Skip to content

Democracy comes from the Greek words "demos," meaning people, and "kratos" meaning power.

Sherrilyn Ifill: How do we define patriotism? 

Watch Here

Access PBS NewsHour Lesson Here

(1 of 11)

Sherrilyn Ifill: How do we define patriotism? 

Watch Here

Access PBS NewsHour Lesson Here

(1 of 11)

Jim Lehrer: What is the role of a free press in a democracy?

Watch Here

Access PBS NewsHour Lesson Here

(2 of 11)

Jim Lehrer: What is the role of a free press in a democracy?

Watch Here

Access PBS NewsHour Lesson Here

(2 of 11)

George Takei: What shining ideals of democracy do you carry?

Watch Here

Access PBS NewsHour Lesson Here

(3 of 11)

George Takei: What shining ideals of democracy do you carry?

Watch Here

Access PBS NewsHour Lesson Here

(3 of 11)

Martin Nesbitt: Why is the peaceful transfer of power important in a democracy?

Watch Here

See the Center for Civic Ed Instagram Post Here

(4 of 11)

Martin Nesbitt: Why is the peaceful transfer of power important in a democracy?

Watch Here

See the Center for Civic Ed Instagram Post Here

(4 of 11)

Mitt Romney: What gives you optimism about America?

Watch Here

Access PBS NewsHour Classroom Lesson Here

(5 of 11)

Mitt Romney: What gives you optimism about America?

Watch Here

Access PBS NewsHour Classroom Lesson Here

(5 of 11)

Jon Meacham: How would you describe the story of our country?

Watch Here

(6 of 11)

Jon Meacham: How would you describe the story of our country?

Watch Here

(6 of 11)

Edna Greene Medford: How do you think Lincoln’s evolution reflects what the nation can be?

Watch Here

Access PBS NewsHour Classroom Here

(7 of 11)

Edna Greene Medford: How do you think Lincoln’s evolution reflects what the nation can be?

Watch Here

Access PBS NewsHour Classroom Here

(7 of 11)

Lisa Tetrault: Do you believe voting is a fundamental right?

Watch Here

(8 of 11)

Lisa Tetrault: Do you believe voting is a fundamental right?

Watch Here

(8 of 11)

Michele Norris: What does it mean to be an American?

Watch Here

Access PBS NewsHour Classroom Lesson Here

(9 of 11)

Michele Norris: What does it mean to be an American?

Watch Here

Access PBS NewsHour Classroom Lesson Here

(9 of 11)

Dale Minami: Do you share his idealism on civic participation? 

Watch Here

(10 of 11)

Dale Minami: Do you share his idealism on civic participation? 

Watch Here

(10 of 11)

John Lewis: What is the relationship between the philosophy nonviolence and democracy?

Watch Here

(11 of 11)

John Lewis: What is the relationship between the philosophy nonviolence and democracy?

Watch Here

(11 of 11)

Discuss and Explore: Connect with each thought leader on their Interview Archive page below, read their biography, or watch their full interview. Use our Learning Resource created for A Democracy Minute for classroom and community engagement.

Download Learning Resource

Back To Top