The U.S. Constitution can be changed, but only by the Amendment process as outlined in Article V. A couple of people on the Common Sense Civics and Citizenship education page have argued that our legislators can pass a law that changes the Constitution. Not understanding how the Constitution works is a civics issue, so let’s […]
The 2025 Wave of New Laws
As 2025 dawns, a tidal wave of new laws is set to reshape our daily lives. Are you ready? I’m usually curious to see the year in review that we are leaving behind, but not this morning. I’m looking at— hold your breath— new laws that you and I must follow as of midnight, January […]
Jimmy Carter, 39th President, 1924-2024
The longest living President, Jimmy Carter, passed away this week. Reflections on Carter’s presidency often highlight significant challenges and unpopular or failed solutions. Who remembers lining up to get gas for their car? How about Carter’s strong suggestion to “wear a sweater” and keep indoor temps to 55 degrees? (It was cold!) Remember the Iranian […]
Significance of Inauguration
The Significance of January 3: Swearing in the New Congress (Happy Holidays! Welcome back to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship, where I am answering a few of your questions today. Let’s get started). Why is the new Congress (119th Congress) sworn in on January 3? What is so special about that day? The Twentieth Amendment, […]
Washington’s Christmas Crossing
Christmas overnight, December 25-26, 1776. Rain turned to sleet, then ice, into a biting storm from the northeast. Who would brave a night like that with a poorly clad, hungry, tired army and the need to cross the ice-choked Delaware River? General George Washington would. A Stormy Night and a Desperate Plan The army was […]
1776: Christmas Defined America’s Destiny
This time of year always takes me back to the War for Independence, 1776. Without the bravery of those early Americans, you and I would not be celebrating Christmas as Americans today. I came across this article from William J. Federer in his email piece for December 19, 2024, called “The American Minute.” Federer sets […]
Stinking Thinking in America and the Path Forward
Have you heard? Some Americans are sympathizing with, even claiming to love, a CEO killer they neither know nor have met. This is not normal. Yet, in the twentieth century and today, certain Americans evaluate suspects based solely on their outward appearance, disregarding the alleged crime entirely. This blind affirmation of physicality over facts or […]
Dribble, Baby, Dribble: Founding Principles That Stand the Test of Time
I am humbled and truly impressed that our Founders understood the need to tolerate each other’s differences but united together on a common goal: to build the United States of America on sound principles that work when they are practiced with consistency. Learning the Basics: From 3-Year-Old Basketball to Nation-Building As an illustration, have you […]
A Day That Will Live in Infamy (If We Tell the Story)
Is it a day that lives in infamy? That’s what FDR said concerning December 7, 1941, when ”the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” To live in infamy means that a criminal or evil act will be remembered for time immemorial. Yet, I’m […]
How to P.L.A.N. for the Holidays
Thanksgiving is a genuine American holiday celebrated from our country’s infancy. Many of you are packing or cooking, planning or preparing. Our celebrations are far more expensive this year and, dare I say, relationship-wise, too. But, we can successfully gather and give thanks if we remember a few simple lessons. I like to use the […]
Navigating Presidential Transitions: Building Trust, Setting Priorities, Transferring Power
How much do you know about presidential transitions besides what you hear or read in the news? Most media information is designed to get and keep your attention at a level similar to election season. Remember: news sells. Instead, let’s focus on some facts about the customary presidential transition.Presidential transitions are primarily about four things: […]
Embracing Civility: Navigating Political Differences This Holiday Season
With all the media encouragement to take a pass on the holidays with people who disagree politically with you, let me ask: do you ever pause to reflect on civility? What makes you a “civilized person?” Let’s reflect on the concept of civility as a part of Common Sense Civics and Citizenship, especially since the […]
We the People Have Spoken
We the People have spoken. We, the ultimate decision-makers, have the constitutional right to choose our leaders. The United States is a bottom-up, not a top-down, organization. We govern indirectly through the leaders we directly select, a power that rests solely in our hands. When we don’t like the country’s direction, We the People change […]
Enjoying Election Night Tradition Without the Tension
How are you gearing up for the election night? What’s your game plan? Here are a few options, which one resonates with you the most? – Hunker down with your favorite snacks, clicker, and a cell phone – Go to work and check in on the returns during break time – Party hearty with plenty […]
The Laws That Govern U.S. Elections
Ever wonder where all the laws governing our elections are found? I know what the Constitution says, but what about U.S. Law? Let’s make sense of it all. With AI’s (1) help, I researched this topic to organize these laws and statutes in my mind. The national laws governing presidential elections are primarily based on […]
