We’re asking teachers to tell us their favorite Civics 101 episodes from the past, and today 8th grade Social Studies educator extrordinaire Andrew Swan introduces the Declaration of Independence. A breakup letter, a radical document, an ordinance of secession, a masterclass in political philosophy, whatever you think of it, it is how our nation started. This episode features many scholars with differing opinions on the Declaration: Danielle Allen, Byron Williams, Cheryl Cook-Kallio, Woody Holton, and Emma Bray.

If you’re a teacher and want to introduce an episode, just give a holler at civics101@nhpr.org and we’ll get right back to you.

Support our show today with a donation! We can’t do it without you.

The Declaration of Independence

How do landmark Supreme Court decisions affect our lives? What does the 2nd Amendment really say? Why does the Senate have so much power? Civics 101 is the podcast about how our democracy works…or is supposed to work, anyway.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Government

When you trade a cow for a teapot and can't make change.

What is Money?

Your local government is the one you have to pay really close attention to. Especially when part of their job is to keep residents safe.

A city government, a looming disaster, and a complicated choice

Hannah tells Nick what it's like to have real access to the Supreme Court. And then the pair pays a very emotional visit to the Lincoln Memorial.

"I see a temple that we built."

The Civics 101 team's D.C. field trip takes them all kinds of places, including inside the highest court in the land during oral arguments. Listen in as they share those experiences.

Why are we printing so much paper money? (D.C. field trip dispatch)

The team is in Washington D.C. making episodes...and we're learning some wild stuff.

The Declaration of Independence

Download our free app to listen on your phone