Political authority is the right to make and enforce binding rules known as laws. While political power is the ability to persuade others to follow the policies of those who hold power, authority adds legitimacy to the exercise of this power. Learn more in this episode!
						  
							
							
							Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5003, Political Authority: The Elements of Democracy, Part 3 (rebroadcast)

60-Second Civics is a daily podcast that provides a quick and convenient way for listeners to learn about our nation's government, the Constitution, and our history. The podcast explores themes related to civics and government, the constitutional issues behind the headlines, and the people and ideas that formed our nation's history and government.


 60-Second Civics is produced by the Center for Civic Education. The show's content is primarily derived from the Center's education for democracy curricula, including We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, Project Citizen, Foundations of Democracy, and Elements of Democracy.

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In this video, Dr. Lester Brooks, emeritus professor of American history at Anne Arundel Community College, explains how the Framers of the Constitution thought about fundamental principles embodied in the Constitution.
						  
							
							
							Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5154, Forms of Government: Principles of the Constitution, Part 4

In this episode, Dr. Lester Brooks, emeritus professor of American history at Anne Arundel Community College, explains a critical issue at the Philadelphia Convention: how the states would be represented in government.
						  
							
							
							Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5153, Major Issues of the Philadelphia Convention, Representative Government: Principles of the Constitution, Part 3

Dr. Lester Brooks, emeritus professor of American history at Anne Arundel Community College, explains how separation of powers was a major issue at the Philadelphia Convention, which drafted the new Constitution for the United States.
						  
							
							
							Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5152, Major Issues of the Philadelphia Convention, Separation of Power: Principles of the Constitution, Part 2

Dr. Lester Brooks, emeritus professor of American history at Anne Arundel Community College, describes some of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and explains why the Framers intended to amend it.
						  
							
							
							Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5151, The Need for a New Constitution: Principles of the Constitution, Part 1

Of all the duties of citizens, perhaps none is more important than doing your part to ensure the healthy functioning of American constitutional democracy. What can you do to support the survival of our constitutional democracy? Find out today!
						  
							
							
							Center for Civic Education

60-Second Civics: Episode 5003, Political Authority: The Elements of Democracy, Part 3 (rebroadcast)

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