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Bell Ringers

Welcome to C-SPAN Classroom's Bell Ringers!

This section of the website is designed to enhance social studies curriculums by providing teachers with brief video clips of C-SPAN programming. You will find the clips separated into categories commonly studied in social studies curriculums. Each clip contains a brief summary, key vocabulary terms, and related discussion questions.

Bell ringers can be used to start class, as an in-class activity, or as a homework assignment to introduce a new topic. You can further explore a topic by using one of the activities on our C-SPAN Classroom Deliberations page with your students. However you use them, Bell Ringers will connect your students with real world examples of civics in action.

Table of Contents

  • AP U.S. Government Key Terms

    • Stand By Your Ad Provisions
      "Stand By Your Ad" requirements, a provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (AKA McCain-Feingold), mandates that "radio and television communications (or any broadcast, cable or…
      2 minutes
    • Signing Statements
      Presidential signing statements are written comments issued by the President when signing a bill into law. Signing statements can indicate support for the new legislation but alternatively can be…
      1 minute
    • Federalism
      The United States government is organized on the principle of federalism, the sharing of power between national and state/local authorities. There are three broad categories of powers: 1. Exclusive…
      6 minutes
    • Federalist 78 and Marbury v. Madison
      Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer explained the power of judicial review and how Hamilton's Federalist 78 contributed to the precedent set in Marbury v. Madison.
      6 minutes
    • What is an Omnibus Bill?
      Steve Ellis of Taxpayers for Common Sense explains the meaning of an omnibus bill, including the process of how the bills that fund the federal government, become part of a larger package.
      1 minute
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  • Bureaucracy & Regulation

    • Signing Statements
      Presidential signing statements are written comments issued by the President when signing a bill into law. Signing statements can indicate support for the new legislation but alternatively can be…
      1 minute
    • Congressional Oversight of Artificial Intelligence
      Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies Gregory Allen talked about congressional oversight of artificial intelligence and…
      3 minutes
    • NAGPRA
      University of California, Davis, art history professor Heghnar Watenpaugh discussed the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (1990).
      3 minutes
    • History of Parking Meters
      Slate magazine staff writer Henry Grabar, author of "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World," discussed the history of parking meters in the United States.
      2 minutes
    • Commercial Parking and Revenue
      Slate magazine staff writer Henry Grabar, author of "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World," discussed the impact of commercial parking.
      6 minutes
      • View All

  • Campaigns & Elections

    • President John F. Kennedy in Fort Worth
      Fort Worth’s General Worth Square is the place where President John F. Kennedy gave an impromptu speech to thousands of spectators the morning he was assassinated. Andy Taft, president of Downtown…
      9 minutes
    • Do Debates Still Matter?
      In advance of the first debate of the 2024 presidential election season, University of Michigan Director of Debate Aaron Kall talked about the need for and impact of presidential candidate debates.
      11 minutes
    • Stand By Your Ad Provisions
      "Stand By Your Ad" requirements, a provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (AKA McCain-Feingold), mandates that "radio and television communications (or any broadcast, cable or…
      2 minutes
    • Decline of Swing House Seats
      U.S. House Senior Editor at the Cook Political Report David Wasserman talked about the decline of swing House seats across the U.S.
      4 minutes
    • 2023 Invasion of the Brazilian Congress
      Atlantic Council of the U.S.'s Latin America Center Associate Director Valentina Sader talked about the unrest in Brazil’s capital after a recent Presidential election and inauguration and…
      4 minutes
      • View All

  • Civil Rights & Civil Liberties

    • Dr. Robert Johnson and Tennis Desegregation
      In addition to being a physician in the community, Dr. Robert Johnson hosted a tennis camp at his home in Lynchburg, Virginia, starting in the 1940s where he coached young African Americans including…
      7 minutes
    • Police Raid of a Kansas Paper and Concerns over Press Freedom
      Gabe Rottman of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press talked about the police raid on a small-town Kansas newspaper the previous week and broader concerns over press freedom.
      8 minutes
    • 1919 Elaine, Arkansas, Massacre
      Author Grif Stockley talked about a little known, but devastating story in Jim Crow era Arkansas. The author looked at the evidence from this event such as letters, interviews, newspaper and trial…
      13 minutes
    • Stand By Your Ad Provisions
      "Stand By Your Ad" requirements, a provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (AKA McCain-Feingold), mandates that "radio and television communications (or any broadcast, cable or…
      2 minutes
    • Early Years of Martin Luther King Jr.
      Journalist Jonathan Eig talked about the early life of Martin Luther King Jr. He highlighted what he wanted to be as a child and how he became involved in the Civil Rights movement.
      7 minutes
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  • Comparative Government

    • Indian Democracy, Diversity, and Development
      Indian Prime Minister Modi discussed the country's accomplishments since its independence, as he addressed a joint session of Congress. Prime Minister Modi previously addressed Congress in 2016.
      9 minutes
    • The End of Ramadan - Eid al-Fitr
      12-year-old Raahima Siddiqi of Virginia recites and translates the Arabic prayer, Surah Al-Fatiha, the first chapter in Islam’s holy book, the Quran. She also recited Surah An-Nur, verse 35. Then,…
      4 minutes
    • White House Nowruz Reception
      President Biden hosts a reception at the White House in honor of Nowruz. He also welcomes the release of U.S. hostage Jeffrey Woodke in Niger after nearly six years in captivity. American U.S. Marine…
      3 minutes
    • State Department Human Rights Report
      Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks on the release of the 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Acting Assistant Secretary Erin Barclay then briefs on the specifics in the…
      8 minutes
    • St. Patrick's Day and Irish-American Relations
      Vice President Kamala Harris welcomes Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to a 2023 Saint Patrick’s Day breakfast reception at the vice presidential residence.
      5 minutes
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  • Constitutional Foundation

    • Congress and a Supreme Court Code of Ethics
      Justice Elena Kagan acknowledged the Senate bill to establish a Supreme Court code of ethics, saying, “we’re not imperial,” and that, like other branches, the Court, too, is subject to checks…
      10 minutes
    • Courts and Public Confidence
      Justice Elena Kagan discusses what it means for a court to "act like a court," and how courts can maintain public confidence.
      4 minutes
    • Police Raid of a Kansas Paper and Concerns over Press Freedom
      Gabe Rottman of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press talked about the police raid on a small-town Kansas newspaper the previous week and broader concerns over press freedom.
      8 minutes
    • Administrative Law Cases (2023)
      Appellate & constitutional law attorney Andrew Pincus discusses the two 2023 Supreme Court cases that dealt with administrative law, Biden v. Nebraska and Axon Enterprise, Inc. v. Federal Trade…
      5 minutes
    • Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co. (2023)
      Appellate & constitutional law attorney Melissa Sherry discusses the 2023 Supreme Court case Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co.
      8 minutes
      • View All

  • Criminal Law & Justice

    • Police Raid of a Kansas Paper and Concerns over Press Freedom
      Gabe Rottman of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press talked about the police raid on a small-town Kansas newspaper the previous week and broader concerns over press freedom.
      8 minutes
    • FISA Section 702 and Government Surveillance
      Former National Security Agency Principal Litigation Counsel George Croner talked about the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the reauthorization debate for Section 702, which expires at the…
      6 minutes
    • Linus Pauling and the FBI
      University of California, Davis, history Professor Kathryn Olmsted discusses the story of Linus Pauling and his relationship with the FBI and the 'Red Scare.'
      12 minutes
    • Chambers, Hiss, and the Rosenbergs
      University of California, Davis, history Professor Kathryn Olmsted discusses the stories of accused Soviet spies Whittaker Chambers, Alger Hiss, and Julius and Ethel Rosenberg.
      10 minutes
    • Elizabeth Bentley
      University of California, Davis, history Professor Kathryn Olmsted discusses the story of former Soviet spy Elizabeth Bentley.
      11 minutes
      • View All

  • Economics & Financial Literacy

    • U.S. Auto Industry Maverick John DeLorean
      University of Central Florida professor Yanek Mieczkowski discussed U.S. auto industry maverick John DeLorean.
      6 minutes
    • U.S. Auto Industry Maverick Preston Tucker
      University of Central Florida professor Yanek Mieczkowski discussed U.S. auto industry maverick Preston Tucker.
      12 minutes
    • U.S. Auto Industry Maverick Harley Earl
      University of Central Florida professor Yanek Mieczkowski discussed U.S. auto industry maverick Harley Earl.
      12 minutes
    • History of Gambling
      The American Gaming Archives at the Nevada Historical Society tells the history of gambling through archival materials as well as artifacts. Howard Herz, curator of gaming, discusses the history of…
      2 minutes
    • Miller Time: Beer Brewing in Milwaukee
      The Miller Brewing Company has been a Milwaukee staple since its founding in 1855. Historian John Gurda, author of "Miller Time," discusses the history of the company and of beer brewing in the…
      2 minutes
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  • Education

    • Morrill Land Grant College Act of 1862
      Historian Winifred Gallagher talked about the Morrill Land Grant College Act of 1862 and how it impacted women at the time.
      2 minutes
    • History of Barbie
      Adam Scher talked about the history of Barbie. C-SPAN’s Local Content Vehicles (LCVs) made a stop in their “2014 LCV Cities Tour” in St. Paul, Minnesota, from July 21-24 to feature the history…
      2 minutes
    • Linus Pauling and the FBI
      University of California, Davis, history Professor Kathryn Olmsted discusses the story of Linus Pauling and his relationship with the FBI and the 'Red Scare.'
      12 minutes
    • Purpose of High School
      Former college president and professor John Agresto talked about his book, "The Death of Learning: How American Education Has Failed Our Students and What to Do about It," in which he discusses what…
      4 minutes
    • The Changing Liberal Arts
      Former college president and professor John Agresto talked about his book, "The Death of Learning: How American Education Has Failed Our Students and What to Do about It," in which he discusses…
      -1398 seconds
      • View All

  • English & Literature

  • Environmental Policy & Land Use

    • Who was John Wesley Powell?
      Author Don Lago talked about John Wesley Powell's expedition to the Grand Canyon and his contribution as a result of his travels.
      5 minutes
    • History of Parking Meters
      Slate magazine staff writer Henry Grabar, author of "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World," discussed the history of parking meters in the United States.
      2 minutes
    • Commercial Parking and Revenue
      Slate magazine staff writer Henry Grabar, author of "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World," discussed the impact of commercial parking.
      6 minutes
    • History of Parking
      Slate magazine staff writer Henry Grabar, author of "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World," discussed the history of parking in the United States.
      6 minutes
    • Climate Change and Wildfires
      Climate change scientist and forest ecologist Patrick Gonzalez talked about how climate change is impacting wildfires.
      5 minutes
      • View All

  • Executive Branch

    • Stand By Your Ad Provisions
      "Stand By Your Ad" requirements, a provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (AKA McCain-Feingold), mandates that "radio and television communications (or any broadcast, cable or…
      2 minutes
    • Signing Statements
      Presidential signing statements are written comments issued by the President when signing a bill into law. Signing statements can indicate support for the new legislation but alternatively can be…
      1 minute
    • Congressional Review Act (1996) and the REINS Act
      Ohio State University law professor Bridget Dooling talked about Congress' use of the Congressional Review Act, passed in 1996 and which can be used to overturn final rules issued by federal…
      5 minutes
    • Arlington National Cemetery 1915 Memorabilia Box
      Arlington National Cemetery Historian Tim Frank talked about the origin of Memorial Day and the development of the Memorial Amphitheater. In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson laid the cornerstone for…
      2 minutes
    • FISA Section 702 and Government Surveillance
      Former National Security Agency Principal Litigation Counsel George Croner talked about the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the reauthorization debate for Section 702, which expires at the…
      6 minutes
      • View All

  • Federalism and State Issues

    • Federalism
      The United States government is organized on the principle of federalism, the sharing of power between national and state/local authorities. There are three broad categories of powers: 1. Exclusive…
      6 minutes
    • Stand Your Ground Laws and the Castle Doctrine
      Author, psychiatrist, sociologist, and Director of Vanderbilt University's Department of Medicine, Health, and Society Dr. Jonathan Metzl discussed the nation’s “stand your ground” self-defense…
      9 minutes
    • Independent Redistricting Commissions
      David Wasserman, House editor at the Cook Political Report, talked about redistricting commissions that states use to redraw congressional districts.
      3 minutes
    • Problems with Party Primaries
      Unite America executive director Nick Troiano discussed his recent piece in The Atlantic, “Party Primaries Must Go.” He discussed problems with party primaries including issues with…
      5 minutes
    • Automatic Voter Registration Programs
      Christopher Thomas, former Michigan Election Director, explained how different types of automatic voter registration programs work at the state level and the impact of these programs.
      5 minutes
      • View All

  • Foreign Policy

    • Indian Democracy, Diversity, and Development
      Indian Prime Minister Modi discussed the country's accomplishments since its independence, as he addressed a joint session of Congress. Prime Minister Modi previously addressed Congress in 2016.
      9 minutes
    • FISA Section 702 and Government Surveillance
      Former National Security Agency Principal Litigation Counsel George Croner talked about the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the reauthorization debate for Section 702, which expires at the…
      6 minutes
    • Exchange Rates
      U.S. New and World Report Editor Jodie Allen talked about the value of the U.S. dollar compared to other worldwide currencies. Here she explores the trade deficit and the impact of fixed exchange…
      4 minutes
    • Killing of Osama bin Laden
      American History TV toured the CIA Museum at the agency’s Langley, Virginia, headquarters. Director and curator Robert Byer highlighted the CIA's role in the killing of Osama bin Laden.
      5 minutes
    • Argo
      American History TV toured the CIA Museum at the agency’s Langley, Virginia, headquarters. Director and curator Robert Byer highlighted the CIA's efforts to rescue six American diplomats during the…
      8 minutes
      • View All

  • Geography

    • Kansas City, Missouri Stockyards
      Kansas City Public Library’s Jeremy Drouin talked about the origin of the stockyards in Kansas City, their significance, and how it has changed since the stockyards closed.
      6 minutes
    • Early Days of Lynchburg, VA
      Lynchburg Museum Curator Laura Wilson talked about the origin of the town of Lynchburg and how it evolved in the areas of industry and transportation.
      6 minutes
    • New Women in the Old West
      Historian Winifred Gallagher discussed women's historical position in American society including colonial times, the Industrial Revolution, agrarian and Victorian times and western migration. She…
      6 minutes
    • Homestead Act of 1862
      Historian Winifred Gallagher explained the Homestead Act of 1862 and how it impacted women in the West.
      2 minutes
    • London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona
      Jan Kassies, director of visitor services for the Lake Havasu City Convention and Visitors Bureau, talked about how a bridge that once spanned the River Thames in London made its way to western…
      4 minutes
      • View All

  • Gun Rights & Firearm Legislation

    • Stand Your Ground Laws and the Castle Doctrine
      Author, psychiatrist, sociologist, and Director of Vanderbilt University's Department of Medicine, Health, and Society Dr. Jonathan Metzl discussed the nation’s “stand your ground” self-defense…
      9 minutes
    • History of Ballistics and Firearm Marketing
      Phil Klay, an Iraq war veteran and the author of Uncertain Ground: Citizenship in an Age of Endless, Invisible War, talked about the history of ballistics and firearm marketing in the United States.
      7 minutes
    • Legal Protections for Gun Manufacturers
      Duke Center for Firearms Law executive director Jacob Charles talked about legal protections for gun makers and dealers for crimes committed with their products, including those protections in the…
      4 minutes
    • Mental Health, Guns, and Red Flag Laws
      National Alliance on Mental Illness' Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski talked about mental health, access to guns, and the role of so-called “red flag” laws.
      7 minutes
    • McDonald v. Chicago and Local Gun Restrictions
      Attorney Erin Murphy explained the Supreme Court Case McDonald v. Chicago (2010) and its ruling. She also explained how the precedent in D.C. v. Heller related to this case.
      2 minutes
      • View All

  • Health

  • Immigration

    • Miller Time: Beer Brewing in Milwaukee
      The Miller Brewing Company has been a Milwaukee staple since its founding in 1855. Historian John Gurda, author of "Miller Time," discusses the history of the company and of beer brewing in the…
      2 minutes
    • Judaism and Cincinnati, Ohio
      Rabbi Gary Zola talked about his book, "American Jewish History: A Primary Source Reader," and the history of Jewish immigration to Cincinnati, OH amidst the city's evolution in the 19th century.
      6 minutes
    • White House Nowruz Reception
      President Biden hosts a reception at the White House in honor of Nowruz. He also welcomes the release of U.S. hostage Jeffrey Woodke in Niger after nearly six years in captivity. American U.S. Marine…
      3 minutes
    • Irish Immigration to St. Louis
      Author Patrick Murphy talked about the reasons many of the early Irish immigrants left Ireland and settled in St. Louis, Missouri. He discussed The Great Famine in Ireland in the 1800s and how the…
      43 minutes
    • Isabel Allende Receives the 2014 Presidential Medal of Freedom
      President Obama presented author Isabel Allende with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to literature and human rights of women and children.
      54 seconds
      • View All

  • Interest Groups & Lobbying

    • Stand By Your Ad Provisions
      "Stand By Your Ad" requirements, a provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (AKA McCain-Feingold), mandates that "radio and television communications (or any broadcast, cable or…
      2 minutes
    • Opportunity Zones
      This bel ringer features David Wessel talking about his book, "Only the Rich Can Play: How Washington Works in the New Gilded Age," on the promise and reality of Opportunity Zones, created in 2017 to…
      4 minutes
    • The Difference Between Lobbyists and PACs
      Public Citizen President Robert Weissman talked about the differences between lobbyists and Political Action Committees (PACs). He explained what each do and how they influence public policy and…
      2 minutes
    • The Structure of the National Rifle Association
      Former Republican congressman and current NRA board member Bob Barr described the structure of the National Rifle Association and how they make policy decisions.
      2 minutes
    • Political Participation
      Political Participation refers to the efforts of individual citizens to directly or indirectly impact public policy. By far, the most common form of political participation is voting, but Americans…
      4 minutes
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  • Journalism

    • Police Raid of a Kansas Paper and Concerns over Press Freedom
      Gabe Rottman of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press talked about the police raid on a small-town Kansas newspaper the previous week and broader concerns over press freedom.
      8 minutes
    • Public Trust in the Media
      Senior Vice President of Research and Design at the News Literacy Project Peter Adams talked about public trust in the media and efforts to combat misinformation as part of National News Literacy…
      6 minutes
    • The 1863 New York City Draft Riots in the Media
      This bell ringer features City University of New York professor emeritus Joshua Brown teaching a class on the 1863 New York City Draft Riots and Civil War newspapers. He described how citizens across…
      10 minutes
    • Confirmation Bias
      Alicia Shepard of USA Today discusses the impact of confirmation bias and behind-the-scenes efforts of news organizations.
      2 minutes
    • Changes in the Way Media Platforms Cover the News
      Jennifer Kavanagh talked about a new RAND Corporation report she co-authored on increasing subjectivity in the news media has become more biased over the last 30 years.
      3 minutes
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  • Judicial Branch

    • Congress and a Supreme Court Code of Ethics
      Justice Elena Kagan acknowledged the Senate bill to establish a Supreme Court code of ethics, saying, “we’re not imperial,” and that, like other branches, the Court, too, is subject to checks…
      10 minutes
    • Courts and Public Confidence
      Justice Elena Kagan discusses what it means for a court to "act like a court," and how courts can maintain public confidence.
      4 minutes
    • Police Raid of a Kansas Paper and Concerns over Press Freedom
      Gabe Rottman of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press talked about the police raid on a small-town Kansas newspaper the previous week and broader concerns over press freedom.
      8 minutes
    • Administrative Law Cases (2023)
      Appellate & constitutional law attorney Andrew Pincus discusses the two 2023 Supreme Court cases that dealt with administrative law, Biden v. Nebraska and Axon Enterprise, Inc. v. Federal Trade…
      5 minutes
    • Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co. (2023)
      Appellate & constitutional law attorney Melissa Sherry discusses the 2023 Supreme Court case Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co.
      8 minutes
      • View All

  • Legislative Branch

    • Congress and a Supreme Court Code of Ethics
      Justice Elena Kagan acknowledged the Senate bill to establish a Supreme Court code of ethics, saying, “we’re not imperial,” and that, like other branches, the Court, too, is subject to checks…
      10 minutes
    • Stand By Your Ad Provisions
      "Stand By Your Ad" requirements, a provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (AKA McCain-Feingold), mandates that "radio and television communications (or any broadcast, cable or…
      2 minutes
    • Congressional Oversight of Artificial Intelligence
      Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies Gregory Allen talked about congressional oversight of artificial intelligence and…
      3 minutes
    • Importance of AM Radio
      In light of announcements that some vehicle manufacturers would phase out AM radio capabilities in newly produced electric automobiles, the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee held a hearing on…
      2 minutes
    • Congressional Review Act (1996) and the REINS Act
      Ohio State University law professor Bridget Dooling talked about Congress' use of the Congressional Review Act, passed in 1996 and which can be used to overturn final rules issued by federal…
      5 minutes
      • View All

  • Media

    • 1972 Miami Dolphins Undefeated Team
      President Obama honored the 1972 Miami Dolphins. They are the only NFL team to finish undefeated for the season, winning all 14 regular season games and going on to win Super Bowl VII.
      7 minutes
    • Courts and Public Confidence
      Justice Elena Kagan discusses what it means for a court to "act like a court," and how courts can maintain public confidence.
      4 minutes
    • Do Debates Still Matter?
      In advance of the first debate of the 2024 presidential election season, University of Michigan Director of Debate Aaron Kall talked about the need for and impact of presidential candidate debates.
      11 minutes
    • WWII Army Spy Cartoon
      This 1943 animated short film was a cautionary tale designed to instruct service personnel about security during World War Two. Part of a series, it was written by Dr. Seuss, voiced by Mel Blanc, and…
      4 minutes
    • Police Raid of a Kansas Paper and Concerns over Press Freedom
      Gabe Rottman of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press talked about the police raid on a small-town Kansas newspaper the previous week and broader concerns over press freedom.
      8 minutes
      • View All

  • Political Parties

    • Do Debates Still Matter?
      In advance of the first debate of the 2024 presidential election season, University of Michigan Director of Debate Aaron Kall talked about the need for and impact of presidential candidate debates.
      11 minutes
    • Decline of Swing House Seats
      U.S. House Senior Editor at the Cook Political Report David Wasserman talked about the decline of swing House seats across the U.S.
      4 minutes
    • American Communism in the 1930s
      University of California, Davis, history Professor Kathryn Olmsted discusses the prevalence of American communism in the 1930s.
      4 minutes
    • Public Trust in Government
      President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service Max Stier talked about diminishing public trust in government and how to restore it.
      4 minutes
    • Evolution of the State of the Union Address
      Marquette University Political Science Professor Julia Azari talked about the evolution of the State of the Union speech, from its origins as a brief speech before Congress by President George…
      17 minutes
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  • Science & Technology

  • Social Services

    • Public Trust in Government
      President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service Max Stier talked about diminishing public trust in government and how to restore it.
      4 minutes
    • Landmark Legislation: Medicare and Medicaid Act of 1965
      Jim Morone, professor of political science and urban studies at Brown University, and Laurence Kotlikoff of Boston University, talked about the creation, impact, and shortcomings of Medicare and…
      5 minutes
    • Jacob Riis
      Howard Husock, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, talked about how Jacob Riis became involved in American housing history in NYC and the impact he had.
      5 minutes
    • Slowing Population Growth Rates in the United States
      After the release of the initial 2020 U.S. Census results, The Hill's Reid Wilson discussed the factors contributing to the slowing population growth rates in the United States.
      2 minutes
    • The Works Progress Administration
      Sandra Opdycke of Vassar College’s Institute for Innovation in Social Policy explained the history of FDR's Works Progress Administration (WPA), which gave employment to 8 million Americans during…
      7 minutes
      • View All

  • State History

    • Portland Head Light
      Jeanne Gross talked about the history of Maine’s oldest lighthouse. Portland Head Light was completed in 1791 and guided ships safely into Portland Harbor.
      7 minutes
    • F. Scott Fitzgerald in St. Paul, Minnesota
      Dave Page gave a tour of many locations in St. Paul, Minnesota, associated with F. Scott Fitzgerald. The author of novels and short stories such as The Great Gatsby is regarded as one of the greatest…
      12 minutes
    • 1972 Miami Dolphins Undefeated Team
      President Obama honored the 1972 Miami Dolphins. They are the only NFL team to finish undefeated for the season, winning all 14 regular season games and going on to win Super Bowl VII.
      7 minutes
    • James J. Hill
      Lenore Weir and Peggy Rolloff talked about former St. Paul, Minnesota, resident and railroad tycoon James J. Hill and his home. Mr. Hill made a fortune building the Great Northern Railroad, and his…
      8 minutes
    • President John F. Kennedy in Fort Worth
      Fort Worth’s General Worth Square is the place where President John F. Kennedy gave an impromptu speech to thousands of spectators the morning he was assassinated. Andy Taft, president of Downtown…
      9 minutes
      • View All

  • Supreme Court Cases

    • Administrative Law Cases (2023)
      Appellate & constitutional law attorney Andrew Pincus discusses the two 2023 Supreme Court cases that dealt with administrative law, Biden v. Nebraska and Axon Enterprise, Inc. v. Federal Trade…
      5 minutes
    • Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co. (2023)
      Appellate & constitutional law attorney Melissa Sherry discusses the 2023 Supreme Court case Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co.
      8 minutes
    • National Pork Producers Council v. Ross (2023)
      Appellate & constitutional law attorney Erin Murphy discusses the 2023 Supreme Court case National Pork Producers Council v. Ross.
      5 minutes
    • Moore v. Harper (2023)
      Appellate & constitutional law attorney Andrew Pincus discusses the 2023 Supreme Court case Moore v. Harper and appellate & constitutional law attorneys Melissa Sherry and Erin Murphy offer comments…
      7 minutes
    • Affirmative Action Cases (2023)
      Appellate & constitutional law attorney Melissa Sherry discusses the two 2023 Supreme Court cases that dealt with affirmative action, Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard…
      9 minutes
      • View All

  • U.S. History

    • 1972 Miami Dolphins Undefeated Team
      President Obama honored the 1972 Miami Dolphins. They are the only NFL team to finish undefeated for the season, winning all 14 regular season games and going on to win Super Bowl VII.
      7 minutes
    • James J. Hill
      Lenore Weir and Peggy Rolloff talked about former St. Paul, Minnesota, resident and railroad tycoon James J. Hill and his home. Mr. Hill made a fortune building the Great Northern Railroad, and his…
      8 minutes
    • President John F. Kennedy in Fort Worth
      Fort Worth’s General Worth Square is the place where President John F. Kennedy gave an impromptu speech to thousands of spectators the morning he was assassinated. Andy Taft, president of Downtown…
      9 minutes
    • Fort Worth, Texas
      Mitch Whitten explained why Fort Worth is known as the city of cowboys and culture.
      54 seconds
    • Historic Fort Worth Stockyards
      The Fort Worth Stockyards were once the location of the largest industry in Texas. Before their existence, cowboys drove cattle through Fort Worth north along the Chisholm Trail. Historian Doug…
      12 minutes
      • View All

  • World History

    • WWII Army Spy Cartoon
      This 1943 animated short film was a cautionary tale designed to instruct service personnel about security during World War Two. Part of a series, it was written by Dr. Seuss, voiced by Mel Blanc, and…
      4 minutes
    • London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona
      Jan Kassies, director of visitor services for the Lake Havasu City Convention and Visitors Bureau, talked about how a bridge that once spanned the River Thames in London made its way to western…
      4 minutes
    • Fighting in the Korean War and its Legacy
      Korean war veterans were forced to deal with a country that diminished their sacrifice because of the views toward the Korean War. The view of the success of the Korean War has changed since the…
      1 minute
    • The Korean War Legacy from the Perspective of South Korea
      South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks of the Korean war and sacrifice of those involved during a joint session of Congress.
      4 minutes
    • Remembering the Korean War, Prisoners of War and the Chinese Invasion
      In October of 1950, the Chinese crossed into North Korea and changed the complexion of the Korean War. Corporal Eugene Reid discusses his experience in a Prisoner of War camp, and U.S Army nurse Mary…
      2 minutes
      • View All
Constitution Clips
Constitution Clips
Make the U.S. Constitution Come Alive with Video Clips
Classroom Deliberations
Classroom Deliberations
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On This Day In History
On This Day In History
Understand Significant Historical Events with Video Clips