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 work, plain and simple. Work's Humble Beginnings We were a country of butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers (so to speak). Blacksmiths crafted essential items, including farm implements, sewing needles, pots, horseshoes, and gun parts. Don’t forget their “car parts,” also known as wagon wheels. The Changing Work Environment Other developments rapidly changed the working environment in the United States: 1790-Samuel Slater opened the first factory, a cotton spinning mill. 1789-President George Washington signed the Tariff Act of 1789 into law on July 4. The purpose of this law was to encourage Americans to buy American goods rather than …
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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 in the Face of Ad Hominem Attacks When Daniel Delany publicly ridiculed Charles Carroll with personal attacks, Carroll effectively responded with the principle that I often teach: When your opponent resorts to character attacks, they are out of facts and have lost the argument. They have nothing else to offer. It was a joy to discover that Carroll first practiced this principle of discourse in the founding generation! Remember the Boston Tea Party of 1774 in Annapolis Harbor? Charles Carroll helped to set the ship on fire in protest of British "taxation without representation." A Crusader for Religious and Civil …
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Candace has a variety of teaching experiences and is a certified instructor for adults and homeschoolers through the Institute on the Constitution. Her hobbies include walking, world travel, Pilates, writing, and spending time with her grandsons. …
Recent Articles
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 […]
Understanding D.C. Governance: Laws and Authority
What laws govern the situation in Washington, D.C.? Let’s discover the civics lesson in our nation’s latest controversy. The District of Columbia has been under Home Rule since 1973. The District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973 provided a framework for local governance by citizens of the District. The federal government retains oversight responsibilities. […]
The Next Civil War Seems Unlikely
Do you think America is headed for another Civil War? I get comments from readers that don’t simply question the possibility. They assume it. Or fear it. Or both. Similarly for some media commentators from time to time. So, I’ve been thinking this through and doing some research. Looks like the idea of another Civil […]
Pursuit of Happiness: Rights and Civic Responsibility
As we continue in our study of the Declaration of Independence, let’s dive deeper into the meaning of the “Pursuit of Happiness” as per a request from one of our participants. Understanding the Pursuit of Happiness When I teach teens this phrase, I start by telling them what it is NOT, i.e., the government buying […]
Why Do Younger Americans Embrace Marxism?
Younger Americans are increasingly drawn to Marxism, a trend that raises critical questions about their values, aspirations, and understanding of government and society. I’ve been thinking about this topic since I compiled my recent article, “Marxism: A Utopian Illusion or Reality?” https://civicsandcitizenship.org/marxism-a-utopian-illusion-or-reality I addressed the stark differences between Marxism and a Constitutional Republic. Most older […]
Marxism: A Utopian Illusion or Reality?
More Americans are considering Marxism as a viable system of governance. Who is convincing them that Marxism is the essence of utopia? It is well worth our time to reflect on the differences between Marxism and a Constitutional Republic, since growing numbers of Americans seem willing to embrace governance by a system that is anything […]
