PBS
Lynne Cheney On American Presidents Of 'The Virginia Dynasty'
Four of America’s first five presidents were born and raised within a 60-mile radius in the state of Virginia. Those men -- George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe -- and their sometimes complicated...
TED Talks
TED: How the pandemic will shape the near future | Bill Gates
Bill Gates talks best (and worst) case scenarios for the coronavirus pandemic in the months ahead, explaining the challenges of reducing virus transmission, providing an update on promising vaccine candidates, offering his thoughts on...
TED Talks
TED: Why we must confront hard historical truths | Hasan Kwame Jeffries
To move forward in the United States, we must look back and confront the difficult history that has shaped widespread injustice. Revisiting a significant yet overlooked piece of the past, Hasan Kwame Jeffries emphasizes the need to weave...
TED Talks
TED: Hamilton vs. Madison and the birth of American partisanship | Noah Feldman
The divisiveness plaguing American politics today is nothing new, says constitutional law scholar Noah Feldman. In fact, it dates back to the early days of the republic, when a dispute between Alexander Hamilton and James Madison led the...
Crash Course
Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances: Crash Course Government and Politics
In which Craig Benzine teaches you about the US Governments Separation of powers and the system of checks and balances. In theory, the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Brach are designed to keep each other in...
TED-Ed
TED-Ed: Why wasn't the Bill of Rights originally in the US Constitution? - James Coll
When you think of the US Constitution, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Free speech? The right to bear arms? These passages are cited so often that it's hard to imagine the document without them. But the list of freedoms known...
Crash Course
The Bicameral Congress: Crash Course Government and Politics
In which Craig Benzine teaches you about the United States Congress, and why it's bicameral, and what bicameral means. Craig tells you what the Senate and House of Representatives are for, some of the history of the institutions, and...
Makematic
Who Was James Madison?
James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution”. In this video for US students grades 3-5, we learn about Madison’s remarkable life, career and legacy.
Makematic
Constitutional Foundations: Part One
In 1787, the Framers met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation but instead crafted a new constitution, drawing on principles from ancient civilizations.
Makematic
Fort McHenry
In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain. Again. So how did the defense of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry help to end the war, and instill an enduring sense of national pride among Americans?
Makematic
Burning of Washington
In 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces attacked Washington D.C., burning the White House and the Capitol, an act that galvanized American resilience.
Makematic
James Madison's Legacy
James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution” – but he was so much more than that. As author of the Virginia Plan and the Bill of Rights, his political genius proved vital in the founding of our nation.
Makematic
Constitutional Foundations: Part Two
The U.S. Constitution transformed Enlightenment ideas about government, power, and rights into the laws that shaped the foundation of the United States for generations.
Makematic
The Early Executive Branch
As Chief Executive of the Executive Branch of government, the US President has immense power and authority. Power that comes primarily from the Constitution and the traditions set by our first four Presidents.
Wonderscape
The Causes of the War of 1812: Trade Disputes and Impressment
This video explores the key causes of the War of 1812, including British impressment of American sailors and conflicts over trade between the United States, Britain, and France. Learn about the Embargo Act, the Non-Intercourse Act, and...
Wonderscape
Understanding the Role of US State Governments
Explore the significance of state governments in shaping daily life and enacting laws that affect citizens. Learn about the historical context of state powers, from the Constitutional Convention to the adoption of the Bill of Rights....
Curated Video
What is Presidents' Day?
Every year, on the third Monday of February, Americans celebrate Presidents’ Day. A federal holiday that originally began as a birthday celebration for George Washington, the first President of the United States.
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
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
When Was the War of 1812?
Dr. Forrester identifies the causes, effects, and key battles during the War of 1812.
Rock 'N Learn
Learn the Presidents of the USA (rap song)
Celebrate Presidents’ Day and the entire week with these 3 presidents songs to help you learn the presidents of the United States. Learn the presidents with their inauguration date from Washington to Biden. Learn the presidents by last...
Curated Video
Library of Congress
Home to millions of books and manuscripts, the Library of Congress is a hub of culture and knowledge, pioneering digital accessibility while safeguarding America's rich history.
Curated Video
What Caused the War of 1812?
The War of 1812 was a major conflict between the United States and Great Britain for control of the Northern Frontier. Often described as the second war of independence, in reality it was caused in large part by the ineffective foreign...
Curated Video
The Burning of the White House
When British troops set the White House alight during the War of 1812, White House staff rallied to save its contents, including a priceless work of art that survives to this day.