I wonder how many of these millennials have heard about the empirically demonstrated advantages of living under democratic, rather than authoritarian, governments? I wonder if they would still be convinced? This could be a great way to provoke discussion when teaching the American Form of Government, particularly the section on Read more…
Here’s an interesting historically-based discussion of the pardon power, including the ongoing constitutional debate over its scope and limits. Link to article Link to US Civitas Facebook Discussion Thread
Interesting, though sobering, analysis and discussion about the state of American democracy. ‘American Democracy After Trump’s First Year‘-Bright Line Watch Link to US Civitas Facebook Discussion Thread
This could be useful for discussing the purposes of government (in general) and the Hobbesian / Lockean argument for why government may be necessary for protecting the right to life (in particular), but also how the government itself can be a source of threats to rights. (The people wanted security Read more…
Link to article Link to US Civitas Facebook Discussion Thread
The decision to have Rev. Billy Graham lie in honor at the Capitol has raised questions about the contemporary meaning and purpose of the Establishment Clause. This article discusses that briefly, while also providing a brief discussion of how religion in American society has changed over the last sixty years. Read more…
This video is great for a variety of purposes, including political participation, civil liberties (1st and 2nd Amendments), and theories of legislative representation. It’s especially great that it’s here in Georgia. Link to video
Good stuff here for discussing party in the electorate and, specifically, the demographic differences between the two major party coalitions. ‘Trends in party affiliation among demographic groups‘-Pew Research Center Link to US Civitas Facebook Discussion Thread
This would be great for critically discussing public opinion, the notion that support for “theocracy” is outside the mainstream of American politics, and also the notion that ideological disagreement — understood in liberal vs. conservative terms — is a major cause of political conflict in American politics. ‘Despite porn stars Read more…
I could imagine — at least with a smaller class — showing this video at the beginning of class when covering political participation, and spending the class period working together to take action on the issue. Students would spend 20 minutes researching the issue, finding consensus expert recommendations, spend 10 Read more…
This could be GREAT for class discussion. Link to US Civitas Facebook Discussion Thread