Civics 101

NHPR

How do landmark Supreme Court decisions affect our lives? What does the 2nd Amendment really say? Why does the Senate have so much power? Civics 101 is the podcast about how our democracy works…or is supposed to work, anyway. read less

Our Editor's Take

The podcast Civics 101 gives away its main goal in the title. It is a show for anyone who wants to refresh their knowledge about the inner workings of the US government. It can be for the foreigner who knows nothing about American democracy. But it is also for the American who wasn't paying that much attention in school. This podcast is especially for anyone who wants to understand the US political system to get involved and make a difference. New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) produces the show.

The two hosts of the Civics 101 podcast are Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice. McCarthy is a journalist. As an NHPR Fellow, she reported on subjects like the opioid epidemic. Her writing has appeared in New York Magazine and the Vineyard Gazette. Capodice was an essential part of the education division at the Tenement Museum in Manhattan before he joined NHPR. Their combined expertise in journalism and education makes them great hosts.

McCarthy and Capodice communicate the material in a style that is engaging and easy to learn. This makes Civics 101 feel less like a class and more like a fun after-school activity. But for those who want to immerse themselves, there are even lesson plans and quizzes.

Each episode of Civics 101 revolves around one topic. It can be anything from the role of the vice president to the way midterm elections work. The hosts of the show interview experts about the specific subject. These include lawyers, legislators, authors, educators, and more. They ask simple questions the listeners may have always wondered. There is no judgment on this podcast, only the will to learn together. New episodes debut weekly.

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Introducing “The Youth Development Center”

Introducing “The Youth Development Center”

Introducing the newest series from NHPR’s award-winning Document team: “The Youth Development Center.” New Hampshire has sent its most troubled kids to the same juvenile detention center for more than a century. It's a place that was supposed to nurture them, that instead hurt them – in some of the worst ways imaginable. It's now at the center of one of the biggest youth detention scandals in American history. How did this happen – and how did it finally come to light?The series is available now: listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, iHeart Radio, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode includes content that may not be suitable for young listeners. If you have suffered abuse and need someone to talk to, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. If you’re in a mental health crisis, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

Episodios

What is the Cabinet? And how can appointments work?

What is the Cabinet? And how can appointments work?

Whenever there's an incoming administration, there's a big to-do about Cabinet nominations. So what does The Cabinet DO? How has it evolved since Washington's administration? What is the process for appointing someone to the cabinet? And finally, how could a president appoint someone without approval from the Senate?Taking us through all the cabinetry is Dan Cassino, professor of government and politics at Farleigh Dickinson University. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

Trump's "Day One" Promises

Trump's "Day One" Promises

President Elect Donald Trump has said he won't be a dictator "except for day one." We take a look at all of the "day one" promises he's made over the course of his campaign and explain how he might get them done. Or not.For a sense of how many times Donald Trump made these promises, check out the Washington Post's data here.Click HERE to buy tickets for NHPR's Holiday Raffle! NHPR’s Holiday Raffle is open to any United States resident 18 years or older in any state where the Raffle is not prohibited by state, local or other laws. (States where raffles are not permitted: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina, and Utah.) (edited) CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

How do presidential transitions happen?

How do presidential transitions happen?

In 2018, we did an episode on Presidential Transitions. Now that we have had an election, we decided to revisit it. There are nearly 4,000 positions that a president appoints after their inauguration. How do they do it? How long does it take? And why has Donald Trump repeatedly refused to sign the "memoranda of understanding" regarding the transition from the U.S. General Services Administration?Our guest is Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, which runs the Center for Presidential Transition.Our show started as an explainer of governmental systems in a transition such as the one we're in now. Send us an email at civics101@nhpr.org if you want us to explain any facet of how our democracy works. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

What happens to ensure your vote for president is counted?

What happens to ensure your vote for president is counted?

You voted for president. So what happens to your ballot next? This episode covers EVERYTHING that happens to ensure your vote is verified, all the way up to the official counting of electoral votes in Congress. Our guests are journalist Jessica Huseman and Notre Dame law professor Derek Muller. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

Life in the wake of January 6th

Life in the wake of January 6th

A story about a former Capitol Police officer who's life has been shaped by the events of January 6th.Emilia's Thing was produced by the Document team at NHPR. Click here for more. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

US vs: Healthcare

US vs: Healthcare

The United States spends more than any other country on healthcare. And, unfortunately, that's just about the only place we come in first.Today we learn about the creation and maintenance of our unique public/private system with Sue Tolleson-Rinehart, Professor Emeritus at UNC, and Amélie Quesnel-Vallée, Canada Research Chair in Policies and Health Inequalities at McGill University. They break down how our system measures up to other wealthy nations; in cost to its citizens, efficacy, taxation, reproductive rights, and so much more. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

What Remains: Science, ethics, and the Smithsonian’s bone collection

What Remains: Science, ethics, and the Smithsonian’s bone collection

The Smithsonian is the world's largest research institution, but much of it is out of public sight. And one particular kind of collection is part of a growing debate over where ethical lines and scientific discovery should be drawn.This week, we present the first part of a special series from our colleagues at Outside/In. You can listen to the rest of the series here, or get Outside/In wherever listen to podcasts. You can support our journalism by making a donation to our show! Thanks so much. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

Why does corruption matter?

Why does corruption matter?

Corruption in politics is a trope that's been around ever since we had politics. And it can feel inevitable. Regardless of anticorruption legislation and executive orders, it seems like it will never go away.David Sirota, editor in chief of The Lever and host of the podcast Master Plan, argues the opposite. Today on Civics 101 we learn about what corruption is, how it influences (or doesn't influence) policy, and what needs to be done to eradicate it from our political system. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

How can the president stop a strike?

How can the president stop a strike?

Whenever there's a big strike in the news, someone inevitably invokes the phrase "Taft-Hartely Act" when talking about whether or not the president should intervene. But what is Taft-Hartley? How did it come about? And what can it actually do?Nick chats with Erik Loomis, a professor at the University of Rhode Island and expert on all things labor-related. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

How YOU can help preserve our democracy (really)

How YOU can help preserve our democracy (really)

Why don't people "civically engage?" Because they're too busy! Politicians are busy! Or maybe...they don't care?In this special episode of Civics 101 recorded in front of a live audience, we hear from experts who break down what it means to participate in our democracy, how to break down barriers to participation, and how to be who you already are and make a VERY big difference. This episode was recorded at NHPR's Civics 101 Summit at Southern New Hampshire University. Learn more about that event right here. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

What is "Originalism?"

What is "Originalism?"

What does it mean if a SCOTUS justice is a self-proclaimed "originalist?" When was the word first used in that context? And what are we missing about the framers when we look only upon the recent interpretation of their words in the court?Today our guide is Mackenzie Joy Brennan; lawyer, media commentator, and author of the upcoming book The Original ‘Original Intent,’ Recovering the Lost Constitution of the Founders.Click here for more of Mackenzie's research on originalism, including Terry Brennan's essay in the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy.Click here for our episode on the Second Amendment. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

The Mighty Mississippi

The Mighty Mississippi

For more than two hundred years Americans have tried to tame the Mississippi River. And, for that entire time, the river has fought back. This week we present an episode of our sister podcast Outside/In. Journalist and author Boyce Upholt has spent dozens of nights camping along the Lower Mississippi and knows the river for what it is: both a water-moving machine and a supremely wild place. His recent book, “The Great River: The Making and Unmaking of the Mississippi River” tells the story of how engineers have made the Mississippi into one of the most engineered waterways in the world, and in turn have transformed it into a bit of a cyborg — half mechanical, half natural. In this episode, host Nate Hegyi and Upholt take us from the flood ravaged town of Greenville, Mississippi, to the small office of a group of army engineers, in a tale of faulty science, big egos and a river that will ultimately do what it wants. Featuring Boyce Upholt CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

It's Been A Minute: Video Games vs. Journalism vs. Robert Frost

It's Been A Minute: Video Games vs. Journalism vs. Robert Frost

Today, we bring you a special bonus - a SMACKDOWN episode of NPR's It's Been a Minute featuring our own hosts Nick and Hannah! IBAM host Brittany Luse has been taking this smackdown on the road to cities all across the country. Hear the other debates on the It's Been a Minute podcast. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

What Does the President DO?

What Does the President DO?

Today we discuss what a president is, what a president does, and what a president "should be." To quote Professor Amar, it can be hard to find someone to fill those shoes because they were designed for Washington's feet.Our guests are Akhil Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, and Andy Lipka, president of EverScholar.Akhil and Andy co-host Amarica's Constitution, a podcast that explores the constitutional issues of our day. It is a perfect companion show to Civics 101, and one we endorse wholeheartedly. Here is where you can listen to our episode on the Executive Branch, here is a link to our episode on the Presidential Veto, and here is where you can learn about the President and the Price of Gas. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

Why is the voting age 18?

Why is the voting age 18?

For most of our nation's history, the voting age was 21. So how'd we get it down to 18? In one sense, it was the fastest ratified amendment in history. In another, it took three decades. Our guide to the hard-won fight for youth enfranchisement is Jennifer Frost, author of "Let Us Vote!" Youth Voting Rights and the 26th Amendment. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

Middle Class, Totally Relatable & Elite! (The Campaign Jargon Trivia Episode)

Middle Class, Totally Relatable & Elite! (The Campaign Jargon Trivia Episode)

Why do very different political candidates say the same things over and over? Things like "middle class," "coastal elites" and "middle America?" What do those things even mean? That's what this episode is all about. Also...some civics and history trivia that's VERY much on-topic. Sort of. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

So Long, Chevron

So Long, Chevron

The Chevron Doctrine, or Chevron Deference, was an established judicial principle. When the law was ambiguous, the courts would let the agency experts interpret it. After a Supreme Court case called Loper Bright v Raimondo, that is no longer the case. So what does that mean? What exactly has gone away? What happens next?Our guides to the wonkiest of the wonk are Robin Kundis Craig and Mustafa Santiago Ali. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

Go play a game.

Go play a game.

Nick and Hannah both love board games. There I said it. So what are they doing in a Civics 101 episode? Well, from Student Council and Model UN to CIA intelligence acquisition scenarios, there is a fine line between games and simulation. We learn more about things when we pretend to do them. Today we talk to three designers about their civic-centric games; Tory Brown of Fort Circle Games discusses Votes for Women, Cole Wehrle of Wehrlegig Games breaks down John Company, and Non-Breaking Space explains Cross Bronx Expressway, an upcoming game from GMT. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

What is a whistleblower?

What is a whistleblower?

Choosing to blow the whistle on the U.S. government is a big deal. It's a huge risk and, despite legal protections, can result in major negative repercussions. So why do people do it? What happens to them when they do? What protections do they have, and do those protections work?Our guides to the process are Kathleen McClella, Deputy Director at WHISPeR, Danielle Brian, Executive Director and President of the Project on Government Oversight and Chris Appy, Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.

How does the Order of Succession work?

How does the Order of Succession work?

America's first congress debated it in the 1790s, and it's been debated about ever since. Who should step into the president's shoes if the offices of President and Vice President are simultaneously vacant? Today we talk about the many different Presidential Acts of Succession that we've had in the US, as well as designated survivors, the "football," and the recurring question of the constitutionality of such acts.Click here to listen to our episode on the Executive Branch, should you want to learn the mnemonic "See That Dog Jump In A Circle, Leave Her House To Entertain Educated Veteran's Homes." CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR NHPR'S WINTER RAFFLE AND YOU COULD WIN $15K IN TRAVEL CREDIT TO GO ANYWHERE! (OR 10K IN CASH!) CLICK HERE: Visit our website to donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.