In this episode of UNBIASED University, we examine some of the biggest government scandals in United States history and the lasting impact they had on political accountability and the structure of government oversight.

In Part I, we walk through four major scandals that reshaped American politics in different ways: the Credit Mobilier scandal of the 1870s, the Teapot Dome scandal of the 1920s, the release of the Pentagon Papers during the Vietnam War, and the Watergate scandal that ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Along the way, we explain what happened in each case, how the scandals were uncovered, and what changed in government as a result.

Get the facts, without the spin. UNBIASED offers a clear, impartial recap of US news, including politics, elections, legal news, and more. Hosted by lawyer Jordan Berman, each episode provides a recap of current political events plus breakdowns of complex concepts—like constitutional rights, recent Supreme Court rulings, and new legislation—in an easy-to-understand way. No personal opinions, just the facts you need to stay informed on the daily news that matters. If you miss how journalism used to be, you're in the right place.

Intro (0:00)

Credit Mobilier Scandal (1:50)

Teapot Dome Scandal (12:01)

Pentagon Papers (20:44)

Watergate Scandal (29:17)

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In this episode of UNBIASED Politics, we break down the three levels of government in the United States: federal, state, and local. What powers belong to each level, how do their responsibilities differ, and how do these layers of government interact with one another?

We walk through the structure and authority of the federal government, the role of state governments within the constitutional system, and the wide range of responsibilities handled at the local level, from counties to cities and school districts. Along the way, we explain how powers are divided, where authority overlaps, and how policies often require coordination across multiple levels of government.

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In this episode of UNBIASED Politics, we explore the evolution of political parties in the United States and how the country’s party system developed into what we see today. The Constitution never mentioned political parties, and many of the nation’s founders were openly skeptical of them. So how did parties become one of the most powerful forces in American politics?

We walk through the rise and fall of early parties, from the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans to the emergence of the modern Democratic and Republican parties. Along the way, we look at key political realignments, shifting voter coalitions, and the historical events that reshaped party identities over time. This episode provides a clear, nonpartisan look at how political parties formed, why they evolved, and how their development continues to shape elections and policy debates in the United States today.

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UNBIASED University is in session! While Jordan is on maternity leave, she’s breaking down the most critical aspects of the United States government — the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the three branches of the federal government, presidential elections, the evolution of political parties, and more.

In this episode of UNBIASED University, we pull back the curtain on the hidden power players in Washington and examine how influence actually works behind the scenes. Who are lobbyists, what do they legally do, and how do Political Action Committees, Super PACs, and so-called dark money groups operate within the campaign finance system?

We break down the difference between direct lobbying and independent expenditures, how campaign finance laws have evolved over time, and what Supreme Court decisions have shaped the modern political funding landscape. We also explain the rules around disclosure, coordination, and contribution limits so you can better understand what is legal, what is controversial, and why these systems generate so much debate.

Whether you view these groups as essential participants in a representative democracy or as outsized influencers in American politics, this episode provides a clear, nonpartisan explanation of how money and advocacy intersect with power in Washington.

What to Know About Lobbying (2:58)

The World of Campaign Finance (~20:03)

PACS, Super PACS, and "Dark Money" Groups (~32:27)

Notable Supreme Court Cases That Have Shaped the World of Campaign Finance (~42:41)

How to Track the Money (~46:50)

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UNBIASED University is in session! While Jordan is on maternity leave, she’s breaking down the most critical aspects of the United States government — the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the three branches of the federal government, presidential elections, the evolution of political parties, and more.

In this episode of UNBIASED University, we break down Presidential Elections and the Electoral College from start to finish. How did presidential elections come about, what do elections look like today compared to the early days, what happens on Election Day, and why does the United States use the Electoral College instead of a direct national popular vote? We walk through the constitutional framework for presidential elections, how electors are chosen, what happens if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, and the rare but important scenarios that most Americans are unaware of.

We also explore the historical reasoning behind the Electoral College, the major criticisms and defenses of the system, and how it continues to shape modern campaign strategy and voter turnout. Whether you have always found the Electoral College confusing or simply want a clearer understanding of how the president is chosen, this episode provides a straightforward, nonpartisan explanation of one of the most debated features of the American political system.

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UNBIASED University is in session! While Jordan is on maternity leave, she’s breaking down the most critical aspects of the United States government — the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the three branches of the federal government, presidential elections, the evolution of political parties, and more.

In this episode of UNBIASED Politics, we take an in-depth look at the Supreme Court of the United States, the nation’s highest court and the final authority on questions of federal law and the Constitution. How did the Supreme Court develop into one of the most influential institutions in the country, how are justices selected, and what happens after the Court agrees to hear a case? We walk through the Court’s history, its structure and procedures, the confirmation process for justices, and the role the Court plays in shaping national policy through its decisions.

If you have ever wondered how the Supreme Court operates behind the scenes and why its decisions carry such lasting impact, this episode offers a clear and accessible overview of the Court’s role in the U.S. legal system.

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UNBIASED University is in session! While Jordan is on maternity leave, she’s breaking down the most critical aspects of the United States government — the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the three branches of the federal government, presidential elections, the evolution of political parties, and more.

In this episode of UNBIASED Politics, we explore the Executive Branch of the United States government, the branch responsible for enforcing the nation’s laws. What powers does the president actually have, how is the executive branch structured, and how do federal agencies fit into the system? We break down the constitutional authorities granted to the presidency, the roles of the vice president and the Cabinet, the function of executive orders, and the ways the executive branch interacts with Congress and the courts through the system of checks and balances.

Whether you are looking for a refresher on how the presidency operates or want a clearer understanding of how federal policies are implemented, this episode provides a straightforward, nonpartisan guide to the executive branch and its role in the American system of government.

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UNBIASED University is in session! While Jordan is on maternity leave, she’s breaking down the most critical aspects of the United States government — the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the three branches of the federal government, presidential elections, the evolution of political parties, and more.

In this episode of UNBIASED Politics, we take a closer look at the Judicial Branch of the United States government, the branch responsible for interpreting the law and resolving legal disputes. How is the federal court system structured, what powers do federal judges actually have, and how do cases make their way through the courts? We explain the roles of district courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court, the concept of judicial review, and the ways the judiciary serves as a check on both Congress and the president.

Whether you are seeking a clear refresher on how the federal courts operate or want to better understand how constitutional decisions are made, this episode offers a straightforward, nonpartisan guide to the judicial branch and its role in the American system of government.

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UNBIASED University is in session! While Jordan is on maternity leave, she’s breaking down the most critical aspects of the United States government — the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the three branches of the federal government, presidential elections, the evolution of political parties, and more.

In this episode of UNBIASED Politics, we break down the Legislative Branch of the United States government (AKA Congress). How is Congress structured, what powers does it actually have, and how does the lawmaking process work in practice? We walk through the roles of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the constitutional authorities granted to Congress, the committee system that shapes most legislation behind the scenes, and the checks the legislative branch has over the executive and judicial branches.

Whether you’re looking for a refresher on how Congress functions or want a clearer understanding of how federal laws are created, this episode provides a straightforward, nonpartisan guide to the legislative branch and its central role in the American system of government.

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The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated over the past year, with the United States launching its most recent strikes against Iran on February 28th.

In this episode of UNBIASED Politics, we walk through the full timeline of events leading up to the latest U.S. strikes, including the collapse of nuclear negotiations, the 2025 attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, and the renewed wave of strikes in early 2026.

We also break down the bigger picture behind the conflict, including Iran’s nuclear program and the history of the 2015 nuclear deal, why preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons has bipartisan support in the U.S., how discussions of regime change fit into the broader strategy, and how the 1979 Iranian Revolution reshaped relations between the United States and Iran.

Finally, we answer some of the biggest questions listeners have asked:

• What are the main arguments for and against U.S. involvement?

• How likely is regime change in Iran?

• Could these strikes be unconstitutional or illegal under international law?

• And what’s the difference between declaring war and what’s happening now?

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UNBIASED University is in session! While Jordan is on maternity leave, she’s breaking down the most critical aspects of the United States government — the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the three branches of the federal government, presidential elections, the evolution of political parties, and more.

In this episode of UNBIASED Politics, we examine the evolution of the Equal Protection Clause and how it became one of the most powerful tools in constitutional law. Originally adopted as part of the Fourteenth Amendment after the Civil War, equal protection was intended to safeguard newly freed enslaved people from discriminatory state laws. But over time, its reach expanded far beyond its original context.

We trace how the Supreme Court moved from upholding segregation to striking it down, how the modern system of judicial scrutiny developed, and how courts today evaluate laws that treat groups differently. From race and gender classifications to broader questions about fairness and government power, this episode provides a clear, nonpartisan look at how the meaning of equal protection has evolved and why it continues to shape some of the most significant legal debates in the country.

Intro (0:00)

The Basics of Equal Protection (3:18)

Suspect and Quasi-Suspect Classes; Levels of Judicial Review (7:02)

Fundamental Rights and Judicial Review (~20:52)

Discriminatory Impact vs. Discriminatory Intent (~23:08)

Piecing Everything Together (~27:28)

Most Notable Equal Protection Cases at the Supreme Court (~29:08)

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