Civics on the Rocks

The Twenty-Fifth Amendment: Mack derides, Steve chides, Anne makes asides, and everyone switches sides. REFERENCES The great Constitutional scholars on the interwebs are talking about the Twenty-Fifth Amendment: Constitution Annotated. “Twenty-Fifth Amendment.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-25/ The idea of, “Oh, we’ll use the Twenty-Fifth Amendment to get rid of Trump”: Common Cause. “Common Cause Calls on the Cabinet to Invoke the 25th Amendment.” https://www.commoncause.org/work/trump-is-unfit-to-serve/ Impeachment and expulsion: History, Art, Jalonick, Mary Clare; Lemire, Jonathan; and Fram, Alan. “Donald Trump Becomes the First U.S. President to be Impeached Twice.”  January 13, 2021. PBS News. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/majority-of-house-members-vote-for-2nd-impeachment-of-trump It’s in Article II, Section 1, Clause 6: Constitution Annotated. “Article II.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-2/section-1/clause-6/ The delegates of the Constitutional Convention: National Archives. “Meet the Framers of the Constitution.” https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/founding-fathers Since the Cold War began: Britannica Editors. “Cold War.” Revised February 18, 2026. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Cold-War The advent of nuclear…: Office for Disarmament Affairs. “Nuclear Weapons.” United Nations. https://disarmament.unoda.org/index.php/en/our-work/weapons-mass-destruction/nuclear-weapons …and ballistic weapons: Britannica Editors. “Ballistic Missile.” Updated October 24, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/ballistic-missile The Civics on the Rocks Team would like to acknowledge that in this episode we use various colloquialisms to describe mental illness that some may find problematic. No offense was intended and we apologize if any was taken. King George III went a little nutso: Watson, John Steven. “George III.” Updated April 17, 2026. Britannica. <a href='htt

Steve commits murder, Anne pursues him to the full extent of the law, and Mack is on a mission from God. REFERENCES So, by warrant here, we’re talking about honest-to-gosh legal warrants: Legal Information Institute. “Warrant.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/warrant We need to make a distinction because there are administrative warrants: Legal Information Institute. “Administrative Warrant.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/administrative_warrant So, the executive branch: Legal Information Institute. “Executive Branch.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/executive_branch You need to have probable cause: Legal Information Institute. “Probable Cause.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/probable_cause Article III judge: Constitution Annotated. “Article III.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-3/ For search and seizure: Legal Information Institute. “Search and Seizure.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/search_and_seizure In the Fourth Amendment: Constitution Annotated. “Fourth Amendment.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ A lot of times, it is for a civil thing: Legal Aid Society of Northeaster New York. “The Differences Between Criminal Court and Civil Court.” Updated August 4, 2022. LawHelp.org. https://www.lawhelp.org/resource/the-differences-between-criminal-court-and-ci ICE, the organization: https://www.ice.gov/ They’ve got to be out in a public place, and then they’re authorized by their own agency to detain them: Diaz, Jaclyn. “What ICE Agents Can and Cannot Legally Do During Arrests.” Updated September 19, 2025. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2025/09/05/nx-s1-5517998/ice-arrest-rules-explained It’s not just search everything: United States Courts. “What Does the Fourth Amendment Mean?” https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/about-educational-outreach/activity-resources/what-does-fourth-amendment-mean Writs of assistance: Britannica Editors. “Writ of Assistance.” Updated 2020. Brita

VOTE IN THE MARCH 3 TEXAS PRIMARY ELECTION. In this episode, we head back to Texas and discuss why this isn’t as off a year as you might think. Also, if you haven’t done it yet, VOTE! References March 3 are the primaries in Texas: Texas Secretary of State. “March 3, 2026 Primary Election Law Calendar and May 26, 2026 Primary Runoff Election Law Calendar.” https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/advisory2025-17-mar-3-2026-primary-elec-law-cal-and-may-26-2026-primary-runoff-elec-law-cal.shtml We had a whole episode on primaries: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-2szpe-1544115 It’s an election among the Republican candidates for office to decide who is going to be the Republican candidate in the general election, and then you have the Democratic candidates for office—same deal: Drusch, Andrea. “How Does the Primary Election Work in Texas?” February 16, 2026. San Antonio Report. https://sanantonioreport.org/how-does-the-primary-election-work-in-texas/ Except Iowa: Hull, Christopher C. “Iowa caucuses.” Updated February 1, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Iowa-caucuses There are open primaries, blanket primaries, closed primaries: USA.gov. “Presidential Primaries and Caucuses.” February 25, 2026. https://www.usa.gov/primaries-caucuses Texas has been characterized as a modified open or a modified closed: Ballotpedia. “Primary Elections in Texas.” https://ballotpedia.org/Primary_elections_in_Texas New York has a closed primary: Ballotpedia. “Primary Elections in New York.” https://ballotpedia.org/Primary_elections_in_New_York Whereas in Minnesota, they have same day voter registration: Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. “Register on Election Day.” https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/register-to-vote/register-on-election-day/ In Texas, you have to have registered in advance: VoteTexas.gov. “Texas Voter Registration Information.” https://www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/ Fact check—For the general election, you can vote for any party regardless of how you voted in the primary. However, you have to vote the same party in primary run-offs as you did in the primary. You do NOT have to vote in the p

Steve points out the squishiness, Mack plays Devil’s advocate, and Anne declares war on Switzerland. REFERENCES The executive power shall be vested in a President: Constitution Annotated. “ArtII.S1.C1.1 Overview of Executive Vesting Clause.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-S1-C1-1/ALDE_00013790/ President shall also be Commander in Chief of the armed forces: Legal Information Institute. “Commander in Chief Powers.” Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/commander_in_chief_powers Article I, Section 8, Clause 11, like we all know: Constitution Annotated. “Clause 11 War Powers.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-1/section-8/clause-11/ There’s this other part that says the President shall make sure that the laws be faithfully executed: Constitution Annotated. “ArtII.S3.3.1 Overview of Take Care Clause.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-S3-3-1/ALDE_00001160/ Other than, what is war: Merriam-Webster. “War.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war Going back to the Barbary pirates: Office of the Historian. “Barbary Wars, 1801–1805 and 1815–1816.” https://history.state.gov/milestones/1801-1829/barbary-wars In the Navy Act: Bisno, Adam. “President Washington Signs the Naval Act of 1794.” March 20, 2019. Naval History and Heritage Command. https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/origins-of-the-navy/washington-naval-act-1794.html The famous six frigates: Naval History and Heritage Command. “U.S. Navy’s Six Original Frigates.” https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/ships/original-frigates.html Or an amendment later: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. “An Act for the Protection of Commerce of the U.S. in the Mediterranean, Passed by the Senate February 1, 1802.” https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/artifact/act-protection-commerce-us-mediterranean-passed-senate-february-1-1802 The Law of the Sea: National Ocean Service. “What is the Law of the Sea?” https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/f

In this episode, we tackle war crimes. Please note that we record episodes in the month before they are posted—just in case you are wondering why we aren’t talking about one big event in particular. REFERENCES People have desecrated corpses throughout history: Breed, Allen G. “Desecration of the Dead is as Old as War Itself.” January 13, 2012. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/nation-world/2012/01/14/desecration-dead-old-war-itself/15184013007/ Like a flag of truce: Little, Becky. “How Did the White Flag Become a Symbol of Surrender?” Updated May 27, 2025. History.com. https://www.history.com/articles/when-did-the-white-flag-become-associated-with-surrender Don’t kill the messenger: Frank, David. “Chapter 19 – The Classical Origins and Modern Expressions of ‘Don’t Shoot the Messenger’.” September 4, 2025. Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/dont-shoot-the-journalists/classical-origins-and-modern-expressions-of-dont-shoot-the-messenger/97A99431730AA8701715ECB376467643 The Defenestration of Prague: Britannica Editors. “Defenestration of Prague.” May 16, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/event/Defenestration-of-Prague-1618 One of the things that began the Thirty Years’ War in Europe: Britannica Editors. “Thirty Years’ War.” Updated January 6, 2026. https://www.britannica.com/event/Thirty-Years-War It ends with the treaty called the Peace of Westphalia: Gesley, Jenny. “The Peach of Westphalia.” October 24, 2017. Library of Congress. https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2017/10/the-peace-of-westphalia/ The world today is composed of nation states: Comstock, Nancy. W. “Nation State.” 2024. EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/politics-and-government/nation-state Basically, at some point Europe colonized almost the entirety of the world: Becker, Bastian. “European Overseas Colonies and Their Colonizers Over Time [Interactive map].” September 18, 2023. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/european-overseas-colonies-and-their-colonizers?time=earli

Steve, Mack, and Anne dig into the power dynamics of these United States. REFERENCES What about Washington, D.C.? Duignan, Brian. “What State Is Washington, D.C. In?” June 13, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/what-state-is-washington-dc-in Federalism is… Legal Information Institute. “Federalism.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/federalism We should start with the Tenth Amendment: Constitution Annotated. “Tenth Amendment.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-10/ When James Madison and the first Congress under the Constitution were drafting a Bill of Rights: NCC Staff. “On This Day: James Madison Introduces the Bill of Rights.” June 8, 2023. National Constitution Center. https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/on-this-day-james-madison-introduces-the-bill-of-rights There were 12 proposed amendments: National Archives. “Bill of Rights.” Reviewed August 13, 2020. https://www.archives.gov/legislative/features/bor Mel Brooks and History of the World: https://youtu.be/I48hr8HhDv0?si=i9tGvexOWMqa99Km So, in Article 1, Section 8, are the powers of Congress: Constitution Annotated. “Article I Legislative Branch: Section 8 Enumerated Powers.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-1/section-8/ Article 1, Section 9, are powers denied to Congress: Constitution Annotated. “Article I Legislative Branch: Section 9 Powers Denied Congress.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-1/section-9/ Article 1, Section 10, are powers denied to the states: Constitution Annotated. “Article I Legislative Branch: Section 10 Powers Denied States.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-1/section-10/ During the revolution, we were basically a confederation: National Archives. “Articles of Confederation (1777).” https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/articles-of-confederation The states always had power, and originally it was royal charters: Yale Law School. “Colonial Charters, Grants, and Related Documents.” https://avalon.law.yale.ed

Get out your dictionaries, folks! It’s time to figure out what’s happening in the U.S. of A. In this listener-suggested episode of Civics, we look at -archies, -acracies, and -isms. REFERENCES Oligarchy: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oligarchy Many of them had a council of elders: Hodkinson, Stephen. “Gerousia.” December 22, 2015. Oxford Classical Dictionary. https://oxfordre.com/classics/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-2832 For Aristotle in his Politics: Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, “Aristotle: Politics.” https://iep.utm.edu/aristotle-politics/ Aristocracy: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aristocracy The Soviet Union after Stalin: Little, Becky. “Soviet Union Leaders: A Timeline.” History.com https://www.history.com/articles/soviet-union-leaders-order Totalitarian: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/totalitarian You had the Politburo: Editors of Encyclopedia Brittanica. “Politburo.” March 8, 2023. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Politburo Khrushchev: Gibney, Frank B. “Nikita Krushchev.” Updated October 27, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nikita-Sergeyevich-Khrushchev The Cuban Missile Crisis: Office of the Historian. “The Cuban Missile Crisis, October 1962.” https://history.state.gov/milestones/1961-1968/cuban-missile-crisis Gerontocracy: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gerontocracy In Ancient Rome, the Senate is derived from senex which means “old man”: Merriam-Webster. “Senate: Word History.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/senate#word-history The song that Anne was attempting to sing: https://youtu.be/ZKCiC-H2Xbg?si=bUP1DxKiJ4C0bIFv We do have a bunch of old senators: DeSilver, Drew. “Age and Generation in the 119th Congress: Somewhat Younger, With Fewer Boomers and more Gen Xers.” January 16, 2025. Pew Research Center. <a href='ht

Mack, Steve, and Anne get into what one branch of the government isn’t doing right now. REFERENCES Congress is defined in Article I of the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “Article I.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-1/ They didn’t want a king: Pereira, Ivan. “Nation’s Founders Pushed Against ‘Elected King’ When Framing Presidential Powers.” July 2, 2024. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/nations-founders-pushed-elected-king-framing-presidential-powers/story?id=111621798 You know how Aristotle called for “balanced government”: Smith, Steven. “9. The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle’s Politics, VII” [YouTube video]. Yale Courses. https://youtu.be/mKLkb4LDi5M?si=NLTY5uPD9omUdXGZ The Senate, originally, chosen by the state legislatures: United States Senate. “Landmark Legislation: The Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution.” https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/senate-and-constitution/seventeenth-amendment.htm The Seventeenth Amendment: Constitution Annotated. “Seventeenth Amendment.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-17/ Part of the Progressive Era: Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “The Progressive Era Key Facts.” September 28, 2020. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/The-Progressive-Era-Key-Facts “No appropriations shall be made but by law”: Constitution Annotated. “ArtI.S9.C7.1 Overview of Appropriations Clause.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S9-C7-1/ALDE_00001095/ There’s Project 2025, too: Wendling, Mike. “Project 2025: The Right-Wing Wish List for Trump’s Second Term.” February 13, 2025. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c977njnvq2do During Nixon’s administration, Nixon tried what is called “impoundment”: Kogan, Richard, “FAQs on Impoundment: Presidential Actions Are Constrained by Long-Standing Constitutional Restrictions.” November 21, 2024. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. https://www.cbpp.org/research/federal-budget/faqs-on-impoundment-presidential-actions-are-const

Mack, Steve, and Anne debate Constitutional law and look to fix the problems of our country in our first episode of season 3. References What is independent? Merriam-Webster. “Independent.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/independent What is justice? https://youtu.be/wEBlaMOmKV4?si=difVAzt3cTdBuLvG So, we have three branches: USA.gov. “Branches of the U.S. Government.” https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government The power of the executive is vested in one person: Legal Information Institute. “Executive Power.” Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/executive_power At the Constitutional Convention: Office of the Historian. “Constitutional Convention and Ratification, 1787–1789.” https://history.state.gov/milestones/1784-1800/convention-and-ratification William Paterson’s New Jersey plan: Metych, Michele. “New Jersey Plan.” December 21, 2024. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/New-Jersey-Plan The Garden State: NJ.gov. “Nickname.” https://www.nj.gov/nj/about/facts/nickname.shtml Under the Virginia plan: Metych, Michele. “Virginia Plan.” March 7, 2023. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Virginia-plan They weren’t there: Kratz, Jessie. “‘Rogue Island’: The last state to ratify the Constitution.” May 18, 2015. National Archives. https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2015/05/18/rogue-island-the-last-state-to-ratify-the-constitution/ A plural executive: Center for the Study of the American Constitution. “The Debate Over the President and the Executive Branch.” University of Wisconsin-Madison. https://csac.history.wisc.edu/document-collections/constitutional-debates/executive-branch/ The Romans had two consuls: The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “Consul.” April 30, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/topic/consul-ancient-Roman-official Which version of the Roman again: National Geographic Society. “Rome’s Transition From Republic to Empire.” October 18, 2024. <a href='https://education.nationalgeograph

To celebrate two years of Civics on the Rocks, we’re going on vacation! We’re not going to have a full episode this month. Instead, you get this silliness. Enjoy!

Mack and Steve show no forgiveness as they discuss one of the president’s broadest powers. REFERENCES Who does have the power? The President: Constitution Annotated. “ArtII.S2.C1.3.1 Overview of Pardon Power.” Congress.gov. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-S2-C1-3-1/ALDE_00013316/ It depends on each state and each state constitution, but each state governor has it: ACLU. “What’s at Stake.” https://www.aclu.org/issues/smart-justice/parole-and-release/clemency-and-pardons A commutation: Legal Information Institute. “Commutation.” Reviewed January 2025. Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/commutation A reprieve: Legal Information Institute. “Reprieve.” Reviewed August 2021. Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/reprieve A pardon: Editors of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Pardon.” Updated May 29, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/pardon Carter’s pardon of draft dodgers: Hernandez, Joe. “Seeking to Heal the Country, Jimmy Carter Pardoned Men Who Evaded the Vietnam War Draft.” January 4, 2025. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2025/01/04/1158874141/jimmy-carter-vietnam-draft-evaders-pardon What is the sentence for dodging the draft: Selective Service System. “Penalties for Failing to Register.” https://www.sss.gov/register/benefits-and-penalties/ Is there a governmental system where no pardon power is available? The short answer is no, but other countries regulate the power differently than the United States does: Mellen, Ruby. “Pardon Power Is Common Around the World. Few Leaders Use It Like Trump Has.” Updated February 18, 2021. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/pardon-power-is-common-around-the-world-few-leaders-use-it-like-trump-has/ So, in Texas, the governor has the power to pardon, but only if it is recommended by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles: Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.  “Clemency.” Updated January 2, 2019. https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/bpp/exec_clem/exec_clem.html Crimes, not civil judgements: LawHelp.org. “The Differences Between Criminal Court and Civil Court.” <a href='https://www.lawhelp

Listen to Mack and Steve discuss checks, balances, and how it always comes back to we, the people. REFERENCES There’s three coequal branches: The White House. “Our Government.” https://www.whitehouse.gov/government/ Take France: Georgetown Law Library. “The Structure of the French Legal System.” https://guides.ll.georgetown.edu/francelegalresearch/legalsystem Or Britain: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. “Overview of the Judiciary.” https://www.judiciary.uk/about-the-judiciary/history-of-the-judiciary-in-england-and-wales/history-of-the-judiciary/ What you would call a civil law system: Legal Information Institute. “Civil Law.” Reviewed October 2022. Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/civil_law Stemming from Roman law code, which was codified under Justinian: Jolowicz, Herbert Felix, and Kiralfy, Alber Roland. “The Law of Justinian.” Reviewed March 26, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Roman-law/The-law-of-Justinian Later you had the Napoleonic code: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Napoleonic Code.” Updated April 30, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Napoleonic-Code We were part of the common law tradition that comes from England: Legal Information Institute. “Common Law.” Reviewed May 2020. Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/common_law Even in states where judges are elected: Ballotpedia. “Judicial Election Methods by State.” https://ballotpedia.org/Judicial_election_methods_by_state What a negative election is: National Conference of State Legislatures. “Recall of State Officials.” https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/recall-of-state-officials Georgia does it that way: Ballotpedia. “Laws Governing Recall in Georgia.” https://ballotpedia.org/Laws_governing_recall_in_Georgia The ground zero of law: National Archives. “The Constitution of the Unites States: A Transcription.” https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript Three-fourths of the state ratifying conventions voted

Steve and Mack get into the legalities of militias, and they may not be what you think. They’re definitely more complicated. REFERENCES A bunch of farmers that run home to get their guns to come to the common defense against the Redcoats: American Battlefield Trust. “Lexington and Concord.” https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/lexington-and-concord Even though we have selective service: Selective Service System. “About Selective Service.” https://www.sss.gov/about/ We haven’t had the draft be active for a while: Selective Service System. “Return to the Draft.” https://www.sss.gov/about/return-to-draft/ As refenced in the Second Amendment: Constitution Annotated. “Second Amendment.” Congress.gov. https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-2/ Appropriations are a bit of a bureaucratic rabbit hole, but the following gives a nice overview. In it, they use the specific examples of the Army being a multi-year appropriation (specifically, 2 years) and the Navy being a no-year appropriation: Aherne, Drew C. “Appropriations Duration of Availability: One-Year, Multi-Year, and No-Year Funds.” June 7, 2024. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48087 It’s totally legit: America’s Navy. “Riverine Command Boat.” Updated October 14, 2021. https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2171638/riverine-command-boat/ We’re talking about the Barbary pirates: Office of the Historian. “Barbary Wars, 1801–1805 and 1815–1816.” https://history.state.gov/milestones/1801-1829/barbary-wars The Panama Canal, when Roosevelt sent warships (not armies): Office of the Historian. “Building the Panama Canal, 1903–1914.” https://history.state.gov/milestones/1899-1913/panama-canal Since Mack has let us down, here is a discussion about why the founding fathers didn’t want a standing army: Mulligan, Steve P. “The Army Clause, Part 1: Overview and Historical Background” July 22, 2024. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/LSB11204 The subjugation of Ukraine is a long, sad history. Steve has a point that Stalin rather effectively oppressed the populace by land-based means: Kiger, Patrick J. “How Joseph Stalin Starved

We’re not just chatting about the weather. I mean, we are…but there is also social commentary and a bit of moral outrage. This episode is longer than most because we left in more of the silliness. It felt called for. REFERENCES A warning for a tornado outbreak: National Weather Service. “Summary of Significant Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Outbreak of March 14–15, 2025.” https://www.weather.gov/pah/Mar14-15_2025Severe Footage of 18-wheelers getting blown off the road around Amarillo: The Weather Channel. “Powerful Winds Flip Trucks, Cause Texas Pile-Ups” [YouTube video]. March 14, 025. https://youtu.be/r64Jn4F8lXU?si=zz1e1zIZje2kSkcN The National Weather Service… https://www.weather.gov/ ...it’s part of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)… https://www.noaa.gov/ …they are in the Department of Commerce: https://www.commerce.gov/ In case you’re not that kind of engineer: NOAA. “What is Bathymetry?” https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/bathymetry.html NOAA was created in 1970: NOAA. “NOAA Heritage.” Updated October 24, 2024. https://www.noaa.gov/heritage One of two uniformed services: Vergun, David. “What’s in a Name? Demystifying the Collective Services.” March 18, 2019. U.S. Department of Defense. https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/story/Article/1787716/whats-in-a-name-demystifying-the-collective-services/ NOAA has their own small fleet of ships that do things like soundings: NOAA. “Ships of NOAA.” https://www.omao.noaa.gov/marine-operations/ships-noaa Is that why we have a surgeon general?! Hutchison, Floyd. “Surgeon General of the United States.” January 17, 2025. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/surgeon-general-of-the-United-States Ships no floaty no more: BoaterExam.com “Running Aground (Ship Grounding).” https://www.boaterexam.com/boating-resources/running-aground/ We shouldn’t overlook tsunami warnings: National Weather Service. “Understanding Tsunami Alerts.” https://www.weather.gov/safety/tsunami-alerts With apologies to Mack, it is, indeed, the U.S. Geologic

Okay, so it’s not our best show title, but you get what it’s about don’t you? Yep, we’re jumping headfirst into the chaos machine. Won’t you join us? REFERENCES There have recently been a whole bunch of executive orders: Federal Register. “2025 Donald J. Trump Executive Orders.” National Archive. https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/donald-trump/2025 If you didn’t get the weather map joke: Stracqualursi, Veronica. “Washington Post: Trump Was the One Who Altered Dorian Trajectory Map With Sharpie.” September 6, 2019. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/06/politics/trump-sharpie-hurricane-dorian-alabama/index.html They began numbering the executive orders after the Federal Register Act was passed: McKinney, Richarch J. “A Research Guide to the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations.” September 16, 2019. Law Librarians’ Society of Washington, DC.  https://www.llsdc.org/fr-cfr-research-guide The first president to issue an executive order was George Washington: Statutes and Stories. “George Washington’s First Executive Order.” February 1, 2021. https://www.statutesandstories.com/blog_html/george-washingtons-first-executive-order/ Powers and duties under Article II: Constitution Annotated. “ArtII.1 Overview of Article II, Executive Branch.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-1/ALDE_00000243/ When Biden issued an executive order saying that the Equal Rights Amendment was properly ratified and is part of the Constitution: Megerian, Chris; Superville, Darlene; and Savage, Claire. “Biden Says the Equal Rights Amendment Should Be Considered Ratified.” January 19, 2025. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-equal-rights-amendment-era-16b554dfe913797a52f894b72684bc45 The archivist of the United States was just fired by the Trump administration: Watson, Kathryn. “Trump Fires Archivist of the United States, Official Who Oversees Government Records.” February 7, 2025. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-fires-archivist-of-the-united-states-colleen-shogan/ In Trump’s first term, when the EPA issued the permit for the pipeline they initially rejected: National Association of Counties. “Trump Administration Issues

Mack and Steve tackle the home state of Texas after a listener asked, what the heck is going on here? Spoilers: it’s vouchers. References Our capital is taller: Texas State Preservation Board. “Capitol Myths and Legends.” https://tspb.texas.gov/prop/tc/tc-history/myths-legends/index.html Back to the constitution of 1876: Ericson, Joe E. & Wallace, Ernest. “Constitution of 1876.” Updated March 23, 2021. Texas State Historical Association. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/constitution-of-1876 Learn about the Reconstruction period in Texas (a very racist time): Moneyhon, Carl H. “Reconstruction.” August 25, 2023. Texas State Historical Association. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/reconstruction Learn about how often the Texas Legislature meets and for how long: Legislative Reference Library of Texas. “Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the Texas Legislature." https://lrl.texas.gov/geninfo/faq.cfm Some of the state isn’t in Central: TimeTemperature.com “Texas Time Zone – Texas Current Local Time – Daylight Saving Time.” https://www.timetemperature.com/tzus/texas_time_zone.shtml Learn about special sessions: Legislative Reference Library of Texas. “Frequently asked questions about special sessions.” https://lrl.texas.gov/sessions/specialsessions/FAQ.cfm How Texas legislators are paid: Ramsey, Ross. “Life of a Texas Lawmaker: Lousy Pay, Great Benefits.” April 13, 2012. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2012/04/13/lousy-pay-great-benefits/ It stands for State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness: Texas Education Agency. “STAAR.” https://www.texasassessment.gov/staar.html Learn about when the STAAR went to 15 end-of-course assessments and back again: Texas Education Agency. “Historical Overview of Assessment in Texas [PDF].” https://tea.texas.gov/student-assessment/reports-and-studies/2012-tech-digest-chapter-1.pdf The really, really big freeze in February ‘21: National Centers for Environmental Information. “The Great Texas Freeze: February 11–20, 2021.” February 24, 2023. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/great-texas-freeze-feb

Mack and Steve discuss the government worker bees who don’t serve at the pleasure of the president, and how the new administration wants to change that under the auspices of 2025. Also, there may be a UFO flap. Stay tuned! REFERENCES What’s the civil service? Page, Edward C. & Bridges, Edward. “Civil Service.” Updated December 15, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/civil-service Let’s talk about the Pendleton Act: National Archives. “Pendleton Act (1883).” Reviewed February 8, 2022. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/pendleton-act The problem with the spoils system: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Spoils system.” March 28, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/spoils-system The civil service in China: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Chinese civil service.”  May 12, 2020. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-civil-service How long did Imperial China last: National Geographic. “Imperial China’s Dynasties.” https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/imperial-chinas-dynasties/ The Pendleton Act was named for Ohioan George Hunt Pendleton: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. “Pendleton, George Hunt.” https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/p000203 It is indeed President Chester ALAN Arthur: Historical Society of the New York Courts. “Chester Alan Arthur.” https://history.nycourts.gov/figure/chester-alan-arthur/ How many political appointees are there: Center for Presidential Transition. “Presidential appointments are hard to track – and growing.” September 26, 2024. https://presidentialtransition.org/presidential-appointments-are-hard-to-track-and-growing/ Garfield, the president: The White House. “James Garfield.” https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/james-garfield/ Garfield, the cat who likes lasagna: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Garfield.” Updated November 5, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Garfield Who is Charles Guiteau and why did he kill a president: Bellamy, Jay. “A Stalwart of Stalwarts.” 2016. National Arc

Just in case you were wondering, yes, Mack has tried to tell you about this twice and it has been cut twice. Cheers!

Mack, Steve, and Anne hold a group therapy session after the election. Seriously, we recorded this two days after getting the news and the discussion runs the gamut of emotions. Mostly angry. There’s a lot of cussing. Nobody stayed on topic very well. Also, a dog was in the room with us and that got picked up by the mic. This isn’t our finest work. Feel free to skip this one and meet us back in the new year. Happy holidays. Be excellent to one another. References Some crazy-ass people burning ballots: Boyette, Chris and Almasy, Steve. “Police are searching for a man they say set three fires at ballot drop boxes: Here’s what we know about the suspect.” Updated October 31, 2024. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/31/us/ballot-box-fires-suspect-what-we-know/index.html Russia calling in bomb threats: FBI. “FBI Statement on Bomb Threats to Polling Locations.” November 5, 2024. https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/fbi-statement-on-bomb-threats-to-polling-locations Kamala Harris’ concession speech: Time Staff. “Read Vice President Kamala Harris’ Full Concession Speech.” Updated Novemeber 7, 2024. Time. https://time.com/7173617/kamala-harris-concession-speech-full-transcript/ About the polls before the election: Croucher, Shane. “Were 2024 Election Polls Wrong? Pollsters Give Verdicts.” Updated November 8, 2024. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/were-2024-election-polls-wrong-pollsters-give-verdicts-1982170 On brand for Trump: Hubbard, Kaia. “Trump says ‘whether the women like it or not, I’m going to protect them’ at Wisconsin rally.” Updated October 31, 2024. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-protecting-women-whether-they-like-it-or-not-wisconsin/ Trump mouthpieces: Laws, Jasmine. “Fox News Host Says Wife Voting for Harris is the Same Thing as Having an Affair.” Updated November 1, 2024. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/fox-news-host-says-wife-voting-harris-same-thing-affair-1977971 Yep, one of Trump’s campaign managers was a woman: Miller, Zeke; Price, Michelle L.; and Colvin, Jill. “Trump names campaign manager Susie Wiles as next White House Chief of staff.” November 7, 2024. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-

Because I’m sure you want to hear what to two, old, land-owning, white guys have to say about the subject. Seriously, though, tomorrow you get to help decide which way this question gets answered. Take advantage of your moment in history. Special note to our Spotify listeners: does it feel like it’s been a while since we posted? Sorry about that! Due to a technical issue, our magic “post everywhere” button was posting everywhere but Spotify. We’ve fixed the problem and you should see new episodes going forward. If you want to listen to what you missed between March and October of 2024, all our episodes are available on our website: https://civicsontherocks.podbean.com/ Again, we apologize for the glitch! References Fourteenth Amendment: Congress.gov. “Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection and Other Rights.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-14/ What’s a fundamental right: Legal Information Institute. “Fundamental Right.” Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fundamental_right#:~:text=Fundamental Benjamin Cardozo, a famous Supreme Court justice: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Benjamin Nathan Cardozo.” Reviewed July 5, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Nathan-Cardozo Learn more about the Fourteenth Amendment, Incorporation, and Justice Cardozo’s influence on the matter: Bill of Rights Institute. “Essay: The Fourteenth Amendment and Incorporation.” https://billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/the-fourteenth-amendment-and-incorporation Palko v. Connecticut: Oyez. “Palko v. Connecticut.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/1900-1940/302us319 The due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment: Congress.gov. “Amdt14.S1.3 Due Process Generally.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/amdt14-S1-3/ALDE_00013743/ Fifth Amendment: Congress.gov. “Fifth Amendment.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-5/ Get fancy with the privileges or immunities clause: Congress.gov. “Amdt14.S1.2.2 Modern Doctrine on Privileges or Immunities Clause.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/amd

Mack and Steve discuss why it always seems to the same two groups, how it really isn’t, and how that might inform your choices when voting. Wade on in, because sometimes it doesn’t feel like a party at all. References Take Britain as a counterpoint with a parliamentary system: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Parliament.” Updated: September 27, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parliament/Decline-of-the-House-of-Lords The prime minister is a member of the legislature: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Prime minister.” Updated: September 25, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/prime-minister The history of the Republican societies that became the Democratic-Republican party: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Democratic-Republican Party.” Updated: September 13, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Democratic-Republican-Party A political scientist discussing whether it does indeed lend itself to two parties: Difford, Dylan. “Duvager’s Law: More guidelines than actual rules?” March 9, 2022. Electoral Reform Society. https://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/duvagers-law-more-guidelines-than-actual-rules/ Independent members of senate: Congress.gov. “Senator Angus S. King Jr.” https://www.congress.gov/member/angus-king/K000383 Congress.gov. “Senator Bernard Sanders.” https://www.congress.gov/member/bernard-sanders/S000033 Congress.gov. “Senator Krysten Sinema.” https://www.congress.gov/member/kyrsten-sinema/S001191 People were discussing what the Tea Party actually was back in the day as well: Connolly, Katie. “What is the Tea Party?” September 16, 2010. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11317202 What constitutes an actual party: Federal Election Commission. “Qualifying as a political party committee.” https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/registering-political-party/qualifying-as-a-political-party-committee/ Despite Anne’s opinion, the political parties are technically nonprofits: IRS. “Tax Information for Political Organizations.” Updated September 9, 2024. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/political-organizations How to get o

Celebrate one year of Civics on the Rocks! We even have a gift for you!

Mack and Steve discuss if they find election poll results highly favorable, favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, unfavorable, or highly unfavorable. References A straw poll, or vote, according to Merriam-Webster:  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20vote Fox News may not have handled coverage of the 2012 election as well as they could have: Folkenflik, David. “Media Circus: Fox Struggles With Obama’s Win?” November 7, 2012. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2012/11/07/164576251/media-circus-fox-struggles-with-obamas-win How much did Obama win by? National Archives. “2021 Electoral College Results.” Last reviewed: June 26, 2024. https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/2012 Iowa likes its straw poll, even if Mack does not: Pate, Paul D. “Iowa Secretary of State Shares Final Results of Iowa State Fair Presidential Straw Poll.” August 21, 2023. Iowa.gov. https://sos.iowa.gov/news/2023_08_21.html How can you tell if a poll is scientific? Bloustein Center for Survey Research. “Assessing Poll Validity.” Rutgers.edu. https://bcsr.rutgers.edu/assessing-poll-validity/ Learn about a random sample: Hayes, Adam. “Simple Random Sampling: 6 Basic Steps With Examples.” Updated: August 14, 2024. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/simple-random-sample.asp The popular vote doesn’t decide the president because we have the electoral college: USA.gov. “Electoral College.” Updated: August 22, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/electoral-college Here are the polling groups Mack listed: Pew Research Center https://www.pewresearch.org/ Gallop https://news.gallup.com/home.aspx The Harris Poll https://theharrispoll.com/ Quinnipiac University https://poll.qu.edu/ Some context for the Defense Department paying $400 for a hammer in the 80s: Freedberg, Jr., Sydney J. “The myth of the $600 hammer.” December 7, 1998. Government Executive. https://www.govexec.com/federal-news/1998/12/the-myth-of-the-600-hammer/5271/ Learn about margin of error: Mercer, Andrew. “5 key things to know about the margin of error in election polls.” September 8, 2016. Pew

It’s the highest court in the land, but is it all that great? Steve and Mack pass judgement on the latest decisions from the Supreme Court. References Where the words “supreme court” are used in the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “Article III.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-3/ Where the words “commander in chief” are used in the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “ArtII.S2.C1.1.11 Presidential Power and Commander in Chief Clause.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-S2-C1-1-11/ALDE_00013473/ If you want to learn more about how Constitutional amendments are passed: Office of the Federal Register. “Constitutional Amendment Process.” National Archives. Reviewed August 15, 2016. https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/constitution In case you haven’t heard of the Heritage Foundation: Wiggins, Christopher. “What is the Heritage Foundation, the group behind the terrifying Republican Project 2025 agenda?” July 20, 2024. Advocate. https://www.advocate.com/politics/what-is-heritage-foundation If you want to know why the Heritage Foundation wants a constitutional convention: Malcolm, John. “Consideration of a Convention to Propose Amendments Under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.” February 19, 2016. The Heritage Foundation. https://www.heritage.org/the-constitution/report/consideration-convention-propose-amendments-under-article-v-the-us Read about how President Lincoln symbolically signed the 13th Amendment: National Museum of African American History & Culture. “13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.” https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/13th-amendment-constitution-united-states Learn about the Dred Scott case: Milestone Documents. “Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857).” National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/dred-scott-v-sandford How many cases does the Supreme Court listen to a year: United States Court. “About the Supreme Court.” https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/about-educational-outreach/activity-resources/about The case that Steve used as an example of original

You’ve heard the term before, but did you realize how bad the situation really is? Buckle up, kids, this is a bumpy one. References Well? Steve is archaically correct. According to Merriam-Webster gerrymandering was originally pronounced with a hard g, but it now most commonly pronounced with a soft one. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gerrymandering Who was Elbridge Gerry? Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. “Gov. Elbridge Gerry.” Original source: 1978. National Governors Association. https://www.nga.org/governor/elbridge-gerry/ Want to see the “Gerry-Mander” cartoon from 1813 that coined the term? Smithsonian. “Cartoon, ‘The Gerry-Mander’, 1813.” https://www.si.edu/object/cartoon-gerry-mander-1813%3Anmah_509530 Want to see what a salamander looks like in both medieval heraldry (or whatever) and real life? Marcec, Ruth. “Amphibian Conversation: Fired Up About Salamanders.” April 18, 2017. Detroit Zoo. https://detroitzooblog.org/2017/04/18/amphibian-conservation-fired-up-about-salamanders/ Learn about cracking, packing, and other terms involved with redistricting: Panjwani, Haya. “Cracking, Packing, Apportionment: Here’s A Glossary of Terms to Help You Understand Redistricting.” September 21, 2021. KERA News. https://www.keranews.org/politics/2021-09-21/cracking-packing-apportionment-heres-a-glossary-of-terms-to-help-you-understand-redistricting If you want to see the current map of the Texas senate district that Mack mentioned: The Texas Tribune. “Texas Senate District 25.” https://www.texastribune.org/directory/districts/tx-senate/25/ Yep, we’re pronouncing Bexar as Bear. Texas, y’all. Learn about constitutional amendments that involve voting: USA.gov. “Voting Rights Laws and Constitutional Amendments.” Updated: February 22, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/voting-rights Learn about women’s suffrage in the state of Wyoming: Wyoming Historical Society. “Women’s Suffrage and Women’s Rights.” https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/topics/womens-suffrage-and-womens-rights What’s going on with Nebraska? Nebraska.gov. “Nebraska Unicameral.” <a href='https://designegov.neb

Not to oversell it, but this type of episode is why we created this podcast. Do you really know how impeachment works? Are you sure of your dusty memories of high school civics class? Come, find out! References What is impeachment? USA.Gov. “How federal impeachment works.” Last updated February 2, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/impeachment Learn about the impeachment of King Charles I: Paradis, Michel. “Three Lessons From the First Time a Head of State Was Impeached.” October 3, 2019. Lawfare. https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/three-lessons-first-time-head-state-was-impeached How impeachment works between the House and Senate: United States Senate. “About Impeachment.” https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/impeachment.htm About the impeachment of Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas: Mascaro, Lisa. “House votes to impeach Mayorkas in a historic rebuke of a sitting Cabinet member.” February 13, 2024. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/house-votes-to-impeach-mayorkas-in-a-historic-rebuke-of-a-sitting-cabinet-member What’s a writ of mandamus? Legal Information Institute. “Mandamus.” Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/mandamus The only other time a cabinet member was impeached: United States Senate. “Impeachment Trial of Secretary of War William Belknap, 1876.” https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/impeachment/impeachment-belknap.htm The bit on “60 Minutes” with the Clinton’s: 60 Minutes. “Hilary Clinton’s first 60 minutes interview.” 1992. https://youtu.be/-UqKNgrwK8E?si=FM8Fw4Yz6MQMvft6 Not familiar with Senator Gary Hart? Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Gary Hart.” May 1, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gary-Hart How did Gerald R. Ford define impeachment? Davis, Kenneth C., “The history of American impeachment.” The Smithsonian Magazine, June 12, 2017. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/what-you-need-know-about-impeachment-180963645/ Want to learn more about immigration issues in the U.S.? Kobucista, Claire, Cheatham, Amelia, and Roy, Diana. “The U.S. Immigration Debate.” Last updated June 6, 2023. Council on Foreig

Due to it being May, we decided to take our discussion to a galaxy far, far away. It went on a bit longer than intended. Also, somehow, we got to Oz. But stick with us, y’all. We eventually get back to this reality around the 18-minute mark. Enjoy, and may the force by with you. References Wookieepedia is a little vague on how the Jedi Council relates to the Galactic Senate, so the debate stands: Star Wars Fandom. “Jedi High Council.” https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Jedi_High_Council But during the trial of the Ahsoka Tano, it looks like the Senate did indeed have some influence on the Jedi Council: Star Wars Fandom. “Trial of Ahsoka Tano.” https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Jedi_High_Council#Trial_of_Ahsoka_Tano A little about the time limits on appropriations for the army: Constitution Annotated. “Artl.S8.C12.2 Time Limits on Appropriations for Army.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S8-C12-2/ALDE_00001074/ In case you don’t get the reference to our current timeline: Davies, Dave. “How NYC is coping with 175,000 migrants from the Southern border.” February 15, 2024. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/02/15/1231712535/how-nyc-is-coping-with-175-000-migrants-from-the-southern-border If you would like to learn more about some of the political interpretations of the Wizard of Oz: History Collection. “16 Hidden Symbolic Messages in the Wizard of Oz You May Have Missed.” October 18, 2019. https://historycollection.com/16-hidden-symbolic-messages-in-the-wizard-of-oz-you-may-have-missed What’s a republic? Merriam-Webster Dictionary. “Republic.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/republic What’s a democracy? Merriam-Webster Dictionary. “Democracy.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/democracy What’s a representative democracy? Raikar, Sanat Pai. “Representative democracy.” February 29, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/representative-democracy What’s an aristocracy? Merriam-Webster Dictionary. “Aristocracy.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aristocracy Wait, what does res publica mean? Latdict. “Res.” <a href

Listen to resident foremen, Mack and Steve, make the call on our system of law. There’s also some references to pandemics and hurricanes in this show. Good times! References What’s the difference between a petit jury and a grand jury? United States Courts. “Types of Juries.” https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service/types-juries Steve was wrong. Louisiana does, in fact, have juries: Louisiana State Bar Association. “Jury Duty.” https://www.lsba.org/ChildrensLaw/COAJuryDuty.aspx Anne was wrong. Petit juries and petite clothes are not spelled the same. Though no one is sure, many people credit England with the creation of the jury system: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Jury.” Updated March 12, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/jury Learn about the Magna Carta: UK Parliament. “Magna Carta.” https://www.parliament.uk/ Didn’t get the Brexit joke? BBC News. “Brexit: What you need to know about the UK leaving the EU.” December 30, 2020. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887 Steve was correct. The “Dark Ages” is no longer the term du jour. Learn about the Migration Period: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Migration period.” March 23, 2018. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Dark-Ages Learn about feudalism: Brown, Elizabeth A. R. “Feudalism.” Updated March 4, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/feudalism Learn about Common Law: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Common law.” Updated March 3, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/common-law Learn about Justinian’s Code: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Code of Justinian.” April 7, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Code-of-Justinian Learn about the Napoleonic Code: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Napoleonic Code.” November 14, 2023. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Napoleonic-Code Despite Mack’s strong wording, the Napoleonic Code did have an influence on the law system of the state of Louisiana: Scalise, Ronald. “Napoleonic Code (French Civil Code).” Updated June 28, 2023. 64 Parishes. https://64parishes.org/entry/napoleonic-code-adaptation Learn abo

Come for the archaic units of measure, stay for the metric throwdown! The concept of an acre is so enigmatic that in a podcast titled “What’s an Acre?”, we still got it wrong. An acre is 4,840 square yards and not feet as we say repeatedly in this podcast: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Acre: Unit of measurement.” Updated February 9, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/acre-unit-of-measurement Believe it or not, the measurement of a chain is still used in the world: National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Chain, Pace, Walking a Chain.” https://www.nwcg.gov/course/ffm/vert-horiz-and-slope/46-chain-pace-walking-a-chain Mack did not make up the name Edmund Gunter: National Museum of American History. “Surveyor’s Chain.” https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_761634 Want to deep dive into the vara and other Spanish units of measure: Reyes-Martinez, Marcos A. “The Vara: A Standard of Length With a Not-So-Standard History.” October 11, 2019. National Institute of Standards and Technology. https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/vara-standard-length-not-so-standard-history Anne misspoke, they are not the Daughters of the Alamo, they are in fact: The Daughters of the Republic of Texas. https://drtinfo.org/ If, like Steve and Mack, you can’t remember your Texas history: Barker, Eugene C. “Austin, Stephen Fuller (1793–1836).” Updated February 25, 2021. Texas State Historical Association. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/austin-stephen-fuller According to this very serious deep dive into the cubit, it’s still in use in some locations: Stone, Mark. H. “The Cubit: A History and Measurement Commentary.” January 30, 2014. Journal of Anthropology. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/janthro/2014/489757/ The Constitution, article 1, section 8, clause 5: “...To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures...” https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/articles/article-i#article-section-8 “One platinum bar in France” would be a great name for a novel: National Institute of Standards and Technology. “Meter.” Updated June 2, 2021. https://www.nist.gov/si-redefiniti

Mack and Steve dive into various types of immunity. Also, we go off on rockets for a while. References “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” Juvenal. Satire VI, lines 347–348. Alan Moore wrote Watchmen. Alan Moore (Author) and Dave Gibbons (Illustrator). Watchmen. (DC Comics, 1995). That guy that cracked his head open because they just shoved him: The Guardian. “Buffalo police cleared over pushing 75-year-old George Floyd protester.” April 10, 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/10/buffalo-police-cleared-over-pushing-75-year-old-george-floyd-protester The NYPD not arresting people to put pressure on the mayor and city government: Ford, Matt. “The Benefits of Fewer NYPD Arrests.” December 31, 2014. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/12/the-benefits-of-fewer-nypd-arrests/384126/ Learn about Frank Serpico and the movie Serpico in one go: Speicher, Jeffrey. “’Serpico’: How Does the Movie Compare to the True Story?” August 20, 2023. Collider. https://collider.com/serpico-true-story/ The park in Eagle Pass, Texas is Shelby Park: García, Uriel J. “In Eagle Pass, a tense border standoff between Texas and the federal government is reaching a crescendo.” January 22, 2024. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/22/texas-border-patrol-immigration-enforcement-eagle-pass-park/ What’s federalism? Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Federalism.” Updated January 2, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/federalism The Border Patrol union supporting Texas governor, Greg Abbott: Dobkin, Rachel. “Border Patrol Union Head Praises Greg Abbott After Military Blocks Agents.” January 15, 2024. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/border-patrol-union-praise-greg-abbott-migrants-texas-eagle-pass-1860837 The law passed by the Texas legislature that Mack referenced: García, Uriel J. “Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill making illegal immigration a state crime.” December 18, 2023.  The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/18/texas-governor-abbott-bills-border-wall

Not to overstate the case, but the primary elections are where we can stage our revolution and overthrow the government! Listen to Mack and Steven discuss why the primaries are where it’s at. If you need a refresher: USA.gov. “Presidential primaries and caucuses.” https://www.usa.gov/primaries-caucuses Because some people disagree with Mack’s opinion of the Iowa caucus: Oliphant, James. “Iowa Caucus 2024: How does it work and why is it important?” January 2, 2024. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/iowa-caucus-2024-how-does-it-work-why-is-it-important-2023-12-19/ Who shot what in the Federalist Party? American Experience. “The Federalist and the Republican Party.” PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/duel-federalist-and-republican-party/ Apparently, it was a bit of a misnomer but: U.S.History.org. “The Era of Good Feelings and the Two-Party System.” https://www.ushistory.org/us/23a.asp If you are a bit fuzzy on the 1824 election: Levy, Michael. “United States presidential election of 1824.” Last updated April 26, 2017. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/United-States-presidential-election-of-1824/additional-info#history If you want to see John Quincy Adams’ really, really awesome facial hair: https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/john-quincy-adams/ In case you don’t actually know them as Whigs: Bomboy, Scott. “On this day, the Whig Party becomes a national force.” December 4, 2022.  National Constitution Center. https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/on-this-day-the-whig-party-becomes-a-national-force When the Republicans got created: U.S.History.org. “The Origins of the Republican Party.” https://www.ushistory.org/gop/origins.htm Some history of conventions and primaries: Library of Congress. “Political Primaries: How Are Candidates Nominated?” https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/elections/presidential-election-process/political-primaries-how-are-candidates-nominated/ If you want to know more about Hubert Humphrey and his campaign in 19