All the President’s Men is a classic movie about the role of the free press in a democratic society. It follows Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of the Washington Post as they painstakingly investigate the Watergate break-in and the subsequent cover up. This is also a film I remember watching when I was in high […]
If you’re a political junky like me, then there’s probably nothing you enjoy more than good movies about government and American politics. It doesn’t matter if it’s based on a true story or fictional. The machinations of government, the thrill of a campaign, and the personalities of politics just make for great movies. Some of […]
The holiday break is coming up, and that week means free time and a chance to catch up on leisure activities. Last week, I shared a list of civics related books that you should consider reading over the break. But maybe your brain needs a break, and you just want to veg out in front […]
Wag the Dog is an interesting movie that explores the relationship of media and politics. In the film, a spindoctor fabricates a war and creates all kinds of distractions to help his candidate win re-election as President. Wag the Dog is a strange movie, in that the plot is outlandish but also realistic enough. If […]
Show Me a Hero is an HBO mini-series that follows the conflict over segregation in affordable housing in Yonkers. It chronicles the rise and fall of Nick Wasicsko as he tries to successfully navigate the racial politics of his divided city. It’s from the creator of The Wire, David Simon, and it meets the high expectations […]
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a classic movie about American government and politics. At the opening of the movie, a U.S. Senator dies. His replacement is a naive examplar of a citizen from the midwest, Jeff Smith. When Mr. Smith gets to Washington, he realizes that things aren’t quite as rosy and perfect as […]
I’m not a huge fan of watching movies in class. As a general rule of thumb, I don’t think it’s a wise usage of time. That being said, there are plenty of movies that can be useful tools for teaching concepts in civics and government. If you’re teaching AP Government and Politics, it can help […]