© 2025 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040

Give Now

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

STAND WITH PUBLIC MEDIA | PROTECTMYPUBLICMEDIA.ORG

Compact Civics

How does the New York State Government work? Let’s break it down!

Published July 24, 2024 at 11:37 AM EDT

Ways To Subscribe

New York State’s government can be tricky to understand. Despite confusion, it’s still important to understand how your state governs. In this episode, Cory McCants takes a deep dive into the inner workings of this political and legislative machine!

Special thanks to our partners, the Buffalo Presidential Center, whose mission is to explore and share stories about Buffalo and Western New York’s historic and contemporary contributions to the U.S. Presidency and national affairs.

Compact Civics Season 1

Latest Episodes

Legislators ASSEMBLE! - What is a State Assembly?

Ever heard of a State Assembly? It’s not a common label in the United States, and New York happens to be one of the few states to rock the name. In this episode, Cory McCants reveals the mystery behind this behind this lower legislative chamber. Special thanks to our partners, the Buffalo Presidential Center, whose mission is to explore and share stories about Buffalo and Western New York’s historic and contemporary contributions to the U.S. Presidency and national affairs.
The Important Job of Every American

In order to preserve a healthy democracy, it falls to citizens to exercise their civic duties, rights, and responsibilities. But what does that really mean? Cory McCants gives you a concise breakdown in this episode of Compact Civics. Special thanks to our partners, the Buffalo Presidential Center, whose mission is to explore and share stories about Buffalo and Western New York’s historic and contemporary contributions to the U.S. Presidency and national affairs.
Death and Taxes?

You’ve heard it before – two things are inescapable in this world – death and taxes. While Cory McCants won’t take you through the former, he will explain the latter. How taxes are raised, paid, and function are the core of this episode of Compact Civics! Special thanks to our partners, the Buffalo Presidential Center, whose mission is to explore and share stories about Buffalo and Western New York’s historic and contemporary contributions to the U.S. Presidency and national affairs.
Let’s Go Buffalo!: A History of the City’s Political Impact.

When you think of the city of Buffalo, thoughts might go to snow or chicken wings. However, you might not be aware of the city’s political history and its large impact on the country. Join Cory McCants as he walks you through a powerful presidential legacy in this episode of Compact Civics! Special thanks to our partners, the Buffalo Presidential Center, whose mission is to explore and share stories about Buffalo and Western New York’s historic and contemporary contributions to the U.S. Presidency and national affairs.WATCHhttps://youtu.be/fOeBljvu3qY?si=d37m7KMVcAwKsEaL
Order in the court! Elected and Appointed Judges

A hot topic in the country today is whether judges should be elected or appointed. Judges have been appointed by elected officials since the early days of the United States, but some argue that this tradition is outdated and must be changed. In this episode of Compact Civics, Cory McCants explores the nuances of this issue.Special thanks to our partners, the Buffalo Presidential Center, whose mission is to explore and share stories about Buffalo and Western New York’s historic and contemporary contributions to the U.S. Presidency and national affairs.WATCHhttps://youtu.be/9eM1PuzEHBM?si=4ZFUV3iTYl96NVJ5
What on Earth is a Comptroller?

You may have heard about the position of “Comptroller,” but do you actually know what it is and the functions of the job? Well, you should! And in this episode of Compact Civics, Cory has you covered. Welcome to the wonderful world of government finance! Special thanks to our partners, the Buffalo Presidential Center, whose mission is to explore and share stories about Buffalo and Western New York’s historic and contemporary contributions to the U.S. Presidency and national affairs.WATCH https://youtu.be/eAV-y9EqASU?si=JuFPcfUdj05neq3Q
Big Shoes to Fill! - The County Executive

The County Executive is an important position within our government that not too many people know about. Uncover the details of this leadership role with Cory McCants in this episode of Compact Civics. Special thanks to our partners, the Buffalo Presidential Center, whose mission is to explore and share stories about Buffalo and Western New York’s historic and contemporary contributions to the U.S. Presidency and national affairs.WATCHhttps://youtu.be/NuLXJrc7Ut0?si=yThTGEw7Uw5J2dIL
Mayor and Town Supervisor – who are they, what do they do, and who do you have?

The roles of mayor and town supervisor can be similar, despite some differences. But what are those? Cory McCants explains the important distinctions between the two in this episode of Compact Civics. Special thanks to our partners, the Buffalo Presidential Center, whose mission is to explore and share stories about Buffalo and Western New York’s historic and contemporary contributions to the U.S. Presidency and national affairs.
Where do I even go to vote?

Want to vote but need a map? Finding the polling location where you cast your vote in an election can be needlessly tricky at times. Luckily, Cory McCants is here to guide you to your polling destination in this episode of Compact Civics! Special thanks to our partners, the Buffalo Presidential Center, whose mission is to explore and share stories about Buffalo and Western New York’s historic and contemporary contributions to the U.S. Presidency and national affairs.
Unsung Heroes: Public Works Department to the rescue!

With all of the snow and nasty weather the city of Buffalo can get, it’s important that our public works department is strong and ready to go at a moment's notice. In this episode of Compact Civics, Cory McCants explains the functionality of the public works department, as well as the public works responsibilities divided up between cities and states. Special thanks to our partners, the Buffalo Presidential Center, whose mission is to explore and share stories about Buffalo and Western New York’s historic and contemporary contributions to the U.S. Presidency and national affairs.