Americans ask questions and they need answers. What if a new American asked you to help them find information about one of our Founding Fathers, another friend tried to convince you to join a brand new political party, and your Jr. High students wanted to know if we could just make a law to stop candidates from making promises they don’t intend to keep?
That was my day yesterday.
As Americans, people ask us questions and we may not have all the answers. Being asked to think about our country’s past, present, and future is an honor in the American tradition. I’m happy to set aside time for other things to help a new American, answer a friend about how I choose a political party, and craft a lesson to address my civics class’s concerns.
Getting to Know a Founding Father
It’s easy to do a search about one of our Founding Fathers. If you or another American asks, for example, about Alexander Hamilton, all you need to do is know how to spell his name. BUT, how do you know the sources are reliable? I’ve paid attention when others have mentioned good sources. However, the best sources are the words of the Founders themselves. Their own words (i.e.,the founding American documents, the Federalist and the Anti-Federalist Papers, any autobiographical information, etc.) are primary sources, not secondary opinions from those who may have an “agenda.”
Americans Ask Questions About Political Parties
We don’t name or discuss political parties here because this is not a political site. However, when my friend introduced me to the idea of a new political party, I recalled how George Washington didn’t like the idea of political parties at all. He thought them to be divisive!
After my friend texted me some information, I asked myself a series of questions, What are my views? What are the various party views? Then I go to the most recent party platform and read their vision and views for America. Even my high schoolers could figure out the differences once they skimmed through the party platforms. “The devil is in the details.” Americans should read the fine print. Do not let others construct for you the details that you may have to live with for four years or longer. Find the the party that is the best fit for you, your family, and your country. Yes, it takes time. It’s worth your time.
Younger Americans Ask Questions
My ordinarily quiet Jr. High students kept me on my feet asking me all kinds of questions related to the election process. Of course, they parrot some of the things they hear at home. “Just make a law! We want it to stop!” That’s a12-13 year- old’s idea on how to get promises from politicians that they will absolutely unequivocally keep. (!)
My answer:
- How do you know which promises a politician will keep? None of us knows the future except God. However, viewing someone’s record is a way to see what they might do in office.
- Where will the politician get the money to keep those promises? Nothing is free.
- How many laws do you want to have to keep? Is the Constitution and the moral law (like the 10 Commandments) enough of a basis for law? Should we make a law for everything we don’t like? If we do, will we still be free people?
What is a significant question you have been asked about Civics, the Constitution, American law, or American life?
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
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