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Democracy
Democracy
Democracy in Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece is credited with creating the world's first democracy.
Greek ideas influenced how democracy developed around the world, including in the U.S.A. Click the buttons below to learn more!
What Our Democracy Looks Like Now
Did You Know?!
The oldest continuous democracy in North America is not the United States of America?
That title goes to the Haudenosaunee (hoh-DEE-noh-SHOH-nee) Confederacy, a Native American confederation of six nations based on peace and equity. Learn more below.
Think About It!
The average lifespan of a country's constitution is 12 years. But the U.S. Constitution has been around for more than 200. Is it time for a rewrite?
"America From Scratch" host Toussaint Morrison looks at examples from around the world and wonders: Could a rewrite of the constitution work in the U.S.?
Voting Rights in the United States
Voting Rights in the United States
In the United States, the right to vote has changed over time.
Watch this video for a brief history of how voting in America has changed...
...and explore this timeline that gives an in-depth look at the history of voting rights in the United States.
The Fight for Voting Rights
Current common voting restrictions are more harmful than you might realize.
Although these restrictions can appear simple and easy to comply with, they often have a huge impact on voters with disabilities, people of color, indigenous communities, students, young voters, and older adults.
Read more about current voting restrictions and their impact on historically marginalized communities.
Read More!
American Institutions
American Institutions
During the election cycle, you will likely hear a lot of talk about American institutions, such as the electoral college, political parties, or branches of the government.
These short videos can help you understand what you might hear or see.
Branches of the US Government
Branches of the US Government
Electoral College
Electoral College
Political Parties
Political Parties
Think About It!
We blame a lot of our political dysfunction and polarization on our two-party system. So why do we keep it around? How did we get here?
And what would happen if we had a lot more major parties?
We spend a lot of time thinking, worrying, debating—and, yes, fighting—over who should be our president.
But is that the best use of our political energy?
Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse
Get to the root! What does civil mean?
Get to the root! What does civil mean?
The word civil comes from the Latin word: civilis. Civilis means both "relating to a citizen" and “courteous”. So you can think of being civil as being pleasant, polite, or kind to others.
Civil discourse is a way of talking about ideas and issues respectfully, even when you have strong feelings and disagree with others.
We live in a democracy with other citizens. It is important to our democracy to use civil discourse to show each other respect and compassion, and keep us united.
code_of_civil_discourse_official.pdfMedia Literacy
Media Literacy
Even though you are young, it is important to our democracy that you use your voice! But before using your voice, you need to know that what you say or share is accurate and factual.
Media is the way information is shared (books, news, webpages, Instagram, etc.) Media can be full of misinformation, or information that is simply not true. YOU need to be media literate so you can sort fact from fiction.
Media literacy is the ability to identify different types of media and understand the messages in them. It involves skills such as fact-checking, lateral reading, understanding bias and credibility, thinking critically, and sharing information responsibly.
Media Literacy: Videos
Fact-Checking
Lateral Reading
Click Restraint
Media Literacy: Articles
Media Literacy: Tools
Use Your Voice!
Use Your Voice!
Supporting our democracy is essential to maintaining personal freedoms and strong institutions. Democratic backsliding can increase corruption, economic inequality, and social unrest.
Even though you are young, you play a significant role in preserving our democracy and maintaining protection of our rights.
BE AN ENGAGED CITIZEN!
Think About It!
Imagine being required to vote by penalty of law. Sound a little extreme? Maybe. But for other countries around the world, it’s a reality, and it helps get people to the polls.
As we question what our country would look like if we started from scratch, host Toussaint Morrison explores the possibility of mandatory voting.
Try It!
Create a civic self-portrait to learn more about yourself.
What have you read about that has made you ask questions about yourself or your community?
What voices, sources, or ideas do you listen to in order to understand what needs to be done?
What do you care about? What is your passion? What are your hopes for the future?
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