Civics 101

Today we explore the nebulous world of political consultants. These are the people who run political campaigns. They use a mixture of science and gut-feeling to determine what a candidate should say and do, and in one particular instance, what they should NOT say and do. How do they do it? How effective are they? What actually moves the needle in a campaign? Talking to us today are two campaign experts; David Karpf from the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, and Rasheida Smith, political consultant at Dunton Consulting.  CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro. Check out our other weekly NHPR podcast, Outside/In - we think you'll love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April Fools' Day takes center stage, blending fun and facts. The hosts share their favorite pranks and explore how politics can get playful too. A lively trivia game dives into mouthwatering food traditions, like Philly cheesesteaks, and even military rations. The absurdity of Spam is humorously paired with historical anecdotes. Unique laws, including the comedic Zombie Act, lead to engaging discussions about American history. All the while, cleverly intertwined trivia keeps the humor flowing, adding a delightful twist to civic knowledge.

Beverly Moran, a tax policy expert and professor emerita, dives into the complexities of taxation and budget reconciliation. She examines how tax laws, especially since the 2017 tax bill, affect everyday taxpayers versus the wealthiest Americans. The conversation reveals political influences behind tax decisions and how they shape public services. Beverly also discusses the inequities in tax deductions, highlighting how benefits are skewed towards higher earners, while lower-income groups face significant challenges amidst inflation.

It’s the government on your doorstep — the only Executive Branch agency that visits every home in the country on a regular basis. So how does the USPS do it? And what happens when an agency this essential is in trouble? Our guests for this episode are Allison Marsh, history professor at the University of South Carolina and Kevin Kosar, a Vice President at R Street. CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro. Check out our other weekly NHPR podcast, Outside/In - we think you'll love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two years ago today, we attended Civic Learning Week and produced an episode on the state of civics education in the US. We heard some good things and some frustrating things. Today we're getting an update on civics education with Emma Humphries from iCivics, hearing some student audio submissions from our friends at the Youth Media Challenge, and getting advice on how students can make change with Cheryl Cook-Kallio.Click here to livestream the National Forum for Civics Learning Week.Click here to listen to our episodes on civics education in the US.Click here to read the full State of Young People report published by America's Promise Alliance.And finally, click here to check out the work students are producing (and submit your own!) for KQED's Youth Media Challenge. CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more! To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro. Check out our other weekly NHPR podcast, Outside/In - we think you'll love it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the ins and outs of the U.S. presidential Cabinet and the critical roles played by its leaders. Dive into political hurdles faced by new appointees like the EPA Administrator and the ongoing housing crisis tackled by the Secretary of Housing. Explore the implications of Project 2025 and changes in U.S. intelligence dynamics, including a key figure's political shift. Gain insights into health and defense issues linked to notable nominations, all while enjoying personal anecdotes from the hosts!

Discover the inner workings of your president's Cabinet. Learn about the crucial roles of appointees and the complex nomination processes they navigate. Dive into the political dynamics shaping current confirmations, especially for positions like Secretary of State and Transportation. Examine the challenges faced by new officials overseeing veterans' benefits and national security. Explore the implications of these appointments on U.S. policies, including energy and immigration, with an eye on their impact on global affairs.

Arielle Lawhon, author of the historical novel "The Frozen River," sheds light on the fascinating life of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife who assisted over a thousand births. The discussion navigates the themes of women's rights and health care in early America, revealing the challenges faced by women in the reproductive justice arena. Lawhon also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the stories of mature women and the contributions of overlooked figures in history, enriching our understanding of the past.

Samantha Barbas, a law professor from Iowa College and author of *Actual Malice*, joins the discussion on the landmark Supreme Court case, New York Times v. Sullivan. She explains how this 1964 decision transformed defamation law and protected press freedom during the Civil Rights Movement. The conversation delves into the 'actual malice' standard, its origins in the fight against racial injustice, and its relevance today amidst evolving libel concerns. Barbas also emphasizes the continuing struggle for media accountability in a democratic society.

Curious about the role of the White House Counsel? Discover how this key figure balances legal advice and political ambition. Dive into the historical context of White House counsels and their varied backgrounds. Explore the strained relationship between the Justice Department and the presidency, particularly during high-stakes political events. The discussion also sheds light on the ethical dilemmas that arise amidst controversies like Watergate and examines the ongoing legal challenges faced by former presidents in today's politically charged climate.