Civics & Citizenship

Recapture Our American Civil Discourse

Candace teaches the notions of liberty that inspired the American system of government.
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Executive Branch Powers, Judicial Branch Role

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America is dealing with a constitutional problem: Executive Branch powers vs. the role of the Judicial Branch when they disagree. We the People need to stand back for a moment and examine the law and the facts, not the personal or political views we may have. The Question Before Us So, as news and very public disagreements fly back and forth by the hour, We the People need to ask: Is the Judicial Branch weighing the law and the facts of these high-profile cases? Or are personal and even political views prevailing? Remember, the Executive Branch cannot defy a legal court order. There is an appeals process for a reason. The Importance of Judging the Law and the Facts I first learned the importance of judging the law and the facts when I took a Duty of the Jury course. It's not about how we feel about the case. It's about what the law and the facts say. That's it.  What I see going on is the prevailing winds of personal and political views. That's not new in our …

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National Debt and Government Shutdowns

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Reality has come knocking on our doors. Action, not anger, is the way to deal with crisis. It's hard to have a respectful conversation about this topic, so I turned to AI and was pleasantly surprised that the computer initiated a conversation with me. Here's the short exchange I had with ChatGPT. Note the questions I was asked and the point at which the conversation ended. I think you might find it interesting. Chat GPT: Were you watching this (government shutdown story) closely, or just relieved it didn’t happen? Common Sense Civics and Citizenship: I was watching it as I do every year. I think this is political maneuvering, but I'm deeply concerned about being $36 trillion in debt as a country. ChatGPT: You’re absolutely right to be concerned about the $36 trillion debt—it’s a massive issue that keeps growing, and shutdown fights rarely address the root problem. Politicians often use these standoffs for leverage rather than making real spending reforms. Do you think …

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Recent Articles

Executive Branch Powers, Judicial Branch Role

America is dealing with a constitutional problem: Executive Branch powers vs. the role of the Judicial Branch when they disagree. We the People need to stand back for a moment and examine the law and the facts, not the personal or political views we may have. The Question Before Us So, as news and very […]

National Debt and Government Shutdowns

Reality has come knocking on our doors. Action, not anger, is the way to deal with crisis. It’s hard to have a respectful conversation about this topic, so I turned to AI and was pleasantly surprised that the computer initiated a conversation with me. Here’s the short exchange I had with ChatGPT. Note the questions […]

Civil and Criminal Cases Explained

Recently, the news featured a government “authority” telling us that a particular illegal act should not be treated as criminal. Instead, the “authority” firmly believes this unlawful act is a civil case. We don’t usually think about the difference between civil and criminal cases. It’s a civics issue; we must know their differences, so let’s […]

The Daylight Saving Time Dilemma

It’s that time of year again—Daylight Saving Time. Here we go! Sigh. Every spring, the debate reignites: Should we keep changing the clocks or stay on DST permanently? Supporters and opponents cite everything from natural daylight cycles to energy savings and geographic location. Under federal law, states must follow the twice-yearly change or receive an […]

The Economy IS a Civics Issue

Recently, I was informed by a participant that my article, “DOGE, Dividends, and Debt” (https://civicsandcitizenship.org/doge-dividends-and-debt/ )was political and not a civics issue. I say economic issues are civics issues. Let’s discuss. The Economy Impacts Our Lives Comprehending how your government taxes you, spends your money or grows the economy is essential to understanding how our […]

What Makes You An American?

What makes us American, if not a common language? The answer lies in what we believe. Our beliefs shape our behavior and, ultimately, our identity. We Know Who We Are -We are a freeborn people. Therefore, we endeavor to learn our Founding American documents and pass them on to our posterity.  These documents are a […]

DOGE, Dividends, and Debt

What should We the People do with the “DOGE savings?” The Department of Government Efficiency is identifying billions and billions of dollars that would cut federal spending. Where should that money go? I had an interesting discussion with my teen students the other day. Here are three ideas being “floated” lately: Spend the Money One […]

Constitutional Debates: Crisis or Controversy? 

What is the definition of a Constitutional Crisis or Martial Law? What is the job of the National Archivist?  Class is in session as we examine claims made by a few participants in one of my recent posts. What is a “Constitutional Crisis?”  No clear definition exists for a constitutional crisis, at least not in […]

President’s Day Reflections on Freedom

President’s Day is here. One way I celebrate the day is by considering the wise sayings of some of our nation’s leaders: Pour a tea or coffee and join me as we take a moment to embrace our personal responsibility to keep the cause of freedom alive. Washington and Lincoln “The Constitution is the guide […]