INITIATIVES / CIVICS CORNER
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Government.  Almost everybody has something to say about it, but unfortunately many don’t really know how it works.  Sadly, civics is a topic that no longer gets the emphasis it deserves from our schools.  Take a look at the chart below; it will give you a little better idea of what I mean. And for those who are willing to devote 15 minutes to actor Richard Dreyfuss discussing the importance of the topic and the danger of our ignorance, I urge you to watch his TEDx Talk.
 
Please spend some time here, and by all means, share with your children
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Bring Back Civics to the Classroom
BP Oddo: Civics Whiteboards
​About the Benjamins
Why you can't use THAT money for THIS project.
​iCivics
Addressing and astonishing lack of civic knowledge.
​Community Boards
How to make your voice heard.
​A Message from Richard Dreyfuss
Actor Richard Dreyfuss on the importance of teaching civics.
​Visit www.thedreyfussinitiative.org for more information.
Civics for Kids: Schoolhouse Rock!
The Preamble
America - The Shot Heard 'Round the World
Three Branches of Government
Elbow Room
I'm Just a Bill
The Great American Melting Pot
Tea Party: No More Kings
Fireworks
TED-Ed on Civics
Why wasn’t the Bill of Rights originally in the US Constitution?
Why is the US Constitution so hard to amend?
How do US Supreme Court justices get appointed?
Does your vote count? The Electoral College explained
How is power divided in the United States government?
Links
60 Second Civics
A daily podcast that provides a quick and convenient way for listeners to learn about our nation’s government, the Constitution, and our history. The podcast explores themes related to civics and government, the constitutional issues behind the headlines, and the people and ideas that formed our nation’s history and government.
NPR - Civics 101
Civics education podcasts from New Hampshire Public Radio.
National Constitution Center
Civics-themed podcasts from the National Constitution Center that are tied to current events. The National Constitution Center is the first and only institution in America established by Congress to “disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a non-partisan basis in order to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the American people.”
Khan Academy
Videos on civics related topics.
Articles
They Heed No Council But Their Own
A blog post from Borough President James Oddo.
StatenIslandUSA.com
Voter Turnout in U.S. Mayoral Elections Is Pathetic, But It Wasn't Always This Way
A short history of how America’s urban voters stopped showing up at the polls.
Daniel Denver  •  Citylab.com