What does it truly mean when we say "all men are created equal"? Why do we celebrate with fireworks each July? And how has a document written in 1776 managed to inspire freedom movements around the world for nearly 250 years?

Welcome to the first installment of our journey through the foundations of American democracy. We're beginning where it all started - with the Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary principles that shaped our nation. This episode introduces the first section of our civic literacy curriculum: Principles of the American Republic.

The Declaration of Independence isn't merely a historical artifact or something Nicolas Cage tried to steal in a movie. It's a living document whose words echo through American history - from Abraham Lincoln's speeches to Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream, from courtroom arguments to protest signs. We explore why the American colonies sought separation from Great Britain, unpacking the philosophical foundations that influenced Jefferson's pen. You'll discover how concepts like natural rights, consent of the governed, and the pursuit of happiness transformed from radical ideas into the bedrock of a new nation.

As we approach America's 250th anniversary in 2026, understanding these foundational principles becomes even more crucial. This podcast series will examine how the Declaration's ideals have shaped our Constitution, influenced our economic system, established the rule of law, and continue to guide our national identity today. Whether you're a teacher, student, parent, or simply a curious citizen, join us as we rediscover why, as John Adams warned, "liberty once lost is lost forever."

Explore our free Civic Literacy Curriculum at civics.asu.edu for lesson plans, discussion guides, and primary sources that complement each episode of our podcast. Subscribe now to continue this essential journey through the ideas that built America and still define who we are as a people.

Check Out the Civic Literacy Curriculum!

School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics

Imagine a nation where citizens don't know how their government works or why it was designed that way. According to recent studies, we're living in that nation—only 40% of Americans can name all three branches of government, and trust in our institutions has reached record lows. This civic knowledge gap threatens the very foundations of our constitutional republic.

"Civics in a Year" launches as an ambitious response to this crisis. In this introductory episode, Dr. Richard Avramenko, director of Arizona State University's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, joins to unveil the roadmap for 250 podcast episodes that will count down to America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

Dr. Avramenko, a political philosopher who spent 19 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before joining ASU, brings clarity to what civics actually means: "the science of citizenship." Drawing from his expertise on Alexis de Tocqueville and civic virtue, he explains how America's constitutional republic was designed specifically to protect human freedom by limiting state power—comparing the state to a powerful vehicle that citizens must understand to prevent misuse.

Each 10-minute episode in this series will address one fundamental civic question, using storytelling to connect historical principles to current events. The format is deliberately accessible—perfect for commutes, classroom discussions, or anyone studying for the citizenship test. Accompanied by a free online curriculum, the podcast transcends traditional civic education by making these vital concepts engaging and relevant.

Whether you disagree with Supreme Court decisions or worry about governmental overreach, civic literacy empowers you to engage meaningfully rather than destructively. As we approach our nation's semiquincentennial, join us in rediscovering what it means to be a citizen rather than a subject—no homework required, just ten minutes at a time.

Subscribe now to prepare for our full launch on July 4, 2025, and share your civic questions with us. Together, we'll build the civic literacy needed to sustain our republic for the next 250 years.

Check Out the Civic Literacy Curriculum!

School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics

Civics in A Year

What do you really know about the American government, the Constitution, and your rights as a citizen?

Civics in a Year is a fast-paced podcast series that delivers essential civic knowledge in 10 minutes per episode. Over a year, we’ll explore 250 key questions—from the founding documents and branches of government to civil liberties, elections, and public participation.

Rooted in the Civic Literacy Curriculum from the Center for American Civics at Arizona State University, this series is a collaborative project supported by the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership. Each episode is designed to spark curiosity, strengthen constitutional understanding, and encourage active citizenship.

Whether you're a student, educator, or lifelong learner, Civics in a Year will guide you through the building blocks of American democracy—one question at a time.

Check Out the Civic Literacy Curriculum!

School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics