Civics & Citizenship

Recapture Our American Civil Discourse

Candace teaches the fundamentals of liberty that inspired the American system of government.
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Understanding the ‘Consent of the Governed’

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The phrase “consent of the governed” in the Declaration of Independence is freedom-centric. If we don’t truly understand it, we may be led to believe our government is insufficient to leading a fulfilling life. When our earliest Americans were still colonists, they eventually wanted to live independently from the Mother Country (England). Not all of them, of course, but enough were willing to risk their lives for freedom.  The difference between the British form of government and our Constitutional Republic is consent. Consider this: British kings are born into their position of leadership. A king’s job is to provide for and take care of the people who are called “subjects,” not citizens. Why are they called “subjects?” Because their job is to obey the king. He rules. They obey. They are not citizens, but subject to the king’s will.  American presidents are voted into office by the consent of We the People. American presidents are limited in their time in office …

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Take this Short American Founders Quiz!

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How well do you know your American Founders? I’ve spent the past year reading about our Founders, and I’m fascinated by their lives. Take a short quiz to find out. There were 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. I chose ten with background facts that may help you identify them. Here we go! Your Answer Bank  Patrick Henry, Robert Morris, James Madison, George Washington, Robert R. Livingston, John Jay, Caesar Rodney, Charles Carroll, Roger Sherman, John Adams. The Answer Key is below.  1. This man was not in Congress when the Declaration of Independence was signed. He led the Continental Army.  2. He rode 80 miles on horseback while very sick through the night to cast the tie-breaking vote for the Declaration of Independence.  3. This Founder was the longest living survivor. He gave away his property so the new nation could establish its capital, which became Washington, D.C.   4. Known as the Father of American …

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Recent Articles

Understanding the ‘Consent of the Governed’

The phrase “consent of the governed” in the Declaration of Independence is freedom-centric. If we don’t truly understand it, we may be led to believe our government is insufficient to leading a fulfilling life. When our earliest Americans were still colonists, they eventually wanted to live independently from the Mother Country (England). Not all of […]

Take this Short American Founders Quiz!

How well do you know your American Founders? I’ve spent the past year reading about our Founders, and I’m fascinated by their lives. Take a short quiz to find out. There were 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. I chose ten with background facts that may help you identify them. Here we go! Your […]

Resilience and Courage: Lessons from Valley Forge

Seeking Courage in Troubled Times As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I want to share stories of unparalleled American bravery. When terrible scenes, whether in government or on our streets, flood the daily news, seek out courageous stories and pass them on. We need encouragement to be who we are as a nation, […]

From Victimhood to Civic Responsibility

It’s admirable that many of us take on the hard work of preserving our Republic — our Founders warned that eternal vigilance is required to keep liberty. But defeatism (e.g. “We are doomed as a nation!”) won’t protect our rights: victimhood is not a strategy. Responsibility and local action are. Why Victimhood Fails Blaming “others” […]

Understanding the Supremacy Clause and ICE Agents

Can the Supremacy Clause protect ICE agents from prosecution? I have this question, and maybe you do, too. To answer this, let’s explore what the Supremacy Clause means and how it works. What is the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause? The Supremacy Clause is a part of the U.S. Constitution. It says that the Constitution, all […]

Deeply Divided: Rekindling Civic Virtues and Values

One of our participants in Common Sense Civics and Citizenship expressed concerns that our nation’s divisiveness may be irreparable for these reasons:   -He says two, maybe 3 generations have been indoctrinated rather than educated.   -This participant believes such indoctrination has negatively altered our country’s core values.   -He argues that coping with these […]

Quiz Time! 5 Basic Civics Questions

As many Americans celebrate the beginning of summer, why not test your civics knowledge? It’s a good time to do a brief review. Here are a few civics questions. Answers appear below to help you check your basic knowledge.  Answer key: 1. 27 2. Publius (John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison 3. The 13 […]

Rediscovering Civics: How Culture Hides the Declaration’s Claims

What is the most disputed American concept these days? It is found in the Declaration of Independence. “…that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights..” Here are three reasons why Americans would dispute this claim as untrue: First, they might be receiving their civics lessons from their favorite t.v. personalities, popular unbelieving […]

Memorial Day: Celebrating Heroes Who Served

Memorial Day is a day to celebrate the lives of our American heroes who have died in service to defend the freedoms we enjoy today. Below, I’ve gathered the names of a few heroes to help inspire us as we remember why we pause to celebrate. Note their deeds of valiant courage as they served […]