Civic Sense

Amid the whirlwind of news surrounding President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, this conversation delves into the parallels and contrasts between the current political landscape and the Democratic Party's tumultuous summer of 1968. Discover the crucial role of delegates in the nomination process and the shifting power dynamics within the party. We also explore the historical context of George Washington's farewell address and its enduring relevance to today's political climate.

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Resources To Learn More:

• Davis, J. E., Fernlund, P. F., & Woll, P. (2005). Civics: Government and Economics in Action. Pearson Prentice Hall.
• McClenaghan, W. A., & Magruder, F. A. (2003). Magruder’s American Government. Prentice Hall.
• Biden's speech: Warnings about Trump without naming him, a hefty to-do list, and a power handoff
• Delegates explained
• Washington's Farewell Address, 1796
• What happens now that Biden dropped out? The chaotic 1968 Democratic convention could be a clue.
• What to know about the Democratic convention with Harris's likely nomination
• 2024 Presidential Nominating Process - Democrats

This conversation explores the purpose and significance of national conventions, focusing on the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC). The RNC will officially nominate Donald Trump as the Republican candidate for president and is expected to reveal his vice presidential pick. The conversation also delves into the party platforms, with a detailed blueprint for a potential second Trump term and Trump's own platform. The platform guides the party's positions on various issues and influences campaign strategies.

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Resources To Learn More:

• Davis, J. E., Fernlund, P. F., & Woll, P. (2005). Civics: Government and Economics in Action. Pearson Prentice Hall.
• McClenaghan, W. A., & Magruder, F. A. (2003). Magruder’s American Government. Prentice Hall.
• Project 2025
• Republican presidential nomination and delegates, explained | CNN Politics
• The Republican Party lays out its 2024 policy platform : NPR
• 1924: The Wildest Convention in U.S. History - POLITICO Magazine

This conversation covers the basics of American elections, including the role of the Constitution, the Electoral College, and potential ways to eliminate or reform it. The Electoral College is a system used to elect the President and Vice President, where each state is granted a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress. The winner-takes-all approach in most states can result in winning the Electoral College but losing the popular vote.

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Resources To Learn More:

• Davis, J. E., Fernlund, P. F., & Woll, P. (2005). Civics: Government and Economics in Action. Pearson Prentice Hall.
• McClenaghan, W. A., & Magruder, F. A. (2003). Magruder’s American Government. Prentice Hall.
• 2024 Presidential and Congressional Primary Dates and Candidate Filing Deadlines for Ballot Access
• It's time to abolish the Electoral College | Brookings
• Live updates: Biden and Trump to face off at CNN presidential debate
• Majority of Americans continue to favor moving away from Electoral College
• The Constitution of the United States | National Archives
• The Electoral College: What’s to be Done – Ash Center

What is the role of political parties in American politics? Political parties are groups of citizens who attempt to influence and control the government by getting their members elected. The main goal of political parties is to control the government and win elections.

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Show Notes

• Davis, J. E., Fernlund, P. F., & Woll, P. (2005). Civics: Government and Economics in Action. Pearson Prentice Hall.
• McClenaghan, W. A., & Magruder, F. A. (2003). Magruder’s American Government. Prentice Hall.
• Distribution of Electoral Votes | National Archives
• House rejects Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's effort to oust Speaker Mike Johnson, but chaos lingers
• Inside Trump's stunning flip-flop on early voting
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushes for nationwide ballot access | CNN Politics
• Who's voting for Robert Kennedy Jr.? | Ipsos

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While political parties and ideologies have similarities, they're not exactly alike. The basic beliefs of American liberals and conservatives shape people's political views. Additionally, a recent poll suggests more Americans actually agree on many core values, despite differences in politics.

Davis, J. E., Fernlund, P. F., & Woll, P. (2005). Civics: Government and Economics in Action. Pearson Prentice Hall.

McClenaghan, W. A., & Magruder, F. A. (2003). Magruder’s American Government. Prentice Hall.

Most say democracy is important for the U.S. identity, but few think it is functioning well - AP-NORC

The Human, Economic, Social, and Political Costs of COVID-19 - PMC