LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin joins us to discuss the critical role of local elected leaders in shaping community policies and the importance of down-ballot races in elections. There are long-term consequences of voter apathy towards local elections, state propositions, and the need for civic engagement in governance reform. Local decisions can often outpace federal changes and the significance of understanding local ballot measures that directly affect schools and community infrastructure. 

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Resources To Learn More:

• Early Voting Calendar
• Editor’s Note: Politics is Local
• It’s Not Just About the White House: Down-ballot Voting is Important Too
• Nick Melvoin
• Plan Your Vote: How to vote in the 2024 election in every state
• Register to Vote/Check Registration

Secretary Adrian Fontes sheds light on the critical role of the Secretary of State's office in Arizona, particularly in election administration. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring election integrity, voter access, and combating misinformation as the state prepares for the upcoming 2024 elections. The discussion also highlights initiatives aimed at educating voters about changes in voting laws and the importance of community outreach to underserved populations.

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Resources To Learn More:

• Adrian Fontes | Arizona Secretary of State
• Arizona Election Results and Maps 2020
• Early Voting Calendar
• Plan Your Vote: How to vote in the 2024 election in every state
• Register to Vote/Check Registration

As early voting kicks off for the 2024 election, it’s time to check your voter registration and brush up on the rules—each state has its own. In this episode, we'll explore the challenges voters face across the country, break down varying state regulations, and discuss the potential impact of proposed laws, like proof of citizenship requirements. Plus, we'll examine how these changes could affect government funding and the future of our elections.

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Resources To Learn More:

• Early Voting Calendar
• House speaker takes another crack at spending bill linked to proof of citizenship for new voters | AP News
• Plan Your Vote: How to vote in the 2024 election in every state
• Register to Vote/Check Registration
• The Expansion of Voting Before Election Day, 2000–2024

NBC News Political and National Correspondent, Jacob Soboroff, discusses his experiences at the Republican National Convention (RNC) and the Democratic National Convention (DNC), highlighting the atmosphere and key themes of each event. He emphasizes the importance of unity and understanding in politics, particularly in relation to the economy and everyday life. 

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Resources To Learn More:

• Harris-Trump ABC News presidential debate: How to watch, what to know
• How the electorate has changed in key states and what it could mean this election
• Separated – HarperCollins
• The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication.

Does the Vice Presidential pick really matter? The role of the Vice President has evolved from a tool for geographical and factional balancing to one focused on experience, ideological alignment, and demographic diversity. This episode also delves into the concept of a ‘vibes election,’ where the overall mood and emotional connection voters feel toward candidates play a significant role.

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Resources To Learn More:

• Trump Downplays Importance of Choosing a Running Mate - The New York Times
• Vibes and jibes - why Harris picked Walz as running mate
• What to know about Harris' VP pick Tim Walz | AP News
• Who is JD Vance? Things to know about Donald Trump's pick for vice president
• 5 Vice Presidential Candidates Who Made an Impact | HISTORY

Amid the whirlwind of news surrounding President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, this conversation delves into the parallels and contrasts between the current political landscape and the Democratic Party's tumultuous summer of 1968. Discover the crucial role of delegates in the nomination process and the shifting power dynamics within the party. We also explore the historical context of George Washington's farewell address and its enduring relevance to today's political climate.

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Resources To Learn More:

• Davis, J. E., Fernlund, P. F., & Woll, P. (2005). Civics: Government and Economics in Action. Pearson Prentice Hall.
• McClenaghan, W. A., & Magruder, F. A. (2003). Magruder’s American Government. Prentice Hall. 
• Biden's speech: Warnings about Trump without naming him, a hefty to-do list, and a power handoff  
• Delegates explained
• Washington's Farewell Address, 1796
• What happens now that Biden dropped out? The chaotic 1968 Democratic convention could be a clue.
• What to know about the Democratic convention with Harris's likely nomination
• 2024 Presidential Nominating Process - Democrats

This conversation explores the purpose and significance of national conventions, focusing on the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC). The RNC will officially nominate Donald Trump as the Republican candidate for president and is expected to reveal his vice presidential pick. The conversation also delves into the party platforms, with a detailed blueprint for a potential second Trump term and Trump's own platform. The platform guides the party's positions on various issues and influences campaign strategies. 

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Resources To Learn More:

• Davis, J. E., Fernlund, P. F., & Woll, P. (2005). Civics: Government and Economics in Action. Pearson Prentice Hall.
• McClenaghan, W. A., & Magruder, F. A. (2003). Magruder’s American Government. Prentice Hall.
• Project 2025
• Republican presidential nomination and delegates, explained | CNN Politics
• The Republican Party lays out its 2024 policy platform : NPR
• 1924: The Wildest Convention in U.S. History - POLITICO Magazine

This conversation covers the basics of American elections, including the role of the Constitution, the Electoral College, and potential ways to eliminate or reform it. The Electoral College is a system used to elect the President and Vice President, where each state is granted a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress. The winner-takes-all approach in most states can result in winning the Electoral College but losing the popular vote. 

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Resources To Learn More:

• Davis, J. E., Fernlund, P. F., & Woll, P. (2005). Civics: Government and Economics in Action. Pearson Prentice Hall.
• McClenaghan, W. A., & Magruder, F. A. (2003). Magruder’s American Government. Prentice Hall. 
• 2024 Presidential and Congressional Primary Dates and Candidate Filing Deadlines for Ballot Access
• It's time to abolish the Electoral College | Brookings
• Live updates: Biden and Trump to face off at CNN presidential debate
• Majority of Americans continue to favor moving away from Electoral College
• The Constitution of the United States | National Archives
• The Electoral College: What’s to be Done – Ash Center

What is the role of political parties in American politics? Political parties are groups of citizens who attempt to influence and control the government by getting their members elected. The main goal of political parties is to control the government and win elections. 

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Show Notes

• Davis, J. E., Fernlund, P. F., & Woll, P. (2005). Civics: Government and Economics in Action. Pearson Prentice Hall.
• McClenaghan, W. A., & Magruder, F. A. (2003). Magruder’s American Government. Prentice Hall. 
• Distribution of Electoral Votes | National Archives
• House rejects Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's effort to oust Speaker Mike Johnson, but chaos lingers
• Inside Trump's stunning flip-flop on early voting
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushes for nationwide ballot access | CNN Politics
• Who's voting for Robert Kennedy Jr.? | Ipsos

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While political parties and ideologies have similarities, they're not exactly alike. The basic beliefs of American liberals and conservatives shape people's political views. Additionally, a recent poll suggests more Americans actually agree on many core values, despite differences in politics.

Davis, J. E., Fernlund, P. F., & Woll, P. (2005). Civics: Government and Economics in Action. Pearson Prentice Hall.

McClenaghan, W. A., & Magruder, F. A. (2003). Magruder’s American Government. Prentice Hall. 

Most say democracy is important for the U.S. identity, but few think it is functioning well - AP-NORC

The Human, Economic, Social, and Political Costs of COVID-19 - PMC