Civics Made Easy

Why Do So Many Americans Not Know How Their Government Works?

In this episode of Civics Made Easy, Ben Sheehan explores America’s civic knowledge gap and why so many adults and students struggle to understand how our government works. Through conversations with civics education experts and a look at post-WWII civic engagement, he highlights why government literacy matters—and shares practical steps anyone can take to become a more informed citizen.

Why Do So Many Americans Not Know How Their Government Works?

11m 14s

  • The Amendment Process Explained: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Amendment Process Explained

    E11 - 15m 46s

    How do we change the U.S. Constitution? We’ve done it 27 times – is that too many or too few? Ben Sheehan explains what constitutional amendments are. What are some of the most famous and consequential ones? Are there any parts of the Constitution that CAN’T be amended? And are there any new amendments that a vast majority of Americans could agree on in these polarized times?

  • The Amendment Process Explained: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Amendment Process Explained

    E11 - 15m 46s

    How do we change the U.S. Constitution? We’ve done it 27 times – is that too many or too few? Ben Sheehan explains what constitutional amendments are. What are some of the most famous and consequential ones? Are there any parts of the Constitution that CAN’T be amended? And are there any new amendments that a vast majority of Americans could agree on in these polarized times?

  • Is A New Constitutional Convention Around the Corner?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Is A New Constitutional Convention Around the Corner?

    E10 - 13m 23s

    You probably learned about the original Constitutional Convention (the one from 1787) in history class. But did you know America could potentially be having another? Ben Sheehan explains what led to the original Constitution Convention, and whether or not another is on the horizon. How would a new constitutional convention work? Who makes the rules? And what are the potential benefits and risks?

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