When you see the yellow school buses rolling down your street in late August, you know it’s back-to-school time for America’s children. Whether children are public, private, or home-schooled, I wonder what they will learn about America this year. Will the curriculum be laced with political ideology? Or will their books be fact-based? Will there […]
Caesar Rodney: Unsung Hero of Independence
In the heart of the summer of 1776, as the fate of our nation hung in the balance, one man’s courage and determination would alter the course of history. As we continue in our study of the Declaration of Independence, let’s meet this unsung hero. The Call for Independence A little background about our first […]
Understanding D.C. Governance: Laws and Authority
What laws govern the situation in Washington, D.C.? Let’s discover the civics lesson in our nation’s latest controversy. The District of Columbia has been under Home Rule since 1973. The District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973 provided a framework for local governance by citizens of the District. The federal government retains oversight responsibilities. […]
The Next Civil War Seems Unlikely
Do you think America is headed for another Civil War? I get comments from readers that don’t simply question the possibility. They assume it. Or fear it. Or both. Similarly for some media commentators from time to time. So, I’ve been thinking this through and doing some research. Looks like the idea of another Civil […]
Pursuit of Happiness: Rights and Civic Responsibility
As we continue in our study of the Declaration of Independence, let’s dive deeper into the meaning of the “Pursuit of Happiness” as per a request from one of our participants. Understanding the Pursuit of Happiness When I teach teens this phrase, I start by telling them what it is NOT, i.e., the government buying […]
Why Do Younger Americans Embrace Marxism?
Younger Americans are increasingly drawn to Marxism, a trend that raises critical questions about their values, aspirations, and understanding of government and society. I’ve been thinking about this topic since I compiled my recent article, “Marxism: A Utopian Illusion or Reality?” https://civicsandcitizenship.org/marxism-a-utopian-illusion-or-reality I addressed the stark differences between Marxism and a Constitutional Republic. Most older […]
Marxism: A Utopian Illusion or Reality?
More Americans are considering Marxism as a viable system of governance. Who is convincing them that Marxism is the essence of utopia? It is well worth our time to reflect on the differences between Marxism and a Constitutional Republic, since growing numbers of Americans seem willing to embrace governance by a system that is anything […]
Self-Evident Truths: Foundations of Freedom
Have you ever pondered what a self-evident truth is? As we continue our study of the Declaration of Independence, let’s examine how this phrase was used and its significance. Start by reading the words as they are used in this founding American document: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created […]
Due Process: A Right for All?
The question of whether due process is a right reserved solely for American citizens and legal residents invites a deeper exploration of constitutional protections and their implications. Here’s an interesting question I received from a CSCC participant: “Is it possible for Congress to pass a law stating that ‘due process’ is a right for only […]
Correction:
Please note the following error in last week’s article https://civicsandcitizenship.org/reviving-the-declaration-its-modern-relevance George Washington was not a member of the Committee of Five. He was commanding the Continental army at the time. The Committee of Five members were John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Benjamin Franklin. I sincerely regret the error.
Decoding the Declaration: Founders’ True Intent
What was the objective of writing the Declaration of Independence? Examining primary sources allows us to discover much more than what is presented in history books. I was pleased to find this quote from Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Henry Lee, which discusses the objective of the Declaration. My explanation follows the letter. Letter […]
America’s 250th Birthday Celebration Begins
You don’t have to wait to begin celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Preparations have already started. It’s a year-long celebration! To find out more about how our country plans to celebrate, check out the website https://america250.org. Here you will find the goals and plans for our semiquincentennial commemoration. Emphasis On Becoming an Informed Patriot Our celebration will […]
Reviving the Declaration: Its Modern Relevance
Exploring the Declaration of Independence Americans may have learned about the Declaration of Independence at some point, but what they genuinely want to know is its relevance to today. I conduct workshops on this very subject. People come with high expectations to review or to learn for the first time what’s in this founding American […]
Celebrate and Cherish Independence
We are celebrating the Declaration of Independence, where our Founders declared that we have unalienable rights, “that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness (including your property rights).” We learn of the self-evident truth that all men are created equal and that “all” means “ALL.” Yet, we find a significant number of […]
United We Stand: The Power of Participation
Recently, a relatively new American citizen, whose agenda includes abolishing prisons and defunding the police, won the nomination for New York City mayor. In California, there is a mayor, via social media, allegedly calling upon criminal gang members to stand up to ICE. Apply the Principles of Self-Government We the People get the government we […]
