Civics 101 launches a new season of podcasts this month by taking a deep dive into the core historical documents our nation was built on – documents and ideals that still resonate today. Civics 101, from New Hampshire Public Radio, serves as a refresher course on the basics of how our democracy works.
From Magna Carta to the Bill of Rights, hosts Nick Capodice and Hannah McCarthy will examine how key historical documents were integral to our nation’s foundational philosophy and democratic ideals. In each episode, historians, political reporters, former office holders and civics teachers will shed light on each document and offer context.
“Civics 101 is civics class, but with a fun twist,” Executive Producer Erika Janik said. “In every episode, our hosts Hannah and Nick combine thorough reporting with entertaining content. We are very proud of the reach and appeal of a podcast that discusses such important and relevant topics to our shared history, political process, and national narrative.”
Episodes will be available for downloading on successive Tuesdays, starting on January 22. The full season schedule:
Magna Carta: Tuesday, Jan. 22
It may not seem like a document from 1215 could have anything to do with U.S. history at first blush, but Magna Carta offered plenty of inspiration for America’s founding fathers.
Declaration of Independence: Tuesday, Jan. 29
The very document that gave birth to our Fourth of July celebrations is looked at with fresh eyes, examining precisely what the document contains, why it was created and getting to the heart of what it stands for.
Articles of Confederation: Tuesday, Feb. 5
The Articles of Confederation served as a ‘follow-up’ to the Declaration of Independence, establishing the functions of our new government after separation from British rule. The Articles got our country up and running but its failures provided the map to the U.S. Constitution that replaced it.
The U.S. Constitution: Tuesday, Feb. 12
This document is the supreme law of the United States and is arguably the source of our nation’s power. Nick and Hannah walk through how the Constitution was created and its significance throughout the ages.
Federalist Papers: Tuesday, Feb. 19
This episode delves into the eighty-five letters that came to be known as the Federalist Papers, who wrote them and why, and the role these documents played in the ratification of the Constitution.
Bill of Rights: Tuesday, Feb. 26
Also known as the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights outlines citizens’ and states’ rights in relation to the federal government. Nick and Hannah break down the story behind the amendments’ creation.
Listen to Civics 101 wherever you subscribe to podcasts, or find every episode online at civics101podcast.org. Follow Civics 101 on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook: @civics101pod.
