Several of our participants have recently commented on the powers given to Congress in Article 1, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. Do you remember what specific powers those are? We the People grant those powers to Congress, so we should familiarize ourselves with them. Congress has been given power only over the 17 specific […]
Tariffs? Or Tariffed?
Tariffs are dominating the news in a big way. We the People are helping news networks and other media to make a lot of money when we engage in panic and fear, or choose ignorance. It’s a citizenship issue, so let’s discuss it. Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact on Americans I’m a civics teacher, not […]
Congress Basics: Names, Numbers
How much do you know about how Congress works? This week, my junior high is studying names and numbers about Congress and how it works. Here’s a quick quiz to see how much we adult Americans know. Below is an answer bank to help. Hint: there are more answers than you will need. Challenge: see […]
Executive Power vs Judicial Review; SCOTUS Weighs In
There is new information to add to our discussion on “Executive Power vs Judicial Review” https://civicsandcitizenship.org/executive-power-vs-judicial-review/. There were a certainly a variety of opinions on whether the Administration (Executive Branch) was correct to use the Alien Enemy Act and Ludecke v Watkins to deport illegal migrants. Matt Nahrgang, a lawyer and participant at Common Sense […]
What Would You Say to Greenland?
What would you tell the people of Greenland (population 56,000) if you had the opportunity to discuss their country joining the United States? I’ve been thinking about this for a while. For example, what would I say if I could write a guest editorial? What would you say? It’s a civics and citizenship issue, so […]
Executive Power vs. Judicial Review
My recent article, “Executive Branch Powers, Judicial Branch Role” (https://civicsandcitizenship.org/executive-branch-powers-judicial-branch-role/), elicited a variety of opinions on whether the Administration (Executive Branch) is correct to use the Alien Enemy Act and Ludecke v Watkins to deport illegal migrants. My Opinion and Emphasis I wrote, “…What I see going on is the prevailing winds of personal and political […]
Executive Branch Powers, Judicial Branch Role
America is dealing with a constitutional problem: Executive Branch powers vs. the role of the Judicial Branch when they disagree. We the People need to stand back for a moment and examine the law and the facts, not the personal or political views we may have. The Question Before Us So, as news and very […]
National Debt and Government Shutdowns
Reality has come knocking on our doors. Action, not anger, is the way to deal with crisis. It’s hard to have a respectful conversation about this topic, so I turned to AI and was pleasantly surprised that the computer initiated a conversation with me. Here’s the short exchange I had with ChatGPT. Note the questions […]
Civil and Criminal Cases Explained
Recently, the news featured a government “authority” telling us that a particular illegal act should not be treated as criminal. Instead, the “authority” firmly believes this unlawful act is a civil case. We don’t usually think about the difference between civil and criminal cases. It’s a civics issue; we must know their differences, so let’s […]
The Daylight Saving Time Dilemma
It’s that time of year again—Daylight Saving Time. Here we go! Sigh. Every spring, the debate reignites: Should we keep changing the clocks or stay on DST permanently? Supporters and opponents cite everything from natural daylight cycles to energy savings and geographic location. Under federal law, states must follow the twice-yearly change or receive an […]
The Economy IS a Civics Issue
Recently, I was informed by a participant that my article, “DOGE, Dividends, and Debt” (https://civicsandcitizenship.org/doge-dividends-and-debt/ )was political and not a civics issue. I say economic issues are civics issues. Let’s discuss. The Economy Impacts Our Lives Comprehending how your government taxes you, spends your money or grows the economy is essential to understanding how our […]
What Makes You An American?
What makes us American, if not a common language? The answer lies in what we believe. Our beliefs shape our behavior and, ultimately, our identity. We Know Who We Are -We are a freeborn people. Therefore, we endeavor to learn our Founding American documents and pass them on to our posterity. These documents are a […]
DOGE, Dividends, and Debt
What should We the People do with the “DOGE savings?” The Department of Government Efficiency is identifying billions and billions of dollars that would cut federal spending. Where should that money go? I had an interesting discussion with my teen students the other day. Here are three ideas being “floated” lately: Spend the Money One […]
Constitutional Debates: Crisis or Controversy?
What is the definition of a Constitutional Crisis or Martial Law? What is the job of the National Archivist? Class is in session as we examine claims made by a few participants in one of my recent posts. What is a “Constitutional Crisis?” No clear definition exists for a constitutional crisis, at least not in […]
President’s Day Reflections on Freedom
President’s Day is here. One way I celebrate the day is by considering the wise sayings of some of our nation’s leaders: Pour a tea or coffee and join me as we take a moment to embrace our personal responsibility to keep the cause of freedom alive. Washington and Lincoln “The Constitution is the guide […]
