Plain Civics
<p>Hosted by Bobbi Fisher + Joe Ulery. A nonpolitical, educational podcast in which we highlight how our government works - so, you understand how to make the government work for you. From the Electoral College, to navigating Election Day, or how an idea becomes law, we simplify the mechanics of our government. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and confidence to participate in the Great Experiment - the concept of the United States of America as a nation founded on the principles of democracy and self-governance. Join us as we unravel the complex ball of government and civics one thread at a time. Welcome to Plain Civics!</p>
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Send us a textSlavery definitely had an influence on the writing and wording of the U.S. Constitution and the history of our republic, not just in its earliest days but we can still see some of its lingering effects in our nation today…almost 250 years later. This episode discusses the truths about slavery in America and gives a first-hand look at what enslaved Africans endured in the so-called Middle Passage and beyond. We also look at the three clauses of the original Constitution that were influenced by slavery and why that is.Support the show
Send us a textJoin hosts Bobbi Fisher and Joe Ulery as they delve into why and how the Bill of Rights was added to the original Constitution within just a couple years of its ratification. Included is what each amendment actually states, an explanation of the three categories of rights, and what is meant by positive and negative rights.Support the show
Send us a textJoin hosts, Joe Ulery and Bobbi Fisher as they tackle the reason we use the Electoral College to elect the President, and explain how the process works. There is also a discussion of why people don’t vote and how to encourage them to.Support the show
Send us a textJoin hosts Joe Ulery and Bobbi Fisher as they delve into the ratification process of the new Constitution, the purpose and meaning of the general welfare clause and habeas corpus, and dissect the Preamble of the Constitution because it’s not just a bunch of words.Support the show
Send us a textJoin hosts Bobbi Fisher and Joe Ulery as they discuss ratification of the new Constitution, Federalists and Anti-Federalists and their arguments for and against ratification, and what is the “necessary and proper clause?”Support the show
Send us a textJoin the hosts, Joe Ulery and Bobbi Fisher as they put the wraps on the Constitutional Convention in September 1787. Find out what the final debates and discussions were about and why a few delegates refused to sign it. Also, don’t miss the Fast Five and Pop Quiz.Support the show
Send us a textJoin the hosts, Joe Ulery and Bobbi Fisher, as they wrap up the making of our Constitution. Learn about the ins and outs of important debates and how they were resolved and incorporated into the new Constitution. As always, enjoy the Fast Five and Pop Quiz, as well.Support the show
Send us a textJoin hosts Joe Ulery and Bobbi Fisher as they continue to explore why the Framers decided to ditch the Articles of Confederation and create our current U.S. Constitution.Support the show
Send us a textJoin the hosts of Plain Civics, Joe Ulery and Bobbi Fisher, as they look at what the Continental Congress did right before issuing the Declaration of Independence and what our nation’s first constitution was like and what led to its revision.Support the show
Send us a textIn this episode of Plain Civics, hosts Bobbi Fisher + Joe Ulery discuss how to sort out news and information in 2025. They look at journalistic ethics and how to try to figure out which news sources are accurate and reliable. Methods and websites are discussed to help sort through the mounds of information thrown at us in the 24/7 news cycle and where to fact-check it.Support the show
Send us a textIn this episode of Plain Civics, hosts Bobbi Fisher + Joe Ulery discuss the purpose of one of our nation’s founding documents, the Declaration of Independence, and try to clear up the confusion that often surrounds this important document.Support the show
Send us a textIn this episode of Plain Civics, hosts Bobbi Fisher + Joe Ulery discuss the five main forms of government and why the Framers chose to create a democratic republic. The five main forms of government are briefly explained with examples given. There is also a brief explanation of how economic terms sometimes are confused with forms of government. And, of course, our Pop Quiz question and the answer to the last one!Support the show
Send us a textIn this episode of Plain Civics, hosts Bobbi Fisher + Joe Ulery discuss what the U.S. being a democratic republic really means, and it has nothing to do with political parties.Support the show
Send us a textIn this episode of Plain Civics, hosts Bobbi Fisher + Joe Ulery discuss the origins of civic education in the U.S. and its role in shaping informed citizens. This episode explores the early 1800s push for universal schooling, Horace Mann's vision, and the lasting impact on democracy. Learn how civics once formed the foundation of education...and why it still matters today.Support the show
Send us a textIn this debut episode of Plain Civics, hosts Bobbi Fisher + Joe Ulery dive into the importance of civic knowledge. Learn how understanding government strengthens our democracy and empowers citizens of all ages to actively participate and make a difference.Support the show
Send us a textThis is where our journey begins. Welcome to Plain Civics. Meet hosts Bobbi Fisher and Joe Ulery. Bobbi and Joe describe their mission and begin to unravel the knotted ball of civics, thread-by-thread - so, you will know how the government works to make the government work for you. Buckle up and join us for our journey!Support the show
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