Civics & Citizenship

Recapture Our American Civil Discourse

Candace teaches the fundamentals of liberty that inspired the American system of government.
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Defining a Statesman: Qualities, Roles, and Distinctions

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What is a statesman? We hear this word frequently lately. As Americans, we should determine for ourselves whether we think of a person as a statesman, not just because the media labels them that way. Qualities That Define a Statesman Upon looking up the definition of a statesman, there seems to be a general consensus that a statesman is a respected, skilled, experienced political leader. But can a statesman still be one if they are not respected or skilled, experienced enough to lead? I would say that a statesman is characterized by love of country and pursuit of the welfare of its citizens. For example, Winston Churchill could be considered a statesman. He loved his country and was not afraid to take a strong stand, one that was not necessarily popular at first but later became so.  Statesman vs. Diplomat: Key Differences Statesmen are stand-up people who rise to the top during challenging times to lead, sometimes in unconventional ways. They are not the most …

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The Importance of Teaching Self-Government in Schools

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A good education goes beyond facts. Learn why civics must teach self-government habits that sustain a Constitutional Republic. That time is here again: after July 4, we think about school in the fall. What defines a “good education”—and what should it teach? The True Purpose of Education The measure is not merely whether students know facts. Rather, the deeper measure is whether they are learning the habits needed for self-government. Why Self-Government Skills Matter We say we want our students to learn a body of knowledge composed of facts, primary-source truths, real (not revisionist) history, and to be able to speak, read, and write effectively. We complain that the next generation is not obtaining these attributes in schools today.   The Role of Schools in a Constitutional Republic What I find interesting is that we don’t prioritize, even demand, that schools teach the skills necessary for self-government. If we truly desire to live in freedom in a …

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

Defining a Statesman: Qualities, Roles, and Distinctions

What is a statesman? We hear this word frequently lately. As Americans, we should determine for ourselves whether we think of a person as a statesman, not just because the media labels them that way. Qualities That Define a Statesman Upon looking up the definition of a statesman, there seems to be a general consensus […]

The Importance of Teaching Self-Government in Schools

A good education goes beyond facts. Learn why civics must teach self-government habits that sustain a Constitutional Republic. That time is here again: after July 4, we think about school in the fall. What defines a “good education”—and what should it teach? The True Purpose of Education The measure is not merely whether students know […]

How We Celebrated Independence Day: Discoveries, Revelations

What an incredible weekend of celebrating Independence Day it has been! Our weather was dark, hot, and rainy, but that did not dampen our spirits. My oldest daughter came to celebrate the July 4th holiday with us. We had several in-depth conversations—the kind you have when it’s one-on-one time with a loved one.  Family Revelations […]

Exploring Your Family History in America

How did your ancestors get to America? What if you don’t know much about your family history? Start a conversation with the person most likely to know your family. Learn why your grandparents came here, or the family history that goes back decades, or why you came to America, and share your story. We can […]

Declaration Reaffirmation Act: Renewing American Principles

What is the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026? The Senate unanimously passed the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026 (S. 4828), which reaffirms the Declaration of Independence as an Organic Law of the United States. The exact wording of the Declaration is included in the bill to ensure its preservation. However, the […]

The Power of Respectful Dissent: Lessons from John Dickinson

Who Was John Dickinson? John Dickinson of Pennsylvania did not support the Declaration of Independence. Instead of organizing a rebellion to overthrow the government, circulating propaganda against office holders, or taking his bat and ball and going home, Dickinson debated John Adams of Massachusetts on July 1, 1776. (Calvert, 2023) Our earliest Americans understood that […]

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, […]