Civics on the Rocks

Listen to Mack and Steve discuss checks, balances, and how it always comes back to we, the people. REFERENCES There’s three coequal branches: The White House. “Our Government.” https://www.whitehouse.gov/government/ Take France: Georgetown Law Library. “The Structure of the French Legal System.” https://guides.ll.georgetown.edu/francelegalresearch/legalsystem Or Britain: Courts and Tribunals Judic...

Steve and Mack get into the legalities of militias, and they may not be what you think. They’re definitely more complicated. REFERENCES A bunch of farmers that run home to get their guns to come to the common defense against the Redcoats: American Battlefield Trust. “Lexington and Concord.” https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/lexington-and-concord Even though we have selec...

We’re not just chatting about the weather. I mean, we are…but there is also social commentary and a bit of moral outrage. This episode is longer than most because we left in more of the silliness. It felt called for. REFERENCES A warning for a tornado outbreak: National Weather Service. “Summary of Significant Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Outbreak of March 14–15, 2025.” https://www.weather.gov/...

Okay, so it’s not our best show title, but you get what it’s about don’t you? Yep, we’re jumping headfirst into the chaos machine. Won’t you join us? REFERENCES There have recently been a whole bunch of executive orders: Federal Register. “2025 Donald J. Trump Executive Orders.” National Archive. https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/donald-trump/2025 If you didn’...

Mack and Steve tackle the home state of Texas after a listener asked, what the heck is going on here? Spoilers: it’s vouchers. References Our capital is taller: Texas State Preservation Board. “Capitol Myths and Legends.” https://tspb.texas.gov/prop/tc/tc-history/myths-legends/index.html Back to the constitution of 1876: Ericson, Joe E. & Wallace, Ernest. “Constitution of 1876.” Updated March...

Mack and Steve discuss the government worker bees who don’t serve at the pleasure of the president, and how the new administration wants to change that under the auspices of 2025. Also, there may be a UFO flap. Stay tuned! REFERENCES What’s the civil service? Page, Edward C. & Bridges, Edward. “Civil Service.” Updated December 15, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/civil-servic...

Just in case you were wondering, yes, Mack has tried to tell you about this twice and it has been cut twice. Cheers!

Mack, Steve, and Anne hold a group therapy session after the election. Seriously, we recorded this two days after getting the news and the discussion runs the gamut of emotions. Mostly angry. There’s a lot of cussing. Nobody stayed on topic very well. Also, a dog was in the room with us and that got picked up by the mic. This isn’t our finest work. Feel free to skip this one and meet us back in th...

Because I’m sure you want to hear what to two, old, land-owning, white guys have to say about the subject. Seriously, though, tomorrow you get to help decide which way this question gets answered. Take advantage of your moment in history. Special note to our Spotify listeners: does it feel like it’s been a while since we posted? Sorry about that! Due to a technical issue, our magic “post everywher...

Mack and Steve discuss why it always seems to the same two groups, how it really isn’t, and how that might inform your choices when voting. Wade on in, because sometimes it doesn’t feel like a party at all. References Take Britain as a counterpoint with a parliamentary system: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Parliament.” Updated: September 27, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parli...

Celebrate one year of Civics on the Rocks! We even have a gift for you!

Mack and Steve discuss if they find election poll results highly favorable, favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, unfavorable, or highly unfavorable. References A straw poll, or vote, according to Merriam-Webster:   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20vote Fox News may not have handled coverage of the 2012 election as well as they could have: Folkenflik, David. “Media...

It’s the highest court in the land, but is it all that great? Steve and Mack pass judgement on the latest decisions from the Supreme Court. References Where the words “supreme court” are used in the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “Article III.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-3/ Where the words “commander in chief” are used in the Constitution: Constitution Annotated....

You’ve heard the term before, but did you realize how bad the situation really is? Buckle up, kids, this is a bumpy one. References Well? Steve is archaically correct. According to Merriam-Webster gerrymandering was originally pronounced with a hard g, but it now most commonly pronounced with a soft one. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gerrymandering Who was Elbridge Gerry? Sobel, Rober...

Not to oversell it, but this type of episode is why we created this podcast. Do you really know how impeachment works? Are you sure of your dusty memories of high school civics class? Come, find out! References What is impeachment? USA.Gov. “How federal impeachment works.” Last updated February 2, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/impeachment Learn about the impeachment of King Charles I: Paradis, Michel....

Due to it being May, we decided to take our discussion to a galaxy far, far away. It went on a bit longer than intended. Also, somehow, we got to Oz. But stick with us, y’all. We eventually get back to this reality around the 18-minute mark. Enjoy, and may the force by with you. References Wookieepedia is a little vague on how the Jedi Council relates to the Galactic Senate, so the debate stands:...

Listen to resident foremen, Mack and Steve, make the call on our system of law. There’s also some references to pandemics and hurricanes in this show. Good times! References What’s the difference between a petit jury and a grand jury? United States Courts. “Types of Juries.” https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service/types-juries Steve was wrong. Louisiana does, in fact, have juries: Lou...