LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin joins us to discuss the critical role of local elected leaders in shaping community policies and the importance of down-ballot voting in elections.

Secretary Adrian Fontes sheds light on the critical role of the Secretary of State's office in Arizona, particularly in election administration. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring election integrity, voter access, and combating misinformation as the state prepares for the upcoming 2024 elections. The discussion also highlights initiatives aimed at educating voters about changes in voting laws and the importance of community outreach to underserved populations.

As early voting kicks off for the 2024 election, it’s time to check your voter registration and brush up on the rules—each state has its own. In this episode, we'll explore the challenges voters face across the country, break down varying state regulations, and discuss the potential impact of proposed laws, like proof of citizenship requirements. Plus, we'll examine how these changes could affect government funding and the future of our elections.

NBC News Political and National Correspondent, Jacob Soboroff, discusses his experiences at the Republican National Convention (RNC) and the Democratic National Convention (DNC), highlighting the atmosphere and key themes of each event. He emphasizes the importance of unity and understanding in politics, particularly in relation to the economy and everyday life.

Does the Vice Presidential pick really matter? The role of the Vice President has evolved from a tool for geographical and factional balancing to one focused on experience, ideological alignment, and demographic diversity. This episode also delves into the concept of a ‘vibes election,’ where the overall mood and emotional connection voters feel toward candidates play a significant role.

Amid the whirlwind of news surrounding President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, this conversation delves into the parallels and contrasts between the current political landscape and the Democratic Party's tumultuous summer of 1968. Discover the crucial role of delegates in the nomination process and the shifting power dynamics within the party.

This conversation explores the purpose and significance of national conventions, focusing on the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC).

This conversation covers the basics of American elections, including the role of the Constitution, the Electoral College, and potential ways to eliminate or reform it. The Electoral College is a system used to elect the President and Vice President, where each state is granted a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress. The winner-takes-all approach in most states can result in winning the Electoral College but losing the popular vote.

What is the role of political parties in American politics? Political parties are groups of citizens who attempt to influence and control the government by getting their members elected. The main goal of political parties is to control the government and win elections.

While political parties and ideologies have similarities, they're not exactly alike. The basic beliefs of American liberals and conservatives shape people's political views. Additionally, a recent poll suggests more Americans actually agree on many core values, despite differences in politics.

The Constitution's Article III creates the Supreme Court, and Congress has the power to set up the federal court system. This system of courts makes up the judicial branch of government that's still in place today. Federal judges are picked by the President and confirmed by the Senate. These judges are supposed to be impartial and kept separate from politics.

Article II of the Constitution establishes the Executive Branch of the United States government. The Executive Branch is more than the President and Vice President, it's a sprawling network of departments and agencies responsible for executing the laws of the land. Additionally, the State of the Union is an annual speech given by the President. It's a duty assigned to the President by the Constitution.

In this episode of Civic Sense, we explore Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. national government, comprised of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Article 1 of the Constitution serves as the blueprint, delineating rules, qualifications, powers and limitations for Congress.

The Constitution formed a republic, a government where its citizens elect representatives to enact the laws. The United States Framers feared having a government with too much authority, which is why the Constitution established rules between the national government and states, along with a system of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances.

Congress was unable to deal with the challenges of running the new American government under the Articles of Confederation. In 1787, the Constitutional Convention was held and delegates created the Constitution the United States has been living under for over 200 years. We dive into the compromises made to write the living document we use today.

Americans have been living under the same Constitutional system we have today for over 230 years! But this wasn't the first American government system. Following the 13 colonies breaking away from England, the first American government was called the Articles of Confederation.

"Civic Sense" is a refresher course on how the government works. It goes beyond the basics and empowers listeners, giving them all the tools to develop their own political opinions and beliefs — because informed citizens are the cornerstone of a thriving democracy. Join a seasoned teacher and former student on a journey to bridge the civic knowledge gap, where understanding history becomes key to solving modern issues.