Civics & Citizenship

Recapture Our American Civil Discourse

Candace teaches the fundamentals of liberty that inspired the American system of government.
Join the Discussion

Main Content

Rewind: Founding Principles, Constitutional Precautions

By

Grab a cup of coffee or tea because today, we are reviewing the Founding Principle of constitutional precautions, or the “fences of protection” around our liberty. I addressed this issue in a previous post from September, 2023. These are timeless principles and deserve a review. Here they are: Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Federalism Can you define these terms? They are important, because without them, we can slowly lose our Constitutional Republic and the freedoms we enjoy. Let’s look further into these “fences.” Founding Principles: Separation of Powers and Checks & Balances  The Separation of Powers prevents any one Branch of government (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial) from gaining, assuming, or taking too much power. Each Branch has defined functions and is constitutionally given the power to carry out those functions. (See Articles I, Ii, III) Checks and balances are different from the Separation of Powers in that each Branch of …

Continue Reading about Rewind: Founding Principles, Constitutional Precautions →

Nullification Theory: When Challenging Federal Law 

By

What do these actions have in common? Sanctuary cities Legalization of marijuana Local officials ordering subordinates not to protect federal law officers Reminding active duty military that they have the right to disobey an illegal order  A U.S. congressman suggesting that state law enforcement could arrest federal officials who were enforcing the immigration laws  The above actions involve what is called “nullification” of federal law. It’s a current civics and citizenship issue, so let’s discover the facts and discuss this process. What Is Nullification Theory in U.S. Law? Nullification is the THEORY (not law!) that individual states have the right to declare federal laws unconstitutional and therefore void and unenforceable within their respective states. (1)  Since nullification is only a theory, it’s important to note that nullifying federal laws has never been sanctioned in the courts, except in the case of juries. Note that jurors must …

Continue Reading about Nullification Theory: When Challenging Federal Law  →

Articles & Resources

Get helpful information on how to have good productive conversations with your friends, family and aquaintances

View All Articles

Speaking

Candace is available to speak to organizations, classrooms, churches, homeschool co-ops, or special interest groups.

Invite Candace to Speak
- "Informative" "Fascinating" “Interactive”-
Chris M., Age 28, Marketing and Communications Consultant Covey

What I Do

I educate Americans on who we are, what we stand for, and how to communicate with one another!
Candace sitting and talking with people

Candace has a variety of teaching experiences and is a certified instructor for adults and homeschoolers through the Institute on the Constitution. Her hobbies include walking, world travel, Pilates, writing, and spending time with her grandsons. …

Meet Candace about About Candace

Recent Articles

Rewind: Founding Principles, Constitutional Precautions

Grab a cup of coffee or tea because today, we are reviewing the Founding Principle of constitutional precautions, or the “fences of protection” around our liberty. I addressed this issue in a previous post from September, 2023. These are timeless principles and deserve a review. Here they are: Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and […]

Nullification Theory: When Challenging Federal Law 

What do these actions have in common? Sanctuary cities Legalization of marijuana Local officials ordering subordinates not to protect federal law officers Reminding active duty military that they have the right to disobey an illegal order  A U.S. congressman suggesting that state law enforcement could arrest federal officials who were enforcing the immigration laws  The […]

A Nation’s Gratitude: Historical Proclamations

Why Pause and Reflect? There’s something special and rejuvenating about taking a moment to pause and reflect on our national tradition of Thanksgiving.  As we prepare to celebrate the holidays and our 250th American birthday, I found a few past selections from presidential proclamations and Thanksgiving prayers worth a read with a cup of coffee […]

President Accusing Congress: Law, Not Hysteria

Can a president accuse members of Congress of seditious behavior? While a president can say things, we are a nation of laws, not citizens’ feelings. Let’s examine the law: Treason vs. Sedition Legal Penalties  Treason (18 U.S.C. § 2381) still carries a possible death penalty by statute. Still, convictions for treason are extremely rare and […]

Two Media Voices, Two Futures

Which media voice are you listening to today — the one that fans passive anger and blames others, or the one that confronts hard facts and urges productive action?  Do you find that media coverage shapes your opinions and views on civic issues? If so, it can become more challenging to think and reason independently.  […]

Senate Filibuster: Past, Present, Future

What is the Senate filibuster, and how does it work? Let’s examine this issue. The Senate was meant to be a deliberative body, using debate and persuasion to come to a decision that benefits We the People. But now, it is merely a clash of partisans. In a sense, some say we have lost our […]

Honoring America’s Brave Veterans

Tuesday, November 11, is Veterans Day. Finding a conversation about real American heroes can sometimes be difficult. Instead, headlines often feature controversy or political debate. Why not commemorate and celebrate our eternally vigilant men and women who are America’s courageous living heroes? After all, Veterans know better than most what it takes to preserve true […]

The Cost of Convenience: Freedom vs. Freebies

Why would people trade freedom for free stuff?  Our Founders believed a good working definition of freedom is “A state of exemption from the power or control of another; liberty; exemption from slavery, servitude, or confinement.”  (See https://webstersdictionary1828.com/ ). Look up the former Soviet Union or Venezuela. We the People in certain cities (yes, plural, […]

Defending American Values in a Divided Age

Are you being harassed for your American views on law and government? Are you being overpowered in conversations, where no amount of logic or civil discourse can occur? Are you being bullied into accepting robbery, arson, theft, and violence as “normal” or “necessary”? Why Traditionalism Still Matters You are not alone. Remember, it’s ok to […]