DONATE
Back to: Simple Civics
Are Local Governments POWERFUL? That Depends
October 03, 2025
Every state must follow the constitution. Similarly, municipalities must follow their specific state’s constitution. But depending on where you live, your city may or may not have the power to make its own decisions. There are two main philosophies that describe this power, Dillon’s Rule and Home Rule. From education to gerrymandering, the balance of these two ideas affect almost everyone.
Watch
How does Social Security work?
September 29, 2025
Social Security is a massive, complex system that touches the lives of nearly every American....
What is WFYI's Simple Civics?
September 4, 2025
Civics doesn’t have to be complicated, so let’s make it simple!
The history of America's National Park Service
June 10, 2025
Can you imagine what the United States would be like without the National Park Service?
The Debt Ceiling: A spending safeguard or a political bargaining chip?
May 14, 2025
The debt ceiling, much like ranch dressing or hamburgers, is a uniquely American invention....
The history and purpose of The Federal Reserve
April 30, 2025
The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the U.S. But why do we even have it in the first...
How NASA works with private space companies
April 17, 2025
While Blue Origin and Space X make headlines, NASA remains as a leader of academic space research....
How do billionaires avoid paying taxes?
March 12, 2025
Billionaires pay less in taxes than ever before, but how do they do it?
Shirley Chisholm and the Fight for Political Equality
February 18, 2025
Learn how America's first Black congresswoman broke barriers and ran for president against...
What type of Government does the US have?
February 3, 2025
Online you may see arguments that the United States isn't a democracy. Are these claims valid?...
How these Political Outsiders became President
January 17, 2025
We know how Trump won, but how did other outsiders like James Garfield and Lincoln become president?...
Why doesn't Indiana have citizen-initiated ballot measures?
November 5, 2024
Why do some states have citizen-initiated ballot measures, and others don't?
Should Election Day be a federal holiday?
October 23, 2024
Hear the arguments for and against this idea in this episode of Simple Civics!
Amending the Constitution
May 30, 2024
What does it take to pass an Amendment? Find out in this episode of Simple Civics!
Age Maximums for Public Office
May 16, 2024
Elected officials are getting older in the US. Should there be an age limit?
View More Programs
Support WFYI. We can't do it without you.