Civics & Citizenship

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Common Sense Civics and Citizenship

4 days ago

Common Sense Civics and Citizenship
Understanding Checks and Balances on SCOTUSOne of our participants recently asked me a question regarding checks and balances that had me thinking for the past 24 hours. The reader is wondering what clear checks and balances exist for the Supreme Court, “since its rulings are truly far-reaching and highly impactful.”Presidential Checks and Balances on SCOTUSWhen we think of checks and balances on the Judicial Branch, we generally think of the fact that the President can appoint justices. All Presidents have the opportunity to nominate federal judges, but not all Presidents have the same chance to nominate a Supreme Court justice unless there is a vacancy on the court. (see Article III). Our reader points out that impeachment or censure aren’t true checks on SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) because they apply to all branches.So, here are some additional checks and balances for the Supreme Court that I found:The President checks SCOTUS by nominating judges. The President of the United States (POTUS) can also grant pardons and commute sentences for federal offenses.Congressional Checks and Balances on SCOTUSCongress can check and balance SCOTUS by passing a slightly different version of a law that has been declared unconstitutional. Additionally, the Constitution empowers Congress to amend itself by a two-thirds vote of both Houses and a three-fourths vote of all states. Congress can impeach and convict judges or even vote to increase or decrease the number of justices that serve on the Supreme Court. It doesn’t seem to matter that impeachment or censure can apply to all branches. The fact is, these are methods that can check and balance SCOTUS.Limits on the Supreme Court’s PowerOther checks and balances that limit the Supreme Court's power include its ability to hear only a certain number of cases each year. The Supreme Court can only hear cases that are brought to it by a party that is affected by the case, and the Supreme Court can only hear cases that merit the attention of the justices.Recently the U.S. Solicitor General (part of the U.S. Department of Justice, within the Executive Branch) conducted a check and balance of the Judicial Branch on May 15, 2025, arguing before the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) that federal judges (part of the Judicial Branch) were exceeding their authority by issuing nationwide relief in a case.As you can see, the various checks and balances on the Supreme Court are essential for maintaining judicial integrity and accountability.The purpose of the above article is to show the different checks and balances that can be placed on the Supreme Court. We will not be litigating cases in the comments. Avoid naming prominent people or political parties in your comments. Please refrain from adding any additional links or pictures.This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less

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Common Sense Civics and Citizenship

7 days ago

Common Sense Civics and Citizenship
Moral Principles in the U.S. ConstitutionThe Importance of Morality in GovernanceMorality, defined as the practice of doing what is right, is essential for a free and self-governing society. I contend that we must legislate morality in our country because a society without common moral principles risks being ruled by tyrants. Our Founding Fathers understood this necessity.Rather than devolving into a debate over individual moral causes, let us examine the self-evident truths articulated by the Founders: all men are created equal; life, liberty, and property are endowed to us by our Creator. As stated in the Declaration of Independence, these inalienable rights must be secured by the government. The Foundation of Rights and Government's RoleWe can find common ground in these three areas:—There is a Creator. —Our rights are endowed by our Creator, not by government. We do not receive the right to life, liberty, and property from earthly powers; we are born with these rights. —The primary purpose of civil government is to protect these God-given rights. It is important to note that the government's role is not to ensure happiness but to secure our rights to life, liberty, property, and equal opportunity—not equal outcomes.These principles form the moral foundation of our country. The Legacy of Moral FoundationsWhile I have relatives who identify as science-based and do not believe in a Creator, the Founding Father's belief in a Creator remains significant in understanding our moral foundations. The Founders recognized the dangers of a government that grants rights, and as such, a government can also take them away. This principle holds true regardless of one's belief in a Creator. We are privileged to live in a country that values liberty under law.To secure our God-given rights, we must base our laws on morality. Whose morality, you may ask? Our Founding Fathers believed that the fundamental moral values of Christianity were beneficial for society. Our laws against cheating, stealing, and lying, as well as provisions for fair trials and marriage, are rooted in these moral principles. The fact that the Founders did not consult contemporary society for these foundational morals does not diminish the truth of America's founding.These moral foundations have served us well for 249 years. Have we adhered to them perfectly? No, but our moral foundations remain crucial for maintaining our prosperity and freedom in the world.This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸**Avoid naming prominent people or political parties in your comments. No additional links or pictures, please. Thank you. ... See MoreSee Less

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