60-Second Civics Podcast
917 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★ - 75 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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
60-Second Civics: Episode 4677, Congress and the Impeachment Power: Balance of Powers, Part 9
July 28, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteEvidence that the Framers intended to create a predominant Congress is apparent by how they bestowed the branch with the power to impeach the president and other high officials in the national government. Learn more in this episode! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4676, The Framers Intended Congress to Dominate: Balance of Powers, Part 8
July 27, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThe Framers of the Constitution intended Congress to be the dominant branch of the national government.??Why was that? Listen to learn more! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4675, Limits on Each Branch of Government: Balance of Powers, Part 7
July 26, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThe Framers of the Constitution created a system of separated and shared powers and checks and balances to limit and control the use of power by governmental institutions and to prevent the possibility of tyranny. Learn more of each branch's ability to check the use of power by the other institutions in this episode! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4674, How the Supreme Court Shares Power: Balance of Powers, Part 6
July 25, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThe Framers of the Constitution wanted to prevent a tyrannical executive in the presidency and a tyranny of a majority in Congress. But they were also careful to limit the power of the courts. Learn how in this episode! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4673, How the President Shares Power: Balance of Powers, Part 5
July 22, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThe Framers of the Constitution made each branch of the national government share some of its primary responsibilities and powers with one or more of the other branches. For example, the president and the executive branch have the primary responsibility for carrying out and enforcing laws. Learn more! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4672, How Congress Shares Power: Balance of Powers, Part 4
July 21, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThe Framers of the Constitution wanted to limit the power of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the national government. So, they made each of them share some of its primary responsibilities and accompanying powers with one or more of the other branches. Listen for more! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4671, How to Prevent Tyranny: Balance of Powers, Part 3
July 20, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThe Framers of the Constitution were concerned about two things: First, the emergence of a tyrannical executive in the presidency and second, a tyranny of a majority in Congress. Learn how they design a system of government to address these concerns in this episode! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4670, Congress as the Predominant Branch: Balance of Powers, Part 2
July 19, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteWhich branch of the federal government has the most power? We explore the intentions of the Framers for how powered was to be distributed among the branches in this episode! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4669, A Constitutional World Turned Upside Down: Balance of Powers, Pt 1
July 18, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteToday we begin a special series of podcasts to examine the question of whether power in the federal government is appropriately balanced between Congress and the executive and judicial branches. We will also learn how power has shifted from Congress to the executive and judicial branches of government and consider the implications of this shift. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4668, Public and Private Happiness: We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident, Part 10
July 15, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteMany of our choices have social consequences and therefore have a civic dimension when they enhance or subtract from public happiness. Thus the pursuit of happiness must refer both to public and to private happiness. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4667, Self-control Is a Key to Happiness: We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident, Part 9
July 14, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteEvery day we make numerous choices in deciding what course of action will add to our well-being and what will make us happy. Making these choices is the pursuit of happiness. Learn more about this important concept in this podcast! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4666, Origin of the andquot;Pursuit of Happinessandquot;: We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident, Part 8
July 13, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteIn the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson announced that every human being has ???certain unalienable rights,??? among which are those to ???life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.????? But what did Jefferson mean by ???the pursuit of happiness???? Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4665, Rights That Cannot Be Taken Away: We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident, Part 7
July 12, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteOne key to understanding “inalienable” rights--as distinguished from ordinary, “alienable” rights--is found by turning to one of Thomas Jefferson's rough drafts of the Declaration of Independence. Listen to learn more about the foundations of your rights that cannot be taken away! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4664, Inalienable Rights: We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident, Part 6
July 11, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThe Declaration of Independence states that “all Men are … endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” But what does “unalienable Rights”, or as it was intended “inalienable Rights” mean? Learn more in this episode! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4663, Stoicism, Christianity, and Moral Equality: The Basic Ideas of Constitutional Government in the Colonies, Part 19
July 08, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteOn Friday, we discussed the origins of Americans' sense of political equality, but our founders also possessed a strong sense of moral equality. Indeed, the idea of the moral equality of human beings has ancient origins. Listen to today's episode for more! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4662, All Men Are Created Equal: We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident, Part 4
July 07, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThe Declaration of Independence states that among the andquot;truthsandquot; that Americans hold to be andquot;self-evidentandquot; is that andquot;all Men are created equal.andquot; But what was meant by this statement? Learn more today! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4661, The American Mind: We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident, Part 3
July 06, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThomas Jefferson said that his purpose in writing the Declaration of Independence was to express a shared understanding of the American mind. Learn more about this term and its significance today! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4660, Self-Evident Truths: We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident, Part 2
July 05, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThat andquot;all Men are created equalandquot; and andquot;endowed by their Creator with Certain unalienable Rightsandquot; was self-evident to Americans at the time of the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Why was this? Learn more about the foundations of our self-evident truths. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4659, Independence Day: We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident, Part 1
July 04, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteIndependence Day is a time to remember and appreciate our heritage of a democratic form of government and to reflect on our country's fundamental principles. Over the few episodes, 60-Second Civics will examine some of the fundamental ideas about government that are contained in the Declaration of Independence, which was passed by Congress on July 2, 1776, and issued on July 4. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4658, The Future for LGBTQ+ Rights: LGBTQ+ Pride Week Series, Part 7
July 01, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThere's a number of questions that surround the rights of transgender Americans and surround the rights of other parts of the LGBTQ spectrum that are going to continue to be very important when it comes to this particular social justice movement. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4657, Obergefell v. Hodges: LGBTQ+ Pride Week Series, Part 6
June 30, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThere's a long history of federal cases, like Romer v. Evans and Lawrence v. Texas, that eventually lead up to Windsor v. U.S. as well as Obergefell v. Hodges, which are really the federal Supreme Court marriage equality cases that all really focus on two particular elements of the U.S. constitution. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4656, The Defense of Marriage Act: LGBTQ+ Pride Week Series, Part 5
June 29, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteJust like we see earlier in the courts, and we see in the legislatures, the executive branch plays a crucial role in the LGBTQ rights movement, particularly when it comes to marriage equality. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4655, Early Legislative Victories for LGBTQ+ Rights: LGBTQ+ Pride Week Series, Part 4
June 28, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteLike the courts' role, the legislative branch has played a pivotal role in the LGBTQ rights movement. New York, one of the nation's largest states, was a site for an early legislative victory, and that legislation set a standard for legislative action around the country. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4654, Goodridge: The Cinderella Moment for Marriage Equality, LGBTQ+ Pride Week Series, Part 3
June 27, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteWhy was the 2003 Massachusetts decision in Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health such an important moment, particularly when it comes to the role of courts in social justice movements? Find out more from Christopher R. Riano about this critical court case in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4653, Laying the Groundwork for LGBTQ+ Rights: LGBTQ+ Pride Week Series, Part 2
June 26, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteWe're joined again today by Christopher R. Riano, the president of the Center for Civic Education and co-author, with William Eskridge, of Marriage Equality: From Outlaws to In-laws, winner of the American Bar Association's Silver Gavel Award. We ask him: What were some early LGBTQ+ rights questions that the community faced, particularly following what happened at Stonewall? Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4652, What's Significant About the Stonewall Riots? LGBTQ+ Pride Week Series, Part 1
June 25, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteWhat were the Stonewall Riots and why are they seen as such an important milestone in the LGBTQ+ rights movement? Find out today as we launch a special weeklong series of LGBTQ+ Pride Week podcasts with our special guest, Christopher R. Riano, the president of the Center for Civic Education and co-author, along with William Eskridge, of Marriage Equality: From Outlaws to In-laws. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4651, Promoting a Healthy Democracy: Building Your Skills as a Citizen, Part 5
June 24, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteOf all the duties of citizens, perhaps none is more important than doing your part to ensure the healthy functioning of American constitutional democracy. What can you do to support the survival of our constitutional democracy? Find out today! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4650, Effective Participation: Building Your Skills as a Citizen, Part 4
June 23, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteA fundamental aspect of citizenship is participating in the civic affairs of the community and the nation. However, participation alone is not enough. It's important to participate in an informed, thoughtful, and effective manner. How do you do this? Find out in this episode! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4649, Respecting Individual Worth and Human Dignity: Building Your Skills as a Citizen, Part 3
June 22, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteOne key to fulfilling your responsibilities as an American citizen is to respect the value and human dignity of all people. This means treating other people with respect. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4648, Assuming the Responsibilities of a Citizen: Building Your Skills as a Citizen, Part 2
June 21, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteBeing a citizen of the United States means fulfilling certain personal, political, and economic responsibilities. Learn what these include and how you can take on these responsibilities in this episode! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4647, Becoming an Independent Member of Society: Building Your Skills as a Citizen, Part 1
June 20, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteToday we launch a special series on the five civic dispositions of the National Assessment for Educational Progress Civics Framework. The first civic disposition stresses the importance of becoming an independent member of society. Listen for more! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4646, Juneteenth
June 19, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteIn celebration of Juneteenth, we invited Dr. Vicki Ross-Norris back on the podcast to discuss the rich history and importance of this holiday for Americans. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4645, Serving Your Country: Active Citizenship, Part 4
June 17, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteWhen you serve your country, you are promoting the common good; that is, the good of everyone in the United States. There are several ways to serve your country. Listen to learn a few! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4645, Challenging the System: Active Citizenship, Part 5
June 17, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThe American system of government is built on popular sovereignty. However, there have been times in our nation's history when the government did not pursue the common good. Part of being an active citizen is knowing when and how to challenge the system. Here are some principles that can help you. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4644, Serving Your Country: Active Citizenship, Part 4
June 16, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteWhen you serve your country, you are promoting the common good; that is, the good of everyone in the United States. There are several ways to serve your country. Listen to learn a few! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4643, Political Participation: Active Citizenship, Part 3
June 15, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteElections have consequences. If you want a say in the political future of our nation, it is up to you to get involved. Luckily, there are many ways to accomplish this. Listen to learn how! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4642, Being an Active Citizen: Active Citizenship, Part 2
June 14, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteActive citizenship means getting involved in the life of your community and nation so that you can help determine the country's future. But how do you do this? Find out more today! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4641, Being an Informed Citizen: Active Citizenship, Part 1
June 13, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteMost American citizens 18 years of age and older have the right to vote and choose our representatives who make our laws. But it is your obligation to cast an informed and responsible vote. Listen for more! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4640, Security: Digital Citizenship, Part 8
June 10, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThe online world is unfortunately full of people who would love to compromise your device and use it for their own purposes. So what can you do to stay secure online? Learn some simple tips today! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 469, Staying Safe: Digital Citizenship, Part 7
June 09, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteThe internet and social media can be great places to spend your time, but they also present certain dangers, especially for young people. It's up to you to be aware of your own personal safety online, but there are a few commonsense recommendations that can help. Listen for these tips! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4638, Privacy: Digital Citizenship, Part 6
June 08, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteWhen you use digital technology, much of your personal information is collected by the companies that run them. You have a right to privacy, but you should also take steps to protect yourself. Listen for more! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4637, Responsibility: Digital Citizenship, Part 5
June 07, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteAn important part of digital citizenship is taking responsibility for your actions on digital platforms. Part of this is knowing when to engage and when to pull back. Today we share some simple tips for acting with responsibility online! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4636, Full Participation and Equal Access to Technology: Digital Citizenship, Part 4
June 06, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteWhat does it mean to participate fully in digital civic life? One factor to consider is whether all Americans have equal access to digital technology. But what barriers exist? Listen to learn more! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4635, All About the Benjamins: Digital Citizenship: Part 3
June 03, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteSmartphones and other digital devices make it easy to buy things quickly, but it's important to protect yourself when shopping online. Learn strategies for shopping smart online in today's episode! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4634, Doing the Right Thing Online: Digital Citizenship: Part 2
June 02, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteA big part of digital citizenship is doing the right thing online; that is, respecting yourself and everyone else you interact with. Learn how to do this in today's episode! Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4633, What Is Digital Citizenship? Digital Citizenship, Part 1
June 01, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteToday's young people face a few unique challenges interacting with digital media. Our new series unpacks how to safely navigate these challenges while ensuring everyone's rights are respected and that everyone is acting with responsibility. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4632, andquot;Our Country's Aim Will Remain True Towards Justiceandquot;: Justice Paula Nakayama, Part 6
May 31, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteIn light of the recent rise in violence toward Asian Americans, Justice Nakayama of the Hawai'i Supreme Court emphasizes that, andquot;we must encourage everybody to learn, understand and deeply appreciate and embrace the rule of law in our country.andquot; Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4632, Our Country's Aim Will Remain True Towards Justice: Justice Paula Nakayama, Part 6
May 31, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteIn light of the recent rise in violence toward Asian Americans, Justice Nakayama of the Hawai'i Supreme Court emphasizes that we must encourage everybody to learn, understand and deeply appreciate and embrace the rule of law in our country. Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4631, What Does a Civic and Constitutional Education Mean to You?: Justice Paula Nakayama, Part 5
May 30, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteIn today's podcast, we ask Justice Nakayama: What does a civic and constitutional education mean to you? And, why have you dedicated so many years to ensuring greater access to civics for more Americans? Center for Civic Education
60-Second Civics: Episode 4630, Learning About Your Role As an American: Justice Paula Nakayama, Part 4
May 29, 2022 07:00 - 1 minuteA well-informed citizenry is the cornerstone of our democracy, which is why Justice Nakayama believes it's essential for all Americans to learn about their roles and responsibilities as citizens. Center for Civic Education