Civil Discourse

Federalist 39

Aughie and Nia discuss Federalist 39, Madison's defense of the Republic as a form of national government.

Notable Thefts of Government Documents

Aughie and Nia explore the known modern thefts of government documents and the punishments imposed on the thieves.

SCOTUS Under Siege

Aughie and Nia discuss the latest woes of the U.S. Supreme Court, including leaks, scandals, and public opinion.

Secession, part 2: The U.S. Civil War

Secession, part 1: What is Political Secession?

Aughie and Nia discuss the ramifications of political secession.

AMBER and Other Alerts

Aughie and Nia talk about the various local and national alert systems designed to reach Americans by television, telephone, and internet.

SCOTUS Term Limit Debate

Nia and Aughie consider the debate concerning imposing term limits on Supreme Court Justices. Can Congress enact a law, or does there need to be a Constitutional Amendment?

The Global Engagement Center

Aughie scares Nia with the mission of the Global Engagement Center, located in the State Department.

What is the Overton Window?

Aughie and Nia explore Joseph Overton's concept to explain when politicians will act to create public policy. This theory is named the Overton Window.

What is the Superfund?

Nia and Aughie explain the The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as Superfund Act, of 1980. They consider its goals as well as the pros and cons of the program.

In The News: Who the Heck is Tim Walz?

Aughie and Nia discuss a person in civics news - Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, the Democratic vice president pick. Aughie analyzes his pros and cons as a nominee.

SoS 2024: Case review, part 2

Nia and Aughie review the following rulings: Moore V. U.S.; Garland v. Cargill; U.S. v. Rahimi

SoS 2024: Who Cares What the SCOTUS Ruled?

Aughie and Nia discuss instances where Presidents, Congress, the States, and the political parties have defied or ignored Supreme Court rulings.

SoS 2024: Justice Oddities

From eating habits to medical issues to marital involvements, Nia and Aughie discuss some of the Justices' interesting oddities.

SoS 2024: Case review, part 3

Aughie and Nia review the following cases: Snyder v. U.S.; Securities and Exchange Commission v. Jarkes y ; Idaho v. U.S.; Harrington v. Purdue Pharma

SoS 2024: Wrap Up and What's Next

Aughie and Nia wrap up the statstics for the 23-24 SCOTUS session and look forward to coming cases in the 24-25 SCOTUS session.

SoS 2024: Better at Other Stuff

Aughie and Nia discuss the Supreme Court Justices that were overrated as Justices. Many of them were quite strong in other positions but were seen as less influential on the Court than their reputation might suggest.

SoS 2024: Case review, part 5

Aughie and Nia review the following cases: Fischer v. United States; Trump v. United States

SoS 2024: Case review, part 4

Nia and Aughie review the following cases: Murthy v. Missouri; NetChoice, LLC v. Paxton and Moody v. NetChoice, LLC; City of Grants Pass v. Johnson; Loper Bright Enterprises v Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v Department of Commerce

SoS 2024: Case review, part 1

Aughie and Nia review the following rulings: Alexander v. NAACP; Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) v. Consumer Financial Services Association of America; Muldrow v. City of St. Louis; O'Connor Ratcliff v. Garnier and Lindke v. Freed; Donal Trump v. Norma Anderson; FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine.

In the News: Biden Withdraws

Nia and Aughie discuss the ramifications of President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential Campaign.

In the News: JD Vance

Former President Donald Trump has chosen Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate in the 2024 Presidential Election. Aughie and Nia discuss the pros and cons of bringing Senator Vance onto the ticket.

In the News: Trump Florida Case Dismissed

Aughie and Nia discuss the importance of Judge Aileen Cannon's ruling in the Florida documents case against former President Donald Trump. The 93 page ruling relies heavily on a dissent written by Justice Scalia in Morrison v. Olson, one that has waxed and waned in support since 1988.

In the News: Guilty on 34 Counts

Aughie and Nia discuss the recent Donald Trump trial that resulted in 34 felony convictions.

In the News: Recognizing Palestine as a Nation

Aughie and Nia welcome Dr. Bill Newmann to discuss the recent news that some nations have recognized Palestine as a nation. They also talk about unusual instances of recognition and de-recognition of countries in the past.

In the News: College Student Protests

Aughie and Nia discuss the college student protests currently taking place in the U.S. They explore time, place and manner restrictions imposed on the protestors. Episode was created May 1, 2024.

In the News: TikTok Threatened in Federal Legislation

Nia and Aughie discuss the federal legislation signed by President Biden that requires TikTok to sell to a different owner. They also discuss the national security implications as well as the Commerce Clause implications of the legislation. Episode was created May 1, 2024.

Blue Laws

Aughie and Nia discuss the origin of blue laws, laws that generally prevent some purchases on Sundays. Aughie showcases several instances where the SCOTUS has supported the Constitutionality of blue laws.

Monroe Doctrine

Nia and Aughie welcome back political scientist Chris Saladino for a discussion of the Monroe Doctrine. The episode eventually covers a few other Presidential doctrines as well as the mechanics of foreign policy development.

Types of International Power

Aughie and Nia are glad to have another conversation with political scientist Judy Twigg. This time, they are covering the different types of international power: hard, soft, smart, and sharp powers.