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Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 1--Separation of Powers)

13 minutes

Now Playing As: Captioned (English) (change)

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In this episode, Dr. Andrew Rudalevige discusses the concept of separation of powers in American government. Through a study of foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and the Federalist papers, students learn how the separation of powers became a key principle in the shaping of American government and politics. Part of the "Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action" series.

Media Details

Runtime: 13 minutes

Founding Principles Website
Visualization of the U, S branches of government. Green arrows lead from Legislative to Executive and Judicial. A red arrow leads from the Judicial to Executive. Background is a collage of government terms like, Checks and Balances, and Gridlock.
Founding Principles: American Governance in Action
Episode 1
13 minutes
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Color illustration of a multi-story factory with 3 smokestacks. Text overlay reads, "Refined 98% of sugar sold in U, S." The name E, C Knight is visible at the bottom right corner.
Founding Principles: American Governance in Action
Episode 2
12 minutes 16 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Closeup of parchment with cursive writing just barely visible in the top right corner.
Founding Principles: American Governance in Action
Episode 3
11 minutes 21 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Dr. Andrew Rudalevige stands in front of a black and white photo backdrop of F, D, R doing a fireside chat and a portrait photo John F. Kennedy that has been placed at the bottom of the frame.
Founding Principles: American Governance in Action
Episode 4
12 minutes 38 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Dr. Andrew Rudalevige faces camera with a confused expression on his face. Next to him, a text box reads, "Certiorari. Noun. A writ or order by which a higher court reviews a decision of a lower court."
Founding Principles: American Governance in Action
Episode 5
11 minutes 5 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Dr. Andrew Rudalevige stands in front of camera, gesturing out with both hands. Behind him, a black and white collage of a baby crying and another baby looking just off camera.
Founding Principles: American Governance in Action
Episode 6
12 minutes 19 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Mind map chart shows a central circle, labeled Media's Effects, branching off in 3 directions to 3 circles labeled Framing, Agenda Setting, and Priming.
Founding Principles: American Governance in Action
Episode 7
11 minutes 59 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Portrait photos of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney with text on image that reads, "129 million 237 thousand 647 people voted in 2012 U, S Presidential Election."
Founding Principles: American Governance in Action
Episode 8
15 minutes 4 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Dr. Andrew Rudalevige faces camera with a video frame next to him in the shape of a T, V set. The image on the T, V shows several teenagers wearing white blindfolds.
Founding Principles: American Governance in Action
Episode 9
13 minutes 6 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Dr. Andrew Rudalevige faces camera next to text that reads, "Political Action Committee. Noun. An organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation."
Founding Principles: American Governance in Action
Episode 10
12 minutes 14 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
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