This podcast uses government documents to illuminate the workings of the American government, and offer context around the effects of government agencies in your everyday life.
Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh
Listeners of Civil Discourse that love the show mention: interesting, informative.
In the last episode of season 18, Aughie and Nia explore the long and storied history of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Nia and Aughie discuss the history and responsibilities of the Bureau of the Mint.
Aughie and Nia learn about the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the many financial and banking boards that the Comptroller sits on or directs.
Nia and Aughie discuss the rich and long history of the Children's Bureau, from its founding in 1912 to the modern era.
Aughie and Nia discuss the recent efforts of the Trump Administration to target the research efforts, curricula, and financial support of universities and colleges.
Nia and Aughe explain the history and work of the Western Area Power Administration.
Aughie and Nia explore the formation, responsibilities, and struggles of the Transportation Security Administration.
 Aughie and Nia take a look at the lawsuits, firings, and impoundments during President Trump's first seven weeks in office.Â
Nia and Aughie turn their attention to the breadth, reach, and soft power of the Voice of America.
Aughie and Nia explore the history and responsibilities of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
In the sixth and final episode in this series, Nia and Aughie talk about the unoccupied, but still interesting, US territories.
The US Virgin Islands are the topic of the fifth in this series, with Aughie and Nia discussing the rich history of the islands.
The fourth in this territorial series brings Aughie and Nia to American Samoa.
In the third of this series, Aughie and Nia discuss the Northern Mariana Islands
Nia and Aughie continue their U.S. Territories series while exploring the history and culture of Puerto Rico.
 Aughie and Nia explore some of the Executive Orders released by the Trump Administration in his first week in office.Â
Nia and Aughie discuss the Constitutional grounds upon which the U.S. might acquire a territory. They go on to discuss the territory of Guam.
Augie and Nia discuss the Constitutional and customary rules surrounding a Presidential Inauguration.
Aughie and Nia discuss the Presidential pardon power - how it arises, how it has been used, and controversial pardons past and present.
Aughie and Nia discuss the first round of President Elect Trump's proposed appointments, and follow with a discussion of recess appointments.
Aughie and Nia discuss the immediate and potential long term ramifications of the 2024 election cycle.
 Aughie and Nia outline the steps a Presidential election goes through, from voting at the booth to election certification at the U.S. Capitol.Â
Aughie and Nia talk about famous government officials who have plagiarized writing and speeches.Â
Aughie and Nia discuss Federalist 39, Madison's defense of the Republic as a form of national government.
Aughie and Nia explore the known modern thefts of government documents and the punishments imposed on the thieves.
Aughie and Nia discuss the latest woes of the U.S. Supreme Court, including leaks, scandals, and public opinion.
Aughie and Nia discuss the ramifications of political secession.
Aughie and Nia talk about the various local and national alert systems designed to reach Americans by television, telephone, and internet.
Nia and Aughie consider the debate concerning imposing term limits on Supreme Court Justices. Can Congress enact a law, or does there need to be a Constitutional Amendment?
Aughie scares Nia with the mission of the Global Engagement Center, located in the State Department.Â
Aughie and Nia explore Joseph Overton's concept to explain when politicians will act to create public policy. This theory is named the Overton Window.
Nia and Aughie explain the The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as Superfund Act, of 1980. They consider its goals as well as the pros and cons of the program.
Aughie and Nia discuss a person in civics news - Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, the Democratic vice president pick. Aughie analyzes his pros and cons as a nominee.Â
Aughie and Nia wrap up the statstics for the 23-24 SCOTUS session and look forward to coming cases in the 24-25 SCOTUS session.
Aughie and Nia review the following rulings: Alexander v. NAACP; Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) v. Consumer Financial Services Association of America; Muldrow v. City of St. Louis; O'Connor Ratcliff v. Garnier and Lindke v. Freed; Donal Trump v. Norma Anderson; FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine.
From eating habits to medical issues to marital involvements, Nia and Aughie discuss some of the Justices' interesting oddities.
Aughie and Nia review the following cases: Fischer v. United States; Trump v. United States
Nia and Aughie review the following cases: Murthy v. Missouri; NetChoice, LLC v. Paxton and Moody v. NetChoice, LLC; City of Grants Pass v. Johnson; Loper Bright Enterprises v Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v Department of Commerce
Aughie and Nia review the following cases: Snyder v. U.S.; Securities and Exchange Commission v. Jarkesy; Idaho v. U.S.; Harrington v. Purdue Pharma
Nia and Aughie review the following rulings: Moore V. U.S.; Garland v. Cargill; U.S. v. Rahimi
Aughie and Nia discuss the Supreme Court Justices that were overrated as Justices. Many of them were quite strong in other positions but were seen as less influential on the Court than their reputation might suggest.
Aughie and Nia discuss instances where Presidents, Congress, the States, and the political parties have defied or ignored Supreme Court rulings.
Nia and Aughie discuss the ramifications of President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential Campaign.
Aughie and Nia discuss the importance of Judge Aileen Cannon's ruling in the Florida documents case against former President Donald Trump. The 93 page ruling relies heavily on a dissent written by Justice Scalia in Morrison v. Olson, one that has waxed and waned in support since 1988.
Former President Donald Trump has chosen Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate in the 2024 Presidential Election. Aughie and Nia discuss the pros and cons of bringing Senator Vance onto the ticket.
Aughie and Nia discuss the recent Donald Trump trial that resulted in 34 felony convictions.Â
Aughie and Nia welcome Dr. Bill Newmann to discuss the recent news that some nations have recognized Palestine as a nation. They also talk about unusual instances of recognition and de-recognition of countries in the past.
Nia and Aughie discuss the federal legislation signed by President Biden that requires TikTok to sell to a different owner. They also discuss the national security implications as well as the Commerce Clause implications of the legislation. Episode was created May 1, 2024.
Aughie and Nia discuss the college student protests currently taking place in the U.S. They explore time, place and manner restrictions imposed on the protestors. Episode was created May 1, 2024.
Aughie and Nia discuss the origin of blue laws, laws that generally prevent some purchases on Sundays. Aughie showcases several instances where the SCOTUS has supported the Constitutionality of blue laws.