Navigating 21st Century Challenges in American Democracy

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This video serves as an introduction to a Civics unit focused on contemporary challenges facing the United States in the 21st century. It begins by recapping the role of public policy and public opinion in a democracy before transitioning to specific modern issues. The narrator, Caroline, guides viewers through complex topics including the digital revolution, data privacy, disinformation, immigration history, and the rising tide of political polarization. The content bridges local concerns, like housing prices, with global economic structures. Key themes include the tension between political division and national unity, the impact of technology on democratic discourse, and the historical continuity of political conflict (referencing the Alien and Sedition Acts). The video emphasizes that despite these challenges, Americans share a "Revolutionary Tradition" and a commitment to liberty that binds the nation together. For educators, this video provides a versatile launchpad for discussions on media literacy, current events, and civic responsibility. It encourages critical thinking about how personal issues connect to broader political structures and challenges students to look beyond partisan polarization to find shared values. The inclusion of historical context helps ground modern debates, making it an excellent resource for high school Civics, Government, and U.S. History classrooms.