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 America’s Shift towards Socialism

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Why are so many Americans voting for socialists, Marxists, or communists? The common reason given is that people are finding it hard to “make ends meet,” so they are looking to politicians for food and housing. History has been around this block more than once, and it’s been a disappointment, albeit an abject failure, yet Americans seem to be going back to the same trough only to be left wanting. This trend relates to deeper questions about citizenship and the role of government, which are worth exploring further. The Roots of American Ideals To understand these contrasts, consider the American founding documents alongside core Communist doctrine developed by Marx, Engels, and Lenin. American founding documents derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed (We the People) and natural rights (all men are created equal). We have the right to own the fruits of our labor, decide on who holds office, and have equal opportunity, not equal outcomes. We are individuals …

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The American Dream: Liberty, Responsibility & Limited Government

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There are many interpretations of the American Dream. I just read one by author Walter Isaacson (The Greatest Sentence Ever Written (2025), Simon & Schuster). He talks about how the American Dream is brought to us by our government through economic means. I disagree. I believe the American Dream rests on limited government plus personal and moral responsibility. Isaacson’s View  Isaacson claims the American Dream’s core principle is to be a land of opportunity for all. “If you played by the rules, there would be good jobs at good wages, decent schools, safe streets, and —most important—the prospect of an even better life for your children.” (Isaacson, p. 35) I disagree that the American Dream is achieved primarily through government. Yes, a government run by a free people with some defined primary common goals and interests is essential. But government is not the sole determiner of our success as individuals.  The Founders’ Intent and Limited Government Our …

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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. …

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Recent Articles

Understanding America’s Shift towards Socialism

Why are so many Americans voting for socialists, Marxists, or communists? The common reason given is that people are finding it hard to “make ends meet,” so they are looking to politicians for food and housing. History has been around this block more than once, and it’s been a disappointment, albeit an abject failure, yet […]

The American Dream: Liberty, Responsibility & Limited Government

There are many interpretations of the American Dream. I just read one by author Walter Isaacson (The Greatest Sentence Ever Written (2025), Simon & Schuster). He talks about how the American Dream is brought to us by our government through economic means. I disagree. I believe the American Dream rests on limited government plus personal […]

The Eighth Amendment Preserves Justice and Liberty 

Limits on Bail, Fines, and Punishment The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. Bail intent is to prevent the defendant from fleeing, and it cannot be more than necessary to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court. Keep in mind that in this country, our Constitution presumes our innocence until proven […]

Presumed Innocent: Constitutional Basics Explained

How can an alleged would-be murderer be declared innocent until proven guilty, even with overwhelming evidence? What does the Constitution say about the presumption of innocence? Although you may not find the phrase “innocent until proven guilty” directly quoted in the U.S. Constitution, the principle forms the backbone of our justice system and is affirmed […]

Citizenship, Character, and Political Violence

What about the discipline and character of Americans who assassinate or attempt to assassinate high-profile people? It’s a citizenship issue, so let’s examine it together. The first thing I notice, and maybe you do, too, is how much attention these murderers or attempted murderers get. The false, yet often repeated, saying, “negative attention is better […]

Teaching the Declaration Still Matters Today

As the school year winds down, I am preparing a Jr. High civics lesson on the reasons to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.  Why the Declaration Still Matters Today, many in our country don’t seem to understand the brilliance of the Declaration of Independence. Instead of embracing that our rights come from God, they place their […]

Power, Celebrity, and Impulsive Misconduct

I believe people who have been given power and control by We the People sometimes fall into sexual misconduct —not because they think they are so amazing, but because power and celebrity are fuel for impulsive behavior.  It must come as a shock when these highly respected people are removed from power, when the cultural […]

American Courage: Triumphs, Resolve, Innovation

A supreme display of courage and American spirit in the last few weeks has taken the edge off the constant bombardment of negativity in the media. American greatness is a citizenship issue. Let’s discuss it. Artemis II Re-entry: A Nation Inspired The Artemis II crew and their high-stakes re-entry captivated Americans, especially those new to […]

Rediscovering Common Ground: Binding a Nation

What does it actually mean to find common ground in our nation today? Let’s continue our discussion based on the writings of Walter Isaacson in his book “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written” (2025). Isaacson’s “Common Ground” and the Greatest Sentence In his chapter “Common Ground,” Isaacson asserts that the Declaration’s self-evident truths “became the creed […]