Civics vs. politics with UW-La Crosse political scientist Chergosky

·36 min·3 clips

Political scientist Anthony Chergosky calls politics the 'seedy underbelly' of civics.

The episode begins with light banter about cheese curds, Larry Bird's warm-up jersey found at Goodwill, and viral stories about shoveling snow in shorts. Host Rick Solom introduces the main topic: civics versus politics, prompted by a League of Women Voters event. Guest Dr. Anthony Chergosky, a UW-La Crosse political science professor, joins to analyze Wisconsin's civics education requirements. They discuss the statewide mandate for high school students to take a citizenship test, needing 65 out of 100 questions correct to graduate. Chergosky defines civics as knowledge of government and citizenship, while politics is the 'seedy underbelly' about gaining and keeping power. The host attempts sample test questions, missing one about the number of Constitutional amendments. Chergosky critiques the test as overly focused on memorization rather than skills like critical thinking or application. They examine how civics education lacks practical understanding, using an anecdote about a friend unaware of local representatives. The conversation shifts to current events, including Google's top searched news stories of the year, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and government shutdown. Later, they touch on the 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial race, noting the crowded Democratic field with candidates like Mandela Barnes and Joel Brennan. Chergosky analyzes perceptions of Barnes's 2022 Senate loss and strategic considerations for lieutenant governor candidates. The episode blends educational insights with casual commentary on Midwestern culture and politics.

As heard by us

A local talk-radio episode ties tax cuts, health care, SNAP, and the farm bill to a broader question about civics.

La Crosse Talk PM frames civics as something broader than a classroom term, using that question to move through the One Big Beautiful Bill, the overdue farm bill, SNAP, tax cuts, and health care.

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Why you'd press play

You want the One Big Beautiful Bill untangled without losing the thread between civics, politics, tax cuts, SNAP, and health care.

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