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Description

Civics Minute is a bite-sized series focused on civic engagement. Through an alphabet of key terms, each short-form episode explores the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities that allow ordinary people to shape their communities. Produced through a collaboration between William & Mary and WHRO Public Media, the series is hosted by Paul Manna, the Hyman Professor of Government and Public Policy at William & Mary and co-author of The Challenge of Democracy: American Government in Global Politics. Each episode introduces a key concept related to citizenship, government, democracy, or public participation. Clear explanations and relatable examples connect civics to the institutions, decisions, and responsibilities that affect everyday life. Episodes examine how citizens can influence their towns, cities, counties, states, and nation through voting, volunteering, attending public meetings, contacting elected officials, serving their communities, and learning about public issues. Informative, approachable, and practical, Civics Minute encourages listeners to become more knowledgeable and active participants in democratic life, in their communities and throughout the nation. The series is produced by Grace Helmick and Conor Molloy of William & Mary’s Strategic Cultural Partnerships. Learn more and listen at WHRO.org/civics.

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Civics Minute podcast

'G' is for Gridlock

2026/10/19

Gridlock can emerge when political opponents struggle to find compromise. Paul Manna explores how citizens can focus on evidence, issues, and problem-solving in their civic engagement to encourage constructive dialogue and advance policymaking.

'F' is for Federalism

2026/10/12

Federalism divides power between the national government and the states. Paul Manna explores how that system creates multiple opportunities for civic engagement, from contacting Congress to participating in school board meetings, zoning decisions, and other local issues.

'E' is for Election

2026/10/05

Elections offer citizens many ways to participate in civic life. Paul Manna explores how people can discuss important issues, encourage others to register and vote, serve as poll workers, and even run for local office to help shape the issues affecting their communities.

'D' for Democracy

2026/09/28

Democracy depends on citizens taking an active role in representative government. Paul Manna explores how speaking out, staying informed, voting in local, state, and national elections, and exercising civic rights help ensure that “rule by the people” remains strong.

'C' for Civics

2026/09/21

Civics is at the heart of active citizenship. Paul Manna explores the rights people hold, the responsibilities they carry, and the many ways civic participation can shape communities, influence government, and help strengthen democracy at the local, state, and national levels.

'B' for Ballot

2026/09/14

Ballots are a central tool of democratic participation. Paul Manna explores how citizens use them to choose candidates, decide public questions, and make their voices heard through Election Day voting, early voting, absentee ballots, and other accessible voting options.

'A' for Accountability

2026/09/07

Accountability is a central responsibility in a representative democracy. Paul Manna explores how citizens can hold elected officials accountable through voting, contacting representatives, attending town halls, engaging in peaceful protest, and other forms of active civic participation.

Welcome to Civics Minute

2026/08/20

A bite-sized series that makes civic life understandable, relevant, and accessible through key concepts about citizenship, government, democracy, and public participation.