Civics & Citizenship

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Candace teaches the fundamentals of liberty that inspired the American system of government.
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9/11 Remembrance: Honoring Courage and American Resolve

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 How does a nation commemorate a surprise attack on its own soil by invaders who wished to take down our country decisively? What has history shown? I was thinking of 9/11/21. I also thought of times like the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the overwhelming power of the British during our War for Independence, which began on April 19, 1775. Courage in Crisis: Remembering 9/11 At the remembrance of the attack on Pearl Harbor 25 years later, Americans observed a day of reflection with various civic activities. A proclamation declared December 7, 1966, as Pearl Harbor Day. George Washington and the Continental Army had to retreat to New Jersey, then Pennsylvania, after the British captured Fort Lee on November 20, 1776.  What I found interesting is that Commanders-in-Chief used a quote from Thomas Paine on both occasions. I think this quote serves as a great tribute to those who did not shrink back in the face of a terrorist attack or enemies in war on …

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Federalists vs Anti-Federalists: Key Differences in Constitutional Debate 

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Who were the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists? As we consider the Constitutional debates, let’s clarify these two groups of patriots. Yes, that’s right. Both groups were patriotic Americans and supported the Constitution. They raised different but compelling concerns over what type of Constitutional government would best serve Americans then and in the future. Why the Anti-Federalists Insisted on a Bill of Rights The Anti-Federalists were not anti-Constitution. Rather, they prioritized Americans’ individual rights and saw a strong central government as a potential threat to those rights. Remember, they just came out from under the thumb of a strong central government led by King George III of England. These Americans supported a Bill of Rights that guaranteed individual freedoms, not a strong central government. Think about the First Amendment in our Bill of Rights. It guarantees freedom of religion, speech, a free press, the right to assemble (gather in groups) peaceably, …

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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

9/11 Remembrance: Honoring Courage and American Resolve

 How does a nation commemorate a surprise attack on its own soil by invaders who wished to take down our country decisively? What has history shown? I was thinking of 9/11/21. I also thought of times like the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the overwhelming power of the British during our […]

Federalists vs Anti-Federalists: Key Differences in Constitutional Debate 

Who were the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists? As we consider the Constitutional debates, let’s clarify these two groups of patriots. Yes, that’s right. Both groups were patriotic Americans and supported the Constitution. They raised different but compelling concerns over what type of Constitutional government would best serve Americans then and in the future. Why the […]

Labor Day: Honoring the American Work Ethic

Before Calvin Coolidge became president, he was governor of Massachusetts. He wrote the following eye-opening statement on September 1, 1919: Calvin Coolidge on the Value of Toil “I cannot think of anything characteristically American that was not produced by toil (work). I cannot think of any American man or woman preeminent in the history of […]

Constitution Day 2026: Why the U.S. Constitution Still Matters for ‘We the People’

Welcome back to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship, where we are highlighting Constitution Day (September 17). It’s vital that Americans remember the Constitution is the “Supreme Law of the Land.” Even amid distractions, We the People are responsible for the direction of our government. Its success or failure rests with us. Let’s reflect on this […]

What Was at Stake? The Constitutional Debate 

We think today’s political climate is contentious, but what about the Constitutional debates prior to adopting and ratifying our U.S. Constitution? At stake was whether we would have a national government or a loose confederation of states.  The Birth of American Government: A Story o f Dialogue and Debate Each side had pros and cons. […]

Why Are Young People Voting for Communism?

Understanding Today’s Youth Political Trends I’m still sorting out why so many young people are voting for communists these days. The thought resonated with me that, for this generation, supporting communism (what they call “democratic socialism”) vocally and by voting, these young people feel like they are doing something to fix America’s problems.  In other […]

Preserving American Values: Lessons From the Founders

“It has been often said that the people of this country will decide the important question of whether societies can establish a good government by careful thought and choice. Or whether people are forever destined to be governed only by accident and force.” (Webster, Mary E. The Federalist Papers in Modern Language. 2018. p. 1) […]

Guarding Liberty: Why Americans Must Reclaim Responsibility

During the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic, many Americans refused to comply with a mask ordinance, not believing in its effectiveness.  Perhaps in that day and at that time, Americans didn’t look to the elected to run their lives. They didn’t believe that the rich and powerful knew more than they did. They respected the elected, […]

Is Your College Degree Really Worth the Cost?

How much is your degree worth?  Isn’t that the question Americans should be asking themselves, rather than, “Can I get my fellow Americans to pay off some of my debt?” Passion vs. Paycheck: Choosing the Right Major Our younger generation firmly believes that they should study subjects that indulge their passions. So, they attend a […]