Everyday Civics

Understanding Campaign Finance: Who Pays for Elections? A Complete Guide to Money in Politics

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Understanding Campaign Finance: Who Pays for Elections? A Complete Guide to Money in Politics The Multi-Billion Dollar Democracy American elections have become extraordinarily expensive enterprises. The 2020 election cycle saw approximately $14 billion in spending—double the 2016 total and more than the GDP of several small nations. Presidential campaigns now routinely exceed $1 billion per … Read more

How the US Court of Appeals Fits Into the Justice System

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How the US Court of Appeals Fits Into the Justice System: Understanding America’s Crucial Middle Courts The Hidden Power of Appellate Courts While dramatic courtroom trials capture public attention, the real power in shaping American law often lies one floor up—in the quieter chambers of the U.S. Courts of Appeals. These federal appellate courts decide … Read more

How Does the US Foreign Policy Process Work? Understanding America’s Role in Global Affairs

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How Does the US Foreign Policy Process Work? Understanding America’s Role in Global Affairs The Complex Machinery of American Foreign Policy The foreign policy of the United States operates through an intricate system of institutions, processes, and competing interests that determines how America engages with nearly 200 nations worldwide. Unlike parliamentary systems where foreign policy … Read more

The Role of Mayors: Powers, Responsibilities, and Limits

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The Role of Mayors: Powers, Responsibilities, and Limits

The Role of Mayors: Powers, Responsibilities, and Limits Walk down the main street of any American city, and you’ll likely see the mayor’s name on everything from ribbon-cutting ceremonies to emergency announcements. But what does a mayor actually do? And more importantly, how much power does this local leader really have? The role of mayors … Read more

The Importance of Civic Education in Schools: Building Tomorrow’s Citizens Today

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The Importance of Civic Education in Schools: Building Tomorrow’s Citizens Today The Crisis of Civic Knowledge in American Schools American democracy faces a knowledge crisis. Only 23% of eighth-graders score proficient in civics on national assessments. Fewer than half of Americans can name all three branches of government. Just 26% of adults can identify the … Read more

What Happens During the Presidential Inauguration? A Complete Guide to America’s Transfer of Power

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What Happens During the Presidential Inauguration? A Complete Guide to America’s Transfer of Power The Sacred Ritual of American Democracy Every four years, the world watches as the United States conducts one of democracy’s most powerful rituals: the presidential inauguration. This carefully orchestrated day combines constitutional requirements with centuries of tradition, transforming a political victor … Read more

The Role of State Governments: More Powerful Than You Realize

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The Role of State Governments: More Powerful Than You Realize Understanding America’s Other Governments While national politics dominates headlines and social media debates, the governments that most directly shape American daily life operate much closer to home. State governments control the quality of your children’s education, the safety of your roads, the cost of your … Read more

Who Gets Paid During a Government Shutdown (and Who Doesn’t)? A Complete Guide to Federal Pay During Funding Gaps

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Who Gets Paid During a Government Shutdown (and Who Doesn’t)? A Complete Guide to Federal Pay During Funding Gaps The Financial Reality of Government Shutdowns When the federal government shuts down, approximately 2.1 million civilian federal employees and 4.1 million federal contractors face immediate questions about their next paycheck. While politicians debate in Washington, real … Read more

How to Talk About Politics Without Starting an Argument: A Practical Guide for Constructive Dialogue

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How to Talk About Politics Without Starting an Argument: A Practical Guide for Constructive Dialogue Why Political Conversations Feel Like Minefields Political discussions have become increasingly fraught in modern America, with 65% of Americans reporting that talking about politics with people they disagree with is “stressful and frustrating.” The challenge of how to talk about … Read more