Civics & Citizenship

Recapture Our American Civil Discourse

Candace teaches the notions of liberty that inspired the American system of government.
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Unmasking Myths: The Role of Judges

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Do you know the role of Judges? Our constitutional illiteracy shows up in misconceptions about their job. You might be surprised by the truth behind the Judge's role in our Constitutional Republic. Let's take a look: Authority Myth  1. Judges do not have the authority to make laws. That authority belongs solely to the Legislative Branch (Congress). (See Article 1, section 1) Law Enforcement Myth  2. Judges cannot enforce laws as much as we might like them to do so.  That is the job of the Executive Branch. "…he (the President) shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed..." (Article II, section 3) Interpretation Myth  3. Judges cannot circumvent the law or serve as unelected rulers of our country. Their job is to discover and apply the law, not interpret it as they would like. Terms of Service Myth  4. Judges do not serve for life. The Constitution declares that they serve while maintaining good behavior. ("The Judges, both of …

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Embracing Our Civic Duty Today

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Sometimes we have to dig a little deeper to find out about our American heritage. The Presidential Oath: Is It a Shared Responsibility? ". . . But he who takes the oath today to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States only assumes the solemn obligation which every patriotic citizen, on the farm, in the workshop, in the busy markets of trade, and everywhere, should share with him." There's an application for us in excerpts from Grover Cleveland's first inaugural address, delivered on March 4, 1885. My commentary is in brackets. [President Cleveland is saying that you and I should take the presidential oath and its obligations as our own since We the People run the government]. "The Constitution which prescribes his oath, my countrymen, is yours; the Government you have chosen him to administer for a time is yours; the suffrage which executes the will of freemen is yours; the laws and the entire scheme of our civil rule, from the town meeting to …

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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. …

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Recent Articles

Unmasking Myths: The Role of Judges

Do you know the role of Judges? Our constitutional illiteracy shows up in misconceptions about their job. You might be surprised by the truth behind the Judge’s role in our Constitutional Republic. Let’s take a look: Authority Myth  1. Judges do not have the authority to make laws. That authority belongs solely to the Legislative […]

Embracing Our Civic Duty Today

Sometimes we have to dig a little deeper to find out about our American heritage. The Presidential Oath: Is It a Shared Responsibility? “. . . But he who takes the oath today to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States only assumes the solemn obligation which every patriotic citizen, on the […]

Passion vs. Wisdom in Governance

What are your hopes and dreams? We generally fail to realize that how we are governed has more to say about whether we will ever realize them. The Impact of Governance on Our Hopes and Dreams When I sat down to think about this question years ago, it led me to study our founding documents […]

Opportunity Plus Preparedness

Here’s a thought to ponder as we head into a long Memorial Day weekend…. The person “born on third base” may have an easier time getting to “home plate” than the one born in “the dugout.” Both can make it to “home plate.” Both still have to be alert for opportunities to get to their […]

Honoring Heroes: Memorial Day Traditions

How are you celebrating Memorial Day this year? Even better, who are you remembering? I was surprised that some of my students had no attachment to our American holidays except to eat food with family. Their response prompted me to ask you about your traditions for celebrating Memorial Day. Understanding Memorial Day Maybe younger generations […]

Understanding Checks and Balances on SCOTUS

One 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 Check on SCOTUS When we think of checks and […]

Moral Principles in the U.S. Constitution

The Importance of Morality in Governance Morality, 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 […]

Founders’ Values: A Surprising Legacy

What the Founders believed may surprise you. Contrary to common teachings today, very few deists existed in the 18th century. Therefore, deists were outnumbered. Judeo-Christian Morality: A Shared Foundation  The Framers had a common belief in Judeo-Christian moral values (not religious doctrine) that are still widely held today. You know the ones- don’t cheat, steal, […]

Framers’ Wisdom: Crafting America’s Constitution

How did our Constitution come into being? Did our Framers mosey into an English-style Pub, order an adult beverage, and begin kicking some ideas around the table? Who inspired them? Today, social media has key influencers. Although our Framers of the Constitution did not have the internet, they had “influencers” whose ideas stood the test […]