TED-Ed
TED-ED: What you might not know about the Declaration of Independence - Kenneth C. Davis
In June 1776, a little over a year after the start of the American Revolutionary War, the US Continental Congress huddled together in a hot room in Philadelphia to talk independence. Kenneth C. Davis dives into some of the lesser known...
Crash Course
The Handmaid's Tale, Part 1: Crash Course Literature 403
In which John Green teaches you about Margaret Atwood's speculative fiction novel, The Handmaid's Tale. John looks at some of the themes in this classic dystopian novel, many of which are kind of a downer. The world of Gilead that Atwood...
Crash Course
Judicial Review: Crash Course Government and Politics
Today, Craig Benzine is going to tell you about the Supreme Court's most important case, Marbury v. Madison, and how the court granted itself the power of judicial review. Judicial review is the power to examine and invalidate actions of...
Crash Course
Affirmative Action: Crash Course Government and Politics
So we've been talking about civil rights for the last few episodes now, and we're finally going to wrap this discussion up with the rather controversial topic of affirmative action. We'll explain what exactly affirmative action is, who...
Crash Course
How a Bill Becomes a Law: Crash Course Government and Politics
Oh my, Craig has his work cut out for him this week. The process of how a bill becomes a law can be pretty complex, fraught with potential bill-death at every corner. As if just getting through committee isn’t difficult enough, bills...
Crash Course
American Imperialism Crash Course US History
In which John Green teaches you about Imperialism. In the late 19th century, the great powers of Europe were running around the world obtaining colonial possessions, especially in Africa and Asia. The United States, which as a young...
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...
Crash Course
Congressional Committees: Crash Course Government and Politics
This week Craig Benzine clears up the role of committees in Congress. We’ll talk about standing committees, joint committees, conference committees, and caucuses (and not the candidate-choosing kinds) as well as the staff agencies that...
Crash Course
The Great Depression Crash Course US History
In which John Green teaches you about the Great Depression. So, everybody knows that the Great Depression started with the stock market crash in 1929, right? Not exactly. The Depression happened after the stock market crash, but wasn't...
Crash Course
Political Parties: Crash Course Government and Politics
Today, Craig is going to talk about political parties and their role in American politics. So, when most people think about political parties they associate them with the common ideologies of the voters and representatives within that...
Crash Course
Civil Rights & Liberties: Crash Course Government
Today, Craig is going to give you an overview of civil rights and civil liberties. Often these terms are used interchangeably, but they are actually very different. Our civil liberties, contained in the Bill of Rights, once only...
Crash Course
Constitutional Compromises: Crash Course Government and Politics
In which Craig Benzine teaches you about the compromises met in ratifying the U.S. Constitution. The United State’s didn’t always have its current system of government. Actually, this is it’s second attempt. Craig will delve into the...
Crash Course
Trademarks and Avoiding Consumer Confusion: Crash Course Intellectual Property
In which Stan Muller teaches you about our third branch of Intellectual Property, trademarks. A lot of people confuse trademark and copyright. Trademarks apply to things like company and product names and logos, packaging designs, and...
SciShow
We're Going to Europa!
NASA's working on a mission to send a probe and a lander to Europa, but there are many challenges to overcome to make it happen.
TED-Ed
TED-ED: Why is the US Constitution so hard to amend? - Peter Paccone
When it was ratified in 1789, the US Constitution didn't just institute a government by the people _ it provided a way for the people to alter the Constitution itself. And yet, of the nearly 11,000 amendments proposed in the centuries...
Curated Video
Why So Much Land In The West Is Owned By The Federal Government
The United States federal government is the largest land owner in the entire country. In particular, most of its current land holdings exist within the western half of the contiguous United States, with very little in the eastern half....
Wonderscape
Filibusters: Stalling Tactics in the Senate
This video explains the concept of filibusters in the United States Senate. It covers how senators use filibustering to delay or block bills, the historical background of the tactic, and the role of cloture in ending debates. Learn about...
Wonderscape
Andrew Johnson and the Rise of Black Codes
This video examines President Andrew Johnson's controversial role during the Reconstruction Era. After Lincoln's death, Johnson's policies, including overturning the "40 acres" order and vetoing civil rights legislation, shaped the...
Wonderscape
Hiram Revels: The First Black U.S. Senator
This video explores the life and achievements of Hiram Revels, the first Black person to serve in the U.S. Congress. Learn about his journey from a free-born pastor to a Civil War chaplain and political leader in Mississippi, and his...
Wonderscape
The Legacy of Wounded Knee and Ongoing Indigenous Struggles
This video explores the 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee by the American Indian Movement, highlighting the continued struggles of Indigenous communities. It discusses efforts like the Remove the Stain Act and the unresolved issue of the...
Wonderscape
Jefferson’s Dilemma: Reacting to the Louisiana Purchase
This video explores President Thomas Jefferson's reaction to the Louisiana Purchase, from his initial excitement over doubling the size of the United States to his concerns about constitutional authority. It details how Jefferson...
Wonderscape
Charles Lindbergh: From Student to Aviator
This video explores the early life of Charles Lindbergh, highlighting his journey from studying mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin to pursuing his passion for aviation. It covers his transition to a pilot, his role as...
Wonderscape
The General Election and Voting Process
During the general election, presidential candidates and their running mates campaign across the country to gain voter support. Election Day is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, with voters casting ballots...
Wonderscape
The Structure and Role of the Senate
Discover how the Senate, with two senators from each state, plays a key role in the legislative process. Learn about the responsibilities of the Vice President as the president of the Senate and how the Majority and Minority Leaders...