When we think of the government, most of us think ‘Washington’. But your state handles much of what affects your life – from schools to housing to policing. Ben Sheehan explains the scope of your state’s power. Then Tim Storey of the National Conference of State Legislatures shares why it matters. And Desmond Meade recounts how he helped restore voting rights to over a million Floridians.
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Civics Made Easy
Hosted by Ben Sheehan, this series breaks down the complex world of American government and civic participation. Each episode transforms intricate concepts into clear, digestible lessons, equipping viewers with the essential knowledge to actively participate in their democracy. Designed to empower and inform, the series makes understanding civics both accessible and engaging for all.
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Pssst! You have the power to check out more Civics Made Easy here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzkQfVIJun2K1toSVmNyIthnc8-ImucUR&si=Ibrzy0ztApQYregd
Excellent content! Every American should watch this whether you need a refresher or you just don’t know how government works.
The oldest contiguous constitution is San Marino, not Massachusetts. There is an argument for the US constitution being the oldest single document constitution, but non of them beats San Marino.
Very helpful video thanks
It’s unfortunate that when giving examples of state legislative powers over the federal government, the only examples given were minimum wage and unconstitutional state-level gun control laws. That makes the state powers seem weak. Other examples would have been better, like states that have outlawed partisan gerrymandering and qualified immunity.
Very helpful video
Thank you 🙏🏾
Clear lesson. It is not that well known that the Massachusetts constitution is older than the U.S. one, and is still the oldest written constitution in use anywhere. I'm adding it to Canonbench ! (where we vote on the facts every adult should know).
The 10th Amendment point is the one that stays with me, though: if the Constitution doesn't give a power to Congress and doesn't forbid it to the states, it stays with the states.
This should be known by all Americans 🤨
Another reason to stay up past bedtime.
Fl has allegedly banned partisan gerrymandering in its Constitution, but DeSantis appointed all but one of the SCOFL and they allowed him to straight up ignore that.
He’s so right! This is why local and state media are also very important. Having working in state gov during legislative session it was even more apparent that we have more power than we think as local citizens to speak up.
Trying to rationalize the capitalist dictatorship is entertaining
Ben, if you ever get around to addressing the powers of LOCAL government, you'll have to take on Home Rule vs. Dillon's Rule. These approaches are different in each state and control how much autonomy and power local governments are granted.
Sadly, New York is one of the states where citizens do not have the power to initiate statewide ballot measures.
Nebraska is unicameral not bicameral.
watched this for inspo as I craft a state law proposal!
Thank you for helping keep people informed on why it’s SO important to get engaged locally!!
Amen!
Maybe do one of these on abortion….to show the states not the federal government are in charge of that. Prove you are not the DNC and are independent …( you wont )
Keeping the people educated 👏
Love this series! Thank you PBS! ❤🤍💙
This video got me interested, in my state of mind 🫀
The only reason we care so much because federal has so much power and tax from us.
Great video, Ben. Thank you so much!
"Rich people stuff when they go to Nevada"😂
PBS the GOAT! Every American needs to watch this. Thank you.
Excellent video. This is very needed right now. That said, I don't really like the way he said, "Restrict abortions! 😃"