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The Civic Flame

The Civic Flame

By: The Civic Flame
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The Civic Flame is where history meets hope. Hosted by a law and politics professor, it takes you inside the story of the U.S. Constitution—the debates that shaped it and the meaning it holds today. In a time of division, The Civic Flame offers something different: dialogue that sparks conversation instead of conflict. This is a call to revive thoughtful civic discourse and keep the flame of democracy burning bright.Dr. Fun Sponge Media Philosophy Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 18: RAPPS: The Five Freedoms in the First Amendment
    Feb 19 2026

    This is another quintessential on for our AP GOV audience. What are the 5 RAPPS freedoms in the First Amendment (Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, and Speech). Check out what the First Amendment does and why it gets to be number one!

    00:00:21 What is a Constitutional Amendment

    00:01:21 Birthzillas and Madwives has been approved!

    00:02:05 The First Amendment to the Constitution Says a lot

    00:02:32 What is a Clause

    00:03:00 Barron v Baltimore said the Bill of Rights only applies to Federal Government

    00:03:24 The 14th Amendment and Selective Incorporation

    00:04:28 What does the Establishment Clause actually say?

    00:05:20 False Christianity uses the law to hide

    00:06:00 How Free Exercise Clause relies on the Establishment Clause (or why I’m a libertarian about religion)

    00:07:15 Bremerton v Kennedy case was decided wrongly and that’s bad for real Christians

    00:08:00 Radical Groups Hide Behind False Claims of Christianity to use the law (and society

    00:08:53 Freedom of Speech and Fighting Words

    00:09:24 Chalpinsky v New Hampshire

    00:10:00 Political Speech is highest protected and you can’t have content bans

    00:10:37 Freedom of the Press

    00:13:09 The answer to hate speech is more speech

    00:13:40 The Pentagon Papers, Iran Contra, and the Press

    00:13:50 I still love Dan Rather

    00:14:30 The Right to Petition and Peaceably Assemble

    00:15:00 Resurrection City and why protest is a pillar of democracy

    00:16:37 Conclusion


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    18 mins
  • 17: Article 7 and the Ratification Process
    Feb 12 2026

    How did we go from the Articles of Confederation to the US Constitution? Check out Article 7 and the ratification process. This week we finish out the Articles of the US Constitution and get ready to discuss the Bill of Rights!

    00:01:11 Article 7 and the Ratification of the US Constitution

    00:01:32 What the different Articles of the Constitution do

    00:01:55 Article 7 of the Constitution

    00:02:40 The Republic of Vermont

    00:03:16 Getting rid of the Articles of Confederation

    00:03:59 James Madison in the Federalist Papers on the right to change the government

    00:04:53 The US, Brexit, and the Legality of Secession

    00:06:01 Federalists, Anti-Federalists, and the Bill of Rights

    00:08:00 What is ordered liberty?

    00:08:28 Originalism violates ordered liberty when it strikes down the elected branches

    00:09:34 Citizens United v FEC undercuts the elected branches

    00:11:22 Check out OpensSecrets.org

    00:12:48 Justice Stevens dissent in Citizens United and why it remains epic

    00:14:26 Thank you


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    15 mins
  • 16: What is the Supremacy Clause? Article 6 and why the US Constitution Rules
    Feb 5 2026

    What is Article 6 of the US Constitution? This week we explore the supremacy clause, nullification, and why the US Constitution forbids religious texts. Come learn about how the supremacy clause shaped education discrimination and the legal foundation for federal civil rights.

    00:00:35 What is the Constitution

    00:01:41 Federal oath of office

    00:02:09 Supreme law of the land

    00:03:03 Article 6 Debts Clause

    00:03:37 Article 6 Supremacy Clause

    00:04:48 Supremacy Clause, Nullification, and School Desegregation Cases

    00:05:42 Cooper v Aaron, Ruby Bridges, and the Little Rock Nine

    00:07:21 Cooper v Aaron and the children’s freedom from discrimination

    00:08:36 Segregation Academies and the history of Segregation for Wealthy People

    00:09:48 “The Supreme Law of the Land” and you “can’t make war against the Constitution”

    00:11:09 State governments versus the constitution: who decides?

    00:11:38 Article 6 and religious tests and corruption of religion by politics

    00:13:46 John Adams and a government of laws not of men

    00:15:30 Conclusion




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    17 mins
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