Democracy in Five Minutes

Episode 16. Independence Day reflections

What lessons can we learn from contemporary celebrations of the Fourth of July?

Episode 15. Whose military?

This episode explores the role the US military plays in supporting American democracy.

Episode 14. Bureaucratic loyalty

In the US, to what do federal bureaucrats pledge their loyalty and how does their pledge support American democracy?

Episode 13. Bureaucrats and democratic values

Why might upholding democratic principles sometimes make it difficult for bureaucracies to satisfy the people?

Episode 12. Efficiency and democracy

Why might it be difficult for the government to be efficient while simultaneously embracing democratic values?

Episode 11. Habeas corpus

Why is "habeas corpus" such a fundamental building block for democracies?

Episode 10. Who is entitled to due process?

Last week we explored due process. We continue that discussion today by addressing who receives due process in the American democratic system.

Episode 9. What is due process?

We hear a lot lately about the right to "due process." Where does this right come from and why is it important?

Episode 8. When presidents defy the courts

What if federal judges rule against the president and the president simply ignores them? Is there anything the courts can do?

Episode 7. Courts and democracy

Amidst President Trump's flurry of actions during his first 100 days in office that have affected numerous policy areas, people have increasingly turned to the courts to challenge many of his decisions. To what extent are federal courts acting consistently with democratic principles and the Constitution when they render decisions that place checks on presidential power?