Americans nationwide are talking about an invasion. What is an “invasion” anyway? You may not have the correct answer if your definition comes from a politician, the press, or a professor. When dealing with words in the Constitution, like “invasion,” we cannot automatically ascribe today’s meanings (or feelings) to the same word as it was […]
Americans Ask Questions
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 […]
We Remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let’s do a retrospective of the sights and sounds of that era. (If you were not yet born, recall the most important fact you learned about MLK’s work). Remembering Martin Luther King’s Work I remember these beautiful thousands of people dressed in Sunday best, singing “We Shall […]
When the Chain of Command is Broken
Why is everybody all a buzz about a chain of command being broken in the federal government? Indeed, there are other people (lots of other people) who will eagerly step up in an emergency, especially in a military or defense situation. Now, there’s a civics issue involved here, so let’s discuss it. What is the […]
Your Questions About a Convention of States
This is an article I wrote last year that may help clarify your questions about a Convention of States. Let’s explore this topic with the help of Article V and Constitutional Study author Paul Engel’s writings. The Accurate Term For a Convention of States First, the most accurate term for a Convention of States is […]
Reflections and Corrections
As we begin a new year, it’s time for some reflections and corrections. Please know how grateful I am for all of you who read, interact, or have subscribed to the weekly newsletter. One post, in particular, generated a lot of interest. (“The Concept of Three Branches of Government and Why It Matters.”) https://civicsandcitizenship.org/three-branches-of-government-and-why-it-matters/ However, […]
Three Branches of Government and Why It Matters
How did our Founders arrive at the concept of three branches of government, and why does it matter? The Concept of Three Branches of Government Goes Way Back Have you ever heard of Polybius, the ancient Greek historian? Me neither, until today. He found the three popular forms of governance in his day to have […]
PLAN for the Holidays with Common Sense Civics and Citizenship 🇺🇸
Have you noticed the mood of the country in general? People seem eager for a break from worldly tensions and anxieties teeming with typical holiday tensions. “Will I get everything done?” is replaced by “What in the world will happen next?” It’s time to haul out your holly, make favorite recipes, and gather with family […]
The Fourteenth Amendment In the News
Let’s brush up on the Fourteenth Amendment, which is once again in the news. Indeed, it is the Christmas holiday season. So, we will look at this with the aim to be informed citizens. There is no politics, just education outside the realm of public opinion. The Question Can a state disqualify a presidential candidate […]
Who is Responsible for America’s Three Branches of Government?
How did our Founders arrive at the concept of three branches of government and why does it matter? The Concept of Three Branches of Government Goes Way Back Ever hear of Polybius, the ancient Greek historian? Me neither, until today. He found the three popular forms of governance in his day to have elements of […]
The Four Types of Jurisdiction
Do you know the four types of government jurisdiction? Hint: the first one is not national government! Self-government is the first jurisdiction of government. To live in a free society, one must govern oneself. This involves self-control, maturity, and a set of values that respects the proper use of personal freedom as well as the […]
The Expense of Christmas in Washington, D.C.
Do you consider the expense of Christmas in Washington, D.C. (national decorations, celebrations) to be legit since it is a national holiday? Is the tradition worth the cost? One of my students thinks not. As you read the following, remember that many Americans donate time, talent, and treasure to make it happen. It’s not 100% […]
December 7th, 1941- “A Date That Will Live In Infamy”
Will December 7th, 1941 be “a date that will live in infamy?’ Not if we don’t pause, reflect on the lessons of history, and pass it on to our children. This week, I taught a Jr. High Civics lesson on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to my students. They were particularly interested in the wreckage of […]
When the Colonies Tried Communism (and it failed)
Let’s talk about a time in our early American history when the Colonies (specifically, the Pilgrims) tried Communism, which failed. A point often overlooked is that what goes around comes around. It seems like Americans are being sold Communism all over again (which, by any other name, is still Communism). With this in mind, our […]
A Time of Thanksgiving
Welcome back to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship! At this time of Thanksgiving, please know how thankful I am for your participation in reading this blog or even stopping by to see what area of civics and citizenship we are covering each week. Thank you! Thanksgiving is a holiday of gratitude. We look back to […]
