Civics In A Year

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...

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 a...

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 unite...

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 Paul Carrese, we explore why these historical documents continue to shape our understanding of governance despite dramatic changes in American society.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...

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 Constitu...

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 con...

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

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
• Washing...

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 Elector...

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 e...

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 70-7...

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.

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 ...

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...

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 st...

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...

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...

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 conc...

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 includ...