Podcast Episodes

A country with no kings

As subjects of the British king, the very idea of criticizing monarchy -- or King George III himself -- was a dangerous one. So how did we become a country where "no kings" is a guiding principle? So…

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

How are tariffs affecting American businesses?

Today on Civics 101, we answer listener questions about tariffs. And then, we look at how they've affected one American Industry. It's not a game, but these companies do make them, and they've been h…

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Civics lessons from Karen Read's retrial

The team delves into some of the many civics lessons the public got while watching Karen Read’s retrial, which ended with her acquittal on all major charges in June. Topics include the First Amendmen…

Published on 1 month, 4 weeks ago

Forget hypotheticals: How are tariffs affecting American businesses?

Today on Civics 101, we answer listener questions about tariffs. And then, we look at how they've affected one American Industry. It's not a game, but these companies do make them, and they've been h…

Published on 2 months ago

Cinematic Civics: Independence Day

Is there a civics lesson in the 1996 film Independence Day? We think so. 

Join the Civics 101 team for a conversation about the film, its politics, and what it says about the United States and its pla…

Published on 2 months ago

What does the Senate Parliamentarian do?

The Senate Parliamentarian is many things. A nonpartisan referee, an appointed official, and at some times one of the most powerful people in our government. 

This week, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabe…

Published on 2 months, 1 week ago

How political “framing” shapes our thoughts

We know why we feel the way we do about certain political issues, don't we? Don't we??

It turns out that politicians, political strategists, and the media are working every day to alter what we think …

Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Cinematic Civics: The Manchurian Candidate

The Civics 101 team delves into the 1962 film The Manchurian Candidate, a political satire and thriller that is more than relevant in today’s political climate. 

Note: this episode contains spoilers f…

Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago

How is the Alien Enemies Act being used right now?

Now that we have explored what the Alien Enemies Act is, we dive in to how it's being used to shape deportation policy under President Donald Trump. 

Note: We recommend listening to the prior episode …

Published on 2 months, 4 weeks ago

What is the Alien Enemies Act?

The Alien Enemies Act is a war power granted to the president that has only been used four times in US history since its creation in 1798. It allows the president to order the detention and deportati…

Published on 3 months ago