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

A Democracy Minute

Sherrilyn Ifill: How do we define patriotism? 

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Access PBS NewsHour Lesson Here

(1 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

Sherrilyn Ifill: How do we define patriotism? 

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Access PBS NewsHour Lesson Here

(1 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

Access PBS NewsHour Lesson Here

(2 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

Access PBS NewsHour Lesson Here

(2 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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(3 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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Access PBS NewsHour Lesson Here

(3 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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See the Center for Civic Ed Instagram Post Here

(4 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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See the Center for Civic Ed Instagram Post Here

(4 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

Mitt Romney: What gives you optimism about America?

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Access PBS NewsHour Classroom Lesson Here

(5 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

Mitt Romney: What gives you optimism about America?

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Access PBS NewsHour Classroom Lesson Here

(5 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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(6 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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(6 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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(7 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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)

A Democracy Minute

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

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(8 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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(8 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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Access PBS NewsHour Classroom Lesson Here

(9 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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Access PBS NewsHour Classroom Lesson Here

(9 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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(10 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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(10 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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(11 of 11)

A Democracy Minute

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

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(11 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

John McCain: On Military Service

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(1 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

John McCain: On Military Service

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(1 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Eleanor Holmes Norton: On Movements and Revolution

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(2 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Eleanor Holmes Norton: On Movements and Revolution

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(2 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Madeleine Albright: On Addressing Sexism

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(3 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Madeleine Albright: On Addressing Sexism

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(3 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

President Gerald Ford: On Establishing Priorities

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(4 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

President Gerald Ford: On Establishing Priorities

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(4 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

President Barack Obama: On Sharing A Vision 

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(5 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

President Barack Obama: On Sharing A Vision 

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(5 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute 

President George H. W. Bush: On Practicing Restraint in Politics

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(6 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute 

President George H. W. Bush: On Practicing Restraint in Politics

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(6 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Carol Mosely Braun: Inspiration to Lead

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(7 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Carol Mosely Braun: Inspiration to Lead

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(7 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Bill Clinton: On Preparing for Leadership

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(8 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Bill Clinton: On Preparing for Leadership

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(8 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Condolezza Rice: On Decision Making In A Crisis

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(9 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Condolezza Rice: On Decision Making In A Crisis

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(9 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Jimmy Carter: On the Vice Presidency

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(10 of 11) 

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Jimmy Carter: On the Vice Presidency

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(10 of 11) 

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Hillary Clinton: On Empowering Women Globally

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(11 of 11)

Leadership: A Democracy Minute

Hillary Clinton: On Empowering Women Globally

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(11 of 11)

Discuss and Explore:

* Read the biography of each thought leader on their Interview Archive page

* Download our Learning Resources for classroom and community engagement

* Connect further and watch the full interview

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