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 […]
The Constitution Limits the President
Where in the Constitution is the President getting his authority to make so many changes? This question is swirling around in the minds of Americans, so let’s make some discoveries. The Constitution gives the President Limited and Defined Powers First, any U. S. President’s authority to make various changes during their administration is primarily derived […]
U.S. Intelligence Agencies Explained
You’ve probably heard a lot about the NSA, CIA, FBI, and the Secret Service. Do you know the difference between the work these agencies do? While their work may have some overlap, each agency has a distinct role in keeping you and me safe. Let’s refresh our knowledge of how these agencies serve We the […]
Senate Confirmation Hearings Teach Civics
There are civics lessons in Senate Confirmation hearings. Since we have hearings this week for Cabinet positions, this is an excellent opportunity to see how the confirmation process works. After all, these hearings are not only for the Senate but for We The People. You would be surprised at what you can learn in a […]
Goal, Law, or Executive Order?
Do you know the difference between a goal, a law, and an executive order? It is essential to understand that these terms are not interchangeable in civics. My high school class offered some definitions I’d like to share. Goal Law Executive Order It’s Important to Know the Difference When listening to commentators, officeholders, bosses, instructors, […]
America Celebrates with Time-Honored Traditions
Today, our children know our country better by its politics than its traditions. I hope to change that this week in my Jr. High and High School civics classes by asking, “What are some of the Inauguration traditions that our country enjoys?” Did you know there is a First Nail Ceremony? This event, with its […]
Preserving the Peaceful Transfer of Power
As we prepare for the peaceful transfer of power in our nation on January 20, perhaps you thought the 2024 election was controversial. History shows our nation had other contentious moments but came together for a peaceful transfer of power. Controversy and Unity in the Election of 1800 Look up the election in 1800 between […]
