701 Civics

This episode covers recent legislative and judicial developments in North Dakota, including special sessions, school funding initiatives, and judicial elections. It also provides some insights into state politics, legal processes, and upcoming changes in the judiciary.

In this episode, Bryan interviews Jennifer Kallenbach, a dedicated social studies teacher and the state coordinator for the We the People program in North Dakota. Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in Wisconsin to teaching in North Dakota, emphasizing the importance of civics education in fostering informed and engaged citizens. The We the People program, initiated in the 1980s, aims to enhance students' understanding of democracy and civic participation through a structured curriculum that includes a textbook and a simulated congressional hearing competition. Jennifer highlights the program's focus on developing critical thinking, collaboration, and public speaking skills among students...

In this enlightening conversation, Brad Hawk, the Executive Director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, discusses the commission's role as a liaison between tribal nations and state government. He shares insights on the commission's responsibilities, communication strategies, and initiatives aimed at education and community engagement. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the commission, including misconceptions about its role, and the importance of addressing both immediate and long-term issues affecting tribal communities. Hawk emphasizes the need for collaboration and communication to strengthen relationships and improve outcomes for Native communities in North Dakota.

In this conversation, Nathan Rivard, a Public Affairs Officer for the North Dakota National Guard, discusses the structure, missions, and community impact of the National Guard. He explains the dual role of the Guard in serving both state and federal needs, the variety of missions they undertake, and the diverse job roles available within the organization. Rivard also highlights the training that Guard members undergo, the importance of coordination with local emergency services, and the benefits of joining the National Guard, particularly for young people considering their career options. He addresses common misconceptions about the Guard and emphasizes the importance...

As the United States gears up for the monumental 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, North Dakota is preparing to celebrate its unique story and contributions to American history through the ND250 initiative. This comprehensive program aims to unite communities across the state in a celebration that reflects North Dakota's rich heritage and invites everyone to participate in this historic event.

Melissa Klocke, the ND 250 Coordinator discusses opportunities for citizens and organizations across the state of North Dakota.

North Dakota Social Studies teacher Amber Severson discusses her experiences being selected by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to participate in professional development that is geared for rural educators. She emphasizes the need for students to engage in respectful, civil dialogue while recognizing the legal frameworks that govern political beliefs.

Have you ever wondered why you get called to jury duty so frequently? Or why a judge appears to have given an extra-lenient sentence to a person convicted of a serious crime?On this episode, I visit with the Sally Holewa, the North Dakota State Court Administrator. Ms. Holewa has spent her entire career in courts, from Minnesota to North Dakota, and in 2022 received the Warren E. Burger Award for Excellence in Court Administration from the National Center for State Courts (NCSC).

Did you know that, in North Dakota, people don't actually receive prescriptions for medical marijuana? If you didn't, you are not alone. We'll find the answers to a lot of questions surrounding medical marijuana in North Dakota.

On this episode, we visit with Jason Wahl, the Director for Medical Marijuana in North Dakota. It's an interesting conversation around a subject that many people have strong feelings about.

The episode covers a governor's mistake that almost cost the state $35 million, fights within political parties that left voters without representation, and why lawmakers want to build a new office building after 100 years. These stories teach us that democracy needs constant care and attention from regular citizens to keep working properly.

The non-partisan 701 Civics podcast will provide listeners with an introduction to state government in North Dakota. From the Secretary of State to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, learn more about the offices and officials that lead North Dakota.

In this episode, we sit down with Arik Spencer, the CEO and President from the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC), the state's premier non-partisan business advocacy organization. Joining us is Mallory Humann, the Program & Event Coordinator for GNDC to discuss the Civics Bee in North Dakota and why the GNDC is helping to sponsor the Bee.

The GNDC represents a diverse membership that includes small businesses, large corporations, sole proprietors, and trade associations, serving as a unifying voice for economic prosperity across North Dakota.

Listeners will learn how GNDC champions free-market principles, drives innovation through the...

Did you know that the smallest office in state government also gets to handle all warrants or checks drawn against the state of North Dakota? Though the smallest office, it plays a significant role in state government, even if it doesn't really make any headlines.

We are joined on this episode by North Dakota State Treasurer Thomas Beadle as he explains the role of the treasurers office, and his role as a leader of the treasurer's office.

N.D. Treasurer's Office Website: https://www.treasurer.nd.gov/

In this episode, we cover the final step in the process of following a bill to declare October 1st as 'North Dakota Constitution Day'.

In the first two installments, we followed the process of getting an idea turned into a bill, a committee meeting, and passage in the House of Representatives. Now, we see what takes place in the Senate, and discuss the outcome of the Senate vote.

In this podcast, the current North Dakota State Auditor, Josh Gallion, took time to sit down and discuss the state auditor's office and its role in state government, as well as what it can - and cannot - do.

Listeners will learn about the size of the office, recent efforts to make reports more accessible to citizens of the state, types of audits, how long audits can take, and helping to provide transparency for citizens.

Freshman legislator Sen. Sean Cleary sits down to discuss the role of a state senator in North Dakota. Senator Cleary represents District 35 in the North Dakota Senate, and is half-way through his first term.

On this episode, we discuss how bills are drafted and make their way through the legislative process. We also visit about keeping in touch with constituents, the role of lobbyists, and committee assignments.

On this podcast, I interview Mirabela Punga, a native of Moldova, and now, with her husband and children, a resident of Bismarck, North Dakota for over a decade.

With all of the talk surrounding immigration, particularly in the past decade, I thought it would be good to hear from someone who immigrated to the United States and went through the process of becoming an American citizen.

We get to hear of the challenges faced after arriving in Lakota, North Dakota speaking limited English, with little more than three suitcases, and a determination to succeed. Mirabela and...

On this episode, I chat with Representative Corey Mock, a Democrat who served in the house of representatives from 2009 and, as of this interview, is wrapping up his time in the House, having decided to not run for re-election in 2024.  In fact, Mr. Mock will be taking up the position of Chief information officer in the administration of the new governor of North Dakota, Republican Kelly Armstrong.

This episode dives into the role of a minority party, in this case Democrats, in a state like North Dakota, in which the party in power, the Republicans, has a super-majority. W...

Former Governor Ed Schafer was elected governor of North Dakota in 1992 and served for two terms. He was a popular governor that could have probably been elected to a third term, but he walked away from the office, followed by service in 2008 as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President George W. Bush.

On this episode, the governor talks about why he decided to run for office in 1992, his favorite thing about campaigning for the statewide office, and the most difficult decisions he had to make as governor.

Unlike many former office holders, he has...

On this episode, we provide an update about making October 1 'North Dakota Constitution Day'. The big news is that the idea to celebrate the state constitution has gone from an idea, to an actual bill, to a bill that has passed the North Dakota House! Follow along as we discuss what has happened since Part 1 was created.

In our continuing series on state government, North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread explains the role of the insurance department for the consumer and the state.

Commissioner Godfread noted that the Insurance Department is one of the best kept secrets in the state, and he wants to change that so consumers are more aware of what the department can do for them.

We discuss how the rural nature of North Dakota can affect insurance, the role and services provided by the insurance department, and the role of the insurance commissioner.

North Dakota Insurance Department...

Did you know that North Dakota even has a constitution? Do you know what it says? Or that its more than triple the length of the U.S. Constitution? If you answered 'no', then the intent of a proposed bill before the North Dakota Legislature is for you!

Join host Bryan Pechtl and special guest host Samantha Pechtl as they dive into the process of getting a bill submitted to the North Dakota Legislature during the 69th Legislative Session, and the processes of getting the bill through committee, and onto the North Dakota House for a vote. But...

The North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe is charged with ensuring secure elections, registering lobbyists, business registrations, and also acts as the Commissioner of Combative Sports, among the many hats that he and his staff wear.

The office itself is one of the most consequential offices in the state, especially as it relates to elections. Secretary Howe discusses the role that the office of Secretary of State plays in the lives of North Dakotans.