skip to main content

Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 15--Final Principles)

11 minutes 26 seconds

Now Playing As: Captioned (English) (change)

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Rudalevige reviews the remaining key founding principles of American government. Through a study of foundational documents like the Federalist papers, students learn about the most important principles at the core of American democracy. This episode covers the separation of powers, checks and balances, public participation, public policy, public opinion, political gridlock, the role of status quo, and the difference between a republic and a pure democracy. Part of the "Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action" series.

Media Details

Runtime: 11 minutes 26 seconds

Founding Principles Website
ASL
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
ASL
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
ASL
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
ASL
Simple icon of the capitol building next to text that reads, "Testing food, drugs, and other consumer products." The background is a transparent image of a scientist doing lab tests.
Founding Principles: American Governance in Action
Episode 12
15 minutes 18 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
ASL
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
ASL
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
ASL
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
ASL
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
ASL
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
ASL
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
Apply for a Free Membership

Major funding provided by the Department of Education