The word “federalism” has been used a lot lately. Let’s be sure to understand federalism well because it is foundational to our U.S. Constitution and American system of government. Interestingly, federalism in the founding era meant being “friendly to the United States.” It refers to the sharing of power between the levels of national and […]
Senate Vacancy Process: A Civics 101 Refresher
The author discusses the process for filling a Senate vacancy when a senator becomes president or vice president.
Choosing a President: Looking Beyond Politics
The 2024 political conventions are here. Given our country’s dilemma, let me ask: What should you look for in a candidate if you were a delegate to a national convention? I’ve been pondering this question from a non-political viewpoint. I’m thinking strictly about the office as outlined in Article II of the Constitution. Some Questions […]
From Revolution to Innovation: Remembering America’s Achievements
Have you considered the many magnificent achievements of our young country, which is not quite 250 years old?
Reflections: Celebrating July 4 Through the Declaration of Independence
On Independence Day, the author reflects on key phrases from the Declaration of Independence to convey their importance and meaning. Emphasizing natural and moral law, they remind us of the inherent rights endowed by our Creator, the courage of the Founders, and the necessity of vigilance to maintain freedom. The post encourages readers to revisit this foundational document for a deeper understanding of American liberty.
Understanding the 25th Amendment and Presidential Succession
Have you heard rumblings about the 25th Amendment in the past few days? I sure have, and from different sources, too. To be “in the know,” let’s quickly review this section of the Constitution. You may find one or more of the sections to be of great interest. The Twenty-fifth Amendment concerns presidential succession and […]
Understanding the Ninth Amendment: Protecting Unlisted Rights
Why aren’t all of your rights listed in the Constitution? The Ninth Amendment addresses this question. Let’s break it down. What Does the Ninth Amendment Say? “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, both Founding Fathers, […]
Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Mandate Raises Questions
Louisiana took a bold step in our Constitutional Republic by mandating the posting of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. This move raises questions about constitutional rights, educational impact, and societal values. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of Louisiana’s new law. Federalism Allows This Mandate In our American system of federalism, states may […]
When Government Policies Override the Will of the People
What happens when government policies submerge the will of the People? For one, we lose freedom. Let’s explore this topic as it affects many nations, including ours. In free countries, the people’s will is supposed to guide government policies. However, when government policies override or, worse, ignore the will of the people, freedom is the […]
The Seventh and Eighth Amendments: Preserving Justice and Liberty
Have you considered the Seventh and Eighth Amendments as guardians of Justice and Liberty for We the People? The Seventh Amendment protects the right to a jury trial in (federal) civil cases. This was a big deal to the Anti-Federalists, so much so that James Madison had to construct this amendment and add it to […]
Is This the End of Our Constitutional Republic?
The content reflects on America’s historical achievements and challenges, emphasizing the nation’s resilience through crises. It discusses current issues like division, lawlessness, and foreign influence, questioning whether America’s Constitutional Republic can renew its foundational principles or decline into a transformed state. The piece underscores the importance of civic responsibility and proactive citizenship to shape the nation’s future.
The Surprising Connections Between Amendments V and VI and Everyday Life
There are surprising connections between Amendments V and VI. For example, have you ever wondered where you retain the legal right to remain silent if arrested? Or what happens if you, as the defendant, can’t afford legal counsel for criminal or civil court proceedings? Constitutional Amendments V and VI, respectively, address those rights. As you […]
Memorial Day: Preserving the Tradition and Educating the Young
How are you celebrating Memorial Day this year? More importantly, who are you remembering? I was surprised that some of my students had no attachment to this American holiday except to eat food with family. Their response prompted me to ask you about your traditions for celebrating Memorial Day. Our Kids: Do They Understand the […]
Exploring the Importance of Vice-President’s Role
Have you ever considered the unique role of the vice president? Is it a position of significance to you?According to an article I read by Andrew Prokop, the Vice-Presidency of the United States is “an odd office. Its main function is simply having someone on deck if the President dies or resigns. But the office […]
Understanding Your Rights: The Third and Fourth Amendments
Welcome back to our series “Understanding Your Rights.” We’ve already covered the first two amendments. You can find that post here: https://civicsandcitizenship.org/understanding-your-rights-bill-of-rights-1st-2nd-amendments/ Let’s Begin with the Third Amendment The Constitution forbids the government from forcing us to house soldiers without our consent. Here is the text of the Third Amendment: “No Soldier shall, in time […]
