The 8 Best Civics 101 Podcast Episodes
1) Electoral College
When we vote for a president, we're not really voting for a president. Today in our episode on the Electoral College, we explore the rationale of the framers in creating it, its workings, its celebrat...Show More
2) Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering: the act of drawing congressional districts to favor one party over the other. But how does it work? Is it "legal"? Today we explore the many ways people in power use maps to reward fri...Show More
3) Civil Rights: Dred Scott v Sandford
In 1846, Dred and Harriet Scott were living in St. Louis, Missouri with their two daughters. They were enslaved and launched a not uncommon petition: a lawsuit for their freedom. Eleven years later Ch...Show More
4) Ask Civics 101: Why is our voting age eighteen?
We take it for granted that the voting age is eighteen in the United States, but it hasn’t always been this way. We lowered that age from twenty-one in the seventies — so does that mean we could lower...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.5) The Election
What actually happens on the day of the election and in those that follow? Where did your ballot go and how is it being counted? Who keeps our election secure? This is the how and when of vote-countin...Show More
6) Ask Civics 101: Why is the American campaign season so long?
In the United States, campaign season begins long before primaries and caucuses, and ages before the general election. In the past few presidential elections, some people announced their candidacy nea...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.7) Third Parties
When it comes to federal elections, third party candidates are almost assured a defeat. And yet the Libertarian Party, the Green Party, the Reform Party -- these underdogs always appear on the scene r...Show More
8) Episode 60: Federalism
On this episode: what is Federalism? Who uses it? Why do we separate our powers between the states and the national government, and what are the benefits and challenges of such a system? Our guest is ...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.9) The government is shut down....again. But what does that mean?
How do shutdowns happen? Why do they happen? How are they prevented, and whom do they affect?
10) What Could Go Right: Whatever Happened to Civics?
Nick, Emma, and Zachary talk about the state of civics and civics education in 2025.