Wonderscape
Robert Smalls: A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Explore the post-war achievements of Robert Smalls, from serving the Freedmen's Bureau to shaping political change during Reconstruction. Learn about his contributions to public transportation integration, his role in founding the South...
Wonderscape
The Ongoing Debate Around Gerrymandering and Redistricting
This video discusses how some states are addressing gerrymandering by using non-political entities for redistricting. It covers the 2019 Supreme Court case Rucho v. Common Cause, which ruled partisan gerrymandering claims outside the...
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Understanding Gerrymandering: What It Means and How It Works
This video explores the concept of gerrymandering, explaining how it shapes election districts to favor certain political parties. Learn how the term originated, how redistricting affects representation, and the different types of...
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The Role and History of the Electoral College
Learn how the Electoral College works, where electors cast their votes based on the popular vote of their state. Discover how the 1787 Constitutional Convention created the system as a compromise, allowing both large and small states to...
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The Joint Committee: Creating a Compromise Bill
This video explains the role of the joint, or conference, committee in the lawmaking process. It discusses how members of the House and Senate work together to merge different versions of a bill into one compromise bill, which is then...
Wonderscape
How Committees Shape Laws: The Journey of a Bill
This video explains how bills are reviewed and amended by committees in the House of Representatives and Senate. It details how committees act as gatekeepers, deciding which bills move forward, make markups, or are set aside. Learn about...
Wonderscape
How a Bill Becomes a Law: From Idea to Legislation
This video explains the process of how an idea becomes a law in the United States. It walks through the steps, from everyday citizens coming up with ideas, to members of Congress writing bills, and how the bill is introduced in either...
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Understanding the Legislative Branch: The Senate and the House of Representatives
This video explains the two sections of the US Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives. It outlines the differences between them, including how senators and representatives are elected, their responsibilities, and the...
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The Importance of Voting in U.S. Elections
This video explores the significance of voting in the United States and highlights the long struggle for voting rights for women, Black Americans, and Native Americans. It explains the different types of elections at the federal, state,...
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The Twenty-Third Amendment: Voting Rights for Washington, D.C.
This video explains the Twenty-Third Amendment, ratified in 1961, which grants the residents of Washington, D.C. the right to vote in presidential elections. Learn how this amendment provides limited electoral votes for the capital city...
Wonderscape
The Powers and Responsibilities of Congress
Learn about the powers granted to Congress, including the authority to make laws, pass the national budget, and oversee the executive branch. Discover the unique powers of the House of Representatives and the Senate, such as impeachment...
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Understanding the House of Representatives
Learn about the House of Representatives, one of two chambers in Congress, with 435 seats allocated based on state population. Discover the roles of the Speaker of the House, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader, as well as the...
Wonderscape
The Final Steps: How a Bill Becomes a Law
This video explains the final steps in the lawmaking process, including the votes in the House and Senate, the role of the president in signing or vetoing a bill, and what happens if there’s a tie or a veto. Learn about the simple...
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How to Start Making a Change: A Guide for Young Activists
Discover how young activists can begin their journey toward making meaningful change in their communities. From learning about issues to engaging in community service, this guide offers practical steps and encourages finding one's...
Wonderscape
Understanding the Seventeenth Amendment: Direct Election of Senators
Learn about the Seventeenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1913, which transformed the process of selecting senators to represent states in Congress. Explore the historical context, challenges with the previous...
Curated Video
The Branches of Government
Dr. Forrester reviews the three branches of federal government. She then gives an example of how a bill becomes law.
Curated Video
Local and State Governments
Dr. Forrester talks about the responsibilities of the local and state governments and explains the similarities in the way they operate.
Curated Video
Constitution
The U.S. Constitution, drafted in 1787, established a strong federal government, outlining legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and remains the nation's supreme governing document.
Curated Video
Speaker of the House
As the head of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House is one of the most important roles in the United States government.
Curated Video
The Federal Government and the United States Military
Dr. Forrester talks about the responsibilities of the federal government and explains that one of these responsibilities is overseeing the United States military. She describes the value of our military and its development.
Wonderscape
John Lewis: A Lifetime of Service and Activism
This video explores John Lewis's post-SNCC career, detailing his leadership in voter registration, his tenure in the US Congress, and his continued activism. It highlights his commitment to civil rights, healthcare reform, and education,...
Curated Video
Civic Virtue & Democratic Principle
“Civic Virtue and Democratic Principle” defines the terms civic virtue and democratic principles and discusses examples of each in terms of community and the classroom.
Curated Video
U.S. Territories
Those who take the U.S. Citizenship Test are expected to know how the five U.S. Territories became a part of the United States and what rights their residents have.
Curated Video
Separation of Powers
The U.S. federal government consists of three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Each one has a distinct role, ensuring a balance of power that protects the institution.