Civics & Citizenship

Articles

By

Labor Day Thoughts

Americans don’t seem too excited to talk about Labor Day. Many are out of a job, not by their own choosing. Hard-working people are watching their savings dwindle. Others are sick and tired of the chaos going on in our country. Still others (I talked to a 30-something yesterday) want “this election stuff to be […]

By

Now That the Party Conventions Are Behind Us…

With the party conventions behind us, it’s time to focus on the upcoming election. Do you find yourself more sure of your vote or more confused? This week’s featured article serves as a guide to reading political party platforms. I believe that even a small amount of time spent perusing these party platforms will quickly cut through the emotions, and will provide you with an understanding […]

By

Understanding How National Convention Delegates are Chosen

Democrat and Republican parties have their own methods for choosing delegates to attend their national conventions. It can be complicated, but understanding this process is part of being an informed voter. Delegates can be chosen through primary elections, caucuses, or by party leaders. Some delegates may include the presidential candidates themselves. Elected representatives from counties, […]

By

This Week in Common Sense Civics and Citizenship 8/10/24

Welcome back to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship! Perhaps your head is on a swivel as is mine. This is the summer of news alerts.–real news alerts– the kind that makes Americans stop and listen. It remains important for you and I to keep calm and observe. Collect the facts and data, analyze, then form […]

By

Should the Pledge Of Allegiance Be Recited in Schools?

Two-thirds of Americans recently polled (1) are in favor of the Pledge of Allegiance recited in schools. Significantly,  one-third do not. Why, I wonder. This civics issue deserves our attention, so let’s delve into the reasons behind this dissenting view. The Pledge of Allegiance and “Forced Patriotism” Until recently, Americans said the Pledge as a matter […]

By

Why Are Campaigns So Negative?

Good day, and thank you for subscribing to this newsletter! I returned home from a business trip to a note from a concerned participant asking why campaigns are so negative. This question is crucial, as it reflects the sentiments of many of our fellow Americans. They wondered how politicians allot so much money to spread […]

By

Wisdom from Washington: The Dangers of Political Parties

Washington did not like the idea of political parties. He feared, and rightly so, that having competing parties would cause citizens to put the party above the nation’s best interests. Not long after he left office, political parties began to form (in 1793). Wisdom from Washington: His Warnings In his Farewell Address to the Nation, […]

By

Federalism: Balancing Power and Ensuring Liberty

The word “federalism” has been used a lot lately. Let’s be sure to understand federalism well because it is foundational to our U.S. Constitution and American system of government. Interestingly, federalism in the founding era meant being “friendly to the United States.” It refers to the sharing of power between the levels of national and […]