What the Founders learned from other countries
Today on the podcast, we discover what America's Founders learned from other countries.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1712, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 5: Contributions of the United States to the world
In today's podcast we spell out some of the America's most important democratic principles.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1711, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 4: International relations and the Constitution
The Constitution grants each branch of government certain powers over international relations. Learn what these powers are on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 2076, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 4: International relations and the Constitution
The Constitution grants each branch of government certain powers over international relations. Learn what these powers are on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1710, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 3: International organizations
Governments aren't the only organized bodies that operate regionally or internationally.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1709, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 2: How nations interact
Today on the podcast, we explore how countries interact with each other.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1708, We the People, Lesson 28, Part 1: The nation-state and international law
How much do you know about international law? Expand your knowledge with today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1707, We the People, Lesson 27, Part 2: Problems of due process
Due process means that government must protect both the public and the individual accused of breaking the law.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1706, We the People, Lesson 27, Part 1: Due process of law
Today we learn about due process of law.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1705, We the People, Lesson 26, Part 5: The civil rights movement
The years 1963-64 were exciting years for the civil rights movement. Find out why on today's episode.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1704, We the People, Lesson 26, Part 4: The civil rights movement
Brown v. Board of Education was a turning point in the fight against demonstration, but the struggle against inequality had just begun.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1702, We the People, Lesson 26, Part 2: Plessy v. Ferguson
On today's podcast, we learn about the case of Plessy v. Ferguson.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1701, We the People, Lesson 26, Part 1: The Fourteenth Amendment
The equal protection clause was meant to protect African Americans against discrimination. It didn't work out that way. On today's episode, we learn why.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1700, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 8: Voting rights today
Responsible voting is essential to democracy. Today we discuss what citizens must do in order to vote.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1699, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 7: Eighteen-year-olds gain the right to vote
Today on 60-Second Civics we learn how 18-year-olds gained the right to vote


60-Second Civics: Episode 1698, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 6: Native Americans and voting rights
The Indian Citizenship Act made it easy for Native Americans to vote, right? Well, not exactly.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1697, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 5: Women and the right to vote
How long did it take for women to gain the right to vote? Too long. Learn about the long struggle on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1696, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 4: The long road to voting rights
People of all races worked together to change unfair voting laws: it wasn't until the 1960s that full voting rights for African Americans were achieved.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1695, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 3: Literacy tests, grandfather clauses, and poll taxes
Laws passed after the Civil War made it easier for African American men to vote, but some states passed laws to stop them.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1694, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 2: The Civil War Amendments
Today on 60-Second Civics, we learn about the Civil War Amendments.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1693, We the People, Lesson 25, Part 1: Expanding the right to vote
The right to vote was limited to white men who owned property in the early republic, but change came in fits and starts.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1692, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 5: How the courts decide establishment of religion cases
How do the courts decide whether a law violates the establishment clause? We find out on today's 60-Second Civics.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1691, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 4: Can government limit the way you practice your religion?
The government can't tell you what to believe, but it can limit certain religious practices. Find out more on today's 60-Second Civics.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1690, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 3: Conflicts over freedom of religion
Americans generally agree that freedom of religion is an important right, but that doesn't mean the issue is without controversy.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1689, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 2: Protecting religious freedom
Religious freedom wasn't always protected in America. Learn more on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1688, We the People, Lesson 24, Part 1: The establishment and free exercise clauses
Do you know what the establishment and free exercise clauses are? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1687, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 5: Limits on free expression
Does free expression have its limits? The court think so. Learn more on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1686, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 4: Tinker v. Des Moines
Is Tinker v. Des Moines still relevant? Listen to today's podcast and decide for yourself.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1685, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 3: Freedom of expression: Representative democracy and peaceful change
Today on 60-Second Civics: how freedom of expression helps maintain representative democracy and promotes peaceful change.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1684, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 2: Freedom of expression: human development, dignity, and development
On today's episode, we discuss several benefits of freedom of expression.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1683, We the People, Lesson 23, Part 1: Freedom of expression
Today we learn about freedom of expression.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1682, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 5: How justices decide cases
How do today's justices decide Supreme Court cases? Well, it's complicated.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1681, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 4: Fundamental principles and modernist methods of constitutional interpretation
Today on the podcast: the fundamental principles and modernist methods of constitutional interpretation.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1680, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 3: The original intent method of constitutional interpretation
On today's 60-Second Civics, we learn about the "original intent" method of constitutional interpretation.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1679, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 2: The plain meaning of constitutional interpretation
What four methods of constitutional interpretation are used today? We find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1678, We the People, Lesson 22, Part 1: Introduction to interpreting the Constitution
Today we learn why it is so hard to interpret the Constitution.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1677, We the People, Lesson 21, Part 4: Marbury v. Madison explained
John Marshall argued that Congress overstepped its bounds, and it was the job of the Supreme Court to strike down acts of Congress that violate the Constitution.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1676, We the People, Lesson 21, Part 3: Introduction to Marbury v. Madison
How did the Supreme Court establish its power of judicial review? We find out on today's episode.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1675, We the People, Lesson 21, Part 2: Judicial review and state laws
What is the supremacy clause? Can state laws trump the Constitution? We find out on today's 60-Second Civics.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1674, We the People, Lesson 21, Part 1: Judicial review
Who decides what the words of the Constitution mean? We find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1673, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 10: Political parties today
Political parties aren't necessarily a bad thing. On today's podcast, we learn what political parties do for the nation.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1672, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 9: The Election of 1800
Thomas Jefferson called it the "revolution of 1800." Learn why on today's 60-Second Civics.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1671, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 8: The Alien and Sedition Acts
In an time of heated partisan bickering, the John Adams administration passed the Alien and Sedition Acts.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1670, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 7: American neutrality; Republican anger
John Jay negotiates an unpopular treaty, and Washington advises neutrality.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1669, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 6: War polarizes the new nation
A time of war divides the new nation.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1668, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 5: A national bank
Alexander Hamilton wanted a national bank to issue paper money. It was a controversial idea.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1667, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 4: The challenge of creating a strong economy
The first Secretary of the Treasury had an ambitious agenda.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1666, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 3: The birth of political parties in the United States
Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton had very different views on the role of government.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1665, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 2: Hamilton and Jefferson
Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson clashed over the role of government in American life. Does this sound familiar?


60-Second Civics: Episode 1664, We the People, Lesson 20, Part 1: The rise of political parties
On today's podcast, we learn how political parties began in the United States.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1663, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 5: An overview of the Bill of Rights
On today's podcast, we provide a brief overview of the Bill of Rights.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1662, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 4: The compromise that produced the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was the result of a compromise between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Learn more on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1661, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 3: The establishment of the judicial branch
How was the judicial branch of American government organized? Find out on today's 60-Second Civics.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1660, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 2: The first cabinet
Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Alexander Hamilton formed George Washington's first cabinet.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1659, We the People, Lesson 19, Part 1: George Washington elected president
Today we learn the story behind the election of George Washington as the nation's first president.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1658, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 8: A powerful argument against the Constitution
The Anti-Federalists had a powerful argument against the proposed constitution: It did not contain a bill of rights.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1657, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 7: Would the Constitution guard against tyranny?
Would the Constitution guard against tyranny? The Federalists and Anti-Federalists disagreed.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1656, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 6: Would the Constitution provide republican government?
On today's episode, the debate over whether the Constitution would provide for republican government.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1655, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 5: Debating the power of the national government
On today's podcast, the Anti-Federalists and Federalists square off over the proposed constitution.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1654, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 4: The Anti-Federalists
On today's 60-Second Civics, we learn about the Anti-Federalists.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1653, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 3: The Federalists
What do Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay all have in common? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1652, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 2: Madison's plan for ratification
James Madison's plan for ratification of the Constitution relied on idea of a social contract.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1651, We the People, Lesson 18, Part 1: Approving the Constitution
How do you get a nation to approve a new Constitution? James Madison had the answer.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1650, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 8: The relationship between the federal and state governments
Today, the federal government is very powerful. Nevertheless, most laws that effect us directly are state and local laws.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1649, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 7: The supremacy clause
Today on 60-Second civics we explain the supremacy clause


60-Second Civics: Episode 1648, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 6: Powers denied to the federal and state governments
Today's podcast is all about limits on the power of the federal and state governments.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1647, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 5: Powers of the state and federal governments
The federal and state governments have certain, specified powers. Some powers are held by the people themselves.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1646, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 4: Federalism
Just what is federalism, exactly? You'll find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1645, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 3: The people are sovereign
According to natural rights philosophy, the people control their government. This philosophy inspired the Framers. The result: The Constitution.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1644, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 2: Confederations
On today's podcast, we learn all about confederations.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1643, We the People, Lesson 17, Part 1: Unitary government
Today we learn the differences between federal and unitary government.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1642, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 8: Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
How much do you know about the Supreme Court? Learn the basics on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1641, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 7: A national judiciary
Article III of the Constitution established the judicial branch of government. Learn about the judiciary on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1640, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 6: The Electoral College today
How do we elect a new president? This podcast explains the Electoral College.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1639, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 5: Creating the Electoral College
Not trusting Congress, the states, or the people to directly elect a president, the Framers created the Electoral College.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1638, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 4: Selecting a president
The Framers wanted to design a system to elect a president as qualified as George Washington. Doing so would not prove to be easy.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1637, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 3: Impeachment
On today's podcast, we learn about impeachment.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1636, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 2: Limits on the power of the executive branch
How is presidential power limited? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1635, We the People, Lesson 16, Part 1: The powers of the executive branch
What are the powers of the president under the Constitution? We find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1634, We the People, Lesson 15, Part 6: Checks on the power of Congress
Today we learn about checks on the power of Congress.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1633, We the People, Lesson 15, Part 5: Limits on the power of Congress
Are there any limits on the power of Congress? You bet. We learn about some of these limits on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1632, We the People, Lesson 15, Part 4: Powers of Congress in the Constitution
The Constitution grants Congress both general and enumerated powers. Learn what these are in today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1631, We the People, Lesson 15, Part 3: General and enumerated powers
The Framers gave Congress some general and some enumerated powers.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1630, We the People, Lesson 15, Part 2: Madison proposes a powerful Congress
James Madison proposed a strong Congress; some Framers thought this was risky.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1629, We the People, Lesson 15, Part 1: Creating a strong national government
The national government under the Articles of Confederation was weak. The Framers set out to fix that problem.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1628, We the People, Lesson 14, Part 4: Compromise over slavery
The Framers of the Constitution compromised over slavery in order to convince delegates to the Philadelphia Convention to support the Constitution.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1627, We the People, Lesson 14, Part 3: The issue of slavery at the Philadelphia Convention
On today's 60-Second Civics, we learn about the issue of slavery at the Philadelphia Convention.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1626, We the People, Lesson 14, Part 2: Tariffs a divisive issue at the Philadelphia Convention
Today we look at how the issue of tariffs were a divisive issue at the Philadelphia Convention.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1625, We the People, Lesson 14, Part 1: Economic differences between North and South
On today's podcast, we explore the economic differences between the North and South at the time of the Philadelphia Convention.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1624, We the People, Lesson 13, Part 4: The Connecticut Compromise
The Connecticut Compromise had three parts. Do you know what they are?


60-Second Civics: Episode 1623, We the People, Lesson 13, Part 3: The New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey plan called for a weak national government and equal representation in a unicameral Congress.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1622, We the People, Lesson 13, Part 2: The Virginia Plan
James Madison came well-prepared to the Philadelphia Convention: he brought the Virginia Plan with him.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1621, We the People, Lesson 13, Part 1: Equal vs. proportional representation
One of the most important agreements at the Philadelphia Convention was about representation.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1620, We the People, Lesson 12, Part 6: Basic ideas about government
Today on 60-Second Civics: The basic ideas about government agreed upon by the delegates to the Philadelphia Convention.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1619, We the People, Lesson 12, Part 5: The Philadelphia Convention begins
The delegates to the Philadelphia Convention agreed on three important points at the start of the convention.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1618, We the People, Lesson 12, Part 4: Founders who did not attend the Philadelphia Convention
A number of notable American statesmen did not attend the Philadelphia Convention.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1617, We the People, Lesson 12, Part 3: Benjamin Franklin and Gouverneur Morris
What did Benjamin Franklin and Gouverneur Morris contribute to the writing of the Constitution? Find out on today's episode.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1616, We the People, Lesson 12, Part 2: Madison and Washington
Today we discuss two influential Framers of the Constitution: James Madison and George Washington.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1615, We the People, Lesson 12, Part 1: The Philadelphia Convention
Fifty-five men met in Philadelphia in 1787. Their task: to amend the Articles of Confederation. Their accomplishment: a new framework for a government that would last more than 200 years.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1614, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 10: The Annapolis Convention
Only five states bothered to show up at the Annapolis Convention, but something important happened there: delegates agreed that the Articles of Confederation should be revised.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1613, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 9: Shays' Rebellion
Shays' Rebellion failed, but it pointed out the downside of having of a weak federal government.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1612, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 8: Economic turmoil breeds discontent in the early republic
On today's podcast, economic turmoil breeds discontent after the Revolution.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1611, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 7: Property rights threatened under the Articles of Confederation
Under the Articles of Confederation, factions in state legislatures threatened property rights.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1610, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 6: Congress, the states, and trade under the Articles
Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government had no control over trade.This caused economic problems and people began to lose their jobs.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1609, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 5: Problems with the Articles of Confederation
There were lots of problems with the Articles of Confederation. Congress, for example, had no money and could not directly raise funds.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1608, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 4: Achievements under the Articles of Confederation
Despite a weak central government under the Articles of Confederation, the national government had some important achievements.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1607, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 3: The Articles of Confederation: A weak central government
The Articles of Confederation provided for a weak central government and equal representation in Congress. This would prove problematic.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1606, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 2: Challenges of writing the Articles of Confederation
The writers of the Articles of Confederation had to overcome many obstacles in creating the nation's first constitution.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1605, We the People, Lesson 11, Part 1: The Articles of Confederation
In 1776, Richard Henry Lee made two bold proposals: for Independence and a national government to unify the states.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1604, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 9: State bills of rights
State bills of rights included many of the rights we now recognize as essential.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1603, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 8: The Virginia Declaration of Rights
On today's podcast, we learn about the Virginia Declaration of Rights.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1602, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 7: State declarations of rights
State declarations of rights were meant to show that people had certain rights that could not be taken away.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1601, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 6: Voting in Massachusetts
In early Massachusetts people were divided into different voting groups based on wealth. No property, no vote.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1600, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 5: The Massachusetts constitution
How was the constitution of Massachusetts different from that of most states? Find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1599, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 4: Legislative supremacy
The majority of early state governments gave most power to the legislature. This was known as legislative supremacy.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1598, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 3: Representation, separation of powers, and checks and balances
Today we examine the concepts of representation, separation of powers, and checks and balances in early state governments.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1597, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 2: Basic rights in state constitutions
On today's 60-Second Civics, we learn about the basic rights included in state constitutions.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1596, We the People, Lesson 10, Part 1: New state governments
The American people used principles of political philosophy to protect their rights in their new state governments.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1595, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 10: Battlefield victory and the Treaty of Paris
With the critical help of the French navy, American forces defeated the British at the Battle of Yorktown; in 1783, the Treaty of Paris ended the war.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1594, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 9: Eliza Lucas Pinckney
Today we learn about Eliza Lucas Pinckney, whose resistance to British rule came at a price.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1593, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 8: The South during the revolution
The Revolutionary War wasn't going too well for the Americans in 1780: Charleston fell to the British and Benedict Arnold defected.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1592, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 7: French aid turns the tide in the war
On today's podcast, we learn how French aid helped turn the tide in the Revolutionary War.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1591, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 6: Valley Forge
Winter at Valley Forge was miserable for American troops, but it did not break their resolve.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1590, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 5: Victory and defeat
The British tried to strangle the Revolution, but the Americans gained an important victory at the Battle of Saratoga.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1589, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 4: A bleak start to the war
The Revolutionary War did not begin well for the Americans, and the prospects for American success looked bleak.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1588, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 3: The Articles of Confederation
American soldiers during the Revolution often went unpaid, unfed, and without uniforms. This was only one of the problems of the Continental Congress.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1587, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 2: The shot heard round the world
Today: the shot heard round the world.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1586, We the People, Lesson 9, Part 1: A citizen militia
Today: Paul Revere and the Second Amendment


60-Second Civics: Episode 1585, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 7: Loyalists
Today we learn about the Loyalists, those Americans who were opposed to the Revolution.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1584, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 6: Complaints against the king
Today: complaints against King George III in the Declaration of Independence.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1583, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 5: Jefferson's arguments in the Declaration of Independence
Why did the American colonists declare independence? We find out on today's podcast.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1582, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 4: Natural rights and the Declaration of Independence
What does the Declaration of Independence have to do with natural rights? We find out on today's episode.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1581, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 3: All men are created equal
The Declaration of Independence asserted that all people have certain basic rights.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1580, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 2: Explaining the Declaration of Independence
On today's podcast, we explain how the Declaration of Independence is organized.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1579, We the People, Lesson 8, Part 1: The Declaration of Independence
On today's podcast, a committee is appointed to write the Declaration of Independence.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1578, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 12: The Revolution begins
On today's podcast, the American Revolution begins.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1577, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 11: Prelude to war
Today on the podcast we learn about the First Continental Congress.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1576, 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.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1575, 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.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1574, We the People, Lesson 7, Part 8: Committees of correspondence
On today's podcast, the American colonists begin to organize resistance against the British.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1573, 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.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1572, 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.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1570, 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.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1569, 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.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1568, 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.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1567, 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.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1566, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 8: The English Bill of Rights
Parliament gained more power in 1689 with the English Bill of Rights.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1564, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 6: The creation of Parliament
Today on the podcast we learn about the origins of the British Parliament.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1563, 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.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1562, 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.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1561, 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.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1560, We the People, Lesson 6, Part 2:Feudalism
On today's podcast, we learn about feudalism in England.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1559, 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.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1558, We the People, Lesson 5, Part 3: Checks and balances
Today we learn how each branch of government checks and balances the other branches.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1557, We the People, Lesson 5, Part 2: Separation of powers
Today we learn are introduced to the three branches of government.


60-Second Civics: Episode 1556, 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.


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 1539, We the People, Lesson 3, Part 1: The Roman Republic
What was the Roman Republic? We find out on today's podcast.


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.

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