Mr. Beat
The Federal Government Gets More Power | Gibbons v. Ogden
In episode 16 of Supreme Court Briefs, two dudes fight over whether or not one can operate his steamboat in New York. In the end, the federal government just gets more power.
Mr. Beat
Can You Burn An American Flag? | Texas v. Johnson
In episode 7 of Supreme Court Briefs, a dude named Johnson burns the American flag and the whole country seems to freak out. Does the First Amendment protect flag burning?
Mr. Beat
Are Tomatoes Fruits or Vegetables? | Nix v. Hedden
In episode 5 of Supreme Court Briefs, Mr. Beat looks at that one time the Supreme Court heard arguments about whether tomatoes were fruits or vegetables. No joke. For the record, Mr. Beat hates tomatoes. John Nix was one of the most...
Curated Video
Interpreting the Law - An Example
Philosopher Scott Soames (USC) uses the celebrated example of the Smith gun case to illustrate the relation between linguistic ambiguity and legal interpretation.
Curated Video
Article I: Legislative Branch
"Article I: Legislative Branch" explains the responsibilities of the legislative branch by analyzing Article I of the Constitution.
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Duties of the Legislative Branch
Duties of the Legislative Branch discusses the structure and responsibilities of the legislative branch of government.
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Powers of the Federal Government
Powers of the Federal Government identifies the powers reserved to the nation by reviewing major powers of the federal government.
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Federalism 2
"Federalism" defines the concept of federalism and identifies examples of the powers granted and denied to states and the national government in the American federal system of government.
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Tech Companies Are Banning Police Use of Facial Recognition | Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM Bans
Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM have banned the police use of their facial recognition systems, either temporarily or permanently. What does this mean for the future of facial recognition technologies?
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The First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress explains the purpose of the First Continental Congress by identifying and summarizing what it accomplished and what agreement was made among the participants.
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Article Three: Structure of Powers of Judicial Branch
Article Three: Structure of Powers of Judicial Branch explains the powers, responsibilities, structures, and functions, and processes of the judicial branch by analyzing Article III of the Constitution.
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Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence identifies the purpose and significance of the Declaration of Independence by reviewing the causes of the American Revolution.
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Life for African-Americans after the Revolutionary War
Life for African-Americans after the Revolutionary War identifies significant groups that played a role in the American Revolution by examining how life changed for African-Americans after the Revolutionary War.
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Article One: Structure of Powers of Legislative Branch
Article One: Structure of Powers of Legislative Branch explains the responsibilities of the legislative branch by analyzing Article I of the Constitution.
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Beginning of American Democracy
Beginning of American Democracy” describes how democracy developed in the United States, exploring the events that occurred during the Revolutionary War between 1774 and 1776.
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Checks and Balances
"Checks and Balances" examines the process of checks and balances among the three branches of government by depicting the process and specific duties of each branch.
Weird History
The History of Army Rations
For centuries, troops have marched off to fight, risking their lives in combat. But what did soldiers eat in different eras? And which conflict offered the tastiest military foods? From blood soup to fermented horse milk, soldiers'...
Curated Video
Prohibition: Capitol Hill Secret
While Prohibition made it to illegal to sell, transport or make alcohol in the United States, the top brass in the US Congress were able to stay well-lubricated – thanks to the nefarious work of famed bootlegger, George Cassiday.
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Congressional Whip
A Congressional Whip works with the party’s leadership in Congress to make sure everyone follows the agenda and votes together. They’re the muscle – the enforcer in a smart suit.
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The Lavender Scare
The Lavender Scare was a government clampdown on members of the LGBTQ+ community in the 1940s, 50s and 60s which saw gay and lesbians barred from the federal government for decades.
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State of the Union Address
The annual State of the Union Address is the only speech that the President delivers in person to the public and all three branches of government at the same time.
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Oath of Office
Promises might just seem like words, but in the legal system and government, they’re crucial. Oath of Office is part of a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.
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President's Cabinet
The President’s Cabinet is made up of the most important people in the Executive Branch of government. But who are they and what are their roles?
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Executive Order
What actual powers does the President have? Well, as it turns out – a lot. Including the power to make new orders at the stroke of a pen.