TED Talks
Lawrence Lessig: We the People, and the Republic we must reclaim
There is a corruption at the heart of American politics, caused by the dependence of Congressional candidates on funding from the tiniest percentage of citizens. That's the argument at the core of this blistering talk by legal scholar...
TED Talks
3 ways to upgrade democracy for the 21st century | Max Rashbrooke
Democracy needs an update -- one that respects and engages citizens by involving them in everyday political decisions, says writer and researcher Max Rashbrooke. He outlines three global success stories that could help move democratic...
Curated Video
What are the Different Forms of Government?
Every country on Earth is run by some form of government – but there are many different kinds, from autocracies and oligarchies to direct and representative democracies.
Wonderscape
Exploring Democracy: Power to the People
This video delves into the essence of democracy, highlighting its origins in ancient Greece and its evolution into modern forms. It underscores the significance of citizen participation in democracies, focusing on the power of voting in...
Wonderscape
Understanding Constitutional Governments and Their Functioning
This video explores the concept of constitutional government, tracing its historical origins and modern implementations. It examines how constitutions act as a framework for governance, detailing the role of constitutions in democracies...
Curated Video
What Are The Different Types Of Democracy?
A democracy is simply a system of government where the citizens directly exercise their power and have the right to elect government representatives who collectively create a government body for the entire nation (like a parliament). In...
Curated Video
Democracy vs. Revolution
Political theorist John Dunn (Cambridge) contrasts the societal advantages of representative democracy with unpredictable revolutions.
Curated Video
Voting in Ancient Athens
The United States is a representative democracy where people vote for politicians to govern on their behalf – but voting in the direct democracy of ancient Athens was a very different process.
Curated Video
The Road to Athenian Democracy
What forms of government preceded democracy and how did this pave the way for the ancient Athenians to invent democracy?
Mazz Media
Government
This live-action video program is about the word government. The program is designed to reinforce and support a student's comprehension and retention of the word government through use of video footage, photographs, diagrams and...
Curated Video
What is a Citizen? From Ancient Athens to the US
Citizenship allows people to participate in the democratic process, but the road to inclusive citizenship has not been a smooth one.
Press Association
Boris Johnson does not rule out proroguing Parliament
Boris Johnson has said it would be "absolutely folly" to rule out suspending Parliament to force through a no-deal Brexit against the will of MPs.
Press Association
Boris Johnson: Absolutely folly to rule out suspending Parliament for Brexit
Boris Johnson has said it would be "absolutely folly" to rule out suspending Parliament to force through a no-deal Brexit against the will of MPs.
TED-Ed
What Did Democracy Really Mean in Athens?
Did you know elections only played a small role in Athenian democracy? Take a look at the fascinating origins of Athenian direct democracy in ancient Greece, and compare their political structures to our understanding of...
C-SPAN
On This Day: 26th Amendment is passed by Congress
The Twenty-sixth Amendment greatly altered voting rights in the United States. Engaging video clips explain why the amendment was created and how it has impacted voter turnout over the years.
C-SPAN
On This Day: Constitution Day
Constitution Day celebrates the evolving principles that guide our nation from 1789 all the way to today. The resource celebrates Constitution Day with an overview of the principles and laws that guide the government. Scholars see events...
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: Limited Powers of Democratic Governments
It is an abuse of power for a democratic government to claim more powers than the people have delegated to it. The job of the public is to lawfully protect or change the laws if they see rights being neglected.
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: Role of President Pt. 31: Parliament and the Prime Minister
Parliamentary governments differ from the American system of government. It is led by a prime minister and is expected to reflect the will of the people.
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: Role of President Pt. 32: Parliamentary System of Government
Compares the parliamentary system of government to that of the United States.
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: Who Are "The People?"
Democracy means "rule by the people." But who are "the people?" A definition must be determined to understand who these people are.
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: Minority Consent
No minority group may be forcibly included in the establishment of a new state. Minorities must freely consent to agreement in a true democracy. [1 min. 8 secs.]
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: The Elements of Democracy Part 34: Representative Democracy
It is impractical for people in modern democracies to vote on every issue that comes under consideration. That's why we have representative assemblies.
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: Elections and Voting Part 7: Elections in the United States
Americans have the authority and the responsibility to choose their elected leaders.
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: The Elements of Democracy Part 99: Freedom Under Law
All democracies today are representative, but they often contain elements of direct democracy.