Wonderscape
Understanding the Twentieth Amendment: The "Lame Duck" Amendment
Explore the significance of the Twentieth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1933. Also known as the "Lame Duck" Amendment, it addresses the transition of power between elections and inaugurals, setting specific...
Wonderscape
The Prohibition Era: Understanding the Eighteenth Amendment
Explore the history and impact of the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, known as the Prohibition Amendment, which prohibited the manufacturing, transportation, and sale of intoxicating liquors. Learn about the...
Wonderscape
Understanding the Seventeenth Amendment: Direct Election of Senators
Learn about the Seventeenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1913, which transformed the process of selecting senators to represent states in Congress. Explore the historical context, challenges with the previous...
Wonderscape
The Foundational Presidency of George Washington
Dive into George Washington's presidency, highlighting his involvement in the Constitutional Convention, his unanimous election, and his precedent-setting actions as the first President of the United States. Learn about his contributions...
Curated Video
Native American Reservations, Explained.
How did Native Americans end up on Reservations? We explore the complicated relationship between the Indian Nations and the United States of America. Watch Tai Leclaire breakdown all you need to know about the Reservation system and why...
Curated Video
Democratic Laws
Dr. Forrester reviews how a democratic government works. She discusses why laws are enacted and the process involved in passing a law.
Curated Video
How the Thirteen Colonies Became Fifty States
Dr. Forrester tells the history of the thirteen colonies and how those original colonies became states. She tells the story of Jamestown, the first English settlement in the New World.
Curated Video
US Citizen
Dr. Forrester gives a brief history and overview of the United States Constitution.
Curated Video
Supreme Court
Sitting at the pinnacle of the judicial branch of government, the U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. Its landmark rulings have had an enduring impact on American life and law.
Curated Video
Federal and State Powers
The U.S. Constitution divides power between the federal government and states, granting specific national powers and reserving others to states via the 10th Amendment, with federal laws generally overriding state laws.
Curated Video
Constitution
The U.S. Constitution, drafted in 1787, established a strong federal government, outlining legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and remains the nation's supreme governing document.
Curated Video
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
The top ranking officer of the US federal judiciary, the Chief Justice presides over the US Supreme Court. But how did the role come into being and what are his or her roles and responsibilities?
Curated Video
Marbury v. Madison: What is Judicial Review?
The U.S. Supreme Court decides if laws made in the United States violate the Constitution or not. It’s called judicial review and it’s a power that was granted to the Supreme Court by the Supreme Court itself – thanks to a landmark case...
Curated Video
Branches of Government
The federal government of the United States of America is split into three separate and distinct branches. But what do the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary do and why are they necessary?
Curated Video
What is the Magna Carta?
It was written over 1,000 years ago, and commissioned by an English King – so what makes the Magna Carta one of the most important documents in US history?
Curated Video
Mapp v. Ohio: Illegal Search and Seizure
Mapp v. Ohio was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that safeguarded the Fourth Amendment right to privacy after a Cleveland woman was wrongly convicted following an illegal search of her home.
Curated Video
What is the English Bill of Rights?
The English Bill of Rights curbed the power and influence of the English monarchy and gave more power to their subjects. It’s the basis for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today.
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
Who was Benjamin Franklin?
Benjamin Franklin wasn't just a founder of the United States, he was also a writer, inventor, scientist, statesman, and a huge celebrity in the thirteen colonies.
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.
One Minute History
192 - Constitutional Monarchy - One Minute History
A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as the head of state within the parameters of a constitution. This constitution outlines the sharing of power between the monarch, an elected parliament, and...
Brainwaves Video Anthology
Larry Sabato - Politics is a Good Thing
Larry Sabato, the director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics and a university professor, discusses his life-long dedication to politics and civic engagement. Having been politically active since he was a seven-year-old...
Curated Video
Russian Tsars Family Tree | Ivan the Terrible to Nicholas II
Russian Tsars Family Tree | Ivan the Terrible to Nicholas II
Curated Video
Let's Go There Independence Hall in Philadelphia
Travel to Philiadelphia and explore the birthplace of liberty, Independence Hall.