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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The Role and Powers of the U.S. Supreme Court
This video explains the powers of the U.S. Supreme Court, focusing on its role in judicial review and interpreting the Constitution. Learn how the Court checks the powers of other government branches and the limits placed on the Court's...
Wonderscape
The Early History of the U.S. Supreme Court
This video explores the creation and development of the U.S. Supreme Court, from its establishment in 1787 to the Judiciary Act of 1869, which set the number of justices at nine. Learn about the court's early challenges, its evolving...
Wonderscape
Checks and Balances: How the US Government Limits Power
This video explains the system of checks and balances that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful. It shows how Congress, the president, and the Supreme Court can limit each other's authority, including the ability to...
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The Judicial Branch: Understanding the US Court System
This video covers the role of the judicial branch, which interprets the laws of the United States. It explains the structure of the federal courts, including the Supreme Court, and discusses how justices are appointed for life to handle...
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The Executive Branch: Powers and Responsibilities
This video explains the executive branch of the US government, led by the president, who ensures that laws are followed. It covers the qualifications to be president, the role of cabinet members, and the president’s duties, such as...
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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 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 Official Selma to Montgomery March of 1965
This video covers the historic third march from Selma to Montgomery on March 21, 1965, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With protection from the National Guard, over 3,000 marchers set out on a 54-mile journey that grew to 25,000 people...
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The Twenty-Fourth Amendment: Ending Poll Taxes in Voting
This video explores the Twenty-Fourth Amendment, ratified in 1964, which abolished poll taxes as a requirement for voting in federal elections. Learn how this amendment was a key victory of the Civil Rights movement, aimed at removing...
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Understanding the Twenty-First Amendment and the End of Prohibition
This video explains the Twenty-First Amendment, which repealed the Eighteenth Amendment and ended Prohibition in 1933. Discover how this amendment allowed states to set their own alcohol regulations and why Congress used state...
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Samuel Morse’s Later Years and Legacy
This video covers the final chapter of Samuel Morse’s life, highlighting his successful demonstration of the telegraph to Congress, the famous first message sent between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, and the rapid expansion of...
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The Role of the Supreme Court
Discover the critical role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution and determining the legality of laws through judicial review. Learn how Supreme Court justices are appointed, how they review cases, and how their decisions...
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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...
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Understanding Local Government: Powers and Responsibilities
Learn about how local governments, also known as municipalities, work to improve everyday life in communities. This video explores how city governments get their powers, the differences between Dillon’s Rule and Home Rule, and how city...
Weird History
Why Don't Americans Use the Metric System?
If you grew up in the United States, you probably learned the United States Customary System (USCS) for weights and measures. USCS terms like inches, feet, pounds, and miles are derived from the British Imperial System, steeped in a long...
Weird History
A Beat By Beat Breakdown of Pearl Harbor
Those who woke up in Oahu, Hawaii on December 7th, 1941, had no idea they were about to experience one of the darkest days in modern military history. Over 2,400 Americans perished in the attack where air raid sirens blared, Japanese...
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The 15th Amendment: A Milestone in American Voting Rights
Explore the pivotal role of the 15th Amendment in shaping the democratic landscape of the United States. Enacted as the third of the Reconstruction Amendments post-Civil War, this amendment aimed to safeguard the voting rights of all...
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Understanding the 11th Amendment: A Key Change in U.S. Constitution
Discover the significance of the 11th Amendment, ratified in 1795, which addresses sovereign immunity and limits the ability to sue states in federal court. Originating from the case of Chisholm v. Georgia, this amendment highlights the...
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The Sixteenth Amendment: A Milestone in American Taxation
Explore the history and significance of the Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted Congress the power to levy income taxes. Learn about the context of its creation, its implications for government revenue,...
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Understanding the Twentieth Amendment: The "Lame Duck" Amendment
Explore the significance of the Twentieth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1933. Also known as the "Lame Duck" Amendment, it addresses the transition of power between elections and inaugurals, setting specific...
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Women's Right to Vote: Understanding the Nineteenth Amendment
Delve into the history and significance of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote, also known as women's suffrage. Explore the early years of the suffrage movement, including the...
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The Prohibition Era: Understanding the Eighteenth Amendment
Explore the history and impact of the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, known as the Prohibition Amendment, which prohibited the manufacturing, transportation, and sale of intoxicating liquors. Learn about the...