60-Second Civics Podcast artwork

60-Second Civics Podcast

899 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★ - 75 ratings

60-Second Civics is a daily podcast that provides a quick and convenient way for listeners to learn about our nation's government, the Constitution, and our history. The podcast explores themes related to civics and government, the constitutional issues behind the headlines, and the people and ideas that formed our nation's history and government.

60-Second Civics is produced by the Center for Civic Education. The show's content is primarily derived from the Center's education for democracy curricula, including We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, Project Citizen, Foundations of Democracy, and Elements of Democracy.

Courses Education education civics civic education service learning law history constitution constitution day government we the people
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Episodes

60-Second Civics: Episode 5099, Susan B. Anthony: Women's History Month, Part 18

March 26, 2024 07:00 - 1 minute

After her trial for having voted in an 1872 election, Susan B. Anthony explained to the judge the implications of her conviction: "My natural rights, my civil rights, my political rights, are all alike ignored. Robbed of the fundamental privilege of citizenship, I am degraded from the status of a citizen to that of a subject." Today, women in Rochester, New York, cover her grave with "I Voted" stickers. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5097, The Seneca Falls Convention: Women's History Month, Part 16

March 22, 2024 07:00 - 1 minute

In 1848, about 300 activists met in Seneca Falls, New York, for the first convention in the United States devoted to women's rights. They discussed Elizabeth Cady Stanton's proposed Declaration of Sentiments, which mirrored the language of the Declaration of Independence. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5096, The Forten Sisters: Women's History Month, Part 15

March 21, 2024 07:00 - 1 minute

Margaretta, Harriet, and Sarah Forten were three powerful African American campaigners for the abolition and women's rights movements. Harriet and Sarah married members of another prominent abolitionist family, the Purvises. Harriet and her husband Robert were involved in the Underground Railroad, and their home served as a refuge for people who had escaped slavery and as a meeting place for abolitionists. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5092, Fanny Wright: Women's History Month, Part 11

March 15, 2024 07:00 - 1 minute

Fanny Wright was radical by the standards of her time. She was a writer and social activist who campaigned for equal rights for women, free and secular public education for both boys and girls, and the abolition of slavery, among other social and political issues. Wright was a fierce advocate of equality. She was friends with Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette, conversing with them about political philosophy, and she admired the American experiment with self-government. Cen...

60-Second Civics: Episode 5091, Mercy Otis Warren: Women's History Month, Part 10

March 14, 2024 07:00 - 1 minute

Mercy Otis Warren was a playwright, poet, historian, and Anti-Federalist political commentator during the American Revolution. She was a talented writer, admired for her skill and her dedication to the principles of natural rights behind the Revolution. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5090, Margaret Todd Whetten: Women's History Month, Part 9

March 13, 2024 07:00 - 1 minute

Margaret Todd Whetten and her daughters provided food, clothing, and support to American prisoners in New York City, despite being called by one British jailer the "damndest rebels in New York." They provided a safe refuge for American spies in their home, saving them from capture and certain hanging. As as result, her house became known as the "rebel headquarters." Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5089, Women During the Revolutionary War: Women's History Month, Part 8

March 12, 2024 07:00 - 1 minute

Women served the American cause in many ways during the Revolutionary War, even as combatants. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5088, The Daughters of Liberty: Women's History Month, Part 7

March 11, 2024 07:00 - 1 minute

At the start of the American Revolution, women patriots organized into a group known as the Daughters of Liberty. Like their male counterparts, the Sons of Liberty, women took action, such as boycotts, to protest British policies. For example, they replace imported British tea with "liberty tea," made from leaves, herbs, fruits, and flowers, like goldenrod. Without women's adherence to the boycotts, they would not have been effective. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5086, Nanye'hi: Women's History Month, Part 5

March 07, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Despite being known as the "War Woman of Chota," Nanye'hi, also known as Nancy Ward, was a Cherokee woman who would work for much of her life to ensure peace between the Cherokees and the Americans, while attempting to prevent the further seizure of Cherokee land. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5085, Elizabeth Freeman: Women's History Month, Part 4

March 06, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mum Bett, escaped slavery in a way that was unusual: she took her case to court. She approached lawyer Theodore Sedgwick with this question: "I heard that paper read yesterday that says 'all men are born equal,' and that every man has a right to freedom ... won't the law give me my freedom?" Appealing to her natural rights and her rights under the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780, she sued for her freedom and won. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5084, Ona Judge: Women's History Month, Part 3

March 05, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Ona Judge escaped George and Martha Washington's household, where she was an enslaved housemaid, and made her way to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where she eluded George Washington's determined attempts to capture her. She made a new life for herself in New Hampshire, marrying and having three children. Her side of her remarkable story survives because she gave interviews to at least two abolitionist newspapers. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5083, Coverture and the Colonial Era: Women's History Month, Part 2

March 04, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

A married woman living during the American colonial era would have lived under the legal doctrine called "coverture," where her legal identity was subsumed under that of her husband. William Blackstone wrote, "By marriage, the husband and wife are one person in the law: that is, the very being or legal existence of the woman is suspended during the marriage, or at least is incorporated and consolidated into that of the husband: under whose wing, protection, and cover, she performs every thing...

60-Second Civics: Episode 5082, The Struggle for Equality: Women's History Month, Part 1

March 01, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

It's Women's History Month! All this month, 60-Second Civics will explain the struggle for equal rights for women and how our Constitution and laws evolved to make our nation a more representative democracy. In this episode, we briefly trace the struggle of women for equal voting rights in the United States. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5081, Important Figures in the Civil Rights Movement: Dr. Vicki Ross-Norris, Part 6

February 29, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Throughout her life, Dr. Ross-Norris has interacted with several prominent civil rights leaders, including Dr. Dorothy Height and Rev. Fauntroy. Learn more how these figures inspired the next generation of civil rights leaders in today's episode. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5080, Maya Angelou and Her Role as a Citizen: Dr. Vicki Ross-Norris, Part 5

February 28, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Maya Angelou, an African American poet and civil rights activist, used her artistic abilities to communicate the Black experience and serve as an instrument for others to understand African American culture. Listen as Dr. Vicki Ross-Norris recounts her interactions with Maya Angelou in today's episode! Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5079, Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Dr. Vicki Ross-Norris, Part 4

February 27, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Today, we ask our guest, Dr. Vicki Ross-Norris, why historically black colleges and universities are important. In the episode, she shares her experience as a Howard University alumna and how attending an HBCU was significant to her as an African American. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5078, The Tuskegee Airmen: Dr. Vicki Ross-Norris, Part 3

February 26, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

In today's episode, Dr. Ross-Norris talks about the Tuskegee Airmen, a group her father belonged to and who taught her important lessons about civics and being an American. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5077, Learning About the African American Experience: Dr. Vicki Ross-Norris, Part 2

February 22, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

In February, we celebrate Black History Month. Today we ask Dr. Ross-Norris: Why should all Americans learn about the African American experience? Listen to learn why! Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5075, A Just and a Lasting Peace

February 20, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

By the time of Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, the Civil War was winding down. Learn more about his hopes for a just and a lasting peace after the war on today's 60-Second Civics podcast. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5074, Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

February 19, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, given on November 19, 1863, recognized the central importance of founding-era principles to the meaning and destiny of America. Learn more about this famous address in today???s episode of 60-Second Civics. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5073, Abraham Lincoln and America's Founding Principles

February 15, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Abraham Lincoln tried to revive and renew political principles that defined America at its birth in 1776 throughout his political career. Listen to learn more! Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5071, The Emancipation Proclamation

February 14, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln publicly announced his Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. It warned the Confederate rebels that unless they rejoined the Union, a final proclamation would free all slaves within the seceded states. Listen to learn more! Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5070, Abraham Lincoln on Slavery

February 13, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

After winning the 1860 presidential election, Lincoln repeated his long-held opposition to slavery. However, he insisted that the federal government would not take action against slavery in the states where it existed. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5069, Lincoln Takes Strong Action against the Rebellion

February 12, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Learn about President Lincoln and the writ of habeas corpus. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5068, Suspending the Writ of Habeas Corpus During the Civil War

February 09, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Chief Justice Roger B. Taney rules against Abraham Lincoln's aggressive use of war powers. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5067, The Prize Cases

February 08, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

The Prize Cases posed a constitutional test of Abraham Lincoln's use of war powers during an emergency. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5066, Congress Approves Lincoln's Actions

February 07, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Critics accused Abraham Lincoln of trampling on the Constitution, but he thought his actions were needed to save both the Union and the Constitution. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5065, Lincoln Takes Immediate Action Against the Confederacy

February 06, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

When fighting began between Confederate and Union forces in April of 1861, Abraham Lincoln acted decisively, but some questioned whether his actions were constitutional. Learn more about Lincoln???s reaction to secession and the constitutional debate in this episode of the 60-Second Civics daily podcast. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5064, The Civil War Begins

February 05, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Abraham Lincoln faced a tough first year in office: secession and war plagued the nation. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5063, Abraham Lincoln Elected President

February 02, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Lincoln lost his campaign for the Senate, but won the presidency two years later. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5061, Abraham Lincoln Begins His Political Career

January 31, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Abraham Lincoln was largely self-taught, having less than one year of formal education. Yet, he became a lawyer and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Learn more about the beginning of Abraham Lincoln's career in today???s episode of 60-Second Civics. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5060, Abraham Lincoln's Early Life

January 30, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

Today, we begin a brief series on Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States. We start by mapping his early years, which began in Kentucky on February 12, 1809. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5059, The 27th Amendment

January 29, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

The 27th Amendment was originally introduced with the Bill of Rights, but it was not ratified until 1992. It says that legislation modifying the salary of members of Congress will take effect until after an election of representatives. This gives the American people the chance to vote out of office legislators they think may have excessively raised their salaries. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5058, The 26th Amendment

January 26, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

The 26th Amendment recognized the right of citizens 18 year of age and older to vote. The Vietnam War was a strong contributing factor to the adoption of the amendment, which was ratified in only 107 days, the fastest ratification in American history. Thousands of young people served in the Vietnam War, including many who would die in the conflict. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5057, The 25th Amendment

January 25, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

The 25th Amendment describes the procedure for when a president or vice president dies or is unable to fulfill their duties. It seems like a mundane part of the Constitution, but it has been used many times since its ratification in 1967 Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5056, The 24th Amendment

January 24, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

The 24th Amendment outlawed poll taxes as a requirement for voting. After more than 100 years of discriminatory voting practices, the right of African Americans to vote in all elections was finally protected by this amendment, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and a 1966 Supreme Court decision. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5055, The 23rd Amendment

January 23, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

The 23rd Amendment established the right of residents of the District of Columbia to vote for president and vice president. It limits the district to the same number of Electoral College votes that it would have if it were a state, but not more than the least populous state. The District therefore has three Electoral College votes. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5054, The 22nd Amendment

January 22, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to just two full terms in office. It was added to the Constitution in reaction to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's unprecedented four terms in office. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5053, The 21st Amendment

January 17, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

After more than a decade of Prohibition, Americans were tired of it. So, Congress proposed the 21st Amendment, which outlawed the 18th Amendment and ended nationwide prohibition. The states, municipalities, and counties could still enact their own prohibition laws, however, and many of them did. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5052, The 20h Amendment

January 12, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

The 20th Amendment shortened the period between when the president, vice president, and members of Congress are elected and when they take office. It also specified what would happen if a president-elect were to die between the election and the inauguration. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5051, The 19th Amendment

January 11, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

The 19th Amendment recognized the right of women to vote. The amendment was the result of years of activism by campaigners for suffrage for women. However, until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, African American women faced serious obstacles to voting. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5050, The 18th Amendment

January 10, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

The ratification of the 18th Amendment in 1919 began the era of Prohibition. The amendment banned the andquot;manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors.andquot; This opened up new opportunities for organized crime, which grew substantially during the period. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5049, The 17th Amendment

January 09, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

The 17th Amendment to the Constitution mandates the direct popular election of U.S. senators. Before the amendment was ratified in 1913, senators were chosen by state legislatures. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5048, The 16th Amendment

January 08, 2024 08:00 - 1 minute

The 16th Amendment to the Constitution established the national government's authority to establish a federal income tax without having to divide the revenues among the states based on their population. The amendment resulted in a change in the way the national government was funded. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5047, The 15th Amendment

December 22, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute

The 15th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1870, sought to ensure the right of African American men to vote. However, grandfather clauses, literacy tests, poll taxes, as well as violence and intimidation, were serious barriers preventing African American men from realizing this right. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5046, The 14th Amendment

December 21, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute

The 14th Amendment made a deep and lasting impact on the United States, helping to form a more perfect union. First it recognized the citizenship of African Americans. It also forbade states to deny due process and equal protection of the laws. It did a great many other things, as well. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5045, The 13th Amendment

December 20, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States, but controversy remains over the loophole in the amendment that says that prisoners can be forced to work. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5044, The 12th Amendment

December 19, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute

The 12th Amendment requires electors in the Electoral College to make separate choices for president and vice president. Before this amendment, electors voted for two people for president. The winner would become president and the second-place finisher vice president. The election of 1800 convinced Americans that this system needed to change. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5043, The 11th Amendment

December 18, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute

The 11th Amendment protects states against being sued by citizens of other states or foreign nations. It supports the idea of sovereign immunity for states, meaning that they are immune to lawsuits that they do not consent to. Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5042, Bill of Rights, Part 10: The 10th Amendment

December 15, 2023 08:00 - 1 minute

The 10th Amendment addressed the fears of some Framers of the Constitution that creating a Bill of Rights might lead people to believe that the national government has more powers than those specifically enumerated in the Constitution. It states that those powers not specifically delegated to the national government are reserved to the states or the people. Center for Civic Education