As we continue to study the Declaration of Independence, let’s examine the opening line of this founding document and connect it to current events in the United States. Historical Context: 1775‑76 vs. Today “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one […]
Basic Bill of Rights Quiz
Test your knowledge of the Bill of Rights. How many of these Jr. High quick quiz questions can you answer? 1. Congress cannot prohibit the free exercise of _____________. 2. Who cannot be quartered in your home without your permission? ___________ 3. As an American, you have the right to keep and bear_______. 4. The […]
Faith, Freedom, and the Founders’ Words
As a lead-up to our country’s 250th birthday celebration, we are continuing in our study of the Declaration of Independence. In my research, I have found it beneficial to look at some of the “back stories” of the Declaration. (for example, Charles Carroll, the longest living signer of the Declaration.) The Religious Landscape of the […]
America’s Quiet Adoption of Communist Goals
(Although written five years ago, this article is highly relevant in 2025, and helps explain what is going on in the electorate today). Historical Context & W. Cleon Skousen’s Blueprint How much has communism subtly infiltrated America and become accepted? What, you ask?? I found a fascinating article by Dr. Ileana Johnson Paugh, where she […]
Leaders Lead: A Commentary
I teach my Civics and Constitution students this principle: “The life of the leader sets the course for the people.” So, the generals need to lose weight and get fit. They have new rules to follow and enforce. Yet, their attitude seemed to be, “he called us here for this???” Yes, setting the course for […]
Building Influence: Personal Impact on Society
Who is in your circle of influence? Let’s start by asking who you are closest to in daily life. Your Closest Circle: Trust and Influence Who knows you best? Who do you advise? Who trusts you? Our very closest friends, with whom we share our lives, form relationships with us based on trust, loyalty, and […]
Facing the 2025 Government Shutdown
As autumn arrives, the looming October 1, 2025 deadline forces every American to confront what a federal shutdown truly means for daily life.” As autumn arrives, it is time for us to discuss the impending government shutdown and its impact on daily life. This is a civics and citizenship issue, so let’s discuss. What if there is […]
From Crown to Constitution: Modern Reflections
Watching brief glimpses of the British crown welcoming America’s president and various world tech, government, finance, and media powerbrokers at a lavish state dinner made me think (and smile). As Americans prepare to celebrate 250 years of independence, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far history has brought us since the American colonies declared […]
Has America Normalized “Throwing Dirt” on Each Other?
“Every time you throw dirt on her, you lose a little ground.”- George Strait. We digest a lot of “dirt” as Americans. Shovels full, in fact. A lot of “dirt” gets thrown in our “everyday” in the form of fake news, bending the law, starting arguments to move an agenda forward, and slander. We seem […]
The Struggle for America’s Soul
You may find the news increasingly upsetting lately. More coverage of murder, more surveys showing that young people under 40 want Marxism (socialism, communism, etc.), and free stuff. There are more lawsuits, more declines in public education, and more sexual issues in the front and center of the news. Why is everything around us seemingly […]
Declaration: Rights From Creator, Not Government
Two senators had an exchange on the Declaration of Independence regarding the rights of Americans this week. One Senator said, “The notion that rights don’t come from laws and don’t come from the government, but come from the Creator… That’s what the Iranian government believes. So the statement that our rights do not come from […]
Labor Day Reflections On Work
Besides looking forward to a fun final summer weekend, Labor Day affords us one more opportunity to reflect and reassess before busy fall schedules “kick in.” I was reading about the history of work in the United States and was so impressed with our humble beginnings. What made the USA into an industrial powerhouse? Hard […]
Champion of Freedom: Charles Carroll’s Legacy
Let’s meet another unsung hero of the Declaration of Independence: Charles Carroll, the longest-living signer of this founding document. He was a champion of civil and religious liberties and spoke out against oppressive British taxation as well as slavery. Carroll, courageous as he was, took no prisoners when it came to ad hominem attacks. Courage […]
Essential Lessons for Today’s Students
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 […]
