Curated Video
What is Common Sense?
It’s one of the most important documents in US history, but how did Thomas Paine’s 47-page pamphlet, Common Sense, turn the tide of the American Revolutionary War?
Curated Video
What is Constitution Day?
Constitution Day takes place every year on September 17. It celebrates the written document that outlines the rights and freedoms of U.S. citizens.
Curated Video
The Pledge of Allegiance
All across the United States, its citizens regularly stand, with hands on heart, to make the Pledge of Allegiance. But what is it, what does it mean and why is it so important?
Curated Video
How Government Affects Us
Dr. Forrester explains how state government functions, and lists some of the public services it provides through tax revenue. She talks about members of the community and how common citizens can make important changes. She closes by...
Curated Video
The Federal Government and the United States Military
Dr. Forrester talks about the responsibilities of the federal government and explains that one of these responsibilities is overseeing the United States military. She describes the value of our military and its development.
Wonderscape
Exploring the 9th and 10th Amendments: Rights and Powers
This video delves into the 9th and 10th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, highlighting their significance in delineating the rights of citizens and the division of power between the federal government and the states. It explains how...
Mr. Beat
How A Kid Bringing a Gun to School Led to the Federal Government Losing Power | U.S. v. Lopez
#supremecourtbriefs #scotus #supremecourt San Antonio, Texas March 10, 1992 Alfonso Lopez, Jr., a senior at Edison High School, brings a concealed .38 caliber revolver into the school. Although the gun is not loaded, he also brings...
Mr. Beat
Did the United States Give Away Half of Oklahoma? | McGirt v. Oklahoma
Well, kind of. In episode 76 of Supreme Court Briefs, a pedophile and a murderer unwittingly cause Native Americans to gain more rights.
Curated Video
The Federal Reserve
Born from a series of financial crises in the 20th century, the Federal Reserve, or Fed, controls monetary policy in the United States to ensure economic growth through maximum employment and fair pricing.
Curated Video
The Department of the Treasury
The Department of the Treasury, inspired by its first secretary, Alexander Hamilton, is responsible for managing the production of money and maintaining the crucial systems underpinning the financial infrastructure of the United States.
Curated Video
Social Security
When times get tough, Social Security provides a vital financial lifeline for U.S. citizens in need. But how did this revolutionary legislation come into being and what benefits does it provide?
Curated Video
Separation of Powers
The U.S. federal government consists of three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Each one has a distinct role, ensuring a balance of power that protects the institution.
Curated Video
Native American Boarding Schools: Forced Separation of Families
For over a hundred years, the U.S. government used education as a tool to assimilate Native American children into American society - by systematically erasing their history, culture, and language.
Curated Video
First Pets of the White House
A succession of presidents and their families have kept animals at the White House, some more unusual than others, including sheep, a raccoon, a snake, and of course, cats and dogs.
Curated Video
Department of Homeland Security
Established in 2002, the Department of Homeland Security might be the youngest of all the federal government’s departments, but its work to safeguard “the American people, our homeland, and our values” couldn't be more important.
Curated Video
National Archives and Records Administration
The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency dedicated to the preservation of historic government records. With storage facilities across the United States, NARA's contents give us an insight into our...
Curated Video
Election of 1948: The Underdog
The suspenseful 1948 presidential election exposed the consequences of flawed polls, as Truman's astonishing victory upended expectations and forever changed how pollsters make predictions.
Curated Video
Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation ensures the equitable and safe transport of goods and people along our roads, railways, skies, waterways and airspace. So, why did it take so long to come into existence?
Curated Video
The Pentagon Papers: Explained
The Pentagon Papers revealed how the U.S. government had lied to the public about its involvement in the Vietnam War. Leaked by the New York Times, this opened the door for future whistleblowers to expose the truth.
Curated Video
The Federal Election Commission
How do you know that the politicians you vote for will represent your interests in office – and not those of powerful corporations? Well, there’s a law for that, and an independent regulatory agency: the Federal Election Commission.
Curated Video
NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, aka NASA, has been at the forefront of science, technology, and space exploration since 1958. Its work remains an inspiration to millions of people around the world.
Curated Video
Injustice: Roger Taney
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney's unjust majority opinion in Dred Scott v. Sandford shockingly declared Black individuals weren't citizens, solidifying slavery's grip and pushing the nation closer to Civil War.
Curated Video
Election of 1912: Third Party
In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt's bold creation of a new political party, the Bull Moose Party, challenged rivals Taft and Wilson, forever altering the political landscape of the United States.
Curated Video
Election of 1824: When the House Chose
In the Presidential Election of 1824, five men from one party were up for the job. It was left to the House of Representatives to figure out a winner – and the aftermath led to the modern two-party system.