Discover the untold story of Theodore Roosevelt's complex relationship with Jewish Americans in this fascinating exploration of presidential leadership, identity politics, and American pluralism. At a time when America's Jewish population nearly doubled through immigration from Eastern Europe, Roosevelt navigated competing pressures with characteristic energy and contradictions.

The Lower East Side of Manhattan emerges as a vibrant backdrop to this narrative – a neighborhood of both crushing hardship and boundless opportunity for Jewish immigrants. Here, Roosevelt built an unlikely political alliance that helped secure his electoral success while challenging the traditional party alignments of his era. What drove this connection between the aristocratic Republican president and these newly arrived immigrants? Was it genuine sympathy or shrewd political calculation? As with most historical questions, the answer isn't simply one or the other.

Roosevelt's advocacy for persecuted Jews in Russia and Eastern Europe broke with diplomatic traditions of non-interference in other nations' internal affairs. Yet this same champion could occasionally indulge in the stereotypical thinking common among elites of his time. This paradox reflects Roosevelt's own complex character – the boxing enthusiast who won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Harvard scholar who became a Dakota cowboy. These contradictions make Roosevelt not exceptional but quintessentially American, embodying the very tensions that have defined our national character.

Perhaps most relevant for today's conversations about identity and belonging, Roosevelt promoted a vision where Jewish Americans need not choose between their religious heritage and civic identity. By encouraging Jews to embrace their traditions while fully participating in American life, Roosevelt helped shape a pluralistic vision that continues to resonate in our diverse society. His story offers valuable lessons for navigating our era's challenges around inclusion, representation, and what it means to be American.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, educator, or simply curious about this pivotal era in American life, this conversation delivers rich insights into how the past continues to inform our present. Listen now to understand how Roosevelt's relationship with Jewish Americans reveals timeless truths about leadership, diplomacy, and the ongoing American experiment.

See more on Andrew Porwancher and order his book here.

The Arizona Constitution Project

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What can America's first prison teach us about criminal justice today? Journey inside the imposing stone walls of Eastern State Penitentiary with President and CEO Kerry Sautner as she unveils the fascinating and troubling history of this revolutionary institution.

Built in 1829 as a castle-like structure visible from all directions, Eastern State wasn't just designed to punish – it represented a radical new approach to justice. Founded on Quaker beliefs that every person possesses an "inner light," the penitentiary introduced long-term solitary confinement as a path to reflection and redemption. The tragic irony? This well-intentioned experiment quickly revealed the devastating psychological effects of isolation, with mental health deterioration evident within just 15 days. Yet solitary confinement persists in most American prisons today.

The statistics Sautner shares are staggering: one in four American children has an incarcerated parent, and 77% of formerly incarcerated individuals return to prison within five years. "Imagine if that was a score on a test," she challenges. "You wouldn't pass at 33%." Through innovative programs like reentry simulations and educational initiatives for teachers nationwide, Eastern State now works to transform understanding of these systemic issues.

This conversation transcends typical prison discourse by examining fundamental questions at the heart of our democracy: What is the purpose of incarceration? What outcomes should we expect? And critically – is this how we as a society want to address crime and justice? Whether you're a teacher looking for classroom resources, a concerned citizen, or simply curious about this architectural marvel, you'll find Eastern State's approach both enlightening and deeply thought-provoking. Visit easternstate.org to explore their virtual resources and join this essential conversation about creating a more just future.

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For Educators

The Arizona Constitution Project

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New Podcast from the Center for American Civics!

Dive into the heart of American democracy with Civics in a Year, an innovative podcast that transforms complex civic concepts into engaging 10-minute episodes anyone can understand. We've crafted this series for the curious minds who want to grasp how our government functions without wading through dense textbooks or partisan noise.

Each episode takes you on a focused journey through the building blocks of American civic life. From the revolutionary ideas of the Founding Fathers to the enduring wisdom of the Constitution, from landmark Supreme Court decisions to the meaning behind our national symbols and holidays, we explore it all with clarity and curiosity. Our approach strips away complexity without sacrificing substance, making essential civic knowledge accessible to high school students, teachers, lifelong learners, and anyone who wants to be a more informed citizen.

This podcast represents a special collaboration between the Center for American Civics and the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University. Created in celebration of America's upcoming 250th birthday, we're honoring this milestone by helping Americans reconnect with the ideas and institutions that have shaped our democracy for nearly 250 years. We believe that understanding these foundations isn't just academically valuable – it's essential for meaningful participation in our democratic system.

Subscribe now and join our year-long exploration of American civic life. Whether you listen during your commute, workout, or quiet evening at home, each episode will leave you with new insights about how our government works and why it matters. Because civic knowledge belongs to everyone, your participation in the conversation starts right here.

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The Arizona Constitution Project

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Democracy begins in kindergarten. While most people think civic education starts in high school government class, our panel of passionate elementary educators reveals how young children are already practicing citizenship daily through classroom voting, community service, and learning about their responsibilities to one another.

These elementary teachers—representing second, third, and fifth grades from schools across Arizona and Kentucky—share innovative ways they incorporate civic learning despite packed schedules dominated by tested subjects. Rather than treating civics as "one more thing," they seamlessly integrate democratic principles into reading, writing, and even math lessons. When students vote on classroom rewards or graph their favorite ice cream flavors, they're experiencing democracy firsthand in ways that connect to their immediate lives.

The conversation explores how classroom activities like recycling programs, buddy systems with younger grades, and school community service projects teach children that their voices and actions matter. As one teacher explains, "We want them to be leaders...that help and don't just see someone struggling." Through age-appropriate activities, students develop the vocabulary, background knowledge, and sense of shared responsibility that will prepare them for more advanced civic learning later.

What emerges is a powerful reminder that elementary classrooms aren't just places where children learn academic foundations—they're civic laboratories where future citizens first discover their voices and responsibilities within a community larger than themselves. As one teacher succinctly states, "America doesn't work unless we want it to," highlighting why civic education must begin with our youngest learners.

Ready to help your elementary students become engaged citizens? Listen now to discover practical activities and cross-curricular strategies that make civic learning accessible and meaningful for K-5 classrooms.

The Arizona Constitution Project

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Imagine a civics classroom where every student—regardless of ability, background, or learning style—can fully engage with the democratic principles that shape our society. Three exceptional educators from a civic literacy cohort share their revolutionary approaches to differentiating civic education, transforming traditional multiple-choice instruction into vibrant, accessible learning experiences.

These master teachers, representing elementary, middle, and gifted education, reveal practical strategies for making civic concepts come alive for all learners. From inquiry-based activities with "low entry, high ceiling" approaches to creative assessment methods that prioritize understanding over memorization, they demonstrate how modern civic education can reach every student in meaningful ways.

You'll discover how innovative techniques like hexagonal thinking help students visualize connections between civic concepts, while role-playing activities and simulations transform abstract principles into tangible experiences. The teachers share how they've successfully used everything from Hamilton songs to fake guillotines to make civic knowledge stick, proving that engagement and emotional connection are the true keys to lasting civic understanding.

Most powerfully, these educators explain how they connect abstract constitutional principles to students' everyday experiences—comparing international conflicts to playground disagreements or helping students see how First Amendment rights apply in their daily lives. Through these real-world connections, civics transforms from a collection of facts to a framework for understanding society.

Whether you're a new teacher seeking a foundation for teaching civics, a veteran educator looking for fresh approaches, or anyone passionate about preparing the next generation of engaged citizens, these insights will inspire you to reimagine how we teach democracy. Join the movement to ensure every child receives the civic education they deserve and develops the knowledge and skills to become active, informed participants in our democratic process.

The Arizona Constitution Project

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Nancie Lindblom shares how meaningful professional development can transform teachers from classroom managers to content experts to civic education leaders.

• PD needs evolve from classroom management focus in early years to content expertise in later years
• Immersive experiences like visiting historical sites with expert historians create deeper understanding
• The James Madison Fellowship provides fully-funded master's degrees in American history and government
• Content-focused PD helps teachers develop curriculum that spreads beyond their own classroom
• Professional networks formed through PD programs provide ongoing support and opportunities
• Teaching "hard history" with civil dialogue is especially needed in today's polarized environment
• ASU's Center for American Civics offers local opportunities for teacher and student development
• Students are capable of sophisticated historical analysis and civic engagement when properly guided
• Programs like We the People, Project Citizen, and Youth and Government develop students' civic capabilities

Explore professional development opportunities through the James Madison Fellowship, ASU's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, and other organizations mentioned in the episode.

The Arizona Constitution Project

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What does it truly look like to empower students as citizens? Justin Glodowski, a 14-year veteran teacher from Wisconsin, reveals practical strategies that transform students from passive learners into active civic participants.

Justin's approach begins with a foundational belief: if we want students to become engaged citizens, we must first teach them how to discuss difficult topics productively. Drawing from his experience teaching AP Government to freshmen, he shares how establishing clear discussion norms creates a classroom environment where students can tackle controversial issues more effectively than many adults on social media.

The magic happens when students take ownership of their learning. Through congressional simulations where students draft legislation on issues from corn mazes to taxation reform, they experience the complexity of governance firsthand. Justin's Socratic seminars—complete with peer evaluation scorecards—develop crucial skills for democratic participation while making abstract concepts tangible.

Perhaps most valuable is Justin's framework for discussing controversial topics through the lens of constitutionality rather than personal opinion. By encouraging students to think like constitutional scholars rather than simply sharing feelings, he elevates classroom discourse and builds critical thinking skills essential for citizenship.

Beyond specific activities, Justin emphasizes the importance of teacher collaboration and professional development. His podcast "Engage" exemplifies his commitment to sharing resources that make civics education interactive and meaningful. When asked what gives him hope, his answer is simple yet profound: students genuinely want to understand their world, and when given the opportunity, they demonstrate remarkable capacity for thoughtful civic dialogue.

Ready to transform your approach to civics education? Listen now to discover specific strategies you can implement immediately to create your own laboratory for democracy.

The Arizona Constitution Project

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Four experienced teachers from diverse grade levels share how they collaborated to create a comprehensive civic literacy curriculum that equips students with essential knowledge and skills for democratic participation. Their teacher-created lessons span from kindergarten through high school, providing developmentally appropriate activities that make civic education accessible and engaging for all learners.

• Civic studies often get "put on the back burner" despite its critical importance for developing engaged citizens
• The curriculum provides standalone lessons that don't need to be awkwardly incorporated into existing frameworks
• Materials are differentiated for various age bands, and some are available in Spanish to support language diversity
• Lessons incorporate primary source documents, discussion questions, and hands-on activities
• The curriculum helps students develop critical thinking skills and practice civil discourse across polarized viewpoints
• Teachers emphasize that civic literacy creates a "ripple effect" when students bring discussions home
• Materials also include adult learner resources that can assist those studying for citizenship tests
• Democracy requires ongoing work to maintain, and civic education prepares students for that responsibility

Check out the free Civic Literacy Curriculum created by teachers for teachers.

The Arizona Constitution Project

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Interested in a Master's Degree? Check out the School of Civic and Economic Leadership's Master's in Classical Liberal Education and Leadership