Have you ever actually read a political party platform? Many devoted Americans skip this step because it seems time-consuming or just plain boring. But if you want to be an informed voter, it is worth the time. Maybe you prefer the drama of the media, or maybe you are still letting other people choose your candidates for you. Today’s electorate should understand that at least a quick scan of a political party platform is essential. You may be surprised at what you find — or what you don’t find. What Is a Political Party Platform? A political party platform is a party’s statement of beliefs, values, and policies. It serves as a kind of mission statement for the party’s overall goals. If you want to know what a party stands for, the platform tells you. That matters because candidates generally represent those positions. Read it carefully and make it personal: do you agree with the policy positions that matter most to you? If not, this may not be your candidate. How to Read a …
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Should Voting Be Mandatory? Exploring Universal Voter Participation
Should you have a legal obligation to vote? Have you heard about Universal Civic Voting? I wrote about it two years ago ( https://civicsandcitizenship.org/common-sense-applied-3/). Connecticut did not pass this bill, but there is still interest in potentially reaching 100% voter participation in Connecticut by 2030. The Push for Voter Participation It seems the COVID pandemic and mail-in voting have led some states to consider making this arrangement permanent. In my state, I received a mailed questionnaire asking whether I wanted to vote by mail-in ballot permanently. I would then receive a ballot automatically by mail every year. Mail-In Ballot: Convenience and Concerns One problem is that if I died, the ballots could keep coming indefinitely. Of course, I gave a resounding “NO!” to this idea. However, I talked to a man whose relative doesn't want to go out to vote and thinks mail-in ballots are a great idea. I proposed using an absentee ballot (more reliable than …
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Chris M., Age 28, Marketing and Communications Consultant Covey
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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. …
Recent Articles
How to Read a Political Party Platform: A Voter’s Guide to Informed Decisions
Have you ever actually read a political party platform? Many devoted Americans skip this step because it seems time-consuming or just plain boring. But if you want to be an informed voter, it is worth the time. Maybe you prefer the drama of the media, or maybe you are still letting other people choose your […]
Should Voting Be Mandatory? Exploring Universal Voter Participation
Should you have a legal obligation to vote? Have you heard about Universal Civic Voting? I wrote about it two years ago ( https://civicsandcitizenship.org/common-sense-applied-3/). Connecticut did not pass this bill, but there is still interest in potentially reaching 100% voter participation in Connecticut by 2030. The Push for Voter Participation It seems the COVID pandemic […]
Three Common Misconceptions About America’s Founding Documents
I’ve heard it more times than I can count… “Judges are appointed for life.” This is not true! I showed my Jr. high students a copy of Article III in the Constitution. I had them see it for themselves: “The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behavior…” […]
How Character, Consistency, Constitution, and Courage Should Guide American Voting
Why Race, Gender, and Class Dominate Election Choices Based on the news, Americans seem to make race, gender, or class a litmus test for voting for a candidate. Shouldn’t we emphasize character, consistency, the Constitution, and courage? If so, why don’t we make this the norm? It’s a citizenship issue, so let’s discuss it. The […]
Uncovering the Real Christopher Columbus: Facts, Myths, and His Impact
(This is an updated version of the original article) Think you know a lot about Columbus? After all, many of us rely on childhood stories or contemporary professors to assess Columbus. Will the real Columbus please stand? Enter historian Bill Federer. His uncanny knack for explaining historical facts with words, pictures, and word pictures is […]
Know Your Rights: The Bill of Rights Made Easy
Do you know what rights the Bill of Rights guarantees to you as a U.S. citizen? If you ask around, you might be surprised how many Americans aren’t sure. Let’s change that! -The Bill of Rights is a part of the Constitution, not a separate document. -Our rights are God-given, not government-granted. -The five freedoms […]
Quick Quiz on U.S. Constitutional Basics for Students and Learners
Think you know the foundations of American government? Put your knowledge to the test with this quick quiz on the basics of the U.S. Constitution. Whether you’re a student, a lifelong learner, or just brushing up on your civics, these questions will help you review essential constitutional principles in a fun and interactive way. Quiz […]
Why Constitutional Process Still Matters
Power and Control Power and control are magnets for human beings. Anyone who is tuned in to our world today can see the attraction at work in industry, education, media, and politics. Our Founders knew this, so they structured our government with horizontal separation of powers and vertical boundaries between local, state, and national government […]
What Are Checks and Balances? A Teen-Friendly Guide
How would you explain checks and balances to high school students? This concept goes over the heads of many adults, let alone teenagers, so let’s review it. What Are Checks and Balances? First, our Founders developed checks and balances to avoid tyranny, plain and simple. If the government is divided in its responsibilities, each branch […]
