Affectionately dubbed “America’s Government Teacher,” Sharon McMahon recently geeked out with Ryan Holiday at his Painted Porch bookstore, diving into overlooked gems of American history. Holiday praised Booker T. Washington’s “Up from Slavery,” highlighting its impactful pragmatism. McMahon connected this to the profound ripple effects on figures like Julius Rosenwald, Toni Morrison, and John Lewis.
Their enthusiastic exchange ranged from Paul Jennings’s “A Slave in the White House” to Taylor Branch’s monumental civil rights chronicles, celebrating storytelling that transforms history into vivid, human narratives. Alongside laughter and shared struggles about balancing life and work, both authors reminded us how vital—and fun—history can be.
Their meeting was a vibrant testament to the power of knowing history, geekiness and all.
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Unitary executive theory might sound like dry political jargon, but it’s at the heart of debates reshaping how the American government—and potentially education policy—functions. Despite some sensational headlines, the theory doesn’t aim to eliminate the three-branch structure of government; rather, it emphasizes the president’s control over the executive branch, specifically around the ability to remove officials. But why should educators and policymakers care?
Education policy, like other areas managed by specialized agencies, often depends on a certain degree of political independence to ensure expertise rather than short-term politics drive decisions. Agencies like the Institute for Education Sciences (IES) and the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) are designed precisely with this independence, with leadership terms deliberately spanning multiple presidential administrations.
However, under the Trump administration, these agencies face new challenges as unitary executive theory pushes the boundaries of presidential power. Recent moves by the administration, including contract cancellations and the politically motivated dismissal of key appointees, suggest a test of how far executive authority can stretch.
Why does this matter for education? If the independence of agencies like IES and NAGB is compromised, education policy could increasingly become a political football, undermining long-term, evidence-based educational improvement. For educators and policymakers alike, understanding this debate isn’t just about constitutional theory—it’s about safeguarding the stability and integrity of our educational institutions.
In today’s digital age, educational resources have expanded beyond textbooks to include diverse mediums like YouTube videos. A prime example is the video “Every Political Ideology Explained in 8 Minutes,” offering a succinct overview of various political ideologies. This blog post aims to guide high school civics, history, or government teachers on how to utilize this video as a discussion starter in their classrooms.
1. Pre-Viewing Preparation:
Before playing the video, it’s essential to establish a foundational understanding among students. Teachers should:
Briefly Introduce Political Ideologies: Explain the concept of political ideologies as systems of beliefs that shape individual and collective political stances.
Set Expectations: Inform students that the video provides a brief overview, encouraging them to seek deeper understanding through class discussions and further research.
2. During the Viewing:
As students watch, they should be encouraged to take notes. Teachers can provide a guided worksheet that includes:
Key Terms and Definitions: Such as conservatism, liberalism, socialism, etc.
Critical Thinking Questions: Like “What are the core beliefs of each ideology?” or “How might these ideologies impact governance?”
3. Post-Viewing Discussion:
This is where the magic happens. Teachers can facilitate discussions by:
Breaking Down Ideologies: Discuss each ideology presented in the video. Encourage students to express their understanding and ask questions.
Comparing and Contrasting: Have students compare ideologies, discussing similarities and differences. This can lead to deeper understanding and critical thinking.
Real-World Applications: Relate these ideologies to current events or historical instances. This connection helps students see the practical impact of these ideologies.
Debate and Role Play: Organize debates or role-playing activities where students defend or critique various ideologies. This exercise enhances understanding and empathy.
To deepen understanding, teachers can assign activities like:
Research Projects: Students can research a particular ideology in-depth or study a political leader associated with an ideology.
Creative Presentations: Encourage students to create presentations or infographics about different ideologies.
Field Work: If possible, arrange visits to political organizations or invite guest speakers representing various ideologies.
5. Critical Reflection:
End the unit with a reflective exercise where students:
Reflect on Personal Views: Encourage students to ponder how their personal views align or differ from the ideologies studied.
Discuss the Role of Ideologies in Society: Facilitate a conversation about the impact of political ideologies on societal development and individual lives.
Conclusion:
“Every Political Ideology Explained in 8 Minutes” serves as an excellent springboard for engaging students in the complex world of political thought. Through this video and subsequent activities, students can develop a nuanced understanding of political ideologies, enhancing their critical thinking skills and preparing them for informed citizenship in a diverse world.
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