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English
Description
The U.S. Constitution has a lot to say about government and how Americans choose their leaders. But nowhere in the document is there any mention of primary elections, the process by which voters winnow down the field of candidates for president and other offices ahead of a general election. Though primary elections may seem integral to the U.S. political system, they are in fact relatively new, arising in the early 20th century to wrest power from...
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English
Description
You vote but then what? Discover how your individual vote contributes to the popular vote and your state's electoral vote in different ways--and see how votes are counted on both state and national levels. [Lesson by Christina Greer, directed by Mark Phillips, narrated by Christina Greer].
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English
Description
The Senate and House of Representatives, the upper and lower houses of the Legislative Branch, are explored in this outstanding production that delves into the theoretical intention of the Constitution’s Framers, as well as the practical realities of day-to-day congressional operations. Discover important insight about the inner workings of the combined houses, Congress, including how laws are made, the role and power of committees, the influence...
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English
Description
Participants in this hour-long panel discussion, as announced earlier, are Milton Friedman, William Rusher, M. Stanton Evans, and Russell Kirk. Moderator is Sidney Hyman. The discussion involves a definition of "the conservative viewpoint" especially as it applies to the proper use of government authority in such areas as civil rights and urban problems; the formulation of a foreign policy; and the role of the Supreme Court in national affairs. Conservatism,...
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English
Description
For much of its history, the United States has had a two-party system, with Democrats and Republicans vying for office. Indeed, since the Civil War (1861–65), every president has been a Democrat or Republican, along with most governors and members of Congress and state legislatures. Supporters of the two-party system argue that it fosters stability, simplifies voting decisions, and encourages broad-based, moderate policies. It also, they contend,...
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English
Description
Many equate it with the presidency, but the executive branch of our government is far more complex than that. Containing departments and agencies that directly affect the health, safety, security, and prosperity of the American public, the Executive branch is an administrative mountain with the White House at its peak. This program expands on that description, familiarizing students with the most visible arm of U.S. leadership and its evolution through...
Language
English
Description
September 24, 1789—the first United States Congress establishes the basic structure of the federal judiciary. With this act, the American legal system becomes an entity entwined with our fundamental notions of democracy and fair government, equal in power and authority to the executive and legislative branches. This program guides viewers through the history of the judiciary and illustrates how it works in theory and practice. Topics include the...