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What do you really know about American government, the Constitution, and your rights as a citizen?
Civics in a Year is a fast-paced podcast series that delivers essential civic knowledge in just 10 minutes per episode. Over the course of a year, we’ll explore 250 key questions—from the founding documents and branches of government to civil liberties, elections, and public participation.
Rooted in the Civic Literacy Curriculum from the Center for American Civics at Arizona State University, this series is a collaborative project supported by the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership. Each episode is designed to spark curiosity, strengthen constitutional understanding, and encourage active citizenship.
Whether you're a student, educator, or lifelong learner, Civics in a Year will guide you through the building blocks of American democracy—one question at a time.
61 Episodes
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Why do Supreme Court justices turn to 235-year-old political essays when deciding modern cases? This riveting exploration with Dr. Sean Beienberg reveals how the Federalist Papers continue to shape constitutional interpretation centuries after their publication. The Federalist Papers serve a dual purpose in today's legal landscape. First, they explain the Constitution's institutional design, where the document remains sparse. Dr. Beienberg notes, "They do a terrific job articulating and expl...
Few Americans have transformed our nation's trajectory quite like Sandra Day O'Connor. Born on an Arizona ranch where she learned resilience and grit, her journey to becoming the first woman on the Supreme Court reveals both personal determination and the evolving story of American democracy itself. Sandra Day grew up on the 200,000-acre Lazy Bee Ranch, developing problem-solving skills and persistence that would define her remarkable career. Despite graduating third in her class from Stanfo...
We explore the critical debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists that shaped America's founding and governmental structure in the late 1780s after the Revolutionary War. Their competing visions for the new nation's power structure ultimately resulted in both a strong constitutional framework and explicit protections for individual rights. • Federalists like Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay advocated for a strong central government to maintain national unity and security...
Dr. Paul Carrese returns to Civics in a Year for a profound conversation about what modern Americans can learn from the debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists during the Constitution's ratification. This eye-opening discussion reveals how America's core identity has always been defined not by ethnic or religious homogeneity, but by a commitment to principled debate among free people who disagree yet remain united in a shared national project. The great paradox of American democracy...
The Federalist Papers stand as America's original political science—a blueprint for constitutional government that remains surprisingly relevant 240 years after its creation. In this enlightening conversation with Dr. Paul Carrese, we explore why these historical documents continue to shape our understanding of governance despite dramatic changes in American society. What makes the Federalist Papers so enduring? As Dr. Carrese explains, the fundamental questions they address - federalism, se...
Dr. Sean Beienberg examines the historical debate between Alexander Hamilton and Brutus regarding judicial power and independence in the American constitutional system. Hamilton's Federalist 78 defends judicial review as necessary for enforcing constitutional limits on government, while Brutus feared creating an unaccountable judicial oligarchy. • Both Hamilton and Brutus agreed judicial review existed in the Constitution but disagreed on whether it was beneficial • Brutus warned judges woul...
We explore Federalist Papers 47 and 48 with Dr. Sean Beinberg, examining Madison's sophisticated understanding of separation of powers and the subtle distinction between separated powers and checks and balances. • Dr. Beienberg identifies these papers as among the most important Federalist writings • Madison responds to critics who claimed the Constitution had poor separation of powers • Tyranny defined as concentration of powers, regardless of whether in one, few, or many hands • Madison ar...
We explore why Constitution Day matters by comparing the U.S. Constitution to the rulebook of a sports team, showing how both prevent chaos and establish fair play. On September 17, 1787, the founders created not just a document but a revolutionary system where power comes from the people rather than kings or rulers. • The Constitution serves as America's rulebook, similar to how sports teams need rules to function • Signed on September 17, 1787, the Constitution established how our new coun...
We explore the essential qualities of a good president according to America's founding fathers and how these same virtues helped Abraham Lincoln lead during the Civil War. These timeless leadership traits—honesty, wisdom, courage, and respect for the people—remain relevant for aspiring leaders of all ages today. • Founders worried about giving one person too much power while still needing a strong leader • Washington demonstrated honesty by refusing to become king despite popular support • H...
Dr. Sean Beienberg returns to examine the Electoral College through the lens of Federalist Paper 68, explaining the original intentions behind this complex system and how it rapidly evolved from its designed purpose. We explore how Hamilton's vision of a filtering mechanism for selecting "prudent statesmen" quickly transformed with the rise of political parties and changing electoral practices. • The Electoral College has two key features: the allocation of electors (balancing federal and na...
Dr. Beienberg explains Alexander Hamilton's arguments in Federalist No. 70 for establishing a single executive rather than a council or committee to lead the executive branch. Hamilton's case rests on the fundamental differences between legislative and executive power, with the former benefiting from diverse voices and the latter requiring efficiency and clear accountability. • Executive power demands unity for efficiency and clear accountability • Multiple executives create internal divisio...
Dr. Beienberg returns to explore Federalist No. 70, examining Hamilton's nuanced arguments for a strong executive branch within a balanced constitutional system. The discussion clarifies common misconceptions about the "unitary executive" theory and illustrates why the founders designed the presidency for efficient implementation rather than policy creation. • Hamilton's core argument in Federalist 70-72 emphasizes the need for a "strong and vigorous executive" but with specific limitations ...
Madison's Federalist 51 establishes separation of powers as a safeguard against tyranny while reintroducing the extended republic concept to prevent majority oppression of minorities. The paper forms part of a larger constitutional framework designed to balance power, promote the rule of law, and create effective government through the distribution of energy, stability, and republican liberty among different branches. • Separation of powers prevents tyranny by avoiding concentration of power...
Dr. Alan Gibson continues his analysis of the Federalist Papers with a deep dive into James Madison's arguments for separation of powers in Federalist 51. Madison outlines his revolutionary approach to maintaining constitutional balance by harnessing human nature and self-interest rather than relying on parchment barriers or periodic constitutional revisions. • Madison rejected simply writing down powers on parchment as insufficient to prevent encroachment • Jefferson's proposal for constitu...
Dr. Alan Gibson returns to examine Federalist 51, Madison's definitive document on separation of powers and checks and balances within the American governmental system. Madison's argument across Federalist Papers 47-51 culminates in a sophisticated explanation of how to preserve liberty through proper distribution of governmental authority. • Separation of powers is described by Madison as "a sacred maxim of free government" • American system differs from parliamentary systems where executiv...
Dr. Beienberg explores Federalist 39, Madison's comprehensive explanation of how the Constitution blends federal and national elements to create an effective yet balanced government structure. • Federalist 39 first defends the Constitution as establishing a republican government where all offices are filled directly or indirectly by the people • Madison distinguishes between federal systems (power flows up from states) and national systems (power flows down from central authority) • The Cons...
Dr. Alan Gibson delves into James Madison's groundbreaking argument in Federalist 10 that challenges traditional thinking about republics and factions. Madison innovatively argues that a large, diverse republic better protects against majority tyranny than a small, homogeneous one by using the multiplicity of interests as a stabilizing force. • Madison boldly challenges the small republic thesis prevalent in classical republican theory • Factions form around opinions, passions, and interests...
Dr. Alan Gibson explores Madison's revolutionary idea in Federalist 10 that republican government works better over large territories with diverse populations rather than small ones. This concept directly challenged centuries of traditional republican theory that insisted republics must remain small to function properly. • Madison argued large republics naturally check faction formation, particularly majority factions that threaten minority rights • Both Federalists and Anti-Federalists cons...
Dr. Carrese returns to explore the Anti-Federalists, an overlooked yet crucial group of America's founders whose opposition to the Constitution led directly to the Bill of Rights and continues to shape constitutional debates today. • Anti-Federalists opposed the 1787 Constitution because they feared the federal government would become too powerful and remote from the people • They criticized the presidency as concentrating too much power in one person elected for a lengthy four-year term • T...
Civic holidays are days set aside to commemorate important events or values in our nation's history. They serve as reminders of our shared past and principles rather than just opportunities for celebration. Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, originated in the late 1800s when workers organized into unions to demand better working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable hours. • Civic holidays include Independence Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Constitution Day • Labo...
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