Best Govdocs Podcasts (2025)

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Can He Do That? Renaming the Defense Department 35:03

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1d ago35:03

35:03

Nia and Aughie discuss the legal and Constitutional answers to the question: Can President Trump rename the Department of Defense?By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Can He Do That? Sinking Venezuelan Boats 38:38

2d ago38:38

38:38

Aughie and Nia discuss the legal and Constitutional answers to the question: Can President Trump order the destruction of Venezuelan boats?By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Federalist 78 31:42

5d ago31:42

31:42

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.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Federalist 68 39:12

12d ago39:12

39:12

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.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Federalist 51 40:02

19d ago40:02

40:02

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.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2025: JRob's Tough Year 1:01:45

2M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

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

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SoS 2025: The 1st Set of Cases 1:05:41

2M ago1:05:41

1:05:41

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.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2025: The 2nd Set of Cases 1:03:07

2M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

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.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2025: The 3rd Set of Cases 1:04:16

2M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

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

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SoS 2025: Wrapping It Up 59:26

2M ago59:26

59:26

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.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2025: Looking Forward 1:01:07

2M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

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 …

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In the News: Trump and the National Guard 49:57

3M ago49:57

49:57

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

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The Bureau of Engraving and Printing 1:02:05

5M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

In the last episode of season 18, Aughie and Nia explore the long and storied history of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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The Bureau of the Mint 1:09:24

5M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

Nia and Aughie discuss the history and responsibilities of the Bureau of the Mint.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Office of the Comptroller of the Currency 1:18:47

5M ago1:18:47

1:18:47

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.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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The Children's Bureau 1:17:23

5M ago1:17:23

1:17:23

Nia and Aughie discuss the rich and long history of the Children's Bureau, from its founding in 1912 to the modern era.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: Trump Targets Universities 52:38

6M ago52:38

52:38

Aughie and Nia discuss the recent efforts of the Trump Administration to target the research efforts, curricula, and financial support of universities and colleges.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Western Area Power Administration 54:08

6M ago54:08

54:08

Nia and Aughe explain the history and work of the Western Area Power Administration.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Transportation Security Administration 49:43

6M ago49:43

49:43

Aughie and Nia explore the formation, responsibilities, and struggles of the Transportation Security Administration.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: Trump's First Seven Weeks 1:19:38

6M ago1:19:38

1:19:38

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

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Voice of America 59:35

7M ago59:35

59:35

Nia and Aughie turn their attention to the breadth, reach, and soft power of the Voice of America.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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ATF 59:18

7M ago59:18

59:18

Aughie and Nia explore the history and responsibilities of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Unoccupied Territories 1:12:12

7M ago1:12:12

1:12:12

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

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US Virgin Islands 53:19

7M ago53:19

53:19

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

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American Samoa 52:03

7M ago52:03

52:03

The fourth in this territorial series brings Aughie and Nia to American Samoa.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Northern Mariana Islands 1:00:03

8M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

In the third of this series, Aughie and Nia discuss the Northern Mariana IslandsBy Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Puerto Rico 51:58

8M ago51:58

51:58

Nia and Aughie continue their U.S. Territories series while exploring the history and culture of Puerto Rico.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: Trump's First Week 1:05:09

8M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

Aughie and Nia explore some of the Executive Orders released by the Trump Administration in his first week in office.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Guam 54:16

8M ago54:16

54:16

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.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: Presidential Inaugurations 1:16:37

8M ago1:16:37

1:16:37

Augie and Nia discuss the Constitutional and customary rules surrounding a Presidential Inauguration.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Pardon Me! 1:14:07

10M ago1:14:07

1:14:07

Aughie and Nia discuss the Presidential pardon power - how it arises, how it has been used, and controversial pardons past and present.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In the News: The First Round of Trump Appointments 1:00:08

10M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

Aughie and Nia discuss the first round of President Elect Trump's proposed appointments, and follow with a discussion of recess appointments.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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After Election 2024 1:22:58

11M ago1:22:58

1:22:58

Aughie and Nia discuss the immediate and potential long term ramifications of the 2024 election cycle.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Election Certification Process 1:14:49

11M ago1:14:49

1:14:49

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

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Government Plagiarizers 52:47

11M ago52:47

52:47

Aughie and Nia talk about famous government officials who have plagiarized writing and speeches.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Federalist 39 31:22

11M ago31:22

31:22

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

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Notable Thefts of Government Documents 55:43

12M ago55:43

55:43

Aughie and Nia explore the known modern thefts of government documents and the punishments imposed on the thieves.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SCOTUS Under Siege 1:05:38

12M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

Aughie and Nia discuss the latest woes of the U.S. Supreme Court, including leaks, scandals, and public opinion.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Secession, part 2: The U.S. Civil War 1:00:08

12M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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Secession, part 1: What is Political Secession? 52:08

1y ago52:08

52:08

Aughie and Nia discuss the ramifications of political secession.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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AMBER and Other Alerts 59:29

1y ago59:29

59:29

Aughie and Nia talk about the various local and national alert systems designed to reach Americans by television, telephone, and internet.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SCOTUS Term Limit Debate 59:22

1y ago59:22

59:22

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?By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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The Global Engagement Center 51:37

1y ago51:37

51:37

Aughie scares Nia with the mission of the Global Engagement Center, located in the State Department.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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What is the Overton Window? 55:27

1y ago55:27

55:27

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.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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What is the Superfund? 1:03:36

1y ago1:03:36

1:03:36

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.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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In The News: Who the Heck is Tim Walz? 39:11

1y ago39:11

39:11

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.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2024: Who Cares What the SCOTUS Ruled? 56:56

1y ago56:56

56:56

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

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SoS 2024: Better at Other Stuff 1:02:50

1y ago1:02:50

1:02:50

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.By Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2024: Case review, part 2 50:07

1y ago50:07

50:07

Nia and Aughie review the following rulings: Moore V. U.S.; Garland v. Cargill; U.S. v. RahimiBy Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh

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SoS 2024: Case review, part 3 59:05

1y ago59:05

59:05

Aughie and Nia review the following cases: Snyder v. U.S.; Securities and Exchange Commission v. Jarkesy; Idaho v. U.S.; Harrington v. Purdue PharmaBy Nia Rodgers and Dr. John Aughenbaugh