Episodes

  • The National Mall

    The National Mall
    Oct 13 2026
    As a kingless, queenless, monarch-free nation, what do we decide to put in the space that best represents us to the world? Why is the Washington Monument a giant obelisk? And while we're at it, what's the deal with Donald Trump's proposed Triumphal Arch? Today we are guided by an actual, real-life, architectural tour guide, Carolyn Muraskin of DC Tours. She walks us through the many ups and downs of DC's rich design history, along with the many controversies that surrounded what we put on the National Mall. Click here to visit our website, where we're showing photos of all the monuments discussed in this episode, and click here to hear Hannah talking about what she feels when she's at the Lincoln Memorial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • What Does it Mean to Be a Democrat or a Republican?

    What Does it Mean to Be a Democrat or a Republican?
    Oct 6 2026
    Today we look at the creation and evolution of the two major parties in the US; the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. How did they come about? How did their ideals shift over the last 200+ years? And where might they go next? These episodes originally aired in 2020, and feature Keneshia Grant, George Will, Kathryn DePalo-Gould, Heather Wagner, Paddy Riley, and William Adler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • How a Bill (REALLY) Becomes a Law

    How a Bill (REALLY) Becomes a Law
    Sep 29 2026
    Our final "Back to School" episode is a nod to how we started in the first place. Our show was created to be "Schoolhouse Rock for adults," and no mention of Schoolhouse Rock is complete without a sad little scrap of paper hoping to become a bill. Today we're exploring how that bill, sitting there on Capitol Hill, becomes a law. This episode features the voices of Andy Wilson, Adia Samba-Quee, Alizah Ross, and Eleanor Powell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • What is Federalism?

    What is Federalism?
    Sep 22 2026
    A tug of war, a balancing act, two dancers dragging each other across the floor. This is the perpetual ebb and flow of power between the states and the federal government. How can things be legal in a state but illegal nationally? Are states obstinate barricades to federal legislation? Or are they laboratories of democracy? Exclusive Coveron discount: : https://coveron.com/CIVICS or use the code CIVICS at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • U.S. Versus: The Two Party System

    U.S. Versus: The Two Party System
    Sep 15 2026
    Americans often take issue with our two-party system. So what other options are out there? Today, with the help of political scientists Guillermo Rosas and Robin Best, we explore the reason why we have (and may always have) such a system, and compare it to other democracies around the world. This episode contains an overabundance of Street Fighter 2 references. INCOGNI DEAL: They can't harm you, if they can't find you! To get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan, go to ⁠incogni.com/CIVICS⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • These United Hosts

    These United Hosts
    Sep 8 2026
    In which we take an historical look at the interplay between marriage and democracy, and Hannah and Nick reveal a Civics 101 secret years in the making. INCOGNI DEAL: They can't harm you, if they can't find you! To get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan, go to ⁠incogni.com/CIVICS⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Our 250th Annual Trivia Episode!

    Our 250th Annual Trivia Episode!
    Sep 1 2026
    Not really. But we send one of our own out in style by asking (and answering) some very tough questions. Including one you might recognize. INCOGNI DEAL: They can't harm you, if they can't find you! To get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan, go to ⁠incogni.com/CIVICS⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Article II of the Constitution

    Article II of the Constitution
    Aug 25 2026
    Article II, which lays out the powers, duties, and limits on presidential powers, is one of the most debated and reinterpreted parts of the Constitution. So what does it say? Today we are joined by Dr. Corey Brettschneider, a professor of political science at Brown, author of several books on presidential power, and co-host of the podcast The Oath and the Office. We go through each and every clause of Article II, but somehow it keeps coming back to the same 35 words. Be sure to check out Corey's podcast here. INCOGNI DEAL: They can't harm you, if they can't find you! To get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan, go to ⁠incogni.com/CIVICS⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins