60-Second Civics Podcast
972 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★ - 76 ratings60-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.
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Episodes
60-Second Civics: Episode 4264, Segregation: Black History Month, Part 22
February 22, 2021 08:00Segregation was meant to ensure not only the separation of African Americans from whites, but also a system of white supremacy. This was given legal cover by the 1896 decision of Plessy v. Ferguson. Persistent racial violence against African Americans enforced the social norms of white supremacy and resulted in the deaths of thousands. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4263, The Failure of Reconstruction and the Rise of Jim Crow: Black History Month, Part 21
February 21, 2021 08:00The victory of the Union over the Confederacy and the passage of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments did not mean an end to racism in the United States. Federal troops that were meant to ensure the equal enforcement of the laws were sent back to their barracks in 1877. This ended Reconstruction and began the era known as Jim Crow, where Southern states passed laws to subjugate African Americans. Jim Crow would last until the 1960s. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4262, The Civil War Amendments: Black History Month, Part 20
February 20, 2021 08:00The Civil War Amendments were passed in response to attempts by former Confederate states to limit the rights of African Americans. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. The Fourteenth Amendment recognized African Americans as citizens and forbade states from denying due process or equal protection of the laws and from abridging the privileges or immunities of citizens. The Fifteenth Amendment protected the rights of African American men to vote. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4261, The Thirteenth Amendment and the Black Codes: Black History Month, Part 19
February 19, 2021 08:00The Thirteenth Amendment finally abolished slavery throughout the entire United States. But African Americans' struggle for equality faced daunting obstacles, such as the vicious and discriminatory Black Codes, which were laws passed to ensure the continued subjugation of formerly enslaved people. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4260, Emancipation Proclamation and Service in the Civil War: Black History Month, Part 18
February 18, 2021 08:00Despite the fact that African Americans had served in the military since the Revolutionary War, they were not allowed to join the military at the start of the Civil War, but laws passed in 1862 changed this discriminatory policy. The Emancipation Proclamation did not free all the enslaved people in the country. This would not be accomplished until the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4259, Robert Smalls, from Captivity to Congress: Black History Month, Part 17
February 17, 2021 08:00Robert Smalls escaped slavery in 1862 along with his family by sailing a Confederate ship out of Charleston while disguised as the captain, right under the noses of the Confederates. Afterward, he would pilot the same ship for the Union. But that wasn't all. He founded a school and a newspaper and served in the South Carolina state assembly and senate and in the U.S. House of Representatives. Despite persistent racism and threats against his life, he lived a long life of public service. ...
60-Second Civics: Episode 4258, Frederick Douglass: Black History Month, Part 16
February 16, 2021 08:00Frederick Douglass was a civil rights crusader. Although born into slavery, he escaped, learned to read and write, and became one of the era's most renowned orators. During his life, he wrote three autobiographies, traveled extensively denouncing the evils of slavery, and campaigned for equal rights for women. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4257, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln Meet: Black History Month, Part 15
February 15, 2021 08:00Anti-slavery activist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln did not agree on some of the most important issues facing the country before and during the Civil War. Douglass felt that Lincoln did too much to mollify the South and not enough to support the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the civil rights of people of color. But they would gradually become friends, developing a relationship based on mutual respect. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4256, Sojourner Truth: Black History Month, Part 14
February 14, 2021 08:00Sojourner Truth was a determined woman. She fled slavery, successfully sued to have her son returned to her in New York after he had been illegally sold to a slaveholder, and made a new life for herself. Truth was a prolific social activist, producing an autobiography, speaking out against slavery, and advocating for the right of women to vote. Two hundred years after her death, a robotic exploration vehicle called Sojourner, named after her, would land on Mars. Center for Civic Educa...
60-Second Civics: Episode 4255, The Underground Railroad: Black History Month, Part 13
February 13, 2021 08:00The Underground Railroad was a system of escape routes, safehouses, and committed anti-slavery activists who helped enslaved people escape to freedom in Canada. Thousands fled to freedom thanks to this multiracial movement led by free African Americans. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4254, Harriet Tubman: Black History Month, Part 12
February 12, 2021 08:00Harriet Tubman's story is truly inspiring. Born a slave, she escaped to freedom, but later led dozens others to their freedom through the human network known as the Underground Railroad. When the Civil War began, she served as a spy, a nurse, and a guide. But that wasn't all. After the war, she advocated for the right of women to vote. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4253, Abolitionism: Black History Month, Part 11
February 11, 2021 08:00The struggle to abolish slavery began during the colonial period, but gathered steam in the early 1800s, becoming more militant in the years before the Civil War. This multiracial movement sought the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Women played a major role, which sowed the seeds of the women's suffrage movement. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4252, Fugitive Slave Clause: Black History Month, Part 10
February 10, 2021 08:00The fugitive slave clause was another compromise the Framers of the Constitution made to ensure that the Southern states would ratif the Constitution. This clause required that enslaved people who escaped be returned to the person who claimed them. This applied even to states where slavery would be outlawed, which would later stoke the outrage of abolitionists and raise tension between the North and the South. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4251, Three-Fifths Compromise: Black History Month, Part 9
February 09, 2021 08:00The Three-Fifths Compromise counted enslaved people for purposes of representation, not to protect the interests of the enslaved people, but to advance the interests of the slaveholders. Here's how it happened: the Framers of the Constitution agreed that there should be proportional representation in the House of Representatives, but disagreed on whether to count enslaved people for purposes of representation. Southern states held many enslaved people in bondage, but Northern states held few....
60-Second Civics: Episode 4250, The Constitution and Slavery: Black History Month, Part 8
February 08, 2021 08:00Many of the Framers of the Constitution were ashamed of slavery, and carefully avoided using the words "slave" or "slavery" in the document. Nevertheless, the Framers protected slavery in the Constitution in order to accommodate the Southern states, which threatened to refuse to join the Union. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4249, African Americans in the American Revolution: Black History Month, Part 7
February 07, 2021 08:00Enslaved African Americans faced difficult choices at the start of the Revolutionary War. The British royal governor of Virginia promised them freedom, and many joined the Loyalist cause. Up to 100,000 others fled across British lines. And yet about 5,000 served as soldiers in the Continental Army, serving valiantly. We'll learn some of their stories on today's podcast. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4248, Phillis Wheatley Peters: Black History Month, Part 6
February 06, 2021 08:00Phillis Wheatley Peters was the first African American to publish a volume of poetry. She was born around 1753 and taken to the American colonies as a slave, but learned how to read and write, publishing her first poem at the age of thirteen. Her fame became international when her poems were published in London. She is remembered not only for her poetry, but also for inspiring abolitionists in America and Europe. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4247, The Declaration of Independence and Slavery: Black History Month, Part 5
February 05, 2021 08:00The Declaration of Independence asserted that "all Men are created equal" and yet enslaved African Americans had been systematically deprived of their rights since at least 1619. Today we learn about the passages condemning slavery that were deleted from the Declaration of Independence. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4246, The Economics of Slavery: Black History Month, Part 4
February 04, 2021 08:00The South became increasingly dependent on the labor of enslaved African Americans, especially after the invention of the cotton gin in 1793. Cotton was a main cash crop. This dependence on forced labor led to the refusal of the South to abolish slavery. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4245, Languages and Cultures of Enslaved Africans in America: Black History Month, Part 3
February 03, 2021 08:00When enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to America, their names were changed by slaveholders and they were often forbidden to speak their native languages. Nevertheless, these rich cultures were never entirely suppressed, and their influence can be seen in the United States today. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4244, Introduction of Slavery to America: Black History Month, Part 2
February 02, 2021 08:00More than 10 million enslaved Africans would be forcibly transported to the New Word, and at least 250,000 would be taken to the United States. Slavery would not be confined to the South. Slavery was eventually practiced in every American colony. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4243, All Men Are Created Equal: Black History Month, Part 1
February 01, 2021 08:00Despite the assurance of the Declaration of Independence that "all men are created equal," the Declaration did not recognize the freedom of enslaved people. And although the Constitution did not mention the word "slavery," it contained provisions that ensured its survival. Nevertheless, the story of the more than 400 years since slavery was first introduced into the thirteen colonies is one of expanding rights and greater equality for all Americans. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4242, Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions on Free Assembly
January 31, 2021 08:00The First Amendment protects freedom of assembly, but the Supreme Court has held that time, place, and manner restrictions are permissible under certain circumstances. Learn more on today's 60-Second Civics. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4241, The Right to Peaceably Assemble
January 30, 2021 08:00The right to peaceably assemble is protected by the First Amendment, but it does have limits. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4240, What Will Donald Trump's Second Senate Impeachment Trial Look Like?
January 29, 2021 08:00Former president Donald Trump's second impeachment trial is scheduled to begin on February 9. It will look a bit different than the last impeachment trial, but the constitutional limitations remain the same. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4239, What Is the Charge Against Former President Donald Trump in His Second Impeachment Trial?
January 28, 2021 08:00Today we explain the charge against former president Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial and learn about past impeachments. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4238, What Is Impeachment?
January 27, 2021 08:00Today we present a brief overview of the impeachment process. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4237, What Is the Filibuster?
January 26, 2021 08:00The filibuster has been the news recently, with some members of Congress calling for end of practice. Today we learn what the filibuster is and how senators can stop a filibuster by a vote of 60 senators. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4236, Three Types of Executive Actions
January 25, 2021 08:00Today we learn the difference between three types of executive actions: executive orders, executive memoranda, and presidential proclamations. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4235, How Recent Presidents Began Their Administrations
January 24, 2021 08:00It is hard to compare different presidents' performance in their first 100 days. The numbers of laws and executive orders signed by the president in their first 100 days varies quite a lot, and these do not have equal weight: some laws and executive orders are more impactful than others. Furthermore, presidents may or may not have majority support in Congress, and the sizes of their majorities varies. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4234, What Can a President Accomplish in 100 Days?
January 23, 2021 08:00Why do presidents rely so heavily on executive orders during their first 100 days in office? We examine this question and learn about the standard set by FDR during his first 100 days as president on today's podcast. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4233, A President's First 100 Days
January 22, 2021 08:00FDR faced the Great Depression and a banking crisis when he assumed office. Joe Biden faces the challenge of COVID-19 and a struggling economy. FDR's aggressive response within the first 100 days of his inauguration set the standard for every president after him. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4232, The Role of Former Presidents in American Society
January 21, 2021 08:00In modern times, former presidents have largely chosen to engage in public service, but they have also sought to improve their reputations. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4231, Inauguration Day
January 20, 2021 08:00Technological advances in the early twentieth century allowed for ballots to be counted more quickly and reduced the time it took for legislators to travel from their states to the capital. As a result, the Twentieth Amendment was ratified in 1933, allowing for a newly elected or re-elected president and members of Congress to begin serving their terms shortly after being elected, reducing the amount of time "lame-duck" officials remain in office. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4230, The Troubled Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln
January 19, 2021 08:00You might be tempted to think that Wednesday's inauguration of Joe Biden is the most troubled in history, but it is not. Today we look at the first inauguration of Abraham Lincoln and remember Lincoln's words as an inspiration for the future of our diverse union. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4229, The Power to Investigate: How Congress Works, Part 23
January 18, 2021 08:00Congress has conducted hundreds of investigations since 1792. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4228, The Authority of Congress to Conduct Investigations: How Congress Works, Part 22
January 17, 2021 08:00Even though it's not mentioned in the Constitution, Congress has the authority to carry out investigations. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4227, Lobbying: How Congress Works, Part 21
January 16, 2021 08:00Today's podcast explains the practice of lobbying and the requirements of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4226, How Constituents Contribute to Legislation: How Congress Works, Part 20
January 15, 2021 08:00Constituents, the people represented by an elected official, are valuable sources of ideas for legislation. Constituents influence legislation by responding to opinion polls and contacting members of Congress, among other methods. Lobbying is another method of trying to affect legislation. These are typically organized efforts to influence legislators and other public officials to propose or modify legislation or regulations. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4225, The Executive Branch as a Source of Legislation: How Congress Works, Part 19
January 14, 2021 08:00Congress and the executive branch normally work closely together in creating legislation. The president will often lay out his or her legislative agenda in the State of the Union address. Executive agencies also regularly provide legislative proposals. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4224, Ideas for Legislation: How Congress Works, Part 18
January 13, 2021 08:00Members of Congress have many reasons for initiating legislation, including in response to problems and promises made to constituents. The Congressional Research Service and the Congressional Budget Office provide information that inform legislation. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4223, Congress and Individual Rights: How Congress Works, Part 17
January 12, 2021 08:00Today we learn about the role of Congress in protecting individual rights. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4222, Persistence and Compromise Is the Key to Lawmaking: How Congress Works, Part 16
January 11, 2021 08:00It's tough work getting a bill through Congress. At each stage there is a need to gain support of the majority, whether it is in a committee or in the House or Senate chambers. The bill must also normally have the support of the president. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4221, How a Bill Becomes a Law: How Congress Works, Part 15
January 10, 2021 08:00What happens when the House and Senate versions differ? Find out on today's podcast. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4220, The Committee Vote: How Congress Works, Part 14
January 09, 2021 08:00Bills proposed in Congress usually go to a committee, which then modifies the bill and makes recommendations for amendments, if needed. The bill might receive a floor vote, then goes to a committee in the other chamber before possible amendment and another vote. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4219, Mark-up Sessions: How Congress Works, Part 13
January 08, 2021 08:00How do congressional committees work? Find out on today's podcast. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4218, Bills and Resolutions: How Congress Works, Part 12
January 07, 2021 08:00Before it can become a law, a bill has to introduced by the House or the Senate. Revenue bills must originate in the House. The bill then gets assigned to one or more committees, which will then hold hearings. These are usually open to the public. Experts present testimony so that members of Congress can evaluate the merits of the bill. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4217, Introducing a Bill: How Congress Works, Part 11
January 06, 2021 08:00Today on the podcast: simple, joint, and concurrent resolutions. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4217, President Pro Tempore: How Congress Works, Part 10
January 06, 2021 08:00Today we learn about the president pro tempore of the Senate and the majority whip of the House. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4216, President Pro Tempore: How Congress Works, Part 10
January 05, 2021 08:00Today we learn about the president pro tempore of the Senate and the majority whip of the House. Center for Civic Education