Civil Discourse

Aughie and Nia discuss the outcomes of government shutdowns.

Aughie and Nia explore the purpose of the National Film Preservation Board, created by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988. They discuss the criterion used to consider films as well as some of the films that are part of the National Film Registry.

Nia and Aughie talk about an open position in the federal government, the Architect of the Capitol. They discuss the responsibilities of the job and how to potentially change the job to attract candidates.

Aughie and Nia delve into the Mountain Valley Pipeline deal during the debt ceiling debates, and the problems that Congress has made for the Courts in adjudicating any problems with the pipeline. Does the Congress have the power to direct which Court will hear a case?

Nia and Aughie discover and discuss the connections between landline usage and government statistics gathering. They also explore the demographics of owners of landlines.

In a two part series, Aughie and Nia explore the aging American population and what that demographic span means for elections and policy decisions going forward.

Nia and Aughie follow up a previous episode about the rising mean age of Americans with a discussion of aging politicians and how they represent the average American. "Prevent a coup, retire now".

In this two part series, Aughie and Nia explore the concept of asset seizure and forfeiture.

In the second of two parts, Nia and Aughie talk about the negative consequences of asset seizure and forfeiture.

 Augie and Nia discuss the first-in-history written Code of Conduct of the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Nia and Augie touch briefly on what the U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy's ban ruling means in the short and long term for Tik Tok users in Montana.

Nia and Aughie celebrate the life and career of Sandra Day O'Connor, first female Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice O'Connor died on December 1, 2023.

Aughie and Nia talk about the 6th expulsion of a member of the House of Representatives, George Santos, and the potential ramifications of this resolution.

 Nia and Aughie discuss the "disappearance" of General Lloyd Austin, Secretary of the Department of Defense, and the importance of a plan of succession within the Cabinet positions. 

Aughie and Nia discuss the court cases that question whether former President Donald Trump can be on the 2024 Presidential ballot due to allegations of insurrection. They also discuss the question of whether the courts should be ruling on this topic.

Aughie and Nia discuss how books arrive on school shelves, and whether there is a Constitutional right to ban books by School Boards. Spoiler: The U.S. Supreme Court controlling case had a 4-1-4 ruling, hardly settled law.

Aughie and Nia discuss the basics of the differences between European civil and British common law, and how those traditions apply in American law.

Nia and Aughie discuss Thomas Paine's best selling pamphlet Common Sense, and the effect it had on galvanizing American resistance to British rule.

Aughie explains the recent SCOTUS ruling in the case of Trump v. Anderson. In this 9-0 decision, the SCOTUS decided that Donald Trump could not be struck from the Colorado ballot based on the Insurrection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Aughie explains the reasoning by the Supreme Court in taking United States v Donald Trump, a case regarding Presidential immunity. Aughie also explores the potential fallout of the timing of this case.

Aughie and Nia discuss the basis and history of the United States' Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.

Aughie and Nia welcome Political Science professor Chris Burdett to discuss the way the United Kingdom's Parliament works, and whether the methods of lawmaking in the Parliament have anything in common with the United States Congress.

Aughie and Nia welcome Political Science professor Chris Burdett to continue their discussion regarding the way the United Kingdom's Parliament works, and whether the methods of lawmaking in the Parliament have anything in common with the United States Congress.

In part 1 of a 2 part series, Nia and Aughie host political science professor Chris Saladino to discuss the differences between political science terms such as communism, socialism, dictatorships, and authoritarians.  **some adult language is used in this episode

In part 2 of a 2 part series, Nia and Aughie again host political science professor Chris Saladino to discuss the differences between political science terms such as communism, socialism, dictatorships, and authoritarians. **some adult language is used in this episode

Aughie and Nia are glad to have another conversation with political scientist Judy Twigg. This time, they are covering the different types of international power: hard, soft, smart, and sharp powers.

Nia and Aughie welcome back political scientist Chris Saladino for a discussion of the Monroe Doctrine. The episode eventually covers a few other Presidential doctrines as well as the mechanics of foreign policy development.

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.

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.

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 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.

Aughie and Nia discuss the recent Donald Trump trial that resulted in 34 felony convictions. 

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 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.

Nia and Aughie discuss the ramifications of President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential Campaign.

Aughie and Nia discuss instances where Presidents, Congress, the States, and the political parties have defied or ignored Supreme Court rulings.

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.

Nia and Aughie review the following rulings: Moore V. U.S.; Garland v. Cargill; U.S. v. Rahimi

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 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: Fischer v. United States; Trump v. United States

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 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.

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 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. 

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 explore Joseph Overton's concept to explain when politicians will act to create public policy. This theory is named the Overton Window.

Aughie scares Nia with the mission of the Global Engagement Center, located in the State Department. 

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 and Nia talk about the various local and national alert systems designed to reach Americans by television, telephone, and internet.

Aughie and Nia discuss the ramifications of political secession.

Aughie and Nia discuss the latest woes of the U.S. Supreme Court, including leaks, scandals, and public opinion.

Aughie and Nia explore the known modern thefts of government documents and the punishments imposed on the thieves.

Aughie and Nia discuss Federalist 39, Madison's defense of the Republic as a form of national government.

Aughie and Nia talk about famous government officials who have plagiarized writing and speeches. 

 Aughie and Nia outline the steps a Presidential election goes through, from voting at the booth to election certification at the U.S. Capitol. 

Aughie and Nia discuss the immediate and potential long term ramifications of the 2024 election cycle.

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 Presidential pardon power - how it arises, how it has been used, and controversial pardons past and present.

Augie and Nia discuss the Constitutional and customary rules surrounding a Presidential Inauguration.

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.

 Aughie and Nia explore some of the Executive Orders released by the Trump Administration in his first week in office. 

Nia and Aughie continue their U.S. Territories series while exploring the history and culture of Puerto Rico.

In the third of this series, Aughie and Nia discuss the Northern Mariana Islands

The fourth in this territorial series brings Aughie and Nia to American Samoa.

The US Virgin Islands are the topic of the fifth in this series, with Aughie and Nia discussing the rich history of the islands.

In the sixth and final episode in this series, Nia and Aughie talk about the unoccupied, but still interesting, US territories.

Aughie and Nia explore the history and responsibilities of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Nia and Aughie turn their attention to the breadth, reach, and soft power of the Voice of America.

 Aughie and Nia take a look at the lawsuits, firings, and impoundments during President Trump's first seven weeks in office. 

Aughie and Nia explore the formation, responsibilities, and struggles of the Transportation Security Administration.

Nia and Aughe explain the history and work of the Western Area Power Administration.

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 Aughie discuss the rich and long history of the Children's Bureau, from its founding in 1912 to the modern era.

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 history and responsibilities of the Bureau of the Mint.

In the last episode of season 18, Aughie and Nia explore the long and storied history of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Aughie and Nia discuss the legal and Constitutional guidance around Presidents and their deployment of the National Guard to a state or city.

Aughie and Nia explore the rather difficult year Chief Justice John Roberts has had in the keeping the SCOTUS on track and productive.

Nia and Aughie discuss the following case rulings:  Oklahoma Statewide Charter Board v. Drummond, Smith & Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Commission, Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, and Martin v. United States.

Aughie and Nia discuss the following case rulings: United States v. Skrmetti, Diamond Alternative Energy v. EPA, Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, and Federal Communications Commission v. Consumers' Research.

Nia and Aughie discuss the following case rulings: Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, Mahmoud v. Taylor, and Trump v CASA.

Aughie gives Nia a run-down on all the statistics of the most recent SCOTUS session; who talked the most and least, who wrote the most and least, who agreed the most and least, and other statistics and observations.

Aughie gives listeners a preview of some of the cases that have been accepted for adjudication in the next SCOTUS term, including: Louisiana v. Calais, Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections and Public Safety, Hamm v. Smith, Elingburg v. U.S., Chiles v. Salazar, National Republican Senatorial Committee v. FEC, Urias-Orellana v. Bondi, and a combination of two cases, Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.J.P.

Aughie and Nia discuss Federalist Paper 51, which lays out checks and balances in the proposed federal government. James Madison is the author of Federalist 51. Centinel 1, by Samuel Bryan, responds.

Nia and Aughie discuss Federalist Paper 68, the election of the President of the United States. Alexander Hamilton lays out the electoral college in Federalist 68. The response, Cato 4, was likely written by George Clinton. 

Aughie and Nia discuss the final Federalist Paper in this series, number 78. In this Federalist Paper, Alexander Hamilton tackles the appointment of judges and justices in the Judicial Branch of the proposed government. Brutus (likely Robert Yates) responds in Brutus papers 11, 12, and 15. 

Nia and Aughie discuss the legal and Constitutional answers to the question: Can President Trump rename the Department of Defense?

Aughie and Nia discuss the legal and Constitutional answers to the question: Can President Trump order the destruction of Venezuelan boats?

Aughie and Nia discuss the cases that support the SCOTUS decision to allow the firing of Lisa Slaughter to stand. Slaughter is a member of an independent regulatory agency.

Aughie and Nia discuss the issues at stake when President Trump called for the firing of Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve Board Governor. SCOTUS will take up this issue in January of 2026.

In a new series, Aughie and Nia are exploring the United States Supreme Court Eras, usually defined by the name of the Chief Justice of the era. In this first episode the first eleven years of the Court (Chiefs Jay, Rutledge, and Ellsworth) are covered as a group, since there really wasn't a lot accomplished in this period.

Aughie and Nia explore the contributions and impact of the Marshall Court. In part one, they discuss Chief Justice John Marshall's personal history and the formalizing of the U.S. Supreme Court rules under his leadership.

In this episode, Aughie and Nia explore the question of whether Donald Trump can remove Rosie' O'Donnell's American citizenship. 

Aughie and Nia explore the contributions and impact of the Marshall Court. In part two, they discuss the pivotal cases of the SCOTUS in this era, as well as the influence of Marshall on the institution of the Court.

Aughie and Nia discuss the demolition of the East Wing of the White House to make way for a new ballroom.

 Nia and Aughie talk about the fifth U.S. Supreme Court's Chief Justice, Roger Brooke Taney.  Taney's Court lasted from 1836 - 1864, notably presiding over the Dred Scott case as well as cases that further defined the Commerce Clause and set into stone the idea that the Court should consider the Political Question Doctrine when taking a case. 

Aughie and Nia continue the SCOTUS Court eras discussion by talking about the Court of Chief Justice Salmon Portland Chase. The Chase Court era lasted from 1864 - 1873. Chase's Court tried to define the rights of formerly enslaved people as well as defining the immutability of the Union.

Aughie and Nia summarize the results of the 2025 Virginia elections.